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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Biofunctionalization of Magnetic Nanomaterials
Published on: July 16, 2020
Bio-functionalization of monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles and their use as biomolecular labels in a magnetic
Stephanie G Grancharov1, Hao Zeng, Shouheng Sun
1IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, P.O. Box 218, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598, USA.
Abstract:
Monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) could enable the ultra-sensitive magnetic detection of biological analytes. However, rendering these particles biocompatible has remained a challenge. We report the bio-functionalization and detection of 12-nm manganese ferrite NPs. We have achieved the site-specific binding of biotin-functionalized NPs onto avidin-patterned silicon oxide substrates and DNA-functionalized NPs onto complementary DNA-patterned silicon oxide substrates. Utilizing scanning SQUID microscopy, we show that these substrate-bound NPs retain their magnetic properties. Finally, we demonstrate a novel method of detecting either protein binding or DNA hybridization at room temperature using the NPs and a magnetic tunnel-junction-based biosensor situated in orthogonal magnetic fields.
