Magnetic drug targeting (MDT) is an application in the field of targeted drug delivery in which magnetic (nano)particles act as drug carriers. The particles can be steered toward specific regions in the human body by adapting the currents of external (electro)magnets. Accurate models of particle movement and control algorithms for the electromagnet currents are two of the many requirements to ensure effective drug targeting. In this work, a control approach for the currents is presented, based on an underlying physical model that describes the dynamics of particles in a liquid in terms of their concentration in each point in space. Using this model, the control algorithm determines the currents generating the magnetic fields that maximize the particle concentration in spots of interest over a period of time. Such an approach is computationally only feasible thanks to our innovative combination of model order reduction with the method of direct multiple shooting. Simulation results of an in-vitro targeting setup demonstrated that a particle collection can be successfully guided toward the targeted spot with limited dispersion through a surrounding liquid. As now present and future particle behavior can be taken into account, and non-stationary surrounding liquids can be dealt with, a more precise and flexible targeting is achieved compared to existing MDT methods. This proves that the presented methodology can bring MDT closer to its clinical application. Moreover, the developed model is compatible with state-of-the-art imaging methods, paving the way for theranostic platforms that combine both therapy as well as diagnostics.
Keywords: Magnetic drug targeting; magnetic nanoparticles; model order reduction; modeling; optimal control; targeted delivery.