Magnetic field design for selecting and aligning immunomagnetic labeled cells

BACKGROUND: Recently we introduced the CellTracks cell analysis system, in which samples are prepared based on a combination of immunomagnetic selection, separation, and alignment of cells along ferromagnetic lines. Here we describe the underlying magnetic principles and considerations made in the magnetic field design to achieve the best possible cell selection and alignment of magnetically labeled cells. Materials and Methods Computer simulations, in combination with experimental data, were used to optimize the design of the magnets and Ni lines to obtain the optimal magnetic configuration. RESULTS: A homogeneous cell distribution on the upper surface of the sample chamber was obtained with a magnet where the pole faces were tilted towards each other. The spatial distribution of magnetically aligned objects in between the Ni lines was dependent on the ratio of the diameter of the aligned object and the line spacing, which was tested with magnetically and fluorescently labeled 6 microm polystyrene beads. The best result was obtained when the line spacing was equal to or smaller than the diameter of the aligned object. CONCLUSIONS: The magnetic gradient of the designed permanent magnet extracts magnetically labeled cells from any cell suspension to a desired plane, providing a homogeneous cell distribution. In addition, it magnetizes ferro-magnetic Ni lines in this plane whose additional local gradient adds to the gradient of the permanent magnet. The resultant gradient aligns the magnetically labeled cells first brought to this plane. This combination makes it possible, in a single step, to extract and align cells on a surface from any cell suspension.     

Quantitative Modeling and Optimization of Magnetic Tweezers

Magnetic tweezers are a powerful tool to manipulate single DNA or RNA molecules and to study nucleic acid-protein interactions in real time. Here, we have modeled the magnetic fields of permanent magnets in magnetic tweezers and computed the forces exerted on superparamagnetic beads from first principles. For simple, symmetric geometries the magnetic fields can be calculated semianalytically using the Biot-Savart law. For complicated geometries and in the presence of an iron yoke, we employ a finite-element three-dimensional PDE solver to numerically solve the magnetostatic problem. The theoretical predictions are in quantitative agreement with direct Hall-probe measurements of the magnetic field and with measurements of the force exerted on DNA-tethered beads. Using these predictive theories, we systematically explore the effects of magnet alignment, magnet spacing, magnet size, and of adding an iron yoke to the magnets on the forces that can be exerted on tethered particles. We find that the optimal configuration for maximal stretching forces is a vertically aligned pair of magnets, with a minimal gap between the magnets and minimal flow cell thickness. Following these principles, we present a configuration that allows one to apply ≥40 pN stretching forces on ≈1-μm tethered beads.     

Sudden motility reversal indicates sensing of magnetic field gradients in Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 strain

Many motile unicellular organisms have evolved specialized behaviors for detecting and responding to environmental cues such as chemical gradients (chemotaxis) and oxygen gradients (aerotaxis). Magnetotaxis is found in magnetotactic bacteria and it is defined as the passive alignment of these cells to the geomagnetic field along with active swimming. Herein we show that Magnetospirillum magneticum (AMB-1) show a unique set of responses that indicates they sense and respond not only to the direction of magnetic fields by aligning and swimming, but also to changes in the magnetic field or magnetic field gradients. We present data showing that AMB-1 cells exhibit sudden motility reversals when we impose them to local magnetic field gradients. Our system employs permalloy (Ni₈₀Fe₂₀) islands to curve and diverge the magnetic field lines emanating from our custom-designed Helmholtz coils in the vicinity of the islands (creating a drop in the field across the islands). The three distinct movements we have observed as they approach the permalloy islands are: unidirectional, single reverse and double reverse. Our findings indicate that these reverse movements occur in response to magnetic field gradients. In addition, using a permanent magnet we found further evidence that supports this claim. Motile AMB-1 cells swim away from the north and south poles of a permanent magnet when the magnet is positioned less than ∼30 mm from the droplet of cells. All together, these results indicate previously unknown response capabilities arising from the magnetic sensing systems of AMB-1 cells. These responses could enable them to cope with magnetic disturbances that could in turn potentially inhibit their efficient search for nutrients.     

