Multi-layered Magnetically Responsive Particles for Faster Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetically responsive particles (MRPs) face challenges in achieving a broad range of particle sizes for experimental protocols, stability, and response times, with issues such as residual magnetism, clumping, and limited size due to the characteristics of magnetic materials, which affect their performance in applications like immunoassays and magnetic resonance imaging.
Innovation Solution
The development of micro-scale MRPs with multiple layers of magnetically responsive materials (MRMs) separated by polymeric layers, where each layer is agglutinated and encapsulated to enhance stability and response time, and the use of heterocoagulants and dispersants to minimize residual magnetism and improve colloid stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the amount of magnetically responsive materials (MRM) is increased to improve magnetic response time, then response time is improved, but residual magnetism increases causing clumping and settling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the MRP into multiple discrete layers (core layer, first MRM layer, first polymeric layer, second MRM layer, second polymeric layer). This segmentation allows the MRM to be distributed across separate layers rather than concentrated in one layer, reducing residual magnetism while maintaining adequate magnetic response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polymeric layers as intermediary materials between the MRM layers. These polymeric layers act as mediators that physically separate the MRM particles, preventing direct magnetic interaction that causes clumping and residual magnetism, while still allowing the particles to respond to magnetic fields.
2Stability of the object's composition
If materials that are not magnetically responsive are added to improve particle stability, then stability is improved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different materials with different properties to different parts of the particle structure. The MRM layers provide magnetic responsiveness where needed, while the polymeric layers provide stability where needed. This local differentiation allows each material to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining magnetically responsive materials (MRM) with polymeric materials. This composite approach allows the MRP to exhibit both magnetic responsiveness (from the MRM layers) and colloidal stability (from the polymeric layers), resolving the trade-off between these two properties.
3Speed
If large amounts of MRMs are used to achieve fast response times, then response time is improved, but particle size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer structure to a multi-layer radial structure. By organizing MRM into multiple concentric layers around a core, the patent increases the effective surface area and volume for magnetic interaction without significantly increasing the overall particle diameter, thus maintaining fast response times while allowing larger particle sizes.
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
The MRPs exhibit improved response times, reduced residual magnetism, and enhanced stability, allowing for broader experimental applications, including automated and manual immunoassays and magnetic resonance imaging, with magnetic response times at least 25% faster and negligible settling rates.
Implementation Method 1
magnetically responsive particles (MRP)... include multiple layers of magnetically responsive materials (MRM)... improved response times
Implementation Method 2
a first polymeric layer encapsulating the first MRL, said first polymeric layer being formed by cross-linking a first monomer having a first reactive group and a second monomer having a reactive group
Implementation Method 3
The MRPs can include a heterocoagulant that is coagulated with the MRMs of the first MRL so as to facilitate binding with the core, or coagulated with the MRM of the second MRL so as to facilitate binding with the first polymeric layer
Data Source
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AI summary
Magnetically responsive particles can include two or more magnetically responsive layers ("MRL"). As such, the particles can have the following: a polymeric core; a first magnetically responsive layer ("MRL") on the core; a first polymeric layer bound to the first MRL; a second MRL layer bound to the first polymeric layer; and a second polymeric layer bound to the second MRL. The particles can have a faster magnetic response time compared to a similar particle having only a single MRL, which can be at least 25% faster. Also, the particle can have a magnetic squareness of less than about 0.1. Preferably, the particle can have negligible residual magnetism after being exposed to a magnetic field sufficient for the particle to respond thereto. Further, the particle can be colloidally stable in water at concentrations from about 0.1 to 10 grams of particle per 100 milliliters of water.