System and method for magnetic drug delivery using a 3D nested Anti-helmholtz cage

Abstract

A system for magnetic drug delivery is disclosed, featuring a 3D nested anti-Helmholtz cage configuration. The system comprises an outer cage for generating a primary magnetic field gradient over a relatively larger region and an inner cage for fine-tuning the gradient, allowing for precise targeting of magnetic nanoparticles within the body, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of drug delivery to specific locations.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAGNETIC DRUG DELIVERY USING A 3D NESTED ANTIHELMHOLTZ CAGE

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to the field of magnetic drug delivery, more particularly to a system and method employing a three-dimensional nested anti-Helmholtz cage for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents using magnetic fields.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Magnetic drug delivery systems utilize magnetic fields to guide drug-loaded magnetic nanoparticles to a specific site within the body. Magnetic drug delivery systems have become increasingly important in the field of medicine for their ability to target drugs to specific locations, thereby reducing side effects and improving treatment efficacy. It is especially desired to be used in chemotherapy in cancer patients where precise drug targeting not only decreases the side effect of chemotherapeutic agents on patients, but also increases the desired effect of chemotherapeutic agents on tumors.

[0006] State of the art includes:

[0007] - Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with drugs, antibodies, or other targeting ligands.

[0008] - Use of external magnets or simple coil configurations for drug targeting, often limited by field uniformity, lack of 3D focusing and penetration depth.

[0009] - Systems for magnetic hyperthermia where MNPs are heated by an alternating magnetic field to induce cell death in tumors.

[0010] - Modification of existing MRI systems to create magnetic fields and magnetic field gradients for magnetic drug delivery.

[0011] Traditional systems often have limitations in precision and range of action. They also suffer from issues related to magnetic field inhomogeneity and limited control over particle trajectories. Using existing MRI systems introduces unaffordable means of drug delivery which greatly limits the availability and reduces the number of patients having drug treatment under magnetic targeting. This invention introduces a novel 3D nested anti-Helmholtz cage configuration to address these issues by providing a more wider and tunable magnetic field gradient for precise drug targeting, with an affordable setup.

[0012] Summary of the Invention

[0013] The current invention introduces a 3D nested anti-Helmholtz cage system for magnetic (or ferromagnetic materials) drug delivery, providing an enhanced, controllable magnetic field gradient over a larger volume, which allows for more precise targeting of drugs to specific sites in the body. This system comprises:

[0014] - A modular magnetic field generation apparatus with multiple nested anti-Helmholtz coil pairs arranged in three orthogonal axes to create a 3D magnetic gradient field (Figures 1 and 4).

[0015] - A control box that manages the current in each coil to dynamically adjust the field for optimal particle guidance (Figure 1).

[0016] - A user interface for the operation of the system, allowing clinicians to tailor the magnetic drug delivery process (Figure 1).

[0017] The nested configuration allows for fine-tuning of the magnetic field to enhance the targeting accuracy of drug-loaded nanoparticles, particularly useful for deep tissue or complex vascular targeting.

[0018] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Figure 1 - illustrates a schematic view of the 3D nested anti-Helmholtz cage system only with outer cages.

[0020] Figure 2 - illustrates a schematic view of the 3D nested anti-Helmholtz cage system only with inner cages.

[0021] Figure 3 - illustrates a schematic view of the 3D nested anti-Helmholtz cage system with inner and outer cages, attached control box and the user interface.

[0022] Figure 4 - depicts the magnetic field generated by both the outer and inner cages.

[0023] Figure 5 - depicts the magnetic field gradient generated by both the outer and inner cages.

[0024] Detailed Description of the Invention 1. Overview of the System

[0025] Referring to Figure 3, the system comprises an outer 3-dimensional anti-Helmholtz cage (101) and an inner 3-dimensional anti-Helmholtz cage (102). Both cages consist of pairs of coils along each three orthogonal axes, arranged to generate opposing magnetic fields, where the currents in opposite coils flow in opposite directions. In order to power the coil system, a control box (CB) with necessary electrical equipment is included in the system. Finally, a user interface (PC) for operators is also a part of the system.

