Open-source device for high sensitivity magnetic particle spectroscopy, relaxometry, and hysteresis loop tracing

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have diverse applications, including Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI), targeted hyperthermia, and immunoassays.
• Accurate assessment of MNPs is crucial for their effective use, particularly in MPI.
• Existing resources for designing MNP assessment systems are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and characterize an open-source, multi-functional device for assessing magnetic nanoparticles.
• To provide a consolidated resource for building MNP assessment systems.
• To demonstrate the device's capabilities in spectroscopy, relaxometry, and loop tracing.

Main Methods:

• Developed an open-source device integrating spectroscopy, relaxometry, and loop tracing functionalities.
• Quantified detection sensitivity using a dilution series of 70 nm Synomag-D MNPs.
• Measured MNP response under varying drive field strengths (2-18 mT) and frequencies (23.8 kHz).

Main Results:

• Achieved a detection sensitivity of 260 pg Fe (SNR=1) and 1.3 ng Fe (SNR=5) in spectroscopy mode within one second.
• Demonstrated a wide dynamic range of 60 μg to 260 pg Fe without hardware modification.
• Characterized Synomag-D relaxation time constants and compared magnetization responses of different MNPs.

Conclusions:

• The developed open-source device offers a sensitive and versatile platform for MNP characterization.
• This system addresses the need for accessible MNP assessment tools, particularly for MPI applications.
• The device's performance and broad dynamic range make it suitable for various MNP research and development.