Brownian Relaxation Research Articles

Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation for Comprehensive Characterization of Hetero-aggregates made of nano-Silver and Extracellular Polymeric Substances

The present study explores the capability of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled online with diode array (DAD), fluorescence detectors (FLD), multi-angle light scattering (MALS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to characterize silver nanoparticles (nAg) hetero-aggregates formed with diatoms derived extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The content of EPS varied from 10.5 to 105 mgC L-1 and nAg were dispersed at 4 mg L-1 in a freshwater medium. Good recoveries (∼ 76.9 ± 8.4%) of nAg-EPS were obtained from AF4-DAD signals, but an anomalous elution was observed as EPS concentration increased: AF4 retention times decreased despite average gyration radii measured by MALS for nAg-EPS increased (from 16 nm to 24 nm), which suggests a change in the aggregation state, as evaluated by UV-Vis scans obtained from DAD. A regular Brownian relaxation of nAg-EPS was proven for each EPS concentration using these 2 detectors. The comparison of on-line and batch DLS measurements validated in addition, that no (dis)aggregation occurs upon injections. After a thorough comparison with classical AF4 using standards, the frit-inlet-AF4 was used. Slightly higher recovery (79.6±4.6 %) was obtained but similar deviation of nAg-EPS elution occurred, excluding the implication of membrane differential fouling of nAg-EPS /conditioning effects of EPS. The investigation of physico-chemical parameters controlling the Brownian relaxation of nAg-EPS suggests the influence of nAg-EPS structure and EPS loading. This study demonstrates the suitable use of AF4 coupled to multiple detectors to probe-out eco-corona formation and characterize polydisperse systems containing NPs, EPS and their hetero-aggregates in freshwaters, even under a non-ideal size-fractionation scenario.

Hyaluronic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic fluid hyperthermia and methylene blue dye removal: Preparation, physicochemical characterization, and enhancing the heating efficiency

We report here the magnetic fluid hyperthermia properties of water-dispersible hyaluronic acid-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (HA-MNPs), prepared using the coprecipitation technique followed by ligand exchange. The presence of the hyaluronic acid coating is confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Magneto-calorimetric studies show good field-induced heating efficiency of the HA-MNPs, where a high specific absorption rate (SAR) of ∼ 315 W/gFe is obtained for ∼ 5 wt% MNP concentration when exposed to an alternating magnetic field amplitude of ∼ 33.1 kA/m at ∼ 126 kHz. The heating efficiency is found to decrease by ∼ 33.8 % after immobilization of the MNPs within an agar matrix, which is attributed to the abrogation of Brownian relaxation. When subjected to an external DC magnetic field, the MNPs form linear chain-like structures, which causes the effective anisotropy energy density to increase. Magneto-calorimetric studies on agar-based oriented samples reveal a ∼ 19.5 % enhancement in SAR, thereby partly compensating for the loss in heating efficiency due to an increase in medium viscosity. The orientational ordering-induced enhancement in SAR is also verified using sweeping rate modified Stoner-Wohlfarth model-based calculations. In vitro cyto-toxicity studies on the HeLa cell lines reveal good cyto-compatibility of the MNPs. The negative charge on the surface of HA-coated MNPs is exploited to remove the cationic methylene blue dye from the aqueous medium, where the dye molecules are found to be physisorbed on the surface of the MNPs. The experimental findings clearly show the high induction heating efficiency, cyto-compatibility, and cationic dye-adsorption efficiency of the prepared HA-MNPs, thereby indicating the suitability of these MNPs for multi-functional applications like magnetic fluid hyperthermia and waste-water purification.

Non-Debye Behavior of the Néel and Brown Relaxation in Interacting Magnetic Nanoparticle Ensembles.

