Physics of Selective Targeting of Cancer Cells by Magnetoelectric Nanoparticles: Exploring the Role of Conductivity and Capacitance in Tumor‐Specific Attraction

Abstract

Magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) show promise for targeted cancer therapy due to their magnetoelectric properties and selective interaction with biological systems. Experimental evidence highlights their high‐specificity, field‐controlled targeting of cancer cells without bioreagents, yet the physical mechanisms remain unclear. This study explores MENPs’ selective affinity for malignant tissue, focusing on conductivity and capacitance differences. A MATLAB simulation is developed to model MENP interactions with cancer and healthy cell membranes from intravenous injection to targeting. The framework integrated Brownian motion, intermolecular forces—van der Waals attraction, Coulombic repulsion, and dipole image forces—parameterized with literature‐derived electrical properties. Magnetic field effects are simulated in 3D tensor form to assess targeting specificity. MATLAB simulations revealed that MENPs’ surface charge minimizes protein adsorption, enhancing circulation time, while the enhanced permeability retention effect aids tumor accumulation. Cancer cells’ lower negative charge reduces repulsion, enabling closer MENP approach. At short distances, higher membrane capacitance in cancer cells amplifies dipole image forces, increasing attachment compared to healthy cells. Simulated force profiles and particle distributions confirmed a specificity factor favoring cancer cells, enhanced by magnetic modulation. These findings underscore MENPs’ potential for cancer‐specific targeting. The framework provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing MENP design and advancing their therapeutic application.