Rose-Hulman, Physics, Terre Haute, IN 47802
Nanoparticles are being researched as a noninvasive method for selectively killing cancer cells. With particular antibody coatings on nanoparticles, they attach to the abnormal cells of interest (cancer or otherwise). Once attached, nanoparticles can be activated/heated with radiation, heating the surrounding area of the cell to the point of death. Previous studies have investigated nanoparticles at visible and infrared wavelengths where surface plasmon resonance leads to unique absorption characteristics. However, issues such as poor penetration depth of the visible light through biological tissues limits the effectiveness of delivery by noninvasive means. Using RF waves to power photo-thermal therapies has a main advantage over visible-spectra wavelengths: the high penetration depth of radio waves through biological media makes non-invasive treatments very feasible. This paper uses Mie-Lorenz theory to investigate the absorption properties of various size gold nanoparticles in RF wave range. These absorption values are then plugged into a thermal model to determine the temperatures reached by the nanoparticles for RF exposures of differing time and intensity. The results of these simulations are then discussed in relation to the effective implementation of nanophotohyperthermia and nanophotothermolysis treatments.
[Abstract (DOCX)]