Superparamagnetic relaxometry

Superparamagnetic relaxometry (SPMR) is a technology combining the use of sensitive magnetic sensors and the superparamagnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles (NP).[1][2] For NP of a sufficiently small size, on the order of tens of nanometers (nm), the NP exhibit paramagnetic properties, i.e., they have little or no magnetic moment. When they are exposed to a small external magnetic field, on the order of a few millitesla (mT), the NP align with that field and exhibit ferromagnetic properties with large magnetic moments. Following removal of the magnetizing field, the NP slowly become thermalized, decaying with a distinct time constant from the ferromagnetic state back to the paramagnetic state. This time constant depends strongly upon the NP diameter and whether they are unbound or bound to an external surface such as a cell. Measurement of this decaying magnetic field is typically done by superconducting quantum interference detectors (SQUIDs). The magnitude of the field during the decay process determines the magnetic moment of the NPs in the source. A spatial contour map of the field distribution determines the location of the source in three dimensions as well as the magnetic moment.

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  2. ^ Lange, J; Kötitz, R; Haller, A; Trahms, L; Semmler, W; Weitschies, W (2002-11-01). "Magnetorelaxometry—a new binding specific detection method based on magnetic nanoparticles". Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Magnetic Fluids. 252: 381–383. Bibcode:2002JMMM..252..381L. doi:10.1016/S0304-8853(02)00657-1.