Project Description

The use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as contrast agents is well known, additionally, such particles are used in as source for local heating of cancer (Hyperthermia, clinical tests). In these two applications, dextran coated nanoparticles are used; for example in imaging of the liver a passive accumulation of the particles occurs, whereas for hyperthermia the particles are injected directly into the tumor. Our work with such particles as well as that presented in the literature shows that the potential of superparamagnetic nanoparticles for medical application is much larger. Specific adsorption of the particles at tumor cells, organs or even as shown by EPFL at organelles inside cells, opens a very large field of diagnostic applications, especially as contrast agent for molecular imaging by MRI. Interestingly, particles used as contrast agent are also useful for hyperthermia applications because superparamagnetic nanoparticles have relaxation times which allow heating by applying alternating magnetic fields with field strengths and frequencies applicable to human bodies.   

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