Atomistic simulation of composite magnetic oxide materials for cancer treatment

Magnetic oxides are the most common magnets, commonly found in rocks around the world. Due to their biocompatibility, magnetite nanoparticles are currently being explored for use as a potential treatment for cancer, where an applied magnetic field causes them to generate heat which kills cancer cells. However, current magnetite particles have low performance in the safe size range of 10-20nm. The aim of this project is to develop an atomistic spin model of magnetite and similar oxides with the aim of modelling composite materials with much better performance, accelerating the time to market for this potentially life saving treatment.