We used ac-susceptibility measurements to study the superspin relaxation in Fe3O4/Isopar M nanomagnetic fluids of different concentrations. Temperature-resolved data collected at different frequencies, χ″ vs. T|f, reveal magnetic events both below and above the freezing point of the carrier fluid (TF = 197 K): χ″ shows peaks at temperatures Tp1 and Tp2 around 75 K and 225 K, respectively. Below TF, the Néel mechanism is entirely responsible for the superspin relaxation (as the carrier fluid is frozen), and we found that the temperature dependence of the relaxation time, τN(Tp1), is well described by the Dorman-Bessais-Fiorani (DBF) model: τNT=τrexp⁡EB+EadkB T. Above TF, both the internal (Néel) and the Brownian superspin relaxation mechanisms are active. Yet, we found evidence that the effective relaxation times, τeff, corresponding to the Tp2 peaks observed in the denser samples do not follow the typical Debye behavior described by the Rosensweig formula 1τeff=1τN+1τB. First, τeff is 5 × 10-5 s at 225 K, almost three orders of magnitude more that its Néel counterpart, τN~8 × 10-8 s, estimated by extrapolating the above-mentioned DBF analysis. Thus, 1τN≫1τeff, which is clearly not consistent with the Rosensweig formula. Second, the observed temperature dependence of the effective relaxation time, τeff(Tp2), is excellently described by τB-1T=Tγ0exp⁡-E'kBT-T0', a model solely based on the hydrodynamic Brown relaxation, τB(T)=3ηTVHkBT, combined with an activation law for the temperature variation of the viscosity, ηT=η0exp⁡E'/kB(T-T0'. The best fit yields γ0=3ηVHkB = 1.6 × 10-5 s·K, E'/kB = 312 K, and T0' = 178 K. Finally, the higher temperature Tp2 peaks vanish in the more diluted samples (δ ≤ 0.02). This indicates that the formation of larger hydrodynamic particles via aggregation, which is responsible for the observed Brownian relaxation in dense samples, is inhibited by dilution. Our findings, corroborating previous results from Monte Carlo calculations, are important because they might lead to new strategies to synthesize functional magnetic ferrofluids for biomedical applications.

Improvements of magnetic nanoparticle assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection using a mimic virus approach

Immunoassays with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as markers are a promising approach for the fast and sensitive virus detection. Upon binding of antibody-functionalized MNP on virus proteins, the hydrodynamic diameter increases and a change in the Brownian relaxation time can be measured. In this study, we detect the whole SARS-CoV-2 by mimicking it with streptavidin-coated polystyrene beads with biotinylated spike proteins. Changes of the MNP dynamics are measured by alternating current susceptometry and magnetic particle spectroscopy. Due to the multiple binding sites of MNP and virus, crosslinking enlarges the change of the hydrodynamic diameter. In order to improve the sensitivity and the limit of detection of the assay, the ratio of the virus to the MNP amount RMV/MNP is investigated in detail. High RMV/MNP ratios lead to a saturation of the MNPs with viruses, so that the cluster size and therefore the sensitivity decrease again. Additionally, it is found that the smallest virus concentrations can be detected for small MNP concentrations. It is also shown that the RMV/MNP range that can be used for an unambiguous detection of viruses depends on the virus/MNP concentration; it shifts with increasing MNP concentration to smaller RMV/MNP values. For very small virus concentrations, an increase of the Brownian relaxation time is detected implying a decrease of the hydrodynamic diameter. Furthermore, the optimal antibody concentration for MNP functionalization was determined. It is also found that a washing process with a centrifuge improves the sensitivity by reliably removing unbound antibodies and eliminating small MNPs with improper functionalization.

Feature Matching of Microsecond-Pulsed Magnetic Fields Combined with Fe3O4 Particles for Killing A375 Melanoma Cells.

The combination of magnetic fields and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to kill cancer cells by magneto-mechanical force represents a novel therapy, offering advantages such as non-invasiveness, among others. Pulsed magnetic fields (PMFs) hold promise for application in this therapy due to advantages such as easily adjustable parameters; however, they suffer from the drawback of narrow pulse width. In order to fully exploit the potential of PMFs and MNPs in this therapy, while maximizing therapeutic efficacy within the constraints of the narrow pulse width, a feature-matching theory is proposed, encompassing the matching of three aspects: (1) MNP volume and critical volume of Brownian relaxation, (2) relaxation time and pulse width, and (3) MNP shape and the intermittence of PMF. In the theory, a microsecond-PMF generator was developed, and four kinds of MNPs were selected for in vitro cell experiments. The results demonstrate that the killing rate of the experimental group meeting the requirements of the theory is at least 18% higher than the control group. This validates the accuracy of our theory and provides valuable guidance for the further application of PMFs in this therapy.