Canada's largest magnet finds home in new MRI program in London

Canada''s largest magnet, which is now making functional magnetic resonance imaging possible at Ontario''s Robarts Research Centre, is expected to cast some light on mysteries buried within the brain. With the huge magnet, said Dr. Ravi Menon, "I can distinguish between centres that control the thumb and the index finger."     

Numerical evaluation of the fields induced by body motion in or near high-field MRI scanners

In modern magnetic resonance imaging , both patients and health care workers are exposed to strong, non-uniform static magnetic fields inside and outside of the scanner, in which body movement may be able to induce electric currents in tissues which could be potentially harmful. This paper presents theoretical investigations into the spatial distribution of induced E-fields in a tissue-equivalent human model when moving at various positions around the magnet. The numerical calculations are based on an efficient, quasi-static, finite-difference scheme. Three-dimensional field profiles from an actively shielded 4 T magnet system are used and the body model projected through the field profile with normalized velocity. The simulation shows that it is possible to induce E-fields/currents near the level of physiological significance under some circumstances and provides insight into the spatial characteristics of the induced fields. The methodology presented herein can be extrapolated to very high field strengths for the evaluation of the effects of motion at a variety of field strengths and velocities.     

Rapid removal of magnetic particles from large volumes of suspensions

Summary Two simple and rapid procedures for removal of fine magnetic particles from large volumes of suspensions are described. One of them is based on the flow of magnetic suspension through the modified glass pipette placed on a flat magnet, in the second one the magnetic suspension is poured on a plastic film covering the magnet.     

A Criterion for the Complete Deposition of Magnetic Beads on the Walls of Microchannels

This paper analyzes numerical simulations of the trajectories of magnetic beads in a microchannel, with a nearby permanent cubical magnet, under different flow and magnetic conditions. Analytically derived local fluid velocities and local magnetic forces have been used to track the particles. A centered position and a lateral position of the magnet above the microchannel are considered. The computed fractions of deposited particles on the walls are compared successfully with a new theoretically derived criterion that imposes a relation between the sizes of the magnet and the microchannel and the particle Stokes and Alfvén numbers to obtain the complete deposition of the flowing particles on the wall. In the cases in which all the particles, initially distributed uniformly across the section of the microchannel, are deposited on the walls, the simulations predict the accumulation of the major part of particles on the wall closest to the magnet and near the first half of the streamwise length of the magnet.     

Effects of magnetic fields on fyke net performance

The effects of magnetic fields generated by ferritic magnets and mounted in entrances to fyke nets were studied in 1999–2002. With respect to all fish species trapped (perch, pike, roach, rudd, bleak, bream, ruffe) except eel, the catch potential of magnet‐rigged fyke nets was found to be significantly higher (almost 50% on average) when compared with controls. Differences in magnet placement (N or S poles inside the traps) proved to have no significant importance on the number of fish that chose to enter the fyke nets. Specific behavioural mechanisms in adult fish towards magnetic fields as well as application of fishing gear magnet rigging in fisheries practice in inland waters are discussed.     

适用于磁压榨吻合的平移钳的设计

目的:提出了磁压榨吻合操作中可用于磁体夹持固定的平移钳的结构设计方案。方法:分析本团队多种原创性磁压榨吻合技术操作中存在的缺陷和不足,认为目前磁压榨吻合操作中依靠术者徒手控制或利用现有血管钳对磁体进行夹持和固定,是造成操作中诸多不便的主要原因。从力学角度分析了常规血管钳夹持磁体易导致磁体滑脱的原因,指出设计加工磁吻合专用钳是解决目前磁吻合操作不便的有效措施。在此基础上提出了利用平移钳来固定磁体的结构设计方案,并从力学角度进行了受力分析,设计出了用于磁压榨吻合操作中磁体夹持固定的平移钳。结果:平移钳的结构设计能够稳定夹持磁体,避免磁体滑脱;同时,借助齿轮传动结构控制钳头的平行移动能够更好地控制磁体的精准对吸和分离,可进一步简化操作,避免副损伤,节省手术操作时间。结论:平移钳能满足多种形状及大小的磁体的夹持和固定,可有效控制磁体的吸合与分离,极大地方便操作。该平移钳加工简单,使用方便,有助于推动磁压榨吻合技术在临床广泛开展。     

