15 Smart Platforms for Biomedical Applications
363
Fig. 15.5 Tracer dynamics observed via MPI for an individual in the high-dose group of rats. Slices
through the MPI volume are overlaid with a computed tomography (CT) scan for visualization. The
high contrast afforded by the tracer clearly shows three phases of the tracer interaction with the
tumour—initial rim enhancement is observed in 10 min, after which the tracer accumulates in
the tumour over the course of 24 h, and is subsequently cleared in the next 72 h. Reprinted with
permission from Yu et al. [130]. Copyright 2017 American Chemical Society
This study demonstrated the extremely high signal to noise, a factor of 50 here,
of which MPI is capable. Further, the high resolution of the technique allowed it
to directly observe specific characteristics of the EPR effect, as well as accurately
characterize the pharmacokinetics of the tracer. Next steps in this area will be to
target tumours actively instead of passively through the EPR mechanism as this may
not work with all tumour types. Other exciting prospects will include the combined
use of the tracer as a hyperthermia therapy or drug delivery trigger, allowing the
tracking of the tumour mass with the ongoing therapy. This two-pronged diagnostictherapeutic approach could have strong implications in clinical oncology and the
development of nanoparticle tracers with characteristics that optimize the efficacy of
these two modalities is crucial going forward.
15.3.2 Fuller Treatments of Hyperthermia in Nanoparticle
Systems
Moving towards an exploration of all the factors that contribute to the SLP for
nanoparticles is necessary to both maximize, and get a better understanding of heat
generation for hyperthermia applications. In the work in [134], the authors compare
iron oxide nanospheres and nanocubes of 20 nm in diameter (or side length) for
their heat generation efficacy. Focussed on magnetic nanoparticles in the single
domain regime above the superparamagnetic limit, the work considers the effect
363
Fig. 15.5 Tracer dynamics observed via MPI for an individual in the high-dose group of rats. Slices
through the MPI volume are overlaid with a computed tomography (CT) scan for visualization. The
high contrast afforded by the tracer clearly shows three phases of the tracer interaction with the
tumour—initial rim enhancement is observed in 10 min, after which the tracer accumulates in
the tumour over the course of 24 h, and is subsequently cleared in the next 72 h. Reprinted with
permission from Yu et al. [130]. Copyright 2017 American Chemical Society
This study demonstrated the extremely high signal to noise, a factor of 50 here,
of which MPI is capable. Further, the high resolution of the technique allowed it
to directly observe specific characteristics of the EPR effect, as well as accurately
characterize the pharmacokinetics of the tracer. Next steps in this area will be to
target tumours actively instead of passively through the EPR mechanism as this may
not work with all tumour types. Other exciting prospects will include the combined
use of the tracer as a hyperthermia therapy or drug delivery trigger, allowing the
tracking of the tumour mass with the ongoing therapy. This two-pronged diagnostictherapeutic approach could have strong implications in clinical oncology and the
development of nanoparticle tracers with characteristics that optimize the efficacy of
these two modalities is crucial going forward.
15.3.2 Fuller Treatments of Hyperthermia in Nanoparticle
Systems
Moving towards an exploration of all the factors that contribute to the SLP for
nanoparticles is necessary to both maximize, and get a better understanding of heat
generation for hyperthermia applications. In the work in [134], the authors compare
iron oxide nanospheres and nanocubes of 20 nm in diameter (or side length) for
their heat generation efficacy. Focussed on magnetic nanoparticles in the single
domain regime above the superparamagnetic limit, the work considers the effect