Francisella tularensis detection using magnetic labels and a magnetic biosensor based on frequency mixing

A biosensor that uses resonant coils with a special frequency-mixing technique and magnetic beads as detectable labels has been established for the detection of Francisella tularensis, the causative agent for tularemia. The detection principle is based on a sandwich immunoassay using an anti-Ft antibody for immunofiltration immobilized to ABICAP^® polyethylene filters, and biotinylated with streptavidin-coated magnetic beads as labels. The linear detection range of this biosensor was found to be 10⁴–10⁶ cfu F. tularensis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) per ml. Tested sample matrices were physiological PBS buffer and rabbit serum.     

Highly sensitive room-temperature method of non-invasive in vivo detection of magnetic nanoparticles

Methods of non-invasive in vivo quantification of magnetic nanoparticles (MP) have been proposed and realized. The methods are based on non-linear MP magnetization at two frequencies and measuring the response at combinatorial frequencies. The first method is developed for real-time study of MP dynamics and their clearance from the blood system of animals. High sensitivity of 3 ng of Fe₃O₄ in 0.1 ml was achieved for MP detection in mice tail veins. The second technique is proposed for MP detection inside animal tissues by an external probe. The proposed methods could essentially widen capabilities of biomedical research which involves magnetic nanoparticles.     

Multiparametric magnetic immunoassays utilizing non-linear signatures of magnetic labels

A powerful route to utilizing magnetic nanoparticles as labels in magnetic immunoassays is to exploit their non-linear response when they are exposed to a multi-frequency alternating magnetic field. We have upgraded this non-linear method allowing for the detection, discrimination and quantification of particles of two kinds when mixed together, with no need for spatial resolution. Each kind of particle is characterized by a specific magnetic signature based on d²B(H)/dH². Appropriate data processing of the signature measured on a mixture of both particles allows for obtaining the amount of each particle. This will enable utilizing magnetic labels for multiparametric magnetic immunoassays.     

Microwire array for giant magneto-impedance detection of magnetic particles for biosensor prototype

A new giant magneto-impedance (GMI) biosensor prototype based on a glass-coated microwires array is reported. The optimal measurement conditions and the influence of a liquid suspension of commercially available polymer-based magnetic microparticles on the magneto-impedance (MI) response of the array were studied. The relative change in MI response enlarges as the number of the active microwires increases. The highest variation of 35% was found for 10 active microwires, for a current intensity of 10 mA. Some possible applications of the biosensor prototype are outlined.     

Optimization of spin-valve parameters for magnetic bead trapping and manipulation

Magneto-optic Kerr effect (MOKE) and magnetoresistance (MR) measurements were used to measure the switching characteristics of spin-valve (SV) arrays currently being developed to trap and release superparamagnetic beads within a fluid medium. The effect of SV size on switching observed by MOKE showed that a 1 μm×8 μm SV element was found to have optimal switching characteristics. MR measurements on a single 1 μm×8 μm SV switched with either an external applied magnetic field or a local magnetic field generated by an integrated write wire (current density ranging from 10⁶ to 10⁷ A/cm²) confirmed the MOKE findings. The 1 μm×8 μm SV low field switching was observed to be +8 and −2 mT with two stable states at zero field; the high field switching was observed to be −18 mT. The low switching fields and the large magnetic moment of the SV trap along with our observation of minimal magnetostatic effects for dense arrays are necessary design characteristics for high-force, “switchable-magnet,” microfluidic bead trap applications.     

Frequency-domain birefringence measurement of biological binding to magnetic nanoparticles

Optical detection of the frequency-dependent magnetic relaxation signal is used to monitor the binding of biological molecules to magnetic nanoparticles in a ferrofluid. Biological binding reactions cause changes in the magnetic relaxation signal due to an increase in the average hydrodynamic diameter of the nanoparticles. To allow the relaxation signal to be detected in dilute ferrofluids, measurements are made using a balanced photodetector, resulting in a 25 μV/√Hz noise floor, within 50% of the theoretical limit imposed by photon shot noise. Measurements of a ferrofluid composed of magnetite nanoparticles coated with anti-IgG antibodies show that the average hydrodynamic diameter increases from 115.2 to 125.4 nm after reaction with IgG.     

