Magnetic biosensor technologies for medical applications: a review

Update on aquaporin-4 antibody detection: the early diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune-mediated primary inflammatory myelinopathy of the central nervous system that primarily affects the optic nerve and spinal cord. The aquaporin 4 antibody (AQP4-Ab) is a specific autoantibody marker for NMOSD. Most patients with NMOSD are seropositive for AQP4-Ab, thus aiding physicians in identifying ways to treat NMOSD. AQP4-Ab has been tested in many clinical and laboratory studies, demonstrating effectiveness in diagnosing NMOSD. Recently, novel assays have been developed for the rapid and accurate detection of AQP4-Ab, providing further guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of NMOSD. This article summarizes the importance of rapid and accurate diagnosis for treating NMOSD based on a review of the latest relevant literature. We discussed current challenges and methods for improvement to offer new ideas for exploring rapid and accurate AQP4-Ab detection methods, aiming for early diagnosis of NMOSD.

Multiple-Point Metamaterial-Inspired Microwave Sensors for Early-Stage Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Simple, instantaneous, contactless, multiple-point metamaterial-inspired microwave sensors, composed of multi-band, low-profile metamaterial-inspired antennas, were developed to detect and identify meningioma tumors, the most common primary brain tumors. Based on a typical meningioma tumor size of 5-20 mm, a higher operating frequency, where the wavelength is similar or smaller than the tumor target, is crucial. The sensors, designed for the microwave Ku band range (12-18 GHz), where the electromagnetic property values of tumors are available, were implemented in this study. A seven-layered head phantom, including the meningioma tumors, was defined using actual electromagnetic parametric values in the frequency range of interest to mimic the actual human head. The reflection coefficients can be recorded and analyzed instantaneously, reducing high electromagnetic radiation consumption. It has been shown that a single-band detection point is not adequate to classify the nonlinear tumor and head model parameters. On the other hand, dual-band and tri-band metamaterial-inspired antennas, with additional detecting points, create a continuous function solution for the nonlinear problem by adding extra observation points using multiple-band excitation. The point mapping values can be used to enhance the tumor detection capability. Two-point mapping showed a consistent trend between the S11 value order and the tumor size, while three-point mapping can also be used to demonstrate the correlation between the S11 value order and the tumor size. This proposed multi-detection point technique can be applied to a sensor for other nonlinear property targets. Moreover, a set of antennas with different polarizations, orientations, and arrangements in a network could help to obtain the highest sensitivity and accuracy of the whole system.

Nanomaterials revolutionize biosensing: 0D-3D designs for ultrasensitive detection of microorganisms and viruses

Various diseases caused by harmful microorganisms and viruses have caused serious harm and huge economic losses to society. Thus, rapid detection of harmful microorganisms and viruses is necessary for disease prevention and treatment. Nanomaterials have unique properties that other materials do not possess, such as a small size effect and quantum size effect. Introducing nanomaterials into biosensors improves the performance of biosensors for faster and more accurate detection of microorganisms and viruses. This review aims to introduce the different kinds of biosensors and the latest advances in the application of nanomaterials in biosensors. In particular, this review focuses on describing the physicochemical properties of zero-, one-, two-, and three-dimensional nanostructures as well as nanoenzymes. Finally, this review discusses the applications of nanobiosensors in the detection of microorganisms and viruses and the future directions of nanobiosensors.

Using Temporally and Spatially Resolved Measurements to Improve the Sensitivity of Fluorescence-Based Immunoassays

Detecting low concentrations of biomarkers is essential in clinical laboratories. To improve analytical sensitivity, especially in identifying fluorescently labeled molecules, typical optical detection systems, consisting of a photodetector or camera, utilize time-resolved measurements. Taking a different approach, magnetic modulation biosensing (MMB) is a novel technology that combines fluorescently labeled probes and magnetic particles to create a sandwich assay with the target molecules. By concentrating the target molecules and then using time-resolved measurements, MMB provides the rapid and highly sensitive detection of various biomarkers. Here, we propose a novel signal-processing algorithm that enhances the detection and estimation of target molecules at low concentrations. By incorporating both temporally and spatially resolved measurements using human interleukin-8 as a target molecule, we show that the new algorithm provides a 2-4-fold improvement in the limit of detection and an ~25% gain in quantitative resolution.

Additive Manufacturing Applications in Biosensors Technologies

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has emerged as an attractive state-of-the-art tool for precisely fabricating functional materials with complex geometries, championing several advancements in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and therapeutics. However, this technology has an untapped potential for biotechnological applications, such as sensor and biosensor development. By exploring these avenues, the scope of 3D printing technology can be expanded and pave the way for groundbreaking innovations in the biotechnology field. Indeed, new printing materials and printers would offer new possibilities for seamlessly incorporating biological functionalities within the growing 3D scaffolds. Herein, we review the additive manufacturing applications in biosensor technologies with a particular emphasis on extrusion-based 3D printing modalities. We highlight the application of natural, synthetic, and composite biomaterials as 3D-printed soft hydrogels. Emphasis is placed on the approach by which the sensing molecules are introduced during the fabrication process. Finally, future perspectives are provided.

Lithographically defined encoded magnetic heterostructures for the targeted screening of kidney cancer

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the 7th commonest cancer in the UK and the most lethal urological malignancy; 50% of all RCC patients will die from the condition. However, if identified early enough, small RCCs are usually cured by surgery or percutaneous procedures, with 95% 10 year survival. This study describes a newly developed non-invasive urine-based assay for the early detection of RCC. Our approach uses encoded magnetically controllable heterostructures as a substrate for immunoassays. These heterostructures have molecular recognition abilities and embedded patterned codes for a rapid identification of RCC biomarkers. The magnetic heterostructures developed for this study have a magnetic configuration designed for a remote multi axial control of their orientation by external magnetic fields, this control facilitates the code readout when the heterostructures are in liquid. Furthermore, the optical encoding of each set of heterostructures provides a multiplexed analyte capture platform, as different sets of heterostructures, specific to different biomarkers can be mixed together in a patient sample. Our results show a precise magnetic control of the heterostructures with an efficient code readout during liquid immunoassays. The use of functionalised magnetic heterostructures as a substrate for immunoassay is validated for urine specimen spiked with recombinant RCC biomarkers. Initial results of the newly proposed screening method on urine samples from RCC patients, and controls with no renal disorders are presented in this study. Comprehensive optimisation cycles are in progress to validate the robustness of this technology as a novel, non-invasive screening method for RCC.

