Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Magnetic Levitation Coupled with Portable Imaging and Analysis for Disease Diagnostics
Published on: February 19, 2017
Dynamically self-assembling carriers enable guiding of diamagnetic particles by weak magnets
Olga Chovnik1, Renata Balgley, Joel R Goldman
1Department of Organic Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
Researchers remotely guided diamagnetic particles using light-switchable, superparamagnetic nanoparticles. These nanoparticles reversibly bind to diamagnetic particles, enabling targeted delivery and release with light and heat.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Magnetism
Background:
- Diamagnetic materials are typically repelled by magnetic fields.
- Remote manipulation of micro/nanoparticles is crucial for targeted delivery and assembly.
- Controlling particle interactions at the nanoscale requires advanced responsive materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for remote manipulation of diamagnetic particles.
- To utilize dual-responsive nanoparticles for controlled particle assembly and disassembly.
- To demonstrate targeted delivery and release of diamagnetic particles using light and magnetic fields.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of dual-responsive nanoparticles with light-switchable and superparamagnetic properties.
- Demonstration of reversible nanoparticle adsorption onto diamagnetic particle surfaces triggered by UV light.
- Utilizing thermal or ambient light for nanoparticle desorption.
- Inducing attractive interactions via dynamic self-assembly of nanoparticle films.
- Magnetic guidance and remote delivery of functionalized diamagnetic particles.
Main Results:
- Successfully achieved remote manipulation of diamagnetic particles using external magnets.
- Demonstrated reversible nanoparticle adsorption/desorption using UV and visible light, respectively.
- Showcased thermal and ambient light reversibility for nanoparticle layer disassembly.
- Catalytic amounts of dual-responsive nanoparticles were sufficient for particle guidance.
- Targeted delivery and controlled release of diamagnetic particles were achieved.
Conclusions:
- Dual-responsive nanoparticles enable effective remote magnetic manipulation of diamagnetic particles.
- Light-triggered reversible assembly/disassembly offers precise control over particle interactions and positioning.
- This technique provides a novel platform for targeted delivery and controlled release applications in various fields.
Related Concept Videos
Diamagnetism
Diamagnetism was discovered by Anton Brugmans in 1778 when he observed that bismuth gets repelled by magnetic fields, thus theorizing that diamagnets get repelled by magnets.
Diamagnetic Shielding of Nuclei: Local Diamagnetic Current
Magnetic Damping
If, however, the bob is a slotted metal plate, the magnet produces a much smaller effect. When a slotted metal plate enters the field, an emf is induced by the change in flux; however, it is less effective because the slots limit the...
Ferromagnetism
Other Unique Bacteria
Magnetic Force On A Current-Carrying Conductor
Consider a compass placed near a current-carrying wire. The wire experiences a force that aligns the needle of the compass tangentially around the wire. Thus, the current-carrying wire produces concentric circular loops of magnetic field. The magnetic field generated by a wire can be...