基于磁通压缩技术的爆炸磁频率发生器的参数选择

 爆炸磁频率发生器是一种结构简单、小型化的电磁脉冲产生和辐射装置。为了优化其性能,从数学模型入手进行研究,得出输出信号所满足的Bessel函数,分析了在不同电参数下输出信号的模式及电路中的能量分配。研究结果表明,当电感变化到初始值的1/e所需时间与初始载波频率的乘积较大时,发生器的输出信号为振荡模式,且二者乘积越大,载波频率越高,对其辐射越有利。     

Effect of nanoparticle size on magnetic damping parameter in Co92Zr8 soft magnetic films

Co₉₂Zr₈(50 nm)/Ag(x) soft magnetic films have been prepared on Si (111) substrates by oblique sputtering at 45°. Nanoparticle size of Co₉₂Zr₈ soft magnetic films can be tuned by thickening Ag buffer layer from 9 nm to 96 nm. The static and dynamic magnetic properties show great dependence on Ag buffer layer thickness. The coercivity and effective damping parameter of Co₉₂Zr₈ films increase with thickening Ag buffer layer. The intrinsic and extrinsic parts of damping were extracted from the effective damping parameter. For x=96 nm film, the extrinsic damping parameter is 0.028, which is significantly larger than 0.004 for x=9 nm film. The origin of the enhancement of extrinsic damping can be explained by increased inhomogeneity of anisotropy. Therefore, it is an effective method to tailor magnetic damping parameter of thin magnetic films, which is desirable for high frequency application.     

Specific binding of magnetic nanoparticle probes to platelets in whole blood detected by magnetorelaxometry

The binding of monoclonal antibodies labelled with magnetic nanoparticles to CD61 surface proteins expressed by platelets in whole blood samples was measured by magnetorelaxometry. This technique is sensitive to immobilization of the magnetic labels upon binding. Control experiments with previous saturation of the epitopes on the platelet surfaces demonstrated the specificity of the binding. The kinetics of the antibody antigen reaction is accessible with a temporal resolution of 12 s. The minimal detectable platelet concentration is about 2000 μL⁻¹ (sample volume 150 μL). The proportionality of the magnetic relaxation amplitude to the number of bound labels allows a quantification of the antibody binding capacity.     

Theory for nanoparticle retention time in the helical channel of quadrupole magnetic field-flow fractionation

Quadrupole magnetic field-flow fractionation (QMgFFF) is a separation and characterization technique for magnetic nanoparticles such as those used for cell labeling and for targeted drug therapy. A helical separation channel is used to efficiently exploit the quadrupole magnetic field. The fluid and sample components therefore have angular and longitudinal components to their motion in the thin annular space occupied by the helical channel. The retention ratio is defined as the ratio of the times for non-retained and a retained material to pass through the channel. Equations are derived for the respective angular and longitudinal components to retention ratio.     

Ultralow detection limit of giant magnetoresistance biosensor using Fe_3O_4–graphene composite nanoparticle label

A special Fe_3O_4nanoparticles–graphene(Fe_3O_4–GN) composite as a magnetic label was employed for biodetection using giant magnetoresistance(GMR) sensors with a Wheatstone bridge. The Fe_3O_4–GN composite exhibits a strong ferromagnetic behavior with the saturation magnetization M_S of approximately 48 emu/g, coercivity H_C of 200 Oe, and remanence M_r of 8.3 emu/g, leading to a large magnetic fringing field. However, the Fe_3O_4 nanoparticles do not aggregate together, which can be attributed to the pinning and separating effects of graphene sheet to the magnetic particles. The Fe_3O_4–GN composite is especially suitable for biodetection as a promising magnetic label since it combines two advantages of large fringing field and no aggregation. As a result, the concentration x dependence of voltage difference |?V| between detecting and reference sensors undergoes the relationship of |?V| = 240.5 lgx + 515.2 with an ultralow detection limit of 10 ng/mL(very close to the calculated limit of 7 ng/mL) and a wide detection range of 4 orders.     

Modeling of two-phase magnetic materials based on Jiles-Atherton theory of hysteresis

The Jiles-Atherton (JA) theory of hysteresis has been extended in the present paper to model hysteresis in two-phase magnetic materials. Two-phase materials are those that exhibit two magnetic phases in one hysteresis cycle: one at lower fields and the other at higher fields. In magnetic hysteresis, the transition from one phase to the other i.e. low field phase to high field phase depends mainly on the exchange field. Hence, the material-dependent microstructural parameters of JA theory: spontaneous magnetization, M_S, pinning factor, k, domain density, a, domain coupling, α, and reversibility factor, c, are represented as functions of the exchange field. Several cases based on this model have been discussed and compared with the measured data from existing literature. The shapes of the calculated and measured hysteresis loops are in excellent agreement.     

Ionic magnetic fluid based on cobalt ferrite nanoparticles: Influence of hydrothermal treatment on the nanoparticle size

Magnetic fluid based on cobalt ferrite nanoparticles was obtained using a hydrothermal treatment added to the Massart procedure. This treatment increases the average size of the nanoparticles from 11.9 to 18.7 nm and also improves the dispersity and crystallinity of the cobalt ferrite particles. The nanoparticles obtained after the hydrothermal treatment were dispersed in aqueous solvent by the classical procedure for ionic magnetic fluids. The ferrofluid thus obtained is stable at pH 7 and may be useful for hyperthermia applications.     