Shaping Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy of Co2MnGa Heusler Alloy Using Ion Irradiation for Magnetic Sensor Applications

Magnetic sensors are key elements in many industrial, security, military, and biomedical applications. Heusler alloys are promising materials for magnetic sensor applications due to their high spin polarization and tunable magnetic properties. The dynamic field range of magnetic sensors is strongly related to the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). By tuning the PMA, it is possible to modify the sensing direction, sensitivity and even the accuracy of the magnetic sensors. Here, we report the tuning of PMA in a Co₂MnGa Heusler alloy film via argon (Ar) ion irradiation. MgO/Co₂MnGa/Pd films with an initial PMA were irradiated with 30 keV ⁴⁰Ar⁺ ions with fluences (ions·cm^-2) between 1 × 10¹³ and 1 × 10¹⁵ Ar·cm^-2, which corresponds to displacement per atom values between 0.17 and 17, estimated from Monte-Carlo-based simulations. The magneto optical and magnetization results showed that the effective anisotropy energy (K_eff) decreased from ~153 kJ·m^-3 for the un-irradiated film to ~14 kJ·m^-3 for the 1 × 10¹⁴ Ar·cm^-2 irradiated film. The reduced K_eff and PMA are attributed to ion-irradiation-induced interface intermixing that decreased the interfacial anisotropy. These results demonstrate that ion irradiation is a promising technique for shaping the PMA of Co₂MnGa Heusler alloy for magnetic sensor applications.

A Lab-on-a-Chip Approach for the Detection of the Quarantine Potato Cyst Nematode Globodera pallida

The potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera pallida, has acquired significant importance throughout Europe due to its widespread prevalence and negative effects on potato production. Thus, rapid and reliable diagnosis of PCN is critical during surveillance programs and for the implementation of control measures. The development of innovative technologies to overcome the limitations of current methodologies in achieving early detection is needed. Lab-on-a-chip devices can swiftly and accurately detect the presence of certain nucleotide sequences with high sensitivity and convert the presence of biological components into an understandable electrical signal by combining biosensors with microfluidics-based biochemical analysis. In this study, a specific DNA-probe sequence and PCR primers were designed to be used in a magnetoresistive biosensing platform to amplify the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA of G. pallida. Magnetic nanoparticles were used as the labelling agents of asymmetric PCR product through biotin−streptavidin interaction. Upon target hybridization to sensor immobilized oligo probes, the fringe field created by the magnetic nanoparticles produces a variation in the sensor’s electrical resistance. The detection signal corresponds to the concentration of target molecules present in the sample. The results demonstrate the suitability of the magnetic biosensor to detect PCR target product and the specificity of the probe, which consistently distinguishes G. pallida (DV/V > 1%) from other cyst nematodes (DV/V < 1%), even when DNA mixtures were tested at different concentrations. This shows the magnetic biosensor’s potential as a bioanalytical device for field applications and border phytosanitary inspections.

COVID-19 diagnostics: Molecular biology to nanomaterials

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has claimed around 6.4 million lives worldwide. The disease symptoms range from mild flu-like infection to life-threatening complications. The widespread infection demands rapid, simple, and accurate diagnosis. Currently used methods include molecular biology-based approaches that consist of conventional amplification by RT-PCR, isothermal amplification-based techniques such as RT-LAMP, and gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas. Other methods include immunological detection including ELISA, lateral flow immunoassay, chemiluminescence, etc. Radiological-based approaches are also being used. Despite good analytical performance of these current methods, there is an unmet need for less costly and simpler tests that may be performed at point of care. Accordingly, nanomaterial-based testing has been extensively pursued. In this review, we discuss the currently used diagnostic techniques for SARS-CoV-2, their usefulness, and limitations. In addition, nanoparticle-based approaches have been highlighted as another potential means of detection. The review provides a deep insight into the current diagnostic methods and future trends to combat this deadly menace.

Luminescence Nanomaterials for Biosensing Applications

Due to their capabilities of immobilizing more bioreceptor parts with reduced volumes, nanomaterials have emerged as potential tools for increasing sensitivity to specific molecules. Furthermore, carbon nanotube, gold nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, semiconductor quantum dots, graphene, nano-diamonds and graphene are among the nanomaterials that are under investigation. Due to the fast development of such a field of research, review summarises the classification of biosensors using main receptors, and designing biosensors. Numerous studies have concentrated on the manipulation of Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) in biosensing, cell tracking, bioimaging, and cancer therapy due to the effective removal of the autofluorescence interferences from tissues and the ultra-long near-infrared afterglow emission. As luminescence has a unique optical property, it can be detected without constant external illumination, preventing autofluorescence and light dispersion through tissues. These successes sparked an increasing curiosity in creating novel PLNP kinds with desired superior properties and multiple purposes. In this review, we emphasize the most recent developments in biosensing, imaging, and image-guided therapy while summarizing the research on synthesis methods, bio applications, bio membrane modification and bio-safety of PLNPs. Finally, the remaining issues and difficulties are examined together with prospective future developments in the field of biomedical applications.

Biological Impact of γ-Fe2O3 Magnetic Nanoparticles Obtained by Laser Target Evaporation: Focus on Magnetic Biosensor Applications

The biological activity of γ-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), obtained by the laser target evaporation technique, was studied, with a focus on their possible use in biosensor applications. The biological effect of the MNPs was investigated in vitro on the primary cultures of human dermal fibroblasts. The effects of the MNPs contained in culture medium or MNPs already uptaken by cells were evaluated for the cases of the fibroblast's proliferation and secretion of cytokines and collagen. For the tests related to the contribution of the constant magnetic field to the biological activity of MNPs, a magnetic system for the creation of the external magnetic field (having no commercial analogues) was designed, calibrated, and used. It was adapted to the size of standard 24-well cell culture plates. At low concentrations of MNPs, uptake by fibroblasts had stimulated their proliferation. Extracellular MNPs stimulated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) or chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8)) in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the presence of MNPs did not increase the collagen secretion. The exposure to the uniform constant magnetic field (H ≈ 630 or 320 Oe), oriented in the plane of the well, did not cause considerable changes in fibroblasts proliferation and secretion, regardless of presence of MNPs. Statistically significant differences were detected only in the levels of IL-8/CXCL8 release.

