Abstract:
The aim of the research carried out throughout this PhD thesis is to investigate the magnetic targeting process in an artery model. This research involves several stages that need to be completed. The first stage refers to the synthesis and characterization of different magnetic materials that could be used as drug carriers in the targeting process. Part of the magnetic particles and clusters analysed in this work have been synthesized and characterized during two research internships at the University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway. The second stage involves both an experimental and numerical detailed analysis of the magnetic field generated by different permanent magnet combinations that can be used for the targeting and deposition of magnetic particles. The numerical simulation of the fluid flow both in a 2D and 3D simplified stented geometry represent the third stage of the PhD work, this being a preliminary stage in terms of the experimental targeting. The final and most important stage is the targeting process inside a straight and stented artery model, for which three different types of magnetic clusters have been employed. The results of this PhD thesis suggest that employing magnetic clusters for the local drug targeting process could be a promising strategy for overcoming the disadvantages of systemic drug administration, yet more investigations should be performed as for improving the properties of the potential drug carriers, as well as conducting biocompatibility and toxicity tests.
