Magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) are emergent state-of-the-art modalities for thermal treatment of cancer. While their mechanisms of action have distinct physical bases, both approaches rely on nanoparticle-mediated remote onset of thermotherapy. Yet, are the two heating techniques interchangeable? Here, the heating obtained either with MHT or with PTT is compared. The heating is assessed in distinct environments and involves a set of nanomaterials differing in shape (spheres, cubes, stars, shells, and rods) as well as in composition (maghemite, magnetite, cobalt ferrite, and gold). The nanoparticle's heating efficacy in an aqueous medium is first evaluated. Subsequently, the heating efficiency within the cellular environment, where intracellular processing markedly decreases MHT, is compared. Conversely, endosomal sequestration could have a positive effect on PTT. Finally, iron oxide nanocubes and gold nanostars are compared in MHT and PTT in vivo within the heterogeneous intratumoral environment. Overall, two distinct therapeutic approaches, related to high dosage allowing MHT and low dosage associated with PTT, are identified. It is also demonstrated that PTT mediated by magnetic nanoparticles has an efficacy that is comparable to that of plasmonic nanoparticles, but only at significant nanoparticle dosages. At low concentrations, only plasmonic nanoparticles can deliver a therapeutic heating.

The application of microfluidics in chemistry has gained significant importance in the recent years. Miniaturized chemistry platforms provide controlled fluid transport, rapid chemical reactions, and cost-saving advantages over conventional reactors. The advantages of microfluidics have been clearly established in the field of analytical and bioanalytical sciences and in the field of organic synthesis. It is less true in the field of inorganic chemistry and materials science; however in inorganic chemistry it has mostly been used for the separation and selective extraction of metal ions. Microfluidics has been used in materials science mainly for the improvement of nanoparticle synthesis, namely metal, metal oxide, and semiconductor nanoparticles. Microfluidic devices can also be used for the formulation of more advanced and sophisticated inorganic materials or hybrids.