Magnetic Particle Analysis via Alternating Field Harmonics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biochemical analysis methods using magnetic particles suffer from high complexity, low throughput, low accuracy, and limited sensitivity due to reliance on dc measurements and residual magnetization, leading to high costs and narrow application areas.
Innovation Solution
The method involves grouping magnetic particles with attached components in a probe volume and exposing them to an alternating magnetic field with pre-set spectral components at two frequencies, recording signals at a linear combination of these frequencies to enhance signal-to-noise ratio and accuracy, using soft magnetic particles and capillary-porous structures for increased particle concentration and selective binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dc measurements and residual magnetization are used to detect magnetic particles, then the method can be implemented with simple equipment, but the sensitivity and accuracy of measurement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from dc residual magnetization to ac magnetic induction at specific frequencies. By measuring the magnetic induction at frequencies matching the excitation field (including harmonic frequencies), the system achieves superior sensitivity and accuracy while maintaining relatively simple equipment, as the ac measurement approach allows for better signal-to-noise ratio and reduced interference.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic particles are distributed throughout the specimen without spatial arrangement, then the analysis can be performed on bulk samples, but the signal strength and measurement sensitivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating magnetic particles in specific regions (such as near the electrode surface or in defined measurement zones) rather than uniformly distributing them throughout the entire specimen. This local concentration enhances the signal strength and measurement sensitivity in the critical measurement area while allowing the rest of the specimen to remain in its natural state, thus balancing signal improvement with operational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple operations including sedimentation, spinning, and rinsing are performed to remove unbound particles, then the purity of bound particles is improved, but the throughput and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unbound magnetic particles from the specimen before the measurement process using techniques such as sedimentation, spinning, or filtration. This extraction step concentrates the bound particles in the measurement zone, enhancing the signal strength and measurement precision. By performing this extraction beforehand, the system achieves high particle binding specificity without requiring complex multi-step procedures during the actual measurement, thus maintaining good productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic particles are used to detect analyte content, then the method can detect biological and chemical components, but the application area is limited by the need for specific magnetic particle attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by developing a measurement method that can detect various types of magnetic particles (such as ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or paramagnetic particles) attached to different analytes using a unified ac magnetic induction measurement approach. The system can measure magnetic induction at multiple frequencies (including fundamental and harmonic frequencies) to detect different particle types and binding configurations, thereby expanding the application area to diverse biological and chemical analyses while maintaining consistent measurement methodology.
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
This approach significantly enhances measurement sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability, reduces costs, and expands the method's application area by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and allowing for mobile, high-throughput laboratories.
Implementation Method 1
recording a signal due to the magnetic induction produced by said magnetic particles as a result of their exposure to the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
exposing said magnetic particles to a magnetic field whose spectrum is pre-set with spectral components, at least, at two frequencies; recording said signal at such a frequency that is a linear combination of the frequencies of said spectral components
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of analysis of a mixture of biological and/or chemical components that entails spatially arranging a chosen component attached to magnetic particles, exposing the particles to a magnetic field, and recording a magnetic induction signal, from which the content of the analyte in the mixture is judged; this includes grouping the chosen component in a probe volume, making the magnetic field alternating, pre-setting its spectrum, at least, at two frequencies, and recording the signal at a frequency, which is a linear combination of these frequencies, during the exposure of the magnetic particles to the field.