Magnetic biosensors for genetic screening of cystic fibrosis

The paper reports on the development of a magnetic biosensing platform for genetic analysis. The sensing technique is based on the on-chip manipulation of magnetically labelled biomolecules by the magnetic field gradient force created by current-carrying conductors; on biomolecular reactions such as the binding of complementary DNA material; and on the detection of the fringe field of the magnetic label by a magnetoresistive spin valve sensor. Different experiments will demonstrate the advantages, difficulties, prospects and potential of the combination of magnetic bead manipulation and detection on a single microchip. Early detection of DNA coding for the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene is used as a model system for proof-of-concept of the magnetic DNA biosensor platform.