Mechanical Force Acting on Ferrogel in a Non-Uniform Magnetic Field: Measurements and Modeling

The development of magnetoactive microsystems for targeted drug delivery, magnetic biodetection, and replacement therapy is an important task of present day biomedical research. In this work, we experimentally studied the mechanical force acting in cylindrical ferrogel samples due to the application of a non-uniform magnetic field. A commercial microsystem is not available for this type of experimental study. Therefore, the original experimental setup for measuring the mechanical force on ferrogel in a non-uniform magnetic field was designed, calibrated, and tested. An external magnetic field was provided by an electromagnet. The maximum intensity at the surface of the electromagnet was 39.8 kA/m and it linearly decreased within 10 mm distance from the magnet. The Ferrogel samples were based on a double networking polymeric structure which included a chemical network of polyacrylamide and a physical network of natural polysaccharide guar. Magnetite particles, 0.25 micron in diameter, were embedded in the hydrogel structure, up to 24% by weight. The forces of attraction between an electromagnet and cylindrical ferrogel samples, 9 mm in height and 13 mm in diameter, increased with field intensity and the concentration of magnetic particles, and varied within 0.1–30 mN. The model provided a fair evaluation of the mechanical forces that emerged in ferrogel samples placed in a non-uniform magnetic field and proved to be useful for predicting the deformation of ferrogels in practical bioengineering applications.

A Uniform Magnetic Field Generator Combined with a Thin-Film Magneto-Impedance Sensor Capable of Human Body Scans

A detection system for magnetic inclusions of large bulk, such as that of a whole human body, is proposed in this paper. The system consists of both a uniform magnetic field generating apparatus capable of the insertion of a whole human body and also of a high-sensitivity magnetic sensor array installed in the strong magnetic field. The system can detect the magnetic inclusion simultaneously through its magnetization, which is advantageous for detecting low-remanence magnetic materials, such as a cluster of nanoparticles. The thin-film magneto-impedance sensor was reported to be capable of tolerating strong magnetic fields of more than 3000 Gauss (0.3 T) in the substrate's normal direction and can retain its sensitivity even in strong fields. Through a combination of both uniformity of strength and the placement of its directionally aligned, static magnetic field in a particular measurement area and its array of single-dimensional thin-film magneto-impedance sensors, it was reported that it can estimate a magnetic sample's 3D position by using a simple equation. The aim of the system developed in this study is to nondestructively detect a cluster of magnetic nanoparticles in a human body and also to detect the position and the concentration of the clustered magnetic particles. In this paper, a prototype system consisting of a magnetic field generator with an area of W500 mm × L400 mm × H210 mm and a uniform magnetic field of 370 Gauss (37 mT) is reported. It also reported that the thin-film magneto-impedance sensor installed in the system verified the detection of 2 mm × 1 mm small ellipsoidal magnetic chips at a distance of 27 mm from the sensor element.

Rational Design of ZIF-8 for Constructing Luminescent Biosensors with Glucose Oxidase and AIE-Type Gold Nanoclusters

The development of modern technologies has acclimatized biosensors to complicated applicable scenarios with integrated properties as a whole instead of the pursuit of a single-point breakthrough. Here, we targeted a few concerns in the development of enzyme-based biosensors, including stability, analyte enrichment, and signal transduction, and developed a general biosensing model utilizing enzymes, aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogens, and stimuli-responsive framework materials as the units. We propose such proof-of-concept of glucose biosensors by coencapsulating glucose oxidase and AIE-type gold nanoclusters into acid-sensitive zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF)-8 nanocrystals. The acid-activated degradation of ZIF-8 bridges the molecular signals produced by the enzyme-catalytic reaction of glucose and the photon signals generated by ZIF-8-induced AIE effects of gold nanoclusters, resulting in the "turn-off" model nanoprobes for glucose detection with high selectivity. After embedding the nanoprobes into hollow-out tapes, the formed paper biosensors can conveniently detect glucose with the help of a smartphone.

Improving the Detection Accuracy of an Ag/Au Bimetallic Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Based on Graphene

A theoretical study was conducted with the aim of improving the detection accuracy of graphene-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors. We studied the effect of applying a bias voltage to the sensor surface on its detection accuracy. The optimum thicknesses of silver and gold layers in the biosensor of 47 nm and 3 nm, respectively, were determined. Graphene layers deposited on these thin silver and gold films formed a sensor surface system, on which the surface plasmons were excited. The real and imaginary parts of the refractive index of graphene were controlled by the bias voltage. When the chemical potential was increased from 36 meV to 8 eV, the detection accuracy of the sensor was correspondingly increased by 213%.

MEMS-Based Cantilever Sensor for Simultaneous Measurement of Mass and Magnetic Moment of Magnetic Particles

This study presents a measurement approach suitable for the simultaneous determination of both the mass mp and magnetic moment µp of magnetic particles deposited on a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) resonant cantilever balance, which is operated in parallel to an external magnetic field-induced force gradient F′(z). Magnetic induction B(z) and its second spatial derivative δ2B/δz2 is realized, beforehand, through the finite element method magnetics (FEMM) simulation with a pair of neodymium permanent magnets configured in a face-to-face arrangement. Typically, the magnets are mounted in a magnet holder assembly designed and fabricated in-house. The resulting F′ lowers the calibrated intrinsic stiffness k0 of the cantilever to k0-F′, which can, thus, be obtained from a measured resonance frequency shift of the cantilever. The magnetic moment µp per deposited particle is determined by dividing F′ by δ2B/δz2 and the number of the attached monodisperse particles given by the mass-induced frequency shift of the cantilever. For the plain iron oxide particles (250 nm) and the magnetic polystyrene particles (2 µm), we yield µp of 0.8 to 1.5 fA m2 and 11 to 19 fA m2 compared to 2 fA m2 and 33 fA m2 nominal values, respectively.

