Magnetic nanoparticles absorb energy when there is a phase lag between the applied external time varying magnetic field (at a specific frequency) and the magnetization of the magnetic nanoparticle assembly. The maximum energy absorption at the specific frequency depends on the magnetic relaxation the nanoparticles exhibits and therefore depends on the size, magnetic anisotropy, temperature and on the environment around the nanoparticles (if placed in a liquid surrounding). The energy absorption results in a temperature increase and can be used to kill cancer tumours as local heat sources positioned close to the tumour. Depending on the nanoparticle properties, a minimum amount of material and some specific AC field conditions are required to produce an increase in temperature up to 42-44 ºC. Optimization of the nanoparticles will allow reducing the nanoparticle dose and the use of moderate AC fields in terms of amplitude and frequency.

Project Partners

Project partners


	This project has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n° 604448