EP 26. Magnetic nanoparticles to modulate neuronal activity

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are being investigated for their potential use in diverse biomedical applications. These MNPs can generate hyperthermia when exposed to an alternating magnetic field (AMF). Hyperthermia has shown promise in the field of brain cancer therapy and just recently has been explored as a potential new method for neuromodulation. This new method is called ‘ wireless magnetothermal deep brain stimulation ’ and has the ability to modulate specific groups of cells deep in the brain, remotely and wirelessly, making it a possible new candidate to explore neuronal function and various brain disorders which are not yet fully understood. The aim of this review is to assess the usage of MNPs for hyperthermia in the brain and to compare its application for brain cancer treatment to that of neuromodulation. First, our review introduces the necessity of nanoparticles (NPs), their molecular biology and their mechanisms of hyperthermia. Second, it emphasizes the remote control of MNPs using an alternating magnetic field (AMF). Finally, it reviews the stimulation parameters used for brain cancer treatment and compares this to the parameters needed for the new method of neuromodulation.