The magnetization dynamics involved in applying an alternating field are composed of a superposition of Neel and Brownian relaxations. To evaluate the mechanisms of magnetic relaxations, it is necessary to individually evaluate the Neel and Brownian regimes. In this study, by applying a fast responding pulse field, the two-step magnetization response of magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in a fluid in the Brownian regime occurred after the Neel regime. We isolated Neel and Brownian relaxations from an experimentally observed superposition relaxation system by fitting the theoretical calculation to the measured time evolution response of the magnetization, which was in agreement with the susceptibility that was measured through applying an alternating magnetic field. The dependence of Neel and Brownian relaxation’s dominance in the superposition system on relaxation times was clearly observed. In particular, the effect of dipole interactions on Neel and Brownian relaxation times were confirmed by changing th...

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.jpcc.9b06790

Characterization of Néel and Brownian Relaxations Isolated from Complex Dynamics Influenced by Dipole Interactions in Magnetic Nanoparticles

Magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS), also called magnetization response spectroscopy (MRS), is a versatile measurement tool derived from magnetic particle imaging (MPI). It can be interpreted as a...

Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy: A Short Review of Applications Using Magnetic Nanoparticles

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) has recently emerged as a promising non-invasive imaging technique because of its signal linearly propotional to the tracer mass, ability to generate positive contrast, low tissue background, unlimited tissue penetration depth, and lack of ionizing radiation. The sensitivity and resolution of MPI are highly dependent on the properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), and extensive research efforts have been focused on the design and synthesis of tracers. This review examines parameters that dictate the performance of MNPs, including size, shape, composition, surface property, crystallinity, the surrounding environment, and aggregation state to provide guidance for engineering MPI tracers with better performance. Finally, we discuss applications of MPI imaging and its challenges and perspectives in clinical translation.

Engineering of magnetic nanoparticles as magnetic particle imaging tracers

With the ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there is an increasing quest for more accessible, easy-to-use, rapid, inexpensive, and high-accuracy diagnostic tools. Traditional disease diagnostic methods such as qRT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription-PCR) and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) require multiple steps, trained technicians, and long turnaround time that may worsen the disease surveillance and pandemic control. In sight of this situation, a rapid, one-step, easy-to-use, and high-accuracy diagnostic platform will be valuable for future epidemic control, especially for regions with scarce medical resources. Herein, we report a magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS) platform for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) biomarkers: spike and nucleocapsid proteins. This technique monitors the dynamic magnetic responses of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and uses their higher harmonics as a measure of the nanoparticles' binding states. By anchoring polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) onto MNP surfaces, these nanoparticles function as nanoprobes to specifically bind to target analytes (SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins in this work) and form nanoparticle clusters. This binding event causes detectable changes in higher harmonics and allows for quantitative and qualitative detection of target analytes in the liquid phase. We have achieved detection limits of 1.56 nM (equivalent to 125 fmole) and 12.5 nM (equivalent to 1 pmole) for detecting SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins, respectively. This MPS platform combined with the one-step, wash-free, nanoparticle clustering-based assay method is intrinsically versatile and allows for the detection of a variety of other disease biomarkers by simply changing the surface functional groups on MNPs.

One-Step, Wash-free, Nanoparticle Clustering-Based Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy Bioassay Method for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Nucleocapsid Proteins in the Liquid Phase.

Magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS), also called magnetization response spectroscopy, is a novel measurement tool derived from magnetic particle imaging (MPI). It can be interpreted as a zero-dimensional version of MPI scanner. MPS was primarily designed for characterizing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) regarding their applicability for MPI. In recent years, it has evolved into an independent, versatile, highly sensitive, inexpensive platform for biological and biomedical assays, cell labeling and tracking, and blood analysis. MPS has also developed into an auxiliary tool for magnetic imaging and hyperthermia by providing high spatial and temporal mappings of temperature and viscosity. Furthermore, other MPS-based applications are being explored such as magnetic fingerprints for product tracking and identification in supply chains. There are a variety of novel MPS-based applications being reported and demonstrated by many groups. In this short review, we highlighted some of the representative applications based on MPS platform, thereby providing a roadmap of this technology and our insights for researchers in this area.

Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy: A Short Review of Applications

Effects of size and anisotropy of magnetic nanoparticles associated with dynamics of easy axis for magnetic particle imaging

Magnetic particle imaging has been developed by the optimization of the tracer materials, excitation systems, and system functions for image reconstruction. Here, we prepared and studied magnetic nanoparticles with different core diameters, coated by carboxymethyl-diethylaminoethyl dextran as a blood-pooling agent. For comparison, measurements were also performed using Resovist ® , a widely used tracer agent. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of the prepared samples of nanoparticles revealed monodisperse single-core, chainlike aggregation, and multi-core structures. For optimizing the core size and structure of magnetic nanoparticles for use as imaging tracers, we evaluated the magnetization response to an applied field and harmonic intensity by measuring direct and alternating current hysteresis loops. To evaluate the dependence of the harmonic intensity on the core size and particle structures, large-magnetization particles were assembled using magnetic separation. The harmonic intensity depended not only on the core size but also on the particle structure. Diameters and distributions of single- and multi-core particles are important parameters. Solid and liquid samples of particles were studied for characterization of imaging of solid objects (such as tumors and organs) and liquids (such as blood).

Ichiro Kato

Papers

Effects of size and anisotropy of magnetic nanoparticles associated with dynamics of easy axis for magnetic particle imaging

Effect of particle size and structure on harmonic intensity of blood-pooling multi-core magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic particle imaging