Modelling
Using simulation-based methods, interactions between magnetic nanoparticles and the surrounding tissue, as well as the resulting impact on measurement signals can be reliably predicted. This enables an evaluation of diagnostic information and the precise planning of therapeutic application.
One of the biggest challenges in the application of MNPs as a transport system for therapeutic agents is ensuring their accumulation in the target region with the necessary dosage. To enable reliable therapy planning, the development of a predictive model regarding accumulation and release of therapeutic agent is of vital importance. The workgroup Nanomagnetic Medical Engineering develops physical simulation models to predict the interactions of magnetic nanoparticles in blood or tissue. For the simulations, the forces acting on the MNPs, such as those arising from static or dynamic magnetic fields, are considered. These models are based on real patient data. The simulations allow a determination of the accumulation of the magnetic nanoparticles inside the human body. Finite-element-methods are used to develop such simulation models. To get precise results, novel and complex tissue models, which are derived from histological data, have to be used. Later on, physicians will be able use the simulation models for therapy planning.
Additionally, the workgroup Nanomagnetic Medical Engineering develops models to predict the heat generation of magnetic nanomaterials in the human body (e.g. nanomodified smart implants) exposed to alternating magnetic fields. Other models yield information regarding the expected signal of the magnetic nanomaterials in medical imaging (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging – MRI – or magnetic particle imaging – MPI). The prediction models precisely describe the interactions of magnetic nanoparticles with their environment and should allow a better visualization of the functionality of nanomodified smart implants inside the human body using medical imaging methods.