Incidence of the Brownian Relaxation Process on the Magnetic Properties of Ferrofluids.

Ferrofluids containing magnetic nanoparticles represent a special class of magnetic materials due to the added freedom of particle tumbling in the fluids. We studied this process, known as Brownian relaxation, and its effect on the magnetic properties of ferrofluids with controlled magnetite nanoparticle sizes. For small nanoparticles (below 10 nm diameter), the Néel process is expected to dominate the magnetic response, whereas for larger particles, Brownian relaxation becomes important. Temperature- and magnetic-field-dependent magnetization studies, differential scanning calorimetry, and AC susceptibility measurements were carried out for 6 and 13.5 nm diameter magnetite nanoparticles suspended in water. We identify clear fingerprints of Brownian relaxation for the sample of large-diameter nanoparticles as both magnetic and thermal hysteresis develop at the water freezing temperature, whereas the samples of small-diameter nanoparticles remain hysteresis-free down to the magnetic blocking temperature. This is supported by the temperature-dependent AC susceptibility measurements: above 273 K, the data show a low-frequency Debye peak, which is characteristic of Brownian relaxation. This peak vanishes below 273 K.

Exploring induced microstructural changes in magnetically modified crude oils through nonlinear rheology and magnetometry

Adsorptive phenomena involving dispersed iron oxide superparamagnetic nanoparticles and asphaltenes in crude oil have been profiled as promising technological alternatives, particularly since these interactions can induce significant structural changes within the oil matrices, effectively inhibiting the formation of complex long-range viscoelastic structures. Furthermore, the effect of adsorbed asphaltenes on magnetic dipolar interactions among particles has been proven, showing the formation of multiple asphaltene layers that stimulate a steric repulsive barrier. Despite the discussed hindering phenomena, this research demonstrated the effectiveness of the sequence of physical processes framework to provide intra-cycle structure-rheological interpretations in large amplitude oscillatory shear of a ferrofluid-modified heavy oil, upon the application of an external magnetic field. The analysis proved that disordered nanoparticle/asphaltene aggregates are highly extended and naturally formed in the absence of magnetic forces. In contrast, in the presence of a perpendicular field applied by a controlled rate magneto-rheometer, the formation of interacting structural aggregates of several hundred nanometers was observed, analogous to magnetorheological fluids. These results were validated by adjusting a phenomenological model that effectively represented the intricate processes involved in the formation and reorientation of aggregates, based on the experimental data acquired from zero-field-cooled and field-cooled magnetization curves. This revealed a distinct blocking temperature distribution at around 274 K, which was linked to Brownian relaxation phenomena exhibited by nanoparticle aggregates. In this regard, this research provided a precise extended description of the effect of magnetic fields on the microstructural organization of complex fluids using nonlinear rheology and magnetometry.

Effect of particle size and composition on local magnetic hyperthermia of chitosan-Mg1-xCoxFe2O4 nanohybrid.

In this study, Mg1-xCoxFe2O4 (0≤x ≤ 1 with ∆x = 0.1) or MCFO nanoparticles were synthesized using a chemical co-precipitation method and annealed at 200, 400, 600, and 800°C respectively to investigate the structural properties of the materials by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Controlled annealing increased particle size for each value of x. The aim was to investigate how specific loss power (SLP) and maximum temperature (Tmax) during local magnetic hyperthermia were affected by structural alterations associated with particle size and composition. The lattice parameter, X-ray density, ionic radius, hopping length, bond length, cation-cation distance, and cation-anion distance increase with an increase in Co2+ content. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy reveal changes in cation distribution with Co2+ content and particle size. Magnetic properties measured by the physical property measurement system (PPMS) showed saturation magnetization (Ms), coercivity (Hc), remanent magnetization (Mr/Ms), and anisotropy constant (K1) of the Mg1-xCoxFe2O4 nanoparticles increase with Co2+ content and particle size. When exposed to an rf magnetic field, the nanohybrids experienced an increase in both the SLP (specific loss power) and Tmax (maximum temperature) as the particle size initially increased. However, these values reached their peak at critical particle size and subsequently decreased. This occurs since a modest increase in anisotropy, resulting from the presence of Co2+ and larger particle size, facilitates Néel and Brownian relaxation. However, for high anisotropy values and particle size, the Néel and Brownian relaxations are hindered, leading to the emergence of a critical size. The critical size increases as the Co2+ content decreases, but it decreases as the Co2+ content increases, a consequence of higher anisotropy with the increase in Co2+. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the maximum temperature (Tmax) rises as the concentration of nanohybrids grows, but the specific loss power (SLP) decreases. An increased concentration of chitosan-MCFO nanohybrids inhibits both the Néel and Brownian relaxation processes, reducing specific loss power.

