Modeling and Simulation of a High-Performance Magnetic Biosensor for Biomedical Sensing

Abstract

The current magnetic-based biosensor technologies are expensive and intricate, making them unsuitable for meeting the requirements of point-of-care medical diagnosis. This research introduces a straightforward magnetic biosensor architecture that includes an L-shaped ferromagnetic core with UL dimensions. The design involves an air gap being replaced with highly porous aluminum or copper foam, offering a potentially cost-effective and uncomplicated solution for point-of-care diagnosis based on the magnetic field effect. The foam serves as a medium for hosting biological samples, such as proteins and DNA, which are labeled with high-permeability ferromagnetic nanoparticles. The biosensor operates by detecting labeled biological molecules through magnetic field interactions. The electrical parameters of the system underwent methodical optimization to enhance overall performance. The investigation delved into the influence of various materials on the magnetic properties of the air gap. It also examined the relationships between permeability, output-induced voltage, input voltage, and input frequency. The findings reveal that utilizing materials with elevated magnetic permeability, such as Magnetite (Fe3 O4 ) or Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2 O4 ) ferrofluids, significantly enhances the biosensor's performance by optimizing magnetic coupling between primary and secondary windings. This innovative magnetic biosensor exhibits potential applications in diverse fields, including molecular biology and medical diagnostics. The study contributes valuable insights into the design and optimization of magnetic biosensors, offering opportunities for heightened sensitivity and selectivity in the detection of ferromagnetic nanoparticles labeled biomolecules such as DNA or proteins.