A Model for the Magnetoimpedance Effect in Non-Symmetric Nanostructured Multilayered Films with Ferrogel Coverings

Magnetoimpedance (MI) biosensors for the detection of in-tissue incorporated magnetic nanoparticles are a subject of special interest. The possibility of the detection of the ferrogel samples mimicking the natural tissues with nanoparticles was proven previously for symmetric MI thin-film multilayers. In this work, in order to describe the MI effect in non-symmetric multilayered elements covered by ferrogel layer we propose an electromagnetic model based on a solution of the 4Maxwell equations. The approach is based on the previous calculations of the distribution of electromagnetic fields in the non-symmetric multilayers further developed for the case of the ferrogel covering. The role of the asymmetry of the film on the MI response of the multilayer-ferrogel structure is analyzed in the details. The MI field and frequency dependences, the concentration dependences of the MI for fixed frequencies and the frequency dependence of the concentration sensitivities are obtained for the detection process by both symmetric and non-symmetric MI structures.

Magnetoimpedance Thin Film Sensor for Detecting of Stray Fields of Magnetic Particles in Blood Vessel

Multilayered [FeNi (100 nm)/Cu (3 nm)]₅/Cu (500 nm)/[Cu (3 nm)/[FeNi (100 nm)]₅ structures were used as sensitive elements of the magnetoimpedance (MI) sensor prototype for model experiments of the detection of magnetic particles in blood vessel. Non-ferromagnetic cylindrical polymer rod with a small magnetic inclusion was used as a sample mimicking thrombus in a blood vessel. The polymer rod was made of epoxy resin with an inclusion of an epoxy composite containing 30% weight fraction of commercial magnetite microparticles. The position of the magnetic inclusion mimicking thrombus in the blood vessel was detected by the measurements of the stray magnetic fields of microparticles using MI element. Changes of the MI ratio in the presence of composite can be characterized by the shift and the decrease of the maximum value of the MI. We were able to detect the position of the magnetic composite sample mimicking thrombus in blood vessels. Comsol modeling was successfully used for the analysis of the obtained experimental results and the understanding of the origin the MI sensitivity in proposed configuration. We describe possible applications of studied configuration of MI detection for biomedical applications in the field of thrombus state evaluation and therapy.

Detection techniques of biological and chemical Hall sensors

Integrated magnetic Hall effect sensors have been widely used in people's daily life over the past decades, and still are gaining enormous attention from researchers to establish novel applications, especially in biochemistry and biomedical healthcare. This paper reviews, classifies, compares and concludes state-of-the-art integrated Hall magnetic sensors in terms of cost, power, area, performance and application. Current applications of the Hall sensors such as detecting magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) labeled on biomolecule, monitoring blood pulse wave velocity, characterizing soft biological materials, controlling syringe injection rate and eye surgery by training systems, and assisting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be discussed comprehensively and future applications and trends will be highlighted. This review paper will introduce Hall sensor's advantages such as simple design and technology of manufacturing, low cost, low power consumption, possibility of the miniaturizing, noninvasive and room temperature measurement, with respect to the other magnetic sensing systems and methods.

FEAST of biosensors: Food, environmental and agricultural sensing technologies (FEAST) in North America

We review the challenges and opportunities for biosensor research in North America aimed to accelerate translational research. We call for platform approaches based on: i) tools that can support interoperability between food, environment and agriculture, ii) open-source tools for analytics, iii) algorithms used for data and information arbitrage, and iv) use-inspired sensor design. We summarize select mobile devices and phone-based biosensors that couple analytical systems with biosensors for improving decision support. Over 100 biosensors developed by labs in North America were analyzed, including lab-based and portable devices. The results of this literature review show that nearly one quarter of the manuscripts focused on fundamental platform development or material characterization. Among the biosensors analyzed for food (post-harvest) or environmental applications, most devices were based on optical transduction (whether a lab assay or portable device). Most biosensors for agricultural applications were based on electrochemical transduction and few utilized a mobile platform. Presently, the FEAST of biosensors has produced a wealth of opportunity but faces a famine of actionable information without a platform for analytics.

On the magnetic aggregation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles

Background and objective In-vivo MRI-guided drug delivery concept is a personalized technique towards cancer treatment. A major bottleneck of this method, is the weak magnetic response of nanoparticles. A crucial improvement is the usage of paramagnetic nanoparticles aggregates since they can easier manipulated in human arteries than isolated particles. However its significance, not a comprehensive study to estimate the mean length and time to aggregate exists. Methods The present detailed numerical study includes all major discrete and continues forces and moments of the nanoscale in a global model. The effort is given in summarizing the effects of particle diameter and concentration, and magnetic field magnitude to comprehensive relations. Therefore, several cases with nanoparticles having various diameters and concentrations are simulated as magnetic field increases. Results It is found that aggregations with maximum length equal to 2000nm can be formed. In addition, the increase of the concentration leads to a decrease in the amount of the isolated particles. Consequently, 33% of the particles are isolated for the concentration of 2.25mg/ml while 13% for the concentration of 10mg/ml. Moreover, the increase of the permanent magnetic field and diameter of particles gives rise to an asymptotic behavior in the number of isolated particles. Furthermore, the mean length of aggregates scales linear with diameter and magnetic field, however, concentration increase results in a weaker effect. The larger aggregation that is formed is composed by 21 particles. Smaller time is needed for the completion of the aggregation process with larger particles. Additionally, the increase of the magnitude of the magnetic field leads to a decrease in the aggregation time process. Therefore, 8.5ms are needed for the completion of the aggregation process for particles of 100nm at B₀=0.1T while 7ms at B₀=0.9T. Surprisedly, the mean time to aggregate is of the same order as in microparticles, although, with an opposite trend. Conclusions In this study, the evolution of the mean length of aggregations as well as the completion time of the aggregation process in the nano and micro range is evaluated. The present results could be useful to improve the magnetic nanoparticles assisted drug delivery method in order to minimize the side effects from the convectional cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.

