Microfluidic Detection of SPIONs and Co-Ferrite Ferrofluid Using Amorphous Wire Magneto-Impedance Sensor

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) offer significant potential in medicine, environmental remediation, and engineering.
• Magneto-impedance (MI) sensors are highly sensitive, cost-effective, and simple to fabricate for MNP detection.
• Integrating MI sensors with microfluidic systems enhances specificity and portability for MNP analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize an integrated magneto-impedance sensor and millifluidic system for MNP detection.
• To investigate the sensor's ability to differentiate between various types of magnetic nanoparticles.
• To advance portable diagnostic devices for ferrofluid analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a magneto-impedance sensor using an amorphous Fe_73.5Nb₃Cu₁Si_13.5B₉ wire.
• Integration of the sensor with a customized millifluidic chip.
• Detection and differentiation of stray magnetic fields from superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and magnetically blocked Co-ferrite nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of the MI sensor with the millifluidic chip.
• Demonstrated detection of magnetic nanoparticles in ferrofluid.
• Distinguished stray magnetic fields from single-domain superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and magnetically blocked Co-ferrite nanoparticles.

Conclusions:

• The developed MI sensor and millifluidic system provide a sensitive and specific platform for MNP detection.
• This integrated approach enables faster, more reliable, and portable MNP analysis.
• The system's ability to differentiate nanoparticle types opens avenues for advanced applications in various fields.