Optimization of a NdFeB permanent magnet configuration for in-vivo drug delivery experiments

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel magnetic focusing method using optimized permanent magnet configurations to target superparamagnetic nanoparticles in small animal organs, aiming to improve in-vivo drug delivery precision.

Contribution

It presents a new composite magnet setup with reduced size and enhanced magnetic force for targeted in-vivo nanoparticle delivery, tested through experimental measurements.

Findings

Non-symmetric magnet configurations yield higher magnetic force.

Experimental measurements confirm effective focusing over 20x20 mm^2 area.

Mixed shape magnets show promising results for in-vivo applications.

Abstract

We propose a new concept of magnetic focusing for targeting and accumulation of functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles in living organs through composite configurations of different permanent magnets. The proposed setups fulfill two fundamental requirements for in vivo experiments: 1) reduced size of the magnets to best focusing on small areas representing the targeted organs of mice and rats and 2) maximization of the magnetic driving force acting on the magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in blood. To this aim, several configurations of permanent magnets organized with different degrees of symmetry have been tested. The product B*grad(B) proportional to the magnetic force has been experimentally measured, over a wide area (20x20 mm^2), at a distance corresponding to the hypothetical distance of the mouse organ from the magnets. A non-symmetric configuration of mixed shape permanent magnets resulted in particularly promising to achieve the best performances for further in vivo experiments.