Bio-Magnetic Interfacing Concepts (BioMagnetICs) covers the use of nanoscale magnetics at the cellular molecular level. NVE is developing devices incorporating our proprietary spintronic materials, which are as thin as a few atoms. Much of our research has been funded by government agencies, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office (DSO).

BioMagnetICs applications include ultra-miniature biological warfare agent detectors, real-time DNA testers, and laboratory-on-a-chip diagnostic systems. NVE has fabricated working BioMagnetIC sensors that have been independently tested, and has announced successful completion of prototypes for laboratory-on-a-chip applications.

NVE has identified a long-term goal of putting low-cost, manufacturable devices in the hands of soldiers and consumers that are as easy to use as a digital thermometer. This technology could allow cabinet-sized instruments to be replaced by handheld devices for a small fraction of the cost, and produce accurate results in minutes rather than hours.

How does BioMagnetICs work?

Several BioMagnetICs configurations have been identified. In the configuration illustrated at right, a magnetic biological marker nano-bead adheres to the immobilization surface when a targeted biological agent is present. The bead is separated from a spintronic sensor by a passivation layer as thin as 10 nanometers. The sensor uses either a Giant Magnetoresistor (GMR) or a Spin-Dependent Tunnel (SDT) Junction to detect a small perturbation in the magnetic field caused by adhering beads.