Nanobiosensors for the Detection of Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV and Other Pandemic/Epidemic Respiratory Viruses: A Review

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is considered a public health emergency of international concern. The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that caused this pandemic has spread rapidly to over 200 countries, and has drastically affected public health and the economies of states at unprecedented levels. In this context, efforts around the world are focusing on solving this problem in several directions of research, by: (i) exploring the origin and evolution of the phylogeny of the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome; (ii) developing nanobiosensors that could be highly effective in detecting the new coronavirus; (iii) finding effective treatments for COVID-19; and (iv) working on vaccine development. In this paper, an overview of the progress made in the development of nanobiosensors for the detection of human coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is presented, along with specific techniques for modifying the surface of nanobiosensors. The newest detection methods of the influenza virus responsible for acute respiratory syndrome were compared with conventional methods, highlighting the newest trends in diagnostics, applications, and challenges of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 causative virus) nanobiosensors.

Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Nanomaterials for Enhanced Biosensor Selectivity and Transduction

Significant healthcare disparities resulting from personal wealth, circumstances of birth, education level, and more are internationally prevalent. As such, advances in biomedical science overwhelmingly benefit a minority of the global population. Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) can contribute to societal equilibrium by making medical diagnostics affordable, convenient, and fast. Unfortunately, conventional POCT appears stagnant in terms of achieving significant advances. This is attributed to the high cost and instability associated with conventional biorecognition: primarily antibodies, but nucleic acids, cells, enzymes, and aptamers have also been used. Instead, state-of-the-art biosensor researchers are increasingly leveraging molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for their high selectivity, excellent stability, and amenability to a variety of physical and chemical manipulations. Besides the elimination of conventional bioreceptors, the incorporation of nanomaterials has further improved the sensitivity of biosensors. Herein, modern nanobiosensors employing MIPs for selectivity and nanomaterials for improved transduction are systematically reviewed. First, a brief synopsis of fabrication and wide-spread challenges with selectivity demonstration are presented. Afterward, the discussion turns to an analysis of relevant case studies published in the last five years. The analysis is given through two lenses: MIP-based biosensors employing specific nanomaterials and those adopting particular transduction strategies. Finally, conclusions are presented along with a look to the future through recommendations for advancing the field. It is hoped that this work will accelerate successful efforts in the field, orient new researchers, and contribute to equitable health care for all.

Spin current nano-oscillator (SCNO) as a potential frequency-based, ultra-sensitive magnetic biosensor: a simulation study

This work is a micromagnetic simulation-based study on the GHz-frequency ferromagnetic resonances (FMR) for the detection of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) using spin current nano-oscillator (SCNO) operating in precession mode. Capture antibody-antigen-detection antibody-MNP complex on the SCNO surface generates magnetic fields that modify the FMR peaks and generate measurable resonance peak shifts. Moreover, our results strongly indicate the position-sensitive behavior of the SCNO biosensor and demonstrate ways to eradicate this effect to facilitate improved bio-sensing. Additionally, a study has been made on how MNPs with different sizes can alter the SCNO device performance. This simulation-based study on the SCNO device shows the feasibility of a frequency-based nano-biosensor with the sensitivity of detecting a single MNP, even in presence of background noise.

Anti-Biofouling Strategies for Long-Term Continuous Use of Implantable Biosensors

The growing trend for personalized medicine calls for more reliable implantable biosensors that are capable of continuously monitoring target analytes for extended periods (i.e., >30 d). While promising biosensors for various applications are constantly being developed in the laboratories across the world, many struggle to maintain reliable functionality in complex in vivo environments over time. In this review, we explore the impact of various biotic and abiotic failure modes on the reliability of implantable biosensors. We discuss various design considerations for the development of chronically reliable implantable biosensors with a specific focus on strategies to combat biofouling, which is a fundamental challenge for many implantable devices. Briefly, we introduce the process of the foreign body response and compare the in vitro and the in vivo performances of state-of-the-art implantable biosensors. We then discuss the latest development in material science to minimize and delay biofouling including the usage of various hydrophilic, biomimetic, drug-eluting, zwitterionic, and other smart polymer materials. We also explore a number of active anti-biofouling approaches including stimuli-responsive materials and mechanical actuation. Finally, we conclude this topical review with a discussion on future research opportunities towards more reliable implantable biosensors.

Multiple Bacteria Identification in the Point-of-Care: an Old Method Serving a New Approach

The accurate diagnosis of bacterial infections is of critical importance for effective treatment decisions. Due to the multietiologic nature of most infectious diseases, multiplex assays are essential for diagnostics. However, multiplexability in nucleic acid amplification-based methods commonly resorts to multiple primers and/or multiple reaction chambers, which increases analysis cost and complexity. Herein, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offer method based on a universal pair of primers and an array of specific oligonucleotide probes was developed through the analysis of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The detection system consisted of DNA hybridization over an array of magnetoresistive sensors in a microfabricated biochip coupled to an electronic reader. Immobilized probes interrogated single-stranded biotinylated amplicons and were obtained using asymmetric PCR. Moreover, they were magnetically labelled with streptavidin-coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The benchmarking of the system was demonstrated to detect five major bovine mastitis-causing pathogens: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis, and Streptococcus agalactiae. All selected probes proved to specifically detect their respective amplicon without significant cross reactivity. A calibration curve was performed for S. agalactiae, which demonstrates demonstrating a limit of detection below 30 fg/µL. Thus, a sensitive and specific multiplex detection assay was established, demonstrating its potential as a bioanalytical device for point-of-care applications.

Performance Validation of a Planar Hall Resistance Biosensor through Beta-Amyloid Biomarker

Magnetic sensors have great potential for biomedical applications, particularly, detection of magnetically-labeled biomolecules and cells. On the basis of the advantage of the planar Hall effect sensor, which consists of improved thermal stability as compared with other magnetic sensors, we have designed a portable biosensor platform that can detect magnetic labels without applying any external magnetic field. The trilayer sensor, with a composition of Ta (5 nm)/NiFe (10 nm)/Cu (x = 0 nm~1.2 nm)/IrMn (10 nm)/Ta (5 nm), was deposited on a silicon wafer using photolithography and a sputtering system, where the optimized sensor sensitivity was 6 μV/(Oe∙mA). The detection of the magnetic label was done by comparing the signals obtained in first harmonic AC mode (1f mode) using an external magnetic field and in the second harmonic AC mode (2f mode) with a self-field generated by current passing through the sensor. In addition, a technique for the β-amyloid biomarker-based antibody-antigen sandwich model was demonstrated for the detection of a series of concentrations of magnetic labels using the self-field mode method, where the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was high. The generated self-field was enough to detect an immobilized magnetic tag without an additional external magnetic field. Hence, it could be possible to reduce the device size to use the point-of-care testing using a portable circuit system.

