Linear Drive of SPIONs Using Moving Magnetic Fields

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are widely used in many applications, from lab on chips to magnetic drug targeting to recycling batteries. SPIONs are coated with drugs and steered to reach tumor cells or are used in lab-on-chips for magnetic separation. In this paper, the SPIONs’ movement is controlled in such a way that, when the flow speed of the background fluid and the speed of moving magnetic field are synchronized, the SPIONs can be navigated to the target region more efficiently. This principle is inspired by linear motors and the propulsion principle of magnetic levitation trains, where the speed of the train is synchronized with the moving magnetic field by the static coils.