New magnetic nanoparticles shaped like a cube between two pyramids represent a breakthrough in treating ovarian tumors and possibly other cancers, according to Oregon State University researchers who developed them.
The scientists say the study highlights the importance of shape in the design of magnetic nanoparticles and that the findings may revolutionize treatments that use heat to damage or kill cancer cells.
The nanoparticles, made of iron oxide and doped with cobalt, show exceptional heating performance when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. Doping refers to adding something to adjust properties.
Once the particles accumulate in cancer tissue after intravenous injection, they can rapidly reach temperatures that weaken or destroy cancer cells.
The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials and conducted in a mouse model, is part of ongoing nanomedicine research by scientists in OSU’s College of Pharmacy.
Nanoparticles are particles of matter that are only a billionth of a meter in size, possessing special properties due to their small size and large surface-area-to-volume ratio.
Magnetic nanoparticles had shown potential for fighting cancer for years, the scientists say. However, magnetic hyperthermia currently can be used only for patients whose tumors are reachable by a needle — that is, when the particles can be injected directly into the cancer.
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Parinaz Ghanbari
