Magnetic Nanoparticle Analyte Detection Without Sample Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for magnetic detection of biomolecules in their natural biological fluids are cumbersome, requiring extraction of the analyte and suffer from high calorimeter losses, making them inefficient for rapid and accurate detection.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing functionalized magnetic nanoparticles with a recognition ligand, measuring the dynamical magnetization signal under alternating magnetic fields to detect and quantify analytes in biological fluids by comparing hysteresis loops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic detection methods are applied to biomolecules in biological fluids, then detection capability is achieved, but the methods require extraction of analyte and produce high calorimeter losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcalorimeter losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the magnetic nanoparticle signal from the complex biological fluid matrix by using AC magnetometry at specific frequencies, eliminating the need for analyte extraction while avoiding calorimeter losses through non-calorimetric detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces calorimetric detection (thermal measurement) with AC magnetometry (magnetic moment measurement), substituting a mechanical/thermal system with a magnetic field-based system that avoids calorimeter losses entirely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If conventional magnetic detection methods are used, then analyte detection is possible, but the methods are cumbersome and inefficient for rapid detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyte detectionVSAvoiddetection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic nanoparticles are pre-functionalized with recognition ligands before introduction to the biological fluid, so that when the analyte is present, binding occurs immediately without requiring additional preparation steps, enabling rapid detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The functionalized magnetic nanoparticles autonomously bind to their target analytes in the biological fluid without requiring external manipulation or extraction steps, and the AC magnetometer directly detects the bound complexes, enabling a simple one-step self-contained detection process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid and accurate detection and quantification of biomolecules directly in biological fluids without extraction, using functionalized magnetic nanoparticles to measure changes in dynamical magnetization signals for precise analysis.

Implementation Method 1

measuring the dynamical magnetisation signal of the functionalized magnetic nanoparticles in the aqueous or biological fluid of step b) containing the analyte under an alternating magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetization: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

comparing the hysteresis loops; preferably by comparing the values of the hysteresis loop parameters obtained from the hysteresis loops

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHysteresis: Hysteresis

Implementation Method 3

measuring the induced voltage signals as a function of time under alternating magnetic fields

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlternating magnetic field: Alternating Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3707508B1Method for detection of an analyte
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 FUNDACION IMDEA NANOCIENCIA
  • EP3707508B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3707508B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3707508B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for in vitro detection and/or quantification of an analyte in aqueous or biological fluids based on monitoring the variation of the dynamical magnetisation signal of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles after their specific interaction with an analyte. The invention also provides a method for measuring the efficacy of a treatment of a disease in a subject, a method of diagnosis of a disease in a subject, as well as an apparatus for carrying out the three methods.