Thermal Testing and Characterization of Nanoparticles Synthesized for Biological Treatment

The overall goal of this research project is to synthesize iron core, silica capped nanoparticles that, when they are exposed to a particular magnetic field, will react by increasing in temperature and emitting substantial thermal output. They will be injected into the human body for biological benefit by targeted thermal radiation. Once in the human body, ideally, they will be able to target a specific area, and then a magnetic field will be applied to induce thermal output through the process of hyperthermia. As the nanoparticles emit heat, they will mimic the natural bodily behavior seen by way of hyperthermia, therefore causing targeted cell death and destruction that can be used for various tumor treatments. The purpose of this thesis research is to characterize nanoparticles and the bio-mimicking material that they are tested in as a magnetic field is applied. This project has not yet progressed into in vivo testing yet, therefore, the characterization of the nanoparticles and the bio-mimicking material is key. The thermal properties need to be determined to observe how much heat the nanoparticles, the bio-mimicking material, and the silica capping gives off individually and collectively. The results garnered from the characterization will allow the project to progress with a better understanding of how the thermal reaction may be inhibited or amplified in the biological setting and how it may need to be modified to stay within the biological safety limit.