Scientists at Oregon State University (OSU) have devised a new approach to identify biological and chemical agents using magnetic nanobeads.
The research could prove useful in a variety of applications such as water and food safety, medical diagnostics, bioterrorism and environmental monitoring. Nanoparticle-based hand-held device can provide a complete diagnostic laboratory on a chip.
The research on the micro-fluidic sensor was published in Sensors and Actuators. OSU professor of chemistry, Vincent Remcho, and assistant professor in the OSU School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Pallavi Dhagat, are studying the concept
Scientists believe that it is important to estimate the power of ferromagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for detecting chemicals. They believe that such particles can be used in integrated circuit systems to quickly show the findings.
Remcho stated that the nanoparticles used in the research are 1,000 times smaller in size when compared to the particles being used in standard regular diagnostic tests. He added that another vital highlight is that the nanoparticles are ferrous in nature, which enables them to be used as a signaling equipment.
Source: http://oregonstate.edu/