Immunomagnetic isolation of Xanthomonas campestris pv. pelargonii

Immunomagnetic fishing was developed as an improved procedure for increasing the bacterial target to non-target recovery ratio in suspensions containing mixtures of target and non-target organisms. A cell suspension containing the target Xanthomonas campestris pv. pelargonii and non-target organisms, is treated with rabbit polyclonal antiserum against X.c. pv. pelargonii and incubated for 1 h. The suspension is then mixed with paramagnetic iron oxide particles coated with goat anti-rabbit antibodies (immunomagnetic particles). After incubation, the polished surface of a 14 mm diameter neodymium supermagnet is placed at the air-water interace and the magnetic particles are attracted to the magnet. After all visible magnetic particles have attached to the bottom of the magnet, the magnet is dipped in sterile buffer to remove non-target organisms. The magnet with attached magnetic particles is rubbed evenly over an agar surface to dislodge the particles and attached bacteria. Conventional immunomagnetic isolation (immunomagnetic attraction) and immunomagnetic fishing were compared, for the recovery of the target organism in geranium leaf washings spiked with X.c. pv. pelargonii. With immunomagnetic attraction and immunomagnetic fishing, bacterial non-target organisms were reduced to 11.4 and 1.5% of the initial population, respectively, whereas the target was only reduced to 63.7 and 53.8%.     

Magnetic targeting of rhodamine-labeled superparamagnetic liposomes to solid tumors: in vivo tracking by fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated and rhodamine-labeled liposomes loaded with maghemite nanocrystals provide a novel nanoscaled hybrid system for magnetic targeting to solid tumors in possible combination with double in vivo imaging by fluorescence microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Human prostate adenocarcinoma tumors implanted in mice were used as a system model. A magnetic field gradient was produced at the tumor level by external apposition of a magnet. Noninvasive fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy was successfully used to track the liposomes in vivo within organs and tumor blood vessels. Active targeting to the magnet-exposed tumors was clearly shown, in agreement with previous MRI studies. The liposomes were driven and accumulated within the microvasculature through a process that preserved vesicle structure and content.     

A system for electromagnetic blood flow measurement with extracorporeal sinusodial field magnet

This paper describes the construction details and circuitry of a system for electromagnetic determination of blood flow by means of intravascular flow sensors passed through angiographic catheters introuced by percutaneous technique. The extracorporeal magnet coil is fed by a sinusodial current and the sinusodial induced flow signal is detected by a phase-sensitive amplifier. The main novel feature of this amplifier is a combination of phase-sensitive detection with a boxcar integrator which results in an exceptionally high signal-to-noise ratio. A two channel system is also described which permits simultaneous monitoring of a signal in phase quadrature with respect to the magnetic field and, hence, to the flow signal. This system makes it also possible to monitor variations in artery diameter which is measured through a transformer e.m.f. induced in a loop of the sensor whose area is modified by the artery diameter in a fashion securing approximate linear relationship between the artery diameter and the loop output. The loop output voltage is also used to ascertain the instrument calibration in case of an arbitrary orientation and distance from the magnet coil of the intravascular sensor.The intravascular sensor is a loop of insulated fine elastic wire which forms an oval frame which collapses as it is introduced through an intravascular catheter and expands maximally as it emerges into an artery which harbors the catheter end portion. Two diametrically opposed electrodes placed across the loop, pick up the flow signal induced in the blood stream by an extracorporeal air-core magnet coil whose magnetic axis is as nearly as possible perpendicular to the area of the sensor and to the artery axis.The paper reviews artifacts and the capabilities as well as the limitations of the method in its present form and suggests a solution for the main weakness--the inability to provide a reliable zero-based line without recourse to arrest of blood flow.     

