Medical applications of thermal methods

Abstract

The medical applications of thermal methods have evolved and increased substantially in recent years. This may be attributed to the improved sensitivity and usability of the instrumentation allowing for detailed investigations of thermal properties and predictions of thermal stability, whether they are of the skin, drug penetration and delivery, implants or prosthetics.

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a sensitive method which has enabled changes in biological systems to be examined providing medical researchers with distinct opportunities. Other thermoanalytical techniques such as thermogravimetry (TG) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) are useful in the evaluation of thermal stability and to measure the heat generated in physical and chemical reactions.