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Magnetoporation and magnetolysis of cancer cells via carbon nanotubes induced by rotating magnetic fields

This publication demonstrates the ability of magnetic and paramagnetic nanomaterials, to convert magnetic to mechanical energy. Our work suggests a potentially new form of cancer therapy. The experiments show that dispersed multi-walled carbon nanotubes form rotating bundles on exposure to low intensity rotating magnetic fields (20–40mT). When cultured with human breast cancer cells, the rotating micro-bundles can induce 10 fold uptake of cytotoxic drugs by transient increases in membrane permeability (magnetoporation) or can destroy cancer cells (magnetolysis). The experiments form the basis of a major grant application to TENOVUS to develop the technology for the treatment of solid tumours.