Biological detector and method

Abstract

A biological detector includes a conduit for receiving a fluid containing one or more magnetic nanoparticle-labeled, biological objects to be detected and one or more permanent magnets or electromagnet for establishing a low magnetic field in which the conduit is disposed. A microcoil is disposed proximate the conduit for energization at a frequency that permits detection by NMR spectroscopy of whether the one or more magnetically-labeled biological objects is/are present in the fluid.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method of detecting one or more biological objects in a fluid, comprising magnetically labeling the one or more biological objects in a fluid, disposing the fluid in a conduit that is disposed in a magnetic field of about 0.5 to about 1.5 Tesla, and energizing a microcoil disposed proximate the tubular conduit at a frequency that detects by NMR whether the one or more magnetically labeled biological objects is/are present in the fluid. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the one or more biological objects is/are labeled by a paramagnetic nanoparticle attached thereto. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the one or more biological objects are present in an aqueous fluid. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the microcoil comprises a solenoid-shaped coil disposed about the conduit. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the microcoil has an inner diameter of about 50 to about 550 microns. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23  wherein the inner diameter is about 75 to about 125 microns. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the inner diameter is about 100 microns. 
     
     
         26 . A method of detecting one or more biological objects in a fluid, comprising labeling a biological object in a fluid with a magnetic nanoparticle, disposing the fluid in a gap between opposite poles of one or more permanent magnets, and energizing a microcoil proximate the fluid at a frequency that detects by NMR whether the one or more magnetically labeled biological objects is/are present in the fluid.