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Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are used as therapeutic and diagnostic tools, such as for treating hyperthermia and in magnetic particle imaging, respectively. Magnetic relaxation is one of the heating mechanisms of MNPs. Brownian and Néel relaxation times are calculated conventional theories; however, the influence of dipole-dipole interactions has not been considered in conventional models. In this study, water-dispersed MNPs of different concentrations and MNPs fixed with an epoxy bond were prepared. dc and ac hysteresis loops for each sample were measured. With respect to both dc and ac hysteresis loops, magnetization decreased with the increase in MNP concentration because of inhibition of magnetic moment rotation due to dipole-dipole interactions. Moreover, intrinsic loss power (ILP) was estimated from the areas of the ac hysteresis loops. The dependence of ILP on the frequency of the magnetic field was evaluated for each MNP concentration. The peak frequency of ILP increased with the decrease in MNP concentration. These peaks were due to Brownian relaxation, as they were not seen with the fixed sample. This indicates that the Brownian relaxation time became shorter with lower MNP concentration, because the weaker dipole-dipole interactions with lower concentrations suggested that the magnetic moments could rotate more freely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dependence of magnetic relaxation on particle parameters, such as the size and anisotropy, has been conventionally discussed. In addition, the influences of external conditions, such as the intensity and frequency of the applied field, the surrounding viscosity, and the temperature on the magnetic relaxation have been researched. According to one of the basic theories regarding magnetic relaxation, the faster type of relaxation dominates the process. However, in this study, we reveal that Brownian and Néel relaxations coexist and that Brownian relaxation can occur after Néel relaxation despite having a longer relaxation time. To understand the mechanisms of Brownian rotation, alternating current (AC) hysteresis loops were measured in magnetic fluids of different viscosities. These loops conveyed the amplitude and phase delay of the magnetization. In addition, the intrinsic loss power (ILP) was calculated using the area of the AC hysteresis loops. The ILP also showed the magnetization response regarding the magnetic relaxation over a wide frequency range. To develop biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles, such as hyperthermia and magnetic particle imaging, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms of magnetic relaxation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat dissipation by magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) under an alternating magnetic field can be used to selectively treat cancer tissues. Antibodies conjugated to MNPs can enhance the therapeutic effects of hyperthermia by altering antibody-antigen interactions. Fe3O4 nanoparticles (primary diameter, 20-30 nm) coated with polyethylenimine (PEI) were prepared and conjugated with CH11, an anti-Fas monoclonal antibody. HeLa cell growth was then evaluated as a function of antibody and MNP/antibody complex doses. HeLa cell growth decreased with increased doses of the antibody and complexes. However, MNPs alone did not affect cell growth; thus, only the antibody affected cell growth. In hyperthermia experiments conducted using an alternating magnetic field frequency of 210 kHz, cell viability varied with the intensity of the applied alternating magnetic field, because the temperature increase of the culture medium with added complexes was dependent on magnetic field intensity. The HeLa cell death rate with added complexes was significantly greater as compared with that with MNPs alone. Cryptotanshinone, an anti-apoptotic factor blocker, was also added to cell cultures, which provided an additional anti-cancer cell effect. Thus, an anti-cancer cell effect using a combination of magnetic hyperthermia, an anti-Fas antibody and cryptotanshinone was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]