BioMagnenetICs: An Integrated High-Sensitivity DNA Detection and Display System Based on Magnetic Nanoparticles for Use in Biolo

This task seeks to revolutionize the paradigm of DNA chip by integrating an array of DNA probes on multiple giant magneto-resistance sensor or spin valve sensors using nanomagnetic bead technology and a microfluidic lab-on-a chip for lab automation. This task will demonstrate the advanced hybrid integration science and technology for ultra fast DNA microprocessors with single molecule detection sensitivities. We will integrate nanomagnetic-bead based microfluidic circuits as an example of a fully integrated biomagnetic microprocessor, which has functions for cell and molecule sorting, manipulation, and detection. This will also enhance the parallel magnetical processing of bioinformatic arrays by integration of microelectronic components such as actuators, sensors, amplifiers, signal processing, and feedback control units.

This research proposal aims to develop an advanced microfluidic system for BioMagnetic Microprocessor based on spin valves. Our approach is to develop advanced integrated polymeric microfluidic chips with the selective surface modifications of the magnetic thin film sensors and
high aspect ratio polymer (HARP) microstructures. The HARP provides high surface area-to-volume ratio microstructure and is ideal for cell and molecular separation, micro-reaction chambers, selective DNA patterning, and hybridization assay. For biomedical applications, the HARP can be biochemically functionalized and used for biochemical probes within integrated microfluidic devices, and will allow rapid, sensitive, and economical detection of molecular interactions with tremendous potential for diagnostics tools. Polymerbased MEMS and biomagnetic sensor technologies will be integrated with micromolded plastic structures to implement the fully integrated system.