Integrated microHall magnetometer to measure the magnetic properties of nanoparticles

Lab Chip. 2017 Nov 21;17(23):4000-4007. doi: 10.1039/c7lc00934h.

Abstract

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are widely used in biomedical and clinical applications, including medical imaging, therapeutics, and biological sample processing. Rapid characterization of MNPs, notably their magnetic moments, should facilitate optimization of particle synthesis and accelerate assay development. Here, we report a compact and low-cost magnetometer for fast, on-site MNP characterization. Termed integrated microHall magnetometer (iHM), our device was fabricated using standard semiconductor processes: an array of Hall sensors, transistor switches, and amplifiers were integrated into a single chip, thus improving the detection sensitivity and facilitating chip operation. By applying the iHM, we demonstrate versatile magnetic assays. We measured the magnetic susceptibility and moments of MNPs using small sample amounts (∼10 pL), identified different MNP compositions in mixtures, and detected MNP-labeled single cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices*
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles / analysis
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Magnetometry / instrumentation*
  • Magnetometry / methods
  • Metals / chemistry

Substances

  • Magnetite Nanoparticles
  • Metals