固体平板磁泳分离细菌新方法的研究

氧化亚铁硫杆菌（Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans）能够在胞内形成电子致密的磁性颗粒,它的这种特性使利用氧化亚铁硫杆菌合成生物纳米磁性材料成为了可能。本课题组为了筛选出合成磁性颗粒能力强的菌株,对原有的液体磁泳进行了改进,采用了新的固体平板磁泳方法来筛选纯化目的菌株。经过磁泳分离后,细菌中含磁性颗粒的细胞比例由原始菌群的30％上升到90％,胞内含有的磁颗粒数目也由1~2颗增加至2~5颗,筛选得到的细菌在人工磁场下会进行趋磁运动。实验结果表明,氧化亚铁硫杆菌具有较弱的趋磁性,在人工磁场下会进行趋磁运动,但仅在地磁场作用下不能定向运动,利用固体平板磁泳筛选纯化含有磁性颗粒的氧化亚铁硫杆菌的方法是切实可行的,磁泳分离技术的进一步完善和改进为传统的微生物菌种分离提供了新的途径,为研究纯氧化亚铁硫杆菌菌株胞内磁性颗粒的形成条件及机理提供了前提条件,也为今后从浸矿细菌中分离筛选更多的含有磁性颗粒的菌株打下基础。     

Magnetic particle translation as a surrogate measure for synovial fluid mechanics

The mechanics of synovial fluid vary with disease progression, but are difficult to quantify quickly in a clinical setting due to small sample volumes. In this study, a novel technique to measure synovial fluid mechanics using magnetic nanoparticles is introduced. Briefly, microspheres embedded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, termed magnetic particles, are distributed through a 100 μL synovial fluid sample. Then, a permanent magnet inside a protective sheath is inserted into the synovial fluid sample. Magnetic particles translate toward the permanent magnet and the percentage of magnetic particles collected by the magnet in a given time can be related to synovial fluid viscosity. To validate this relationship, magnetic particle translation was demonstrated in three phases. First, magnetic particle translation was assessed in glycerol solutions with known viscosities, demonstrating that as fluid viscosity increased, magnetic particle translation decreased. Next, the relationship between magnetic particle translation and synovial fluid viscosity was assessed using bovine synovial fluid that was progressively degenerated via ultrasonication. Here, particle collection in a given amount of time increased as fluid degenerated, demonstrating that the relationship between particle collection and fluid mechanics holds in non-Newtonian synovial fluid. Finally, magnetic particle translation was used to assess differences between healthy and OA affected joints in equine synovial fluid. Here, particle collection in a given time was higher in OA joints relative to healthy horses (p < 0.001). Combined, these data demonstrate potential viability of magnetic particle translation in a clinical setting to evaluate synovial fluid mechanics in limited volumes of synovial fluid sample.     

磁场对金针菇菌丝生长的影响及磁受体和铁离子转运蛋白的鉴定表达

磁场作为一种无法避免的自然因子,对生物的生长发育有重要影响。然而,目前磁场对大型真菌影响的研究还鲜有报道。本研究采用铷磁铁对金针菇菌丝进行处理,检测金针菇菌丝在不同磁极刺激下的生长和基因表达规律。结果显示：磁场是铷磁铁抑制金针菇菌丝生长的主要原因,且在磁感应强度0.003T以上对菌丝生长的抑制作用较强。通过同源比对获得一个金针菇磁受体和一个铁离子转运蛋白的编码基因,分别命名为ff-magr和ff-fief。定量PCR结果显示ff-magr在N极和S极均出现显著下调表达,N极和S极磁场对ff-fief 的表达均无显著影响。结果表明：磁受体蛋白参与了金针菇菌丝受磁场抑制的应答过程,而磁受体不仅仅是通过调控铁的含量来调控菌丝的生长发育。以上结果为合理利用磁场调控真菌生长发育奠定基础,同时也为深入研究磁场对真菌生长发育的分子机理提供参考。     

Differences in the Optical Response of MSU and CPP Crystals During Magnetic Orientation: Possibility of Diagnosing Gout and Pseudogout

Pseudogout is crystalline arthritis. It has a similar clinical picture to that of gout, and it is difficult to distinguish the two diseases using conventional analysis methods. However, it is important to identify the different crystals responsible for these two cases because the treatment strategies are different. In a previous study, we reported magnetic orientation of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, which are the causative agent of gout, at the permanent magnet level. In this study, we investigated the effect of an applied magnetic field on calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals, which are the causative agent of pseudogout, and the difference in the magnetic responses of CPP and MSU crystals. We found that the CPP crystals were oriented in a magnetic field on milli-Tesla order because of the anisotropy of the diamagnetic susceptibility. In addition, the CPP crystals exhibited different anisotropic magnetic properties from those of MSU crystals, which led to a characteristic difference between the orientations of the two crystals. That is, we found that the causative agents of gout and pseudogout responded differently to a magnetic field. This report suggests that the discrimination between CPP and MSU by optical measurements is possible by application of magnetic fields appropriately. © 2023 Bioelectromagnetics Society.     

