Magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) find many uses in biomedical applications. Particularly interesting

are targeting applications in which the MNP are directed magnetically to a desired location in the

human body. The particles’small sizes enable them to reach any region in the body, while their

magnetic properties allow them to be controlled and sensed remotely by magnetic fields. For

magnetic targeting applications to be safe and efficient, the position of the MNP should be

monitored during the treatment.

The aim of this research proposal is to enable MNP-based applications that require accurate

targeting of the MNP for therapy, while simultaneously needing precise imaging of the MNP’

spatial distribution for diagnosis and feedback on the targeting. This will be realized by taking the

magnetic dynamics and interactions of the MNP into account and employing diverse magnetic

field sequences, containing both temporally and spatially varying magnetic fields, such as magnetic

field pulses. These sequences provide the necessary field gradients to move the particles while

giving accurate and fast information about their position.

The development of such a theranostic platform, i.e. a platform that provides both therapy and

diagnostics, is a necessary step towards personalized medicine in which a more flexible, precise,

real-time monitored and personalized treatment of the patient is envisioned.