Magnotech often refers to magnetic-technology-related technologies or devices. It is a sort of biosensor that uses magnetic nanoparticles to monitor target chemicals in blood and saliva in minutes. This can include a wide range of applications and products, such as magnetic materials, magnetic storage devices, magnetic sensors, magnetic levitation systems, and several other technologies that operate using magnetic fields. The technology is based on magnetic nanoparticles that are actuated by magnetic fields.
A cartridge is loaded into a portable analyzer. The cartridge is entirely made of plastic components, has no moving parts or incorporated electronics, and is completely disposable. It fills itself immediately with a single drop of blood or saliva. No other fluid movement is required once the container is filled. The entire assay process within the cartridge is carried out by employing magnetic fields created by the hand-held analyzer to control the movement of the magnetic nanoparticles. The electromagnets, an optical detecting system, control electronics, software, and the read-out display are all housed in the analyzer unit. Troponin I, a cardiac marker, may be tested in blood plasma in around five minutes, according to tests.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines used in medical diagnostics, magnetic storage devices such as hard disk drives, magnetic sensors for various applications, and magnetic levitation trains that use magnetic fields to suspend and propel trains without physical contact with the tracks are some specific examples of magnotech.
Magnotech was used in Philips Handheld Diagnostics’ Minicare product, which was commercially launched in 2016. The technology was spun out in 2018 as Minicare BV, which was acquired by Siemens Healthineers in July 2019. Magnotech technology is used in Siemens’ Atellica VTLi Patient-Side Immunoassay Analyzer, which tests for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I.
Magnotech is a constantly expanding subject, with continual research and development focusing on refining existing technologies and finding new applications for magnetic principles in numerous industries and sectors. Menno Prins, a Philips Research Fellow, pioneered the Magnotech technique. He was promoted to full professor at Eindhoven University of Technology in 2014.