心室辅助径流泵的设计方法

我们正在研制一种心室辅助径流泵,可在体外循环中代替血泵使用,也可作为心衰病人短期心脏辅助泵使用。此种无密封件的径流的泵的轴尖支承结构由一根据氧化铝陶瓷制成的叶轮轴和两只氧化锆陶瓷制成的轴尖轴承组成。叶轮的外径为７２毫米,进流处直径为２４毫米。位于叶轮上表面的六个叶片的进流侧高度为５．５毫米。出流侧高度为３毫米。     

High-intensity static magnetic fields modulate skin microcirculation and temperature in vivo

We investigated the acute effect of static magnetic fields of up to 8 T on skin blood flow and body temperature in anesthetized rats. These variables were measured prior to, during, and following exposure to a magnetic field in a superconducting magnet with a horizontal bore. The dorsal skin was transversely incised for 1 cm to make a subcutaneous pocket. Probes of a laser Doppler flowmeter and a thermistor were inserted into the pocket and positioned at mid-dorsum to measure skin blood flow and temperature. Another thermistor probe was put into the rectum to monitor rectal temperature. After baseline measurement outside the magnet, the rat was inserted into the bore for 20 min so that mid-dorsum was exactly positioned at the center, where the magnetic field was nearly homogeneous. Post-exposure changes were then recorded for 20 min outside the bore. Sham-exposed animals were submitted to exactly the same conditions, except that the superconducting magnet was not energized. Skin blood flow and temperature decreased significantly during magnetic field exposure and recovered after removal of the animal from the magnet. The rectal temperature showed a tendency to decrease while the animal was in the magnet. The microcirculatory and thermal reactions in the present study were consistent and agreed with some of the predictions based on mathematical simulations and model experiments.     

Magnetic Separation of Phagosomes of Defined Age from Tetrahymena thermophila

ABSTRACT. We describe a new mass isolation procedure for both pure and stage-specific phagosomes from Tetrahymena thermophila . We prepared magnetic iron dextran particles about 1 μm in diameter to label the phagosomes. The oral apparatus of the cells concentrated these particles so readily that after 1 min the majority of the cells had formed a single phagosome. A short wash removed non-ingested particles, enabling us to follow the age-dependent changes of a single labeled phagosome through the cell. Phagosomes of different ages, including very young and nascent phagosomes, were removed easily from the non-magnetic cell debris of mechanically homogenized cells by means of a permanent magnet. The isolated phagosomes are pure as tested by enzymatic assays and light and electron microscopy. Since the yield of pure phagosomes of all ages is high (∼ 90%), this method could be generally applied for phagosome isolation from ciliates.     

Cellulase immobilization on magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in polymer nanospheres

Immobilization of cellulases on magnetic nanoparticles, especially magnetite nanoparticles, has been the main approach studied to make this enzyme, economically and industrially, more attractive. However, magnetite nanoparticles tend to agglomerate, are very reactive and easily oxidized in air, which has strong impact on their useful life. Thus, it is very important to provide proper surface coating to avoid the mentioned problems. This study aimed to investigate the immobilization of cellulase on magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in polymeric nanospheres. The support was characterized in terms of morphology, average diameter, magnetic behavior and thermal decomposition analyses. The polymer nanospheres containing encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles showed superparamagnetic behavior and intensity average diameter about 150 nm. Immobilized cellulase exhibited broader temperature stability than in the free form and great reusability capacity, 69% of the initial enzyme activity was maintained after eight cycles of use. The magnetic support showed potential for cellulase immobilization and allowed fast and easy biocatalyst recovery through a single magnet.