Virus detection using nanosensors

A smart city has a bright and sustainable way to integrate services together and can monitor/control them using intelligent devices called sensors to preserve the efficient utilization of resources. Sensors are distributed everywhere in smart cities. They can be employed to monitor health care, transportation, infrastructure, building, surveillance, government, etc. Especially, nanosensors hold great impact to turn the current techniques for the detection of viruses. With the facility of real-time sensing, there is no need for regular inspections for maintenance and surveying, which results in reduced costs and time wastage. Definitely, common sensing platforms need persistent updates to address increasing doubts in the detection of viruses as they modify quickly and spread from person to person, pointing the urgency of early detection. In this chapter the introduction is briefly described in Section 30.1. The fundamental of nanosensors is explained in Section 30.2. The significance and applications of nanosensors in virus detection are extensively discussed in Sections 30.3 and 30.4. Section 30.5 consists of various challenges and outlook.

3D Printed Sensors for Biomedical Applications: A Review

This paper showcases a substantial review on some of the significant work done on 3D printing of sensors for biomedical applications. The importance of 3D printing techniques has bloomed in the sensing world due to their essential advantages of quick fabrication, easy accessibility, processing of varied materials and sustainability. Along with the introduction of the necessity and influence of 3D printing techniques for the fabrication of sensors for different healthcare applications, the paper explains the individual methodologies used to develop sensing prototypes. Six different 3D printing techniques have been explained in the manuscript, followed by drawing a comparison between them in terms of their advantages, disadvantages, materials being processed, resolution, repeatability, accuracy and applications. Finally, a conclusion of the paper is provided with some of the challenges of the current 3D printing techniques about the developed sensing prototypes, their corresponding remedial solutions and a market survey determining the expenditure on 3D printing for biomedical sensing prototypes.

Eutectic melt crystallization of L10-FePt

Herein, we report the eutectic growth control of ordered L10-FePt, which directs the nucleation, growth and crystallization of FePt sheets in a single-step reaction. The nature of eutectic crystallization at the eutectic point suggests its role as a high-temperature solvent, exhibiting an advantage in the scale-up production of metastable alloys.

Application of high-performance magnetic nanobeads to biological sensing devices

Nanomaterials have extensive applications in the life sciences and in clinical diagnosis. We have developed magnetic nanoparticles with high dispersibility and extremely low nonspecific binding to biomolecules and have demonstrated their application in chemical biology (e.g., for the screening of drug receptor proteins). Recently, the excellent properties of nanobeads have made possible the development of novel rapid immunoassay systems and high-precision technologies for exosome detection. For immunoassays, we developed a technology to encapsulate a fluorescent substance in magnetic nanobeads. The fluorescent nanobeads allow the rapid detection of a specific antigen in solution or in tissue specimens. Exosomes, which are released into the blood, are expected to become markers for several diseases, including cancer, but techniques for measuring the absolute quantity of exosomes in biological fluids are lacking. By integrating magnetic nanobead technology with an optical disc system, we developed a novel method for precisely quantifying exosomes in human serum with high sensitivity and high linearity without requiring enrichment procedures. This review focuses on the properties of our magnetic nanobeads, the development of novel biosensors using these nanobeads, and their broad practical applications.

Thermal stability of L10-FePt nanodots patterned by self-assembled block copolymer lithography

Arrays of 14 nm thick L1₀-FePt nanodots with diameter of 27 nm and center-to-center spacing of 39 nm were produced by block copolymer patterning of an FePt film and their magnetic reversal and thermal stability were characterized. A self-assembled polystyrene-b-polydimethylsiloxane diblock copolymer film was used as a lithographic mask and a pattern transfer process based on ion beam etching and rapid thermal annealing of the sputtered FePt film was developed. The dot arrays exhibited perpendicular magnetic anisotropy with K = 4.8 × 10⁷ erg cm^-3 and a saturation magnetization of 960 emu cm^-3. First order reversal curves indicate a softer magnetic component attributed to the ion-milled material at the edges of the dots. The switching volume and the thermal stability were obtained from relaxation measurements and DC demagnetization curves. Micromagnetic simulations reproduce the magnetic domain structure obtained for the continuous and patterned FePt thin film.

Detecting Biothreat Agents: From Current Diagnostics to Developing Sensor Technologies

Although a fundamental understanding of the pathogenicity of most biothreat agents has been elucidated and available treatments have increased substantially over the past decades, they still represent a significant public health threat in this age of (bio)terrorism, indiscriminate warfare, pollution, climate change, unchecked population growth, and globalization. The key step to almost all prevention, protection, prophylaxis, post-exposure treatment, and mitigation of any bioagent is early detection. Here, we review available methods for detecting bioagents including pathogenic bacteria and viruses along with their toxins. An introduction placing this subject in the historical context of previous naturally occurring outbreaks and efforts to weaponize selected agents is first provided along with definitions and relevant considerations. An overview of the detection technologies that find use in this endeavor along with how they provide data or transduce signal within a sensing configuration follows. Current "gold" standards for biothreat detection/diagnostics along with a listing of relevant FDA approved in vitro diagnostic devices is then discussed to provide an overview of the current state of the art. Given the 2014 outbreak of Ebola virus in Western Africa and the recent 2016 spread of Zika virus in the Americas, discussion of what constitutes a public health emergency and how new in vitro diagnostic devices are authorized for emergency use in the U.S. are also included. The majority of the Review is then subdivided around the sensing of bacterial, viral, and toxin biothreats with each including an overview of the major agents in that class, a detailed cross-section of different sensing methods in development based on assay format or analytical technique, and some discussion of related microfluidic lab-on-a-chip/point-of-care devices. Finally, an outlook is given on how this field will develop from the perspective of the biosensing technology itself and the new emerging threats they may face.

