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The sensitivity of tunneling magnetoresistance sensors is an important performance parameter. It depends on the derivative of resistance versus magnetic field (transfer curve) and the current and is expressed as the product of the two factors. Previous research has demonstrated that the bias voltage has a significant impact on the sensitivity. However, no research has been conducted into the dependence of current and the derivative on bias voltage magnitude and polarity, and their contribution to the sensitivity. Thus, this paper investigates the dependence of sensitivity, derivative of resistance versus magnetic field curve and current on bias voltage magnitude and polarity in CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB-based tunneling magnetoresistance sensors with weak, strong and no voltage-controlled perpendicular magnetic anisotropy modification. It demonstrates that the sensitivity dependence on bias voltage for sensors with voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy modification showed no saturation up to 1 V. Moreover, the sensitivity asymmetry with respect to bias polarity changed significantly with bias, reaching a ratio of 6.7. Importantly, the contribution of current and the derivative of resistance versus magnetic field curve to the sensitivity showed a crossover. The current dominated the bias dependence of sensitivity below the crossover voltage and the derivative above the voltage. Furthermore, the crossover voltage in sensors without voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy modification did not depend on polarity, whereas in sensors with voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy modification, it appeared at significantly higher voltage under positive than negative polarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera pallida, has acquired significant importance throughout Europe due to its widespread prevalence and negative effects on potato production. Thus, rapid and reliable diagnosis of PCN is critical during surveillance programs and for the implementation of control measures. The development of innovative technologies to overcome the limitations of current methodologies in achieving early detection is needed. Lab-on-a-chip devices can swiftly and accurately detect the presence of certain nucleotide sequences with high sensitivity and convert the presence of biological components into an understandable electrical signal by combining biosensors with microfluidics-based biochemical analysis. In this study, a specific DNA-probe sequence and PCR primers were designed to be used in a magnetoresistive biosensing platform to amplify the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA of G. pallida. Magnetic nanoparticles were used as the labelling agents of asymmetric PCR product through biotin–streptavidin interaction. Upon target hybridization to sensor immobilized oligo probes, the fringe field created by the magnetic nanoparticles produces a variation in the sensor's electrical resistance. The detection signal corresponds to the concentration of target molecules present in the sample. The results demonstrate the suitability of the magnetic biosensor to detect PCR target product and the specificity of the probe, which consistently distinguishes G. pallida (DV/V > 1%) from other cyst nematodes (DV/V < 1%), even when DNA mixtures were tested at different concentrations. This shows the magnetic biosensor's potential as a bioanalytical device for field applications and border phytosanitary inspections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work provides a detailed description on quantitative 3D magnetic field reconstruction using a scanning magnetoresistance microscopy setup incorporating a 19.5 μm × 2.5 μm magnetoresistive sensor. Therefore, making use of a rotation stage, 11 nm thick ferromagnetic CoFe elements with 20 μm × 5 μm planar size were measured along different sensor axes and converted into cartesian coordinate magnetic field components by use of the analytical coordinate transform equations. The reconstruction steps were followed and validated by numerical simulations based on a field averaging model caused by a non-negligible sensor volume. Detailed in-plane magnetic component reconstruction with ability to reconstruct sub-micrometer features is achieved. A discussion on the limiting factors for optimal resolution is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in the magnetic sensing technology have been driven by the increasing demand for the capability of measuring ultrasensitive magnetic fields. Among other emerging applications, the detection ofmagnetic fields in the picotesla range is crucial for biomedical applications. In thiswork Picosense reports a millimeter-scale, low-power hybrid magnetoresistive-piezoelectric magnetometer with subnanotesla sensitivity at low frequency. Through an innovative noise-cancelation mechanism, the 1/f noise in the MR sensors is surpassed by the mechanical modulation of the external magnetic fields in the high frequency regime. A modulation efficiency of 13% was obtained enabling a final device’s sensitivity of ~950 pT/Hz1/2 at 1 Hz. This hybrid device proved to be capable of measuring biomagnetic signals generated in the heart in an unshielded environment. This result paves the way for the development of a portable, contactless, low-cost and low-power magnetocardiography device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As single tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) sensor performance in modern high-speed applications is limited by breakdown voltage and saturation of the sensitivity, for higher voltage applications (i.e., compatible to 1.8 V, 3.3 V or 5 V standards) practically only a series connection can be applied. Thus, in this study we focused on sensitivity, 3 dB bandwidth and sensitivity-bandwidth product (SBP) dependence on the DC bias voltage in single and series-connected TMR sensors. We show that, below breakdown voltage, the strong bias influence on sensitivity and the 3 dB frequency of a single sensor results in higher SBP than in a series connection. However, the sensitivity saturation limits the single sensor SBP which, under 1 V, reaches the same level of 2000 MHz·V/T as in a series connection. Above the single sensor breakdown voltage, linear sensitivity dependence on the bias and the constant 3 dB bandwidth of the series connection enable increasing its SBP up to nearly 10,000 MHz·V/T under 5 V. Thus, although by tuning bias voltage it is possible to control the sensitivity-bandwidth product, the choice between the single TMR sensor and the series connection is crucial for the optimal performance in the high frequency range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Less than thirty years after the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect was described, GMR sensors are the preferred choice in many applications demanding the measurement of low magnetic fields in small volumes. This rapid deployment from theoretical basis to market and state-of-the-art applications can be explained by the combination of excellent inherent properties with the feasibility of fabrication, allowing the real integration with many other standard technologies. In this paper, we present a review focusing on how this capability of integration