Mathematical Optimisation of Magnetic Nanoparticle Diffusion in the Brain White Matter

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are a promising drug delivery system to treat brain diseases, as the particle transport trajectory can be manipulated by an external magnetic field. However, due to the complex microstructure of brain tissues, particularly the arrangement of nerve fibres in the white matter (WM), how to achieve desired drug distribution patterns, e.g., uniform distribution, is largely unknown. In this study, by adopting a mathematical model capable of capturing the diffusion trajectories of MNPs, we conducted a pilot study to investigate the effects of key parameters in the MNP delivery on the particle diffusion behaviours in the brain WM microstructures. The results show that (i) a uniform distribution of MNPs can be achieved in anisotropic tissues by adjusting the particle size and magnetic field; (ii) particle size plays a key role in determining MNPs' diffusion behaviours. The magnitude of MNP equivalent diffusivity is reversely correlated to the particle size. The MNPs with a dimension greater than 90 nm cannot reach a uniform distribution in the brain WM even in an external magnitude field; (iii) axon tortuosity may lead to transversely anisotropic MNP transport in the brain WM; however, this effect can be mitigated by applying an external magnetic field perpendicular to the local axon track. This study not only advances understanding to answer the question of how to optimise MNP delivery, but also demonstrates the potential of mathematical modelling to help achieve desired drug distributions in biological tissues with a complex microstructure.

Automated summary

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) can be used as a drug delivery system in brain diseases. However, achieving desired drug distribution patterns in the complex microstructure of brain tissues, particularly the white matter, is still unclear. In this study, a mathematical model was used to investigate the effects of key parameters on MNP diffusion in the brain white matter. The results show that a uniform distribution of MNPs can be achieved by adjusting particle size and magnetic field, and particle size plays a key role in determining MNPs' diffusion behaviors. Axon tortuosity may affect MNP transport, but this can be mitigated by applying an external magnetic field perpendicular to the local axon track.