Field-dependent Néel relaxation time of magnetic nanoparticles in AC excitation fields: Boundary field between Néel- and Brownian-dominant regions

We investigated the field-dependent Néel relaxation time of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in an AC excitation field. Specifically, a fundamental component of the magnetization for immobilized MNPs was studied by numerical simulation while changing the frequency f and amplitude Hac of the field. From the simulation results, we clarified the Hac dependence of the effective Néel relaxation time τN,e and obtained an empirical expression for τN,e(Hac) for the first time. The expression was obtained for the cases when the angle of the easy axis of magnetization in MNPs is fixed and randomly distributed. Using the Hac dependencies of τN,e and the previously reported Brownian relaxation time τB,e, we showed that the behavior of suspended MNPs changes from Brownian-dominant to Néel-dominant when Hac increases, even when the MNP parameters are fixed, and we obtained an expression for the boundary field between them. Furthermore, we classified several types of responses for the suspended MNPs in the AC field using the magnitude relationship among τN,e(Hac), τB,e(Hac), and 1/(2πf). Finally, we experimentally verified the classification, and reasonable agreement was observed between the experiment and analysis. The results are useful for determining suitable MNP parameters and excitation conditions for various biomedical applications.

Unidirectionally Structured Magnetic Phase-Change Composite Based on Carbonized Polyimide/Kevlar Nanofiber Complex Aerogel for Boosting Solar-Thermo-Electric Energy Conversion.

To realize highly efficient solar-thermo-electric energy conversion for clean electricity power generation, we have developed a new type of unidirectionally structured magnetic phase-change composite comprising a carbonized polyimide (C-PI)/Kevlar nanofiber (KNF) complex aerogel as a 3D carbon skeleton porous supporting material, CoFe2O4 nanoparticles as a magnetic additive, polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a phase-change material, and polypyrrole as a photothermal absorption coating layer. The as-fabricated C-PI/KNF complex aerogel exhibits a unidirectional microstructure, high porosity, robust skeleton frame, ultralight weight, and high thermal conductance. Featured with such unique structure and characteristics, the complex aerogel can offer an effective heat and electron transfer method to ensure highly efficient solar-thermal conversion and photothermal energy storage of the developed composite. The developed composite exhibits a high latent heat capacity of over 150 J g-1, outstanding shape stability along with a low leakage of 0.2 wt %, good thermal cycling stability, and high photothermal conversion efficiency of 84.8%. Based on the Seebeck effect, a solar thermoelectric generation system (STEGS) was constructed with the hot side coupled with the developed composite and the cold side immersed in air and ice water. Under 2.0 kW m-2 solar irradiation, the developed STEGS in ice water obtained maximum output voltage and current of 259.7 mV and 27.1 mA, respectively, which are significantly higher than those in air. The output power of the developed STEGS in an ice water environment is 50.6% higher than that in air under 4.0 kW m-2 solar irradiation. More importantly, the developed STEGS in ice water continuously generated output voltage and current for about 810 s without solar irradiation thanks to the latent heat release by the PEG component within the developed composite. In addition, the introduction of magnetic CoFe2O4 can accelerate solar-thermal conversion through periodic electron motion by the Néel relaxation or Brownian relaxation. This resulted in an increase in the maximum output voltage and current by 13.7 and 11.5%, respectively, under an alternating magnetic field as a result of the magnetism-accelerated solar-thermo-electric conversion. This study offers an innovative approach for developing PCM-based advanced functional materials for solar energy utilization in clean and sustainable electricity generation.

