Microwave Ablation Assisted by PEG-Coated CoFe₂O₄ Nanoparticles: A Simulation-Based Study on Antenna and Nanoparticle Synergy

Introduction: Microwave ablation (MWA) supplemented with integration of ferrite na-noparticles offers a potential treatment strategy for next-generation cancer treatment that promotes efficient tumor eradication and precise control through intensified localized heating. By utilizing the combined benefits of optimized applicator design and nanoparticle-based study, the present re-search overcomes the drawbacks of conventional MWA techniques. Methods: In this work, different antenna configurations and nanoparticle geometry is explored, and the performance is obtained in terms of specific absorption rate (SAR), temperature distribution, and impedance matching. The coupled thermal and electromagnetic problem is studied by injecting the PEG-coated cobalt ferrite nanoparticles in the tumorous site located in the liver tissue of a human body phantom, and analysis is carried out using the finite element mesh method. Results: It has been observed that among the different configurations of coaxial multi-slot antenna, the 5 slot configuration with spherical-shaped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles, considering shell thick-ness of 5 mm, achieves superior performance and yields a maximum temperature increment of 380 K and localized SAR value of 4200 W/Kg at an optimized power of 10 W. Discussion: The integration of nanoparticles with an optimized antenna design substantially im-proves energy absorption while preserving the spherical ablation profiles required for effective treatment. Both components are essential and synergistic, with the nanoparticles serving as catalytic enhancers that intensify localized heating and thereby strengthen the overall therapeutic perfor-mance of the antenna system. Conclusion: Nanoparticle-mediated MWA treatment strategy presents the potential of a minimally invasive approach and precise temperature control, which is highlighted by the proposed research findings.