Biomagnetic measurements utilising a superparamagnetic marker: a feasibility study

Summary A preliminary study is here reported on a new potential marker for biomagnetic measurements. The marker consists of superparamagnetic polymer microspheres which were detected in the presence of external steady magnetic fields by means of an r.f.-SQUID magnetometer. The particles were prepared in samples differing in the concentration value and immersed in a homogeneous magnetic field of variable intensity. A simple model was taken into account for the distribution of the microspheres in the samples, so that the theoretical values were compared to the marker field values measured by the biomagnetic sensor. The overall sensitivity of the experimental apparatus and the minimum concentration value of the marker were then estimated.     

A biomagnetic method for studying gastro-intestinal activity

Summary A novel method to investigate the gastro-intestinal activity by means of a superconducting instrumentation based on SQUID sensors developed for biomagnetic measurements is presented. The magnetic field generated by a small marker ingested by the subject is measured over the abdomen. The localization of the marker,i.e. a magnetic dipole, is carried out by means of a standard algorithm used in biomagnetic studies. In this way it is possible to noninvasively study the activity of the gastro-intestinal system. This new approach may lead to important clinical applications.