Magnetotactic bacteria as micro-carriers of thermal ablation agents

Intravenous systemic injection of fluidMAG-PMO magnetic nanoparticles followed by hyperthermia of the brain has previously shown to be a promising method for overcoming the blood-brain barrier; the great challenge of drug delivery to the brain. This study explores the possibility of utilizing magnetotactic bacteria as micro-carriers for fluidMAG-ARA magnetic nanoparticles as means of direct targeting and local heat delivery to the tumor while avoiding unnecessary heat damage to the healthy environment. We designed a new method for validating the opening of the blood-brain barrier and showed that fluidMAG-ARA can deliver enough heat for our purposes. The findings are building blocks for an encouraging and unique drug delivery system to the brain.