Magnetic hyperthermia against cancer: combination of microfluidics and microwires

Researchers at the Spanish Ceit-IK4 have developed a microfluidic platform to test the hyperthermia ability of magnetic microwires fabricated by TAMAG Ibérica and the University of the Basque Country. The double-chamber polymeric microsystem has allowed the in vitro demonstration of the effectiveness of the microwires against osteosarcoma cells offering an accurate cell microenvironment control. Thanks to their size and manageability, these magnetic wires can be placed at and removed from the tumor area in a safer manner than the nanoparticles.
 
This microtechnology-based proof of concept paves the way for a novel approach in the field of magnetic hyperthermia, which stands as a promising alternative to current cancer treatments, thanks to its unique features: short heating time, even distribution, specificity and safe application. The microfluidic device is a very useful platform to analyze the effect of the magnetic-mediated heating upon different cell types, including specific patient cells, to customize treatment conditions.
 
Contact: Maite Mujika Garmendia, Ceit-IK4
mmujika@tecnun.es