A coil system for real-time magnetic fluid hyperthermia microscopy studies.

PURPOSE

We describe the design and application of a new apparatus for applying Radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields to cells in culture on a microscope stage. This new design enables real-time studies of the actuation of magnetic nanoparticles bound to membrane receptors or internalised within cells together with the study of magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH)-associated effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RF coils were fabricated and electromagnetic simulations were performed along with compatibility evaluations and calorimetric experiments using this apparatus at discreet frequencies between 100 kHz and 1 MHz. Cell killing via MFH was investigated in a neuroblastoma tumour cell line.

RESULTS

Simulations and evaluations showed that the field intensity and homogeneity experienced by the cells within the chamber is best with a planar coil configuration. The incubation chamber was suitable for cell culture and the design was compatible with mountings on different makes of microscopes as it mimics a standard 96/24/6 tissue-culture well plate. Successful calorimetric and MFH cytotoxicity proof-of-principle experiments were performed and are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude from these experiments that alternating magnetic field (AMF)-mediated activation and magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) research will benefit from this RF coil that fits inside an incubation chamber, mounted onto a microscope. This new design could be used to assist real-time MFH studies in vitro.