Magnetic iron particles with high magnetization useful for immunoassay

TiO₂-encapsulated metallic Fe particles (Ti-O/Fe) were synthesized through a solid phase reaction. The Ti-O/Fe particles were non-toxic to tumor cells in a cell viability assay. After silica coating using a sol-gel method, streptavidin was covalently bound onto the Ti-O/Fe particles. Thus produced HMMI particles showed higher magnetization (114 Am²/kg) and a larger specific surface area (15 m²/g) than conventional streptavidin-immobilized magnetite particles. The high magnetization allowed for rapid magnetic separation, while the additional large specific surface area improved the detection of the adiponectin antigen both in terms of extended detection range and higher assay speed.