Evaluation of magnetic nanoparticle heating for a novel -implantable biomedical device for localized treatment of breast cancer

Background: Localized cancer treatment has the potential to overcome several limitations associated with conventional techniques. Our group has recently developed an implantable biomedical devices (IBDs) consisting of a drug-loaded thermo-sensitive gel, PNIPA, embedded within a biocompatible polymer, PDMS, which contains a heat source (copper coil) that generates heat required to achieve hyperthermia and triggers drug release from the gel. Although in-vitro cell experiments have shown promising results, moving to in-vivo experiments requires cost-effective and autonomous heating mechanisms. Magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) uniformly distributed within PDMS and exposed to an alternating magnetic fi eld (AMF), is a potential solution. Materials and Methods: This study explores the thermal performance of Fe3O4–PDMS nanocomposites (NCs). First, factors infl uencing heat generation by the NC were studied using the linear response theory. Then, temperature distribution and thermal dose coverage within breast tissue and embedded tumors subjected to heating by the NC were modeled using 3D fi nite element method. The proof of concept and validation of predictions were performed with experiments. Results: Operative MNP sizes, for given AMF parameters, for optimum heating were identifi ed. Effects of NC properties and treatment parameters on characteristics thermal doses coverage were elucidated. Quantity of MNPs needed to achieve hyperthermic levels in tumors was also identifi ed. Good agreement was found between experimental data and predictions confi rming the feasibility of the concept. Conclusions: Fe3O4–PDMS NCs can provide suffi cient heat required by the IBD to achieve hyperthermic levels and also trigger drug release from drug loaded thermo-sensitive hydrogels.