Effect of heat dissipation of superparamagnetic nanoparticles in alternating magnetic field on three human cancer cell lines in magnetic fluid hyperthermia

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to propose a method for constructing the software setup required for investigating thermal effect of superparamagnetic nanoparticles on three human cell lines. This article aimed to examine the required nanoparticle dose, frequency, field intensity and the exposure time.

Materials and methods: In the present study, first some general details were given about design and construction of the setup required for generating a safe magnetic field in order to examine the thermal effect of superparamagnetic nanoparticles on three human cancer cell lines, cultured under laboratory conditions. Next, a series of experimental tests were conducted to study the effect of magnetic field, on the cells. Finally, by applying three types of iron-based nanoparticles with mean diameters of 8, 15 and 20 nm, for 30 min, the temperature rise and specific absorption rate (SAR) were calculated.

Results: By conducting experimental tests, the maximum temperature rise at the resonance frequency of the coil was reported to be 80 kHz, and it was observed that all the cells died when temperature of the cells reached 42°C/30 min. Based on the experiments, it was observed that magnetic field with intensity of 8 kA/m within the frequency range of 80-180 kHz did not have any effect on the cells.

Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the nanoparticle dose of 80 µg/ml with diameter of 8 nm at the resonance frequency of coil for 30 min was sufficient to destroy all the cancerous cells in the flask.

Keywords: Hyperthermia; cancer cell line; electromagnetic field; magnetic nanoparticles; thermal analysis.