feasibility of magnetically functionalised carbon nanotubes for biological applications: From fundamental properties of individual nanomagnets to nanoscaled heaters and temperature sensors

Abstract

We discuss the prospects of applying the magnetic properties of magnetically functionalised carbon nanotubes to biomedical applications. The primary applications are use as a contactless local heating agent, as a standalone thermoablation treatment or in concert with remotely released anti-cancer drugs. Targeted heat treatment is an effective cancer treatment, as tumour tissue has a reduced heat tolerance. To understand the heating process in an applied alternating current (AC) magnetic field the basics of the ferro- and superparamagnetic heating mechanisms are described and brought into context with the material properties. The performance of various materials is compared with respect to heat output, and prospect of additional functionalisation. The actual heating output in AC magnetic fields is studied and discussed in this chapter. Hall magnetometry and Magnetic Force Microscopy are employed to study the magnetic properties of individual nano-ferromagnets, e.g. magnetisation reversal behaviour and domain configuration. NMR studies show that a non-invasive temperature control by virtue of a carbon-wrapped nanoscaled thermometer is feasible.