[0026] 2. Construction of the Cages

[0027] Outer Cage (101): As shown in Figure 1 are the outer cage is constructed from high-conductivity wire wound in a square or circular geometry. Each coil pair is spaced at a distance that is approximately the radius of the coils to create a linear field gradient at the center.

[0028] Inner Cage (102): The inner cage, also visible in Figures 2 and 3 are similarly constructed but smaller in size. It is positioned at the center of the outer cage and can have a different number of turns or wire gauge to allow for fine-tuning of the field.

[0029] 3. Magnetic Field Generation

[0030] Field Configuration: Figure 4 demonstrates how the magnetic field (201) is shaped along one axis by the outer cage (101) with a linear gradient, and how the inner cage (102) can adjust this gradient for precise control.

[0031] Field Gradient Configuration: Figure 5 demonstrates how the magnetic field gradient (301) is shaped by the outer cage (101), and how the inner cage (102) can adjust this gradient for precise control as the focused gradient peak (302).

[0032] Current Management - The coils are powered by separate current sources, which can be adjusted to modulate both the magnitude and the direction of the field gradient, as shown in Figure 3.

[0033] 4. Method of Use Patient Integration: As illustrated in Figure 1, the modular cage system is placed around or the target area on the patient's body in a suitable orientation with three orthogonal axes. Magnetic nanoparticles loaded with a drug are introduced into the patient's bloodstream.

[0034] Targeting: By placing the patient inside the nested anti-Helmholtz cage system or placing the cage itself, the point of maximum gradient of the magnetic field can be adjusted to guide the nanoparticles towards the target tissue or organ. The precise targeting can be achieved by matching lasers on the inner coils and markers on the patient body, or any other means.

[0035] 5. Advantages

[0036] Improved Targeting: The nested setup allows for a more controlled field gradient over a larger volume, enhancing the accuracy of drug delivery.

[0037] Modularity and Flexibility: The system can be adapted to different anatomical regions and different requirements by adjusting the size, current, and position of the inner cage.

[0038] Affordability: The setup presents a more affordable solution than modified MRI machines to manipulate magnetic field and magnetic field gradient, which allows the deployment of this system in large numbers to be used on more patients at the same time.

[0039] The dual cage (101 and 102) system used for generating the magnetic field is particularly effective due to its superior capability for gradient modulation.This enhanced modulation allows for finer adjustments in the magnetic field dynamics, enabling precise control over the magnetic field gradients and the trajectories of magnetic nanoparticles. Such a configuration is especially advantageous in applications requiring high targeting accuracy, while maintaining sufficient gradient over wider area as it minimizes field distortions and optimizes the delivery process in complex biological environments such as human body.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular, easy-to-assemble magnetic drug delivery system comprising:- an outer anti-Helmholtz cage composed of at least two pairs of coils along each three orthogonal axes with currents flowing in opposite directions; and- an inner anti-Helmholtz cage (102), similarly composed of at least two pairs of coils along each three orthogonal axes with currents flowing in opposite directions, nested within the outer cage (101), wherein the inner cage (102) can adjust the magnetic field gradient produced by the outer cage (101) for enhanced targeting of magnetic nanoparticles.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:- a control box (CB) configured to independently manage the current in each coil of the outer and inner cages (101 and 102) to tune the magnetic field strength and gradient.

3. The system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the outer cage (101) generates a primary magnetic field gradient, and the inner cage (102) is adapted to modulate said gradient for achieving finer control over the movement of magnetic nanoparticles.

4. A method for magnetic drug delivery using the system of any of claims 1-3, the method including:- administering magnetic nanoparticles loaded with a therapeutic agent to a subject;- positioning the 3D nested anti-Helmholtz cage system around a target site within the subject;- relatively positioning the coils of the inner and outer cages (101 and 102) by placing either the patient or the cages to guide the nanoparticles to the target site.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the positioning of the nested anti-Helmholtz coils creates a magnetic field gradient that pulls the nanoparticles towards the center of the cages (101 and 102), effectively concentrating them at the target site.

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