Biosensing System for Concentration Quantification of Magnetically Labeled E. coli in Water Samples

Bacterial contamination of water sources (e.g., lakes, rivers and springs) from waterborne bacteria is a crucial water safety issue and its prevention is of the utmost significance since it threatens the health and well-being of wildlife, livestock, and human populations and can lead to serious illness and even death. Rapid and multiplexed measurement of such waterborne pathogens is vital and the challenge is to instantly detect in these liquid samples different types of pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity. In this work, we propose a biosensing system in which the bacteria are labelled with streptavidin coated magnetic markers (MPs-magnetic particles) forming compounds (MLBs-magnetically labelled bacteria). Video microscopy in combination with a particle tracking software are used for their detection and quantification. When the liquid containing the MLBs is introduced into the developed, microfluidic platform, the MLBs are accelerated towards the outlet by means of a magnetic field gradient generated by integrated microconductors, which are sequentially switched ON and OFF by a microcontroller. The velocities of the MLBs and that of reference MPs, suspended in the same liquid in a parallel reference microfluidic channel, are calculated and compared in real time by a digital camera mounted on a conventional optical microscope in combination with a particle trajectory tracking software. The MLBs will be slower than the reference MPs due to the enhanced Stokes' drag force exerted on them, resulting from their greater volume and altered hydrodynamic shape. The results of the investigation showed that the parameters obtained from this method emerged as reliable predictors for E. coli concentrations.

Modelling of thin film magnetoimpedance sensitive element designed for biodetection

Magnetic soft matter (ferrofluids or ferrogels) is one of the rapidly growing areas of research and applications including magnetic biosensing. Giant magnetoimpedance is the effect with proven capacity to magnetic label detection. In this work, we describe a universal model to simulate conditions of magnetic biodetection and to check its validity with giant magnetoimpedance sensitive element based on magnetic multilayer. Finite element method allows calculations of high-frequency current distribution using the Maxwell's equations taking into account the magnetodynamics of iron oxide water-based ferrofluid in small channels similar to the blood vessels. The modelling was realized with the licensed software Comsol©. The calculations were performed on a specialized engineering server based on four processors Intel Xeon E5 and 124 Gb RAM, adapted for parallel computations and suitable for description of individual layers with nanometer dimensions for the number of elements in the mesh structure above 106 cells. The designed model allows calculations of the current density, the outside magnetic flux, resistivity, etc. for each one of the created cells and total values by integration of sub-domains. One can quantitatively describe concentration of ferrofluid, velocity and pressure in the blood vessel. These changes affecting on the giant magnetoimpedance of the FeNi-based multilayer were both calculated and measured.

Methodological aspects of small iron concentrations determination in black yeasts grown in the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles

Nonpathogenic Exophiala nigrum (black yeasts) unicelular organisms of the Baikal Lake were used as a model system for determination of small iron concentrations in the samples grown without or with controlled amount of maghemite nanoparticles (MNPs) in nutrient. MNPs were produced by the electrophysical laser target evaporation technique. Electrostatically stabilized suspensions were prepared using sodium citrate solutions in distilled water. We assumed that one maximum permissive dose of ionic iron in water 1 MPD is equal to 0.3 mg/L. For biological experiments Saburo liquid nutrient medium was prepared with iron concentrations of 0, 102, 103 and 104 MPD. One ml of E. Nigrum cell suspension was added to Saburo liquid nutrient for 24 hours exposure. Followed by sowing onto a solid agar Saburo for 30 days colonies grows. Biosamples for electron microscopy, magnetic and total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy measurements were collected simultaneously. We were able to comparatively analyze the trace concentrations of iron in the yeast of the order of 10 ppm for control group and 600 ppm for the group grown in the presence of 104 MPD of iron.

Magnetic biosensors: Modelling and simulation

In the past few years, magnetoelectronics has emerged as a promising new platform technology in various biosensors for detection, identification, localisation and manipulation of a wide spectrum of biological, physical and chemical agents. The methods are based on the exposure of the magnetic field of a magnetically labelled biomolecule interacting with a complementary biomolecule bound to a magnetic field sensor. This Review presents various schemes of magnetic biosensor techniques from both simulation and modelling as well as analytical and numerical analysis points of view, and the performance variations under magnetic fields at steady and nonstationary states. This is followed by magnetic sensors modelling and simulations using advanced Multiphysics modelling software (e.g. Finite Element Method (FEM) etc.) and home-made developed tools. Furthermore, outlook and future directions of modelling and simulations of magnetic biosensors in different technologies and materials are critically discussed.

High-Resolution Single Particle Zeta Potential Characterisation of Biological Nanoparticles using Tunable Resistive Pulse Sensing

Physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, such as size, shape, surface charge, density, and porosity play a central role in biological interactions and hence accurate determination of these characteristics is of utmost importance. Here we propose tunable resistive pulse sensing for simultaneous size and surface charge measurements on a particle-by-particle basis, enabling the analysis of a wide spectrum of nanoparticles and their mixtures. Existing methodologies for measuring zeta potential of nanoparticles using resistive pulse sensing are significantly improved by including convection into the theoretical model. The efficacy of this methodology is demonstrated for a range of biological case studies, including measurements of mixed anionic, cationic liposomes, extracellular vesicles in plasma, and in situ time study of DNA immobilisation on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles. The high-resolution single particle size and zeta potential characterisation will provide a better understanding of nano-bio interactions, positively impacting nanomedicine development and their regulatory approval.

Recent Advances in Magnetic Microfluidic Biosensors

The development of portable biosening devices for the detection of biological entities such as biomolecules, pathogens, and cells has become extremely significant over the past years. Scientific research, driven by the promise for miniaturization and integration of complex laboratory equipment on inexpensive, reliable, and accurate devices, has successfully shifted several analytical and diagnostic methods to the submillimeter scale. The miniaturization process was made possible with the birth of microfluidics, a technology that could confine, manipulate, and mix very small volumes of liquids on devices integrated on standard silicon technology chips. Such devices are then directly translating the presence of these entities into an electronic signal that can be read out with a portable instrumentation. For the aforementioned tasks, the use of magnetic markers (magnetic particles-MPs-functionalized with ligands) in combination with the application of magnetic fields is being strongly investigated by research groups worldwide. The greatest merits of using magnetic fields are that they can be applied either externally or from integrated microconductors and they can be well-tuned by adjusting the applied current on the microconductors. Moreover, the magnetic markers can be manipulated inside microfluidic channels by high gradient magnetic fields that can in turn be detected by magnetic sensors. All the above make this technology an ideal candidate for the development of such microfluidic biosensors. In this review, focus is given only to very recent advances in biosensors that use microfluidics in combination with magnetic sensors and magnetic markers/nanoparticles.