A nudge over the relaxation plateau: effect of pH, particle concentration, and medium viscosity on the AC induction heating efficiency of biocompatible chitosan-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles

The effects of pH, MNP concentration, and medium viscosity on the magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) properties of chitosan-coated superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MNPs) are probed here. Due to the protonation of the amide groups, the MNPs are colloidally stable at lower pH (∼2), but form aggregates at higher pH (∼8). The increased aggregate size at higher pH causes the Brownian relaxation time (τ B) to increase, leading to a decrease in specific absorption rate (SAR). For colloidal conditions ensuring Brownian-dominated relaxation dynamics, an increase in MNP concentrations or medium viscosity is found to increase the τ B. SAR decreases with increasing MNP concentration, whereas it exhibits a non-monotonic variation with increasing medium viscosity. Dynamic hysteresis loop-based calculations are found to be in agreement with the experimental results. The findings provide a greater understanding of the variation of SAR with the colloidal properties and show the importance of relaxation dynamics on MFH efficiency, where variations in the frequency-relaxation time product across the relaxation plateau cause significant variations in SAR. Further, the in vitro cytotoxicity studies show good bio-compatibility of the chitosan-coated Fe3O4 MNPs. Higher SAR at acidic pH for bio-medically acceptable field parameters makes the bio-compatible chitosan-coated Fe3O4 MNPs suitable for MFH applications.

The Effect of Magnetically Induced Local Structure and Volume Fraction on the Electromagnetic Properties of Elastomer Samples with Ferrofluid Droplet Inserts

The magnetic permeability (μ), dielectric permittivity (ε) and electrical conductivity (σ) of six elastomer samples obtained by mixing silicone rubber (RTV-530) with a kerosene-based ferrofluid in different volume fractions (φ), 1.31%, 2.59% and 3.84%, were determined using complex impedance measurements over a frequency range of 500 Hz–2 MHz. Three samples (A0, B0 and C0) were manufactured in the absence of a magnetic field, and the other three samples (Ah, Bh and Ch) were manufactured in the presence of a magnetic field, H = 43 kA/m. The component μ″ of the complex effective magnetic permeability of all samples presents a maximum at a frequency, fmax, that moves to higher values by increasing φ, with this maximum being attributed to Brownian relaxation processes. The conductivity spectrum, σ (f), of all samples follows the Jonscher universal law, which allows for both the determination of the static conductivity, σDC, and the barrier energy of the electrical conduction process, Wm. For the same φ, Wm is lower, and σDC is higher in the samples Ah, Bh and Ch than in the samples A0, B0 and C0. The performed study is useful in manufacturing elastomers with predetermined properties and for possible applications such as magneto-dielectric flexible electronic devices, which can be controlled by the volume fraction of particles or by an external magnetic field.

A Novel Estimation Method for Temperature of Magnetic Nanoparticles Dominated by Brownian Relaxation Based on Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy

A Novel Estimation Method for Temperature of Magnetic Nanoparticles Dominated by Brownian Relaxation Based on Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy

Recognition of rotational modes of magnetic nanoparticles by frequency dependence of magnetic linear dichroism under AC field

This study shows that magnetic linear dichroism (MLD) measurement has great potential for characterizing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) used in recently developing biomedical applications or nanoscale mechanical measurement techniques. MLD of MNP suspension reflects the orientation of the MNP. We investigated the frequency dependence of the MLD of MNP suspension under a simple AC field and the effect of the MNP size and material. Under an AC field with the frequency f, the MLD oscillated with 2f for every MNP. The amplitude and phase of this 2f-oscillation were precisely measured with a lock-in amplifier, and we showed the MLD2f frequency spectrum, a plot of real and imaginary parts of the 2f-component of MLD as a function of f. We found that the shape of the MLD2f frequency spectrum can distinguish the rotational modes of MNPs in an AC field. Therefore, this spectrum is helpful for the selection of MNPs for each technique mentioned above. We propose two model functions to fit the MLD2f frequency spectra, consistent with each rotational mode. It is shown that one of the fitting parameters τ0 is associated with the rotational Brownian relaxation time of MNP, and the other parameter β would represent the distribution of the anisotropy energy. The frequency dependence of MLD will provide precise insights into the magnetization and orientational dynamics of the MNP in liquid.

