Characterization

 

Highly sensitive magnetic measurements give insight into the relevant properties of magnetic nanoparticles for their use in biomedicine. Of particular note are measurements of the interactions between the nanoparticles and their biological or artificial environment.

 

For the development of magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic hybrid materials as diagnostic or therapeutic tools, a detailed characterization of their properties is necessary. The targeted medical use of these materials is only possible if their magnetic properties are precisely understood. The workgroup Nanomagnetic Medical Engineering develops and evaluates magnetic measurement techniques for specific diagnostic and therapeutic applications. These magnetic measurement techniques include amongst others high sensitivity SQUID magnetometry, AC susceptometry, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic particle imaging (MPI), which are used to gain information on the behavior the magnetic hybrid materials.

Among other procedures, the self-developed measuring techniques are employed to assess the pre-clinical suitability of nanomodified implants for hyperthermia therapy. Noninvasive and nondestructive in vivo quantitative evaluation of the nanomodified implants regarding their functionality is achieved via MRI and MPI.