Abstract
Biosensing based on magnetic labels (superparamagnetic beads (SPBs) consisting of polymer matrices embedded with iron oxide nanoparticles) offer unique advantages over conventional fluorescent markers and labels. In particular, SPBs can be manipulated and assembled at specific locations on functionalized surfaces by the application of external magnetic field gradients, and then disassociated by switching off the magnetic field. Also, suitably functionalized SPBs can be manipulated by the application of electric field gradients, thereby enabling a further degree of freedom in applications of the SPBs for biosensing and medical diagnostics. Here, we describe our research on protocols for biosensing based on the exploitation of the magneto-optic properties of SPBs for point of care treatment.
