The History of Superparamagnetic Materials and Their Future in Cancer Therapy

Ghaith Musa

doi:10.59973/emjsr.185

Authors

Ghaith Musa University of Portsmouth, School of Mathematics and Physics, Portsmouth, PO1 3HF, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2176-9704

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59973/emjsr.185

Keywords:

Superparamagnets, SPIONs, Nanoparticles, Targeted drug therapy

Abstract

Superparamagnetism, is a form of magnetism exhibited by small ferromagnetic nanoparticles and challenges conventional magnetic behaviours observed in larger particles. Whereby as particle size decreases, thermal fluctuations gain prominence, leading to the random reorientation of magnetic moments at a critical threshold, known as the superparamagnetic threshold. This article aims to explore superparamagnetic materials' historical evolution and current state, emphasising their technological and medical applications. Starting with Louis Néel's foundational work in 1949, introduced the concept of superparamagnetism, to where superparamagnetic materials have found a promising application in cancer treatment. And their ability to be guided by external magnetic fields facilitates targeted drug delivery, offering precise manipulation for localised therapy.

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