Magnetic particle spectroscopy and magnetic particle imaging of zinc and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles: Distinct relaxation mechanisms

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is an emerging imaging method based on the nonlinear response of superparamagnetic tracers to a sinusoidal AC magnetic field. Higher harmonics obtained by the Fourier transform of acquired signals form a so-called magnetic particle spectrum, whereby straightforward evaluation of different nanoparticles as potential MPI tracers can be carried out. The shape of the spectra is largely dictated by the combined Néel and Brownian relaxation of superspins, whose relative contributions vary significantly depending on the tracer properties. The present study is focused on the comparison of several Zn ferrite and Co ferrite samples, selected for their different magnetic behaviors, together with the commercial tracer Resovist® (SH U 555 A). A new custom-made magnetic particle spectrometer and a commercial MPI system (Bruker) with comparable AC field amplitudes (∼14 mT) and frequencies (∼25 kHz) are used. Magnetic nanoparticles of Zn and Co ferrites have been synthesized by the thermal decomposition method and by the solvothermal/hydrothermal route, achieving four different samples of magnetic cores with the mean crystallite size in the range of 8–16 nm. From all of them, well-comparable silica-coated particles with a shell thickness of 5–6 nm have been prepared. To analyse the effect of the coating layer and hydrodynamic size, three additional samples have been supplemented: solvothermal Zn ferrite nanoparticles stabilized with a citrate monolayer, the same particles coated with 17 nm thick silica shell, and silica-coated Zn ferrite particles from the thermal decomposition with a higher degree of agglomeration. Fundamental characterizations of the nanomaterials by XRD, XRF, TEM, and DLS are followed by detailed investigations of their magnetic properties and structural peculiarities by SQUID magnetometry and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. Magnetic particle spectroscopy and subsequent MPI study demonstrate: (i) superior properties of Zn ferrite nanoparticles compared to their Co ferrite counterparts, (ii) only negligible to weak effect of the type/thickness of the coating on signal of Zn ferrite nanoparticles, (iii) comparable performance of the solvothermal Zn ferrite particles with a thin silica shell and of the Resovist® tracer, and importantly, (iv) that suitable choice of the magnetic phase enables to separate the contributions of the Néel and Brownian relaxation on the timescale of MPI.

Study of the calorimetric effect in ferrogels subjected to the high-frequency rotating magnetic field

This study investigates the calorimetric effect in iron oxide-containing ferrogels when exposed to a high-frequency rotating magnetic field. The primary heat generation mechanisms were magnetic relaxation (Néel and Brownian) and magnetic hysteresis. Temperature was monitored over time for various magnetic field amplitudes, enabling the determination of the contributions of both heat release mechanisms as a function of particle concentration and field strength. Experiments were performed using agar-based tissue mimicking phantoms with magnetic nanoparticle weight concentrations ranging from 5 % to 20 %. The magnetic fields applied varied from 1 kA/m to 5 kA/m, with the equipment having a capability of up to 7.5 kA/m at a frequency of 200 kHz. The experimental setup employed a two-phase magnetic system enclosed in an external core where magnetizing coils and parallel connected inductors and capacitors generated spatially and phase shifted fluxes by 90 degrees, resulting in a constant amplitude of rotating magnetic field.The heating efficiency of the rotating magnetic field was found to be approximately twice as effective as an equivalent alternating field in the experiments. The specific loss power exhibited a decreasing trend with the increase in magnetic nanoparticle concentration and the decrease in magnetic field strength. Specifically, as the magnetic nanoparticle concentration increased from 5 % to 20 %, the SLP diminished from 457.3 mW/g (at 5 % concentration and 5 kA/m) to 1.24 mW/g (at 20 % concentration and 1 kA/m). This decrease in SLP can be attributed to enhanced dipole–dipole interactions between particles at smaller interparticle distances as concentration increases, as well as reduced magnetic responsiveness to weaker magnetic fields. Even though Brownian relaxation was likely hindered in the gel structure due to the immobilization of magnetic nanoparticles, the observed magnetic heating effect remains significant. Given the limited existing data on rotating magnetic field effects on tissue mimicking ferrogels, this study offers novel insights, potentially aiding in the optimization of magnetic hyperthermia treatments while highlighting the benefits of rotating over alternating magnetic fields.