A numerical model for aggregations formation and magnetic driving of spherical particles based on OpenFOAM®

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

This work presents a numerical model for the formation of particle aggregations under the influence of a permanent constant magnetic field and their driving process under a gradient magnetic field, suitably created by a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device.

METHODS

The model is developed in the OpenFOAM platform and it is successfully compared to the existing experimental and numerical results in terms of aggregates size and their motion in water solutions. Furthermore, several series of simulations are performed for two common types of particles of different diameter in order to verify their aggregation and flow behaviour, under various constant and gradient magnetic fields in the usual MRI working range. Moreover, the numerical model is used to measure the mean length of aggregations, the total time needed to form and their mean velocity under different permanent and gradient magnetic fields.

RESULTS

The present model is found to predict successfully the size, velocity and distribution of aggregates. In addition, our simulations showed that the mean length of aggregations is proportional to the permanent magnetic field magnitude and particle diameter according to the relation : l¯_a=7.5B₀d_i^3/2. The mean velocity of the aggregations is proportional to the magnetic gradient, according to : u¯_a=6.63G˜B₀ and seems to reach a steady condition after a certain period of time. The mean time needed for particles to aggregate is proportional to permanent magnetic field magnitude, scaled by the relationship : t¯_a∝7B₀.

CONCLUSIONS

A numerical model to predict the motion of magnetic particles for medical application is developed. This model is found suitable to predict the formation of aggregations and their motion under the influence of permanent and gradient magnetic fields, respectively, that are produced by an MRI device. The magnitude of the external constant magnetic field is the most important parameter for the aggregations formation and their driving.

An automated and compartmented fluidic reactor device for multi-step sample-to-answer processes using magnetic particles

A benchtop device that combines segmented flow with magnetic particle separation and active resuspension capabilities for biotechnological applications, e.g. biomolecule purification.

Characterisation of the protein corona using tunable resistive pulse sensing: determining the change and distribution of a particle's surface charge

The zeta potential of the protein corona around carboxyl particles has been measured using tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS). A simple and rapid assay for characterising zeta potentials within buffer, serum and plasma is presented monitoring the change, magnitude and distribution of proteins on the particle surface. First, we measure the change in zeta potential of carboxyl-functionalised nanoparticles in solutions that contain biologically relevant concentrations of individual proteins, typically constituted in plasma and serum, and observe a significant difference in distributions and zeta values between room temperature and 37 °C assays. The effect is protein dependent, and the largest difference between the two temperatures is recorded for the γ-globulin protein where the mean zeta potential changes from -16.7 to -9.0 mV for 25 and 37 °C, respectively. This method is further applied to monitor particles placed into serum and/or plasma. A temperature-dependent change is again observed with serum showing a 4.9 mV difference in zeta potential between samples incubated at 25 and 37 °C; this shift was larger than that observed for samples in plasma (0.4 mV). Finally, we monitor the kinetics of the corona reorientation for particles initially placed into serum and then adding 5 % (V/V) plasma. The technology presented offers an interesting insight into protein corona structure and kinetics of formation measured in biologically relevant solutions, i.e. high protein, high salt levels, and its particle-by-particle analysis gives a measure of the distribution of particle zeta potential that may offer a better understanding of the behaviour of nanoparticles in solution. Graphical Abstract The relative velocity of a nanoparticle as it traverses a nanopore can be used to determine its zeta potential. Monitoring the changes in translocation speeds can therefore be used to follow changes to the surface chemistry/composition of 210 nm particles that were placed into protein rich solutions, serum and plasma. The particle-by-particle measurements allow the zeta potential and distribution of the particles to be characterised, illustrating the effects of protein concentration and temperature on the protein corona. When placed into a solution containing a mixture of proteins, the affinity of the protein to the particle's surface determines the corona structure, and is not dependent on the protein concentration.

Applications of Gold Nanoparticles in Biosensors

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as one of the most stable metal nanoparticles have demonstrated extensive applications in recent years. This paper will give a focus on the AuNPs as biosensors, due to their inertness, unique optical properties, high surface area, and various surface functionalization methods. Synthesis of AuNps and the surface functionalization will be discussed in the first part. The size, shape, and stability can be controlled by different synthetic methods, while reductant usually needed. By surface functionalization with different molecules such as polymers, nucleic acids, and proteins, AuNPs will aggregate when specified molecule linkages showing up enables selective detections. The application in biosensing to detect proteins, oligonucleotide, glucose, and heavy metals will be exemplified, followed by the summary and future perspective part in the conclusion.

Homogeneous Biosensing Based on Magnetic Particle Labels

The growing availability of biomarker panels for molecular diagnostics is leading to an increasing need for fast and sensitive biosensing technologies that are applicable to point-of-care testing. In that regard, homogeneous measurement principles are especially relevant as they usually do not require extensive sample preparation procedures, thus reducing the total analysis time and maximizing ease-of-use. In this review, we focus on homogeneous biosensors for the in vitro detection of biomarkers. Within this broad range of biosensors, we concentrate on methods that apply magnetic particle labels. The advantage of such methods lies in the added possibility to manipulate the particle labels by applied magnetic fields, which can be exploited, for example, to decrease incubation times or to enhance the signal-to-noise-ratio of the measurement signal by applying frequency-selective detection. In our review, we discriminate the corresponding methods based on the nature of the acquired measurement signal, which can either be based on magnetic or optical detection. The underlying measurement principles of the different techniques are discussed, and biosensing examples for all techniques are reported, thereby demonstrating the broad applicability of homogeneous in vitro biosensing based on magnetic particle label actuation.