1

Effect of AEM Energy Applicator

Configuration on Magnetic Nanoparticle
Mediated Hyperthermia for Breast Cancer

Krishna K. Sanapala, Kapila Hewaparakrama, and Kyung A. Kang

Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA

Abstract Magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) mediated, low heat hyperthermia

(42~45oC) via alternating electromagnetic (AEM) field is minimally-invasive
cancer therapy with promising future. Iron oxide (Fe2O3 or Fe3O4) are frequently
used for this purpose since they are already proved magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) contrast agent. The important issue in this therapy is applying an
appropriate amount of energy to the tumors at various sizes and depths with
minimal normal tissue damage. For the therapy to be desirable, the AEM energy
probes need to be non-invasive and user-friendly. Three probe configurations
considered for studies were solenoid, pancake and sandwich types. Computer
simulation studies for magnetic field distribution and experimental studies for
nanoparticle heating at various concentrations were made. Results indicated that
solenoid type probe generates maximum AEM field but was difficult to use on
body parts. Pancake probe was easy to use but the field doesn’t penetrate deep,
and therefore, good for surface tumor treatment. Sandwich probes can have a
penetration depth better than pancake probes and they can treat deep seated
tumors. The results also showed that the spacing between two adjacent coils and
the number of coil turns are also very important for controlling the field
penetration depth and strength.

1 Introduction

Hyperthermia in cancer treatment is used in two ways: (i) thermal ablations at

very high temperatures created to destroy (ablate) a small area of malignant tumor.
Radio, micro or ultrasound waves can be used for either external or internal
heating. Its potential side effects can be pain at the site, infection, bleeding blood
clots, swelling, burns, blistering, and damage to the skin, muscles, and nerves near
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the treated area. (ii) minimally invasive, magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) mediated
low heat hyperthermia has attracted considerable attention over traditional
methods because of its little side effects. In this technique, tumors with MNP’s are
subjected to AEM field. These particles conjugated with cancer-targeting
biomolecules allow delivery of the particles to be cancer specific. Neel’s
relaxation and Brownian movement contributing to the heating of most used iron
oxide nanoparticles7.
The strength of magnetic field from the AEM field generator for MNP
heating depends on the probe configuration, distance between the two adjacent
coils and number of turns of the probe. The extent of heating of these particles
also depends on the size, shape and its concentration3,6,7. In the present work, the
effect of probe configuration, particle size and concentration of the sample are
studied for maintaining tumor temperature at 40 ~ 45oC with minimal tissue
damage.

2 Materials, Instruments and Methods

Iron oxide nanoparticles of sizes (10, 20, 30 and 50 nm) were supplied by Ocean
Nanotech (Springdale, AR, USA). The concentrations of the samples used for this
study were 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.08 and 0.1 wt%. Water from deionizer (Millipore,
Billerica, MA, USA) used for preparation of the samples. The AEM field
generator (135-400 kHz, 12.5kW) used for field generation over the voltage range
of 10 – 80V was supplied by Taylor Winfield, Brook field, OH, USA. The three
probe configurations were solenoid [3 cm diameter, helical shaped, 3 turn coil],
pancake [3 cm diameter spiral shaped, 3turn coil] and sandwich (two pancakes
adjacent to each other) types. The samples in glass test tube wrapped with aerogel
insulation (Cabot Aerogel, Billerica, MA) were subjected to AEM field for 5
minutes. Digital insertion probe thermometer (Fisher scientific, USA) and infra
red thermometer (Fluke corporation, China) were used for temperature response
measurement.
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3 Results and Discussion

3.1 Computer simulation study results

Computer simulation studies were made to understand the magnetic field

distribution at various probe configurations (solenoid, pancake and sandwich
types). The magnetic field generated at all types of probes was directly
proportional to coil current (fig.1a, b). Results showed clearly that the intensity of
the magnetic field at the centre of the solenoid probe was higher than any other
probe (fig.2a). Though the magnetic field generated by Pancake probe (fig.2b) was
the least of all probes, it can be doubled by placing two pancake probes (sandwich
probe) adjacent to each other (fig.2c). At a supplied power, the magnetic field
intensity generated from the probe can be increased by increasing number of turns
of the coil or reducing the distance between the turns of the probe. For a sandwich
coil of fixed radius, the magnetic field can be increased by increasing the number
of turns from 2 to 4 (fig.3a, b).

3.2 Effect of probe configuration on heating nanoparticles

Three probe configurations studied were

3.3 Effect of size of the nanoparticles on heating the sample

Yet to be completed.

4 3.3 Effect of concentration of the sample on heating

nanoparticles

Yet to be completed.
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4 Conclusions

Yet to be completed.

Acknowledgments

References

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Figure legends:
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