Estimation of biomolecule amount by analyzing magnetic nanoparticle cluster distributions from alternating current magnetization spectra for magnetic biosensing

The hydrodynamic size distribution of magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) clusters is crucial for determining the amounts of biomolecules by analyzing the distributions of the Brownian relaxation time in the corresponding alternating current (AC) magnetization spectra. This study proposes a method for estimating the distribution of MNP clusters from recorded AC magnetization spectra using an experimental-based model. The proposed model is used to form a matrix equation that comprises the distribution and AC magnetization spectra of MNP clusters, and the MNP–biomolecule cluster distribution is obtained by solving an inverse problem. The results show that the variations in the MNP clusters distribution estimated from the model correspond to those measured by dynamic light scattering. The MNP cluster distributions estimated using the experimental model were used to estimate streptavidin concentrations in the range of 0.19–3.38 μM. The estimated values agree accurately with the true values, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed method for biosensing.

Activation of energy in MHD Casson nanofluid flow through a porous medium in the presence of convective boundary conditions and suction/injection

Casson fluids are used to understand the rheological characteristics of pigment-oil suspensions, polymeric gels, emulsions, heavy oil, etc. Hence in this article, numerical work is carried out to investigate a steady MHD flow of a Casson nanofluid with the Cattaneo-Christov model over a stretching sheet in the presence of a porous medium with heat generation, and suction/injection. The effects of activation energy and chemical reactions are also considered. The concept of MHD is significant because of its numerous applications, including power generators, cooling process, sensors, and magnetic drug targeting. The governing equations of the model are reduced to a system of nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations by appropriate transformations and are solved numerically via the bvp5c MATLAB package. The effects of the pertinent parameters on the velocity, temperature, and fluid concentration fields along with the skin friction, heat, and mass transfer rates are discussed in detail through figures and tables. It is reported that the velocity field decreases with an escalation in the magnetic field, porosity, and suction. However, the heat transfer rate enhances due an enhancement in suction and the Biot number, whereas it declines with the increasing values of the Brownian motion, thermophoresis, heat generation and thermal relaxation parameters. Furthermore, activation energy increases the fluid concentration.

Magnetic-field dependence of the magnetic dynamics of barium hexaferrite nanoplatelet suspensions

Because of their unique structural and magnetic properties, ferrofluid suspensions consisting of barium hexaferrite nanoplatelets have been in the spotlight of intensive research. Analysis of the dynamic magnetic susceptibility spectra can elucidate both of these properties using the magnetic-field dependence of the Brownian relaxation mechanism. Applying a small probe field and uniform static bias fields in different configurations, the effect of single particles and collective behaviour is distinctly separated. The importance of considering magnetic interparticle interactions is illustrated by comparing models neglecting or considering such interactions, highlighting limitations considering particle concentration, interaction and excitation-field strengths.

Dynamic hysteretic properties and specific loss power of magnetic nanoparticles in a viscous medium at different thermal baths

A system of magnetite single-domain magnetic nanoparticles in an aqueous colloidal suspension at different temperatures is simulated. In this framework, we study the response of the magnetization of the system to the presence of a time-dependent magnetic field at certain frequency. To do that, a Hamiltonian that includes the Zeeman interaction and the uniaxial magneto-crystalline anisotropy energy is considered. The dynamics of the system is driven according to the solution of the stochastic Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert differential equation, in combination with a torque term acting on the nanoparticle in order to consider the Brown rotation influenced by the viscosity of the solvent. Thus, both Néel and Brown rotation mechanisms are contemplated. Our results allow us to conclude that Brownian relaxation mediates the alignment of the anisotropy axes with the external field. Thus, depending on the solid or liquid state of the solvent, it is possible to determine the conditions under which a reinforcement of the magnetic anisotropy can take place in order to increase the remanence and squareness of the hysteresis loops.