Magnetically controlling the release of drugs by the help of nanoparticles is another method whereby drug delivery is benefiting from nanotechnology. This usually consists of magnetic fluids which bind with and concentrate the drugs at the site of their delivery. Magnetic fluid usually consists of magnetic nanoparticles floating in both organic and inorganic fluid. Magnetic nanoparticles consist of iron based compounds of nanometer size. However before these can be used within the body they have to be coated with materials that biodegradable, non toxic, and biologically stable. These nanoparticles must also be compatible to the internal environment of the cell. Magnetic nanoparticles have the ability to be attracted to distant magnetic fields, so it concentrates drugs at the site of the solid cancer tumor. This feature may also help in thermotherapy. [15]

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Copyright © 2005 Nanogroup Beta: Jason Feng, Maryam Liaqat, Eric Shubo Ma | Physics 87N: Prof. Hari Manoharan
Last modified: 12/09/05