Multipurpose magnetic microparticles

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Magnetic microparticles are used to manipulate small volumes of fluid or other material in a variety of ways and for a large range of purposes. Applications include protein purification, cellular labelling, manipulation of fluids (including detoxification of biological fluids), cancer therapies and magnetofection. Magnetic microparticles are also used to isolate DNA, RNA and viruses and in technological application such as magnetic tweezers and magnetic cell cytometry.

Conventional magnetic microparticles display a spherical shape with magnetic nanoparticles embedded in a polymer matrix. The spherical shape means that it is difficult to create a meaningful magnetic dipole unless large magnetic fields are used. Conventional microparticles have non-homogeneous magnetic properties which are difficult to control, particularly in applications where controlled movement or rotation are required.

The Technology

Micron-sized polymeric particles can be made magnetic by the inclusion of magnetic nanostructures. University of Oxford researchers have developed a method to produce magnetic ellipsoids (rather than conventionally used spheres). The asymmetry of the ellipsoids allows easier control of the movement of the particles by external magnetic fields. The magnetic microparticles are therefore easier to manipulate and lead to more consistent magnetic behaviour throughout a tissue or a fluid. The magnetic microparticles are both biocompatible and biodegradable, raising the potential for use in biomedical applications.

Uses of Superparamagnetic nanowires in Magnetic Microparticles

Magnetic microparticles can be used to manipulate fluids or biomolecules and cells, for a variety of functions. Magnetic microparticles can easily be removed from a suspension after their use, preventing interference which may be seen with other similar methods. The nature of these microparticles means that there are many possible uses for this technology.

Identified uses include:

  • Magnetic tweezers for biological samples
  • Magnetic flow cytometry
  • Magnetic mixing of fluids
  • Antibody labelling for use in biological assays such as magnetic flow cytometry, ELISAs and cell labelling
  • Protein, antibody, DNA, RNA and virus purification and manipulation
  • Modular tissue engineering and drug delivery

Advantages of the Oxford magnetic microparticles

  • Biocompatible and biodegradable
  • Inducible rotation
  • Accurate control of movement and travel
  • Inducible magnetism – therefore can be switched on and off
  • Easily removable from a solution
  • A broad range of uses

Commercialisation

This technology is subject to a patent application pending in Europe and the US. OUI is looking to talk to potential partners interested in research collaboration and licensure of this versatile tool.

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