In recent years, magnetic nanoparticles have shown promise in biological applications such as targeted drug delivery. The magnetization of the particles allows for directed delivery to tumors as well as the delivery of any pharmaceutical that may be adsorbed on the surface. Once at the tumor site, magnetic materials may be remotely heated with alternating magnetic fields. Heating may damage local tumor cells, along with inducing the release of the drug in dosages of high potency in the desired location. This mechanism is favorable to traditional chemotherapy because drug levels in unaffected areas of the body remain limited. In this study, we have developed a microsphere formulation composed of magnetic nanoparticles in a silicone matrix. The silicone is able to absorb large quantities of lipophilic drugs such as those commonly used in chemotherapy. Furthermore, we have shown that we can remotely stimulate the release of the drug using magnetic fields. In this study, we aim to create spheres in the target range to pass into the interstitial space of tumor cells, 70-100 nm, in order to take advantage of a passive tumor targeting mechanism known as enhanced perfusion and retention (EPR). Once the target range is achieved, the surface of the spheres will be passivated with polyethelene glycol for compatibility with in vivo application.

Magnetic silicone nanospheres for in vivo drug delivery

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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