In order to explore the effectiveness of microwave ablation at 2.45 GHz on irregularly shaped tumors, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were used to generate hotspots and to investigate enhanced microwave ablation in specific areas of biomimetic phantoms. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using a chemical co-precipitation method and were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and a Zeta potential analyzer. Theoretical analysis indicated that adding a nano heat source term into the biological heat transfer equation for microwave ablation can significantly enhance heat generation. 5 mL phantom in a culture dish was heated, and a significant improvement in microwave heating was observed due to the presence of nanoparticles, as verified by infrared thermography. Additionally, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were uniformly and selectively added in a 100 mL thermochromic biomimetic phantom, and temperature changes at equidistant points within the phantom were measured experimentally during microwave ablation. The results show that uniformly doping Fe3O4 nanoparticles throughout the phantom ensures that the temperature distribution remains axially symmetric, and these nanoparticles are effective in reducing microwave power and shortening heating time. Furthermore, when Fe3O4 nanoparticles are locally injected into the phantom, the maximum temperature difference at equidistant points inside the phantom reaches 27.7 ℃, enabling selective microwave ablation of the phantom. It is concluded that local injection of Fe3O4 nanoparticles enables selective enhanced microwave ablation at specific points in the phantom. This approach helps prevent central carbonization and excessive damage to the surrounding tissues, which is a reference for conformal microwave ablation in irregularly shaped tumors.
RUAN Hai-ling, WANG Tao, HONG Ru-tao.
Selective Enhanced Microwave Ablation Using the Heat Generation Effect of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles[J].
Science Technology and Engineering, 2026, 26(22): 9366-9375 DOI:10.12404/j.issn.1671-1815.2507637
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