Effect of the distribution of anisotropy constants on hysteresis losses for magnetic hyperthermia applications

Magnetic hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles is a potential remedial therapy for the reduction of cancer and other tumours. The dominant heating mechanism is hysteresis heating. This means that control of the particle size distribution is essential. However, control of the anisotropy dispersion is also required. We have calculated the effect of the anisotropy distribution on the hysteresis heating in magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermia applications. Where there is a wide distribution of anisotropy constants the heat output is controlled by the distribution of anisotropy constants. This effect is significant in systems such as magnetite particles where shape anisotropy dominates.