基于磁通压缩技术的爆炸磁频率发生器的参数选择

爆炸磁频率发生器是一种结构简单、小型化的电磁脉冲产生和辐射装置。为了优化其性能,从数学模型入手进行研究,得出输出信号所满足的Bessel函数,分析了在不同电参数下输出信号的模式及电路中的能量分配。研究结果表明,当电感变化到初始值的1/e所需时间与初始载波频率的乘积较大时,发生器的输出信号为振荡模式,且二者乘积越大,载波频率越高,对其辐射越有利。     

Synthesis and antibody conjugation of magnetic nanoparticles with improved specific power absorption rates for alternating magnetic field cancer therapy

Bionized nanoferrite (BNF) particles with high specific power absorption rates were synthesized in the size range of 20–100 nm by high-pressure homogenization for targeted cancer therapy with alternating magnetic fields. Several strategies were used to conjugate antibodies to the BNF particles. These strategies were compared using an immunoassay to find optimal conditions to reach a high immunoreactivity of the final antibody–particle conjugate.     

Temperature dependence of photonic crystals based on thermoresponsive magnetic fluids

The influence mechanisms of temperature on the band gap properties of the magnetic fluids based photonic crystals are elaborated. A method has been developed to obtain the temperature-dependent structure information (A_sol/A) from the existing experimental data and then two critical parameters, i.e. the structure ratio (d/a) and the refractive index contrast (Δn) of the magnetic fluids photonic crystals are deduced for band diagram calculations. The temperature-dependent band gaps are gained for z-even and z-odd modes. Band diagram calculations display that the mid frequencies and positions of the existing forbidden bands are not very sensitive to the temperature, while the number of the forbidden bands at certain strengths of magnetic field may change with the temperature variation. The results presented in this work give a guideline for designing the potential photonic devices based on the temperature characteristics of the magnetic fluids based photonic crystals and are helpful for improving their quality.     

基于磁开关的重复频率冲击电压发生器

用磁开关取代传统冲击电压发生器的放电球隙,利用磁开关可高重复频率工作和磁压缩陡化的特点和冲击电压发生器“并联充电,串联放电”的特点,可形成重复频率快前沿高压脉冲。建造了基于磁开关的冲击电压发生器,试验表明：其重复频率可达1 kHz,在1 nF的电容负载上可形成17 kV,上升时间小于80 ns的高压脉冲。     

基于磁开关的重复频率冲击电压发生器

用磁开关取代传统冲击电压发生器的放电球隙,利用磁开关可高重复频率工作和磁压缩陡化的特点和冲击电压发生器"并联充电,串联放电"的特点,可形成重复频率快前沿高压脉冲。建造了基于磁开关的冲击电压发生器,试验表明:其重复频率可达1 kHz,在1 nF的电容负载上可形成17 kV,上升时间小于80 ns的高压脉冲。     

Electrochemical DNA biosensor based on avidin-biotin conjugation for influenza virus (type A) detection

An electrochemical DNA biosensor (E-DNA biosensor) was fabricated by avidin-biotin conjugation of a biotinylated probe DNA, 5′-biotin-ATG AGT CTT CTA ACC GAG GTC GAA-3′, and an avidin-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to detect the influenza virus (type A). An avidin-modified GCE was prepared by the reaction of avidin and a carboxylic acid-modified GCE, which was synthesized by the electrochemical reduction of 4-carboxyphenyl diazonium salt. The current value of the E-DNA biosensor was evaluated after hybridization of the probe DNA and target DNA using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The current value decreased after the hybridization of the probe DNA and target DNA. The DNA that was used follows: complementary target DNA, 5′-TTC GAC CTC GGT TAG AAG ACT CAT-3′ and two-base mismatched DNA, 5′-TTC GAC AGC GGT TAT AAG ACT CAT-3′.     

Effect of the number of iron oxide nanoparticle layers on the magnetic properties of nanocomposite LbL assemblies

Aqueous colloidal suspension of iron oxide nanoparticles has been synthesized. Z-potential of iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized by citric acid was −35±3 mV. Iron oxide nanoparticles have been characterized by the light scattering method and transmission electron microscopy. The polyelectrolyte/iron oxide nanoparticle thin films with different numbers of iron oxide nanoparticle layers have been prepared on the surface of silicon substrates via the layer-by-layer assembly technique. The physical properties and chemical composition of nanocomposite thin films have been studied by atomic force microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, magnetization measurements, Raman spectroscopy. Using the analysis of experimental data it was established, that the magnetic properties of nanocomposite films depended on the number of iron oxide nanoparticle layers, the size of iron oxide nanoparticle aggregates, the distance between aggregates, and the chemical composition of iron oxide nanoparticles embedded into the nanocomposite films. The magnetic permeability of nanocomposite coatings has been calculated. The magnetic permeability values depend on the number of iron oxide nanoparticle layers in nanocomposite film.