Superparamagentic core-shell nanoparticles as inductive heatable tools for release of chemotherapeutics in medical hyperthermia

One of the largest challenges in current cancer therapy based on cytotoxic drugs is the quest for reducing the side effects on healthy tissue and organs. This research topic pursues a new concept that is based on the chemical functionalization of superparamagnetic nanoparticles with a cytotoxic drug such as ansamitocin to achieve a temperature dependent magnetic-drug-targeting system. By combining hyperthermia with a highly cytotoxic drug it is expected to address solid tumors more specifically and with higher efficacy. Optimization of iron oxide silica core-shell nanoparticles for functionalization with complex drugs is the principal topic of the Ph.D. thesis. The Ph.D. thesis is carried out in close collaboration on nanoparticle design and characterisation with the LNQE. The in vivo experiments of the conjugate are currently done with the collaboration of the workgroup of Prof. Dr. Ott (Twincore, Medical University of Hannover).