Magnetophoresis

Magnetophoresis is the motion of dispersed magnetic particles relative to a fluid under the influence of a magnetic field. The movement of magnetic particles can be used to detect or isolate specific components in the fluid, using specific binding and or capture.

Magnetic bead separation is one of the simplest, affordable and best technologies for detection and purification of DNA, proteins and antibodies. Magnetic beads speed up and simplifies the process. In addition they can be re-activated and used again for some applications. A large advantage is that after initial manual handling, the same purification or detection can be automated easily and conversion to a high-throughput system (e.g. robot) is feasible.

Separation is highly dependent on the demands of the assay and the environment (fluid, suspensions, blood) in which it takes place. Shorter separation times can be achieved by higher magnetic forces, beads with a higher magnetic load. However shorter times may lead to non-quantitative isolation, and beads with higher magnetic load are usually more dense and prone to rapid sedimentation. Therefore the quality control process in customizing a bead to a specific assay takes has to take into account the demands of the assay or isolation.

Our magnetic beads are produced in-house and consist of iron oxide nanoparticles wrapped in a silica-bead. By tuning the size of the bead, and the percentage of the iron oxide nanoparticles we can tune the magnetic saturation, the speed to magnet, and the time in suspension (before sedimentation).

Last but not least, the surface makes the difference! Our superior surface chemistry enables high specific capture with low aspecific binding. In addition, our chemistry enables customization of the bead surface to your needs.


Imaging

Most of us have a visual focus. An image tells more than 1000 words... and more than 10 tables. Images are stored in our brains much more easily and therefore the power of an image is evident. Nanotechnology, and more specifically nanoparticles enable the creation of images. Imaging is essential for detection and quantification of biochemical processes or the localization of events on subcellular, cellular or larger levels.

Imaging plays a role at several levels and our technology and products can be used in different levels and applications. Our Qdots can image proteins on subcellular level, our fluorescent beads can bind cells and help to visualize cells. Finally our nanoparticle based MagnaFy concept creates an artifact in a magnetic field and thereby an image in an MRI image. Proof of principle of our technology is shown in molecular imaging, such as biomodul imaging atherosclerotic plaques (Prinzen et al, 2009), Image-guided interventions (Kos et al, 2008) as well as targeted drug-delivery (BMM project PENT).

For MagnaMedics, imaging is a technology that connects may applications and developments. We consider imaging capability as a key-feature for future products and applications.



Drug delivery systems

MagnaMedics GmbH was founded based on two patents describe the use of iron oxide nanoparticles to heat up polymers that contain an active drug. Since the polymers shrink on small temperature changes, the payload is released into the micro-environment. This technology was and is the basis of MagnaMedics Drug delivery technology.

Nowadays with can combine our imaging capability with drug delivery systems which extends our the range of applications considerably. MagnaMedics participates in several research programs (EU-FP7: NanoBioPharmaceutics; NL, Biomedical materials-PENT) to further develop technology in local delivery, release and imaging of drugs. Our focus of interest is passing the blood-brain barrier and embolisation.  Our technology is characterized by the following key-variables:

• The synthesis and application of ferrofluids for magnetic capture and multi-modality imaging (MRI, CT).
• The synthesis of microparticles of silica and (thermoresponsive) polymers with encapsulated or attached biomolecules.
• The know-how of surface modification and mixing particles into coating.
• Ability for sterile production of beads and access to (GMP) facilities for production.
• World leading know-how and expert-position (P. Borm) on the toxicity of nanoparticles in biological applications.

The current status of our technology is not converted into own products, but is at the level of customized service.