Using bio-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and dynamic nuclear magnetic resonance to characterize the time-dependent spin-spin relaxation time for sensitive bio-detection

Sensors (Basel). 2014 Nov 12;14(11):21409-17. doi: 10.3390/s141121409.

Abstract

In this work, we report the use of bio-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (BMNs) and dynamic magnetic resonance (DMR) to characterize the time-dependent spin-spin relaxation time for sensitive bio-detection. The biomarkers are the human C-reactive protein (CRP) while the BMNs are the anti-CRP bound onto dextran-coated Fe3O4 particles labeled as Fe3O4-antiCRP. It was found the time-dependent spin-spin relaxation time, T2, of protons decreases as time evolves. Additionally, the ΔT2 of of protons in BMNs increases as the concentration of CRP increases. We attribute these to the formation of the magnetic clusters that deteriorate the field homogeneity of nearby protons. A sensitivity better than 0.1 μg/mL for assaying CRP is achieved, which is much higher than that required by the clinical criteria (0.5 mg/dL). The present MR-detection platform shows promise for further use in detecting tumors, viruses, and proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation*
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis*
  • C-Reactive Protein / immunology
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible / chemical synthesis
  • Dextrans / chemistry*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Humans
  • Immunomagnetic Separation / instrumentation*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / instrumentation*
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spin Labels

Substances

  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Dextrans
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles
  • Spin Labels
  • C-Reactive Protein