NANOPARTICLES GUIDED BY MAGNETS DEEP WITHIN BODY

System Developed by University of Maryland Could be Used to Deliver Drugs in a Targeted Way

The University of Maryland, US has partnered with Weinberg Medical Physics, also based in Maryland in an effort to develop a system capable of guiding ferromagnetic particles deep within the body. The system employs magnets set-up around the body and facing each other. Short magnetic pulses create temporary magnetic fields that can manipulate the orientation and movement of the particles.

The researchers tested their technique using ferromagnetic nanorods and found they were able to change the orientation of the rods without tugging at them and could maneuver them towards the desired location. The system is currently at the laboratory stage with clinical studies using animals being the next step. In the future magnetically controlled nanoparticles could be used to deliver drugs in a targeted fashion throughout the body.