Imaging and moving magnetic beads with magnetic particle imaging for targeted drug delivery

Magnetic Particle Imaging has proven to resolve superparamagnetic nano-particles within 3D volumes with high sensitivity and with high temporal resolution. Lately, MPI was utilized to track, manipulate and navigate small ferromagnetic devices since the magnetic field topology for imaging is very suitable for generating magnetical forces. In this work, we demonstrate the ability to image and move micro-sized magnetic beads simultaneously with MPI. We are constantly switching between imaging and magnetic force mode to resolve the beads position and manipulate their movement. Beside imaging, the magnetic beads provide a flexible platform for carrying therapeutic substances which can be attached to the bead surface. In combination with force application and imaging this has the potential to provide a tool for automatic drug delivery, e.g. for specific tumor treatment and ischemic stroke dissolution.