A Study on the Influence of Magnetic Nanoparticle Concentration on Heating Efficiency in Magnetic Hyperthermia

Abstract

Despite significant advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, cancer remains one of the most significant global health problems and continues to be among the leading causes of death. In addition to conventional cancer treatments, alternative and innovative methods are being developed for cancer therapies. One of the promising cancer therapies is magnetic hyperthermia, which is based on the principle of heat generation through the Brownian and Néel relaxation mechanisms of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) exposure to an alternating magnetic field. In this method, heat is generated by MNPs that are selectively targeted to tumor tissues, resulting in localized cell death. The heating efficiency of MNPs is directly influenced by their physical and chemical properties, such as particle size, magnetic anisotropy, chemical composition, and colloidal stability. Recent studies have shown that magnetic hyperthermia can be effective in tumor reduction when applied alone or in combination with other conventional treatment modalities. In this study, a low-cost and easily assembled magnetic hyperthermia measurement system was employed to investigate the effect of varying nanoparticle concentrations on heating efficiency. The experimental setup consisted of a thermally insulated sample holder, an 88 kHz magnetic induction heater, and a thermometer. EFH-1 magnetic fluid was diluted with hydrocarbon oil at particle volume concentrations ranging from 7.1% (100% EFH-1) to 0.14% (2% EFH1+%98 hydrocarbon oil), and measurements were taken under an applied field of 6.03 kA/m. Based on the experimental data, the rate of temperature change over time was calculated to be in the range of 0.16 K/s to 0.005 K/s. The resulting heating efficiencies, as a function of nanoparticle concentration, were analyzed and discussed by considering previous experimental and theoretical studies. © 2025 IEEE.