has allowed the improvement of the inherent capabilities and, therefore, the range of application of GMR sensors. After briefly describing the phenomenological basis, we deal on the benefits of low temperature deposition techniques regarding the integration of GMR sensors with flexible (plastic) substrates and pre-processed CMOS chips. In this way, the limit of detection can be improved by means of bettering the sensitivity or reducing the noise. We also report on novel fields of application of GMR sensors by the recapitulation of a number of cases of success of their integration with different heterogeneous complementary elements. We finally describe three fully functional systems, two of them in the bio-technology world, as the proof of how the integrability has been instrumental in the meteoric development of GMR sensors and their applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we describe how magnetoresistive sensors can be integrated with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices enabling the mechanical modulation of DC or low frequency external magnetic fields to high frequencies using MEMS structures incorporating magnetic flux guides. In such a hybrid architecture, lower detectivities are expected when compared with those obtained for individual sensors. This particularity results from the change of sensor's operating point to frequencies above the 1/f noise knee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic field mapping with micrometric spatial resolution and high sensitivity is a challenging application, and the technological solutions are usually based on large area devices integrating discrete magnetic flux guide elements. In this work we demonstrate a high performance hybrid device with improved field sensitivity levels and small footprint, consisting of a ultra-compact 2D design where nanometric spin valve sensors are inserted within the gap of thin-film magnetic flux concentrators. Pole-sensor distances down to 400 nm are demonstrated using nanofabrication techniques combined with an optimized liftoff process. These 100 x 100 μm² pixel sensors can be integrated in modular devices for surface mapping without moving parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow cytometers have been optimized for use in portable platforms, where cell separation, identification and counting can be achieved in a compact and modular format. This feature can be combined with magnetic detection, where magnetoresistive sensors can be integrated within microfluidic channels to detect magnetically labelled cells. This work describes a platform for in-flow detection of magnetically labelled cells with a magneto-resistive based cell cytometer. In particular, we present an example for the validation of the platform as a magnetic counter that identifies and quantifies Streptococcus agalactiae in milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health problem, being a major cause of cancer death worldwide. Hence, the identification of biomarkers able to support CRC detection is crucial. This work analyses a panel of six biomarkers, namely interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, haemoglobin (Hb) and M2-pyruvate kinase (M2-PK), in stool samples from patients with CRC, advanced adenomas, other lesions and healthy individuals. Our results indicate that the levels of Hb and M2-PK were increased in CRC patients in comparison to the controls. Moreover, the combination of these biomarkers increased the specificity or sensitivity for CRC detection and thus present potential for diagnosis of CRC. Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Cancer progression, including invasion and metastasis, is a major cause of death among CRC patients. Current methods for CRC screening commonly consist of a combination of faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for stool occult blood detection and invasive procedures such as colonoscopy. Considering the slow progression of CRC, and that symptoms usually emerge at advanced stages, its early diagnostic can limit cancer's spread and provide a successful treatment. Biomarkers have a high potential for the diagnosis of CRC in either blood or stool samples. Methods: In this study, we analysed the diagnostic value of six different biomarkers in stool samples of patients with CRC, advanced adenomas, other lesions and healthy individuals. We have also assessed the overall performance of the combination of these biomarkers for CRC detection. Results: The results indicate that haemoglobin (Hb) and M2-pyruvate kinase (M2-PK) levels were increased in CRC patients in comparison to the controls. Conversely, the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were not significantly different between the tested groups. Conclusion: The combination of FIT-Hb with the M2-PK levels increased the specificity or sensitivity for CRC detection and thus present potential as faecal diagnostic biomarkers for CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a prototype of a platform for biomolecular recognition detection. The system is based on a magnetoresistive biochip that performs biorecognition assays by detecting magnetically tagged targets. All the electronic circuitry for addressing, driving and reading out signals from spin-valve or magnetic tunnel junctions sensors is implemented using off-the-shelf components. Taking advantage of digital signal processing techniques, the acquired signals are processed in real time and transmitted to a digital analyzer that enables the user to control and follow the experiment through a graphical user interface. The developed platform is portable and capable of operating autonomously for nearly eight hours. Experimental results show that the noise level of the described platform is one order of magnitude lower than the one presented by the previously used measurement set-up. Experimental results also show that this device is able to detect magnetic nanoparticles with a diameter of 250 nm at a concentration of about 40 fM. Finally, the biomolecular recognition detection capabilities of the platform are demonstrated by performing a hybridization assay using complementary and non-complementary probes and a magnetically tagged 20mer single stranded DNA target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the characteristic features of tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors is a strong influence of bias voltage on tunneling current. Since fundamental sensing characteristics of the sensors are primarily determined by the tunneling current, the bias voltage should impact these characteristics. Previous research has indeed showed the influence of the bias voltage on the magnetic field detection and sensitivity. However, the effect has not been investigated for nonlinearity and hysteresis and the influence of bias voltage polarity has not yet been addressed. Therefore, this paper systematically investigates the dependence of field sensitivity, nonlinearity, hysteresis and magnetic field detection of CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB-based magnetoresistance sensors on bias voltage magnitude and polarity. The sensitivity and field detection of all sensors improved significantly with the bias, whereas the nonlinearity and hysteresis deteriorated. The sensitivity increased considerably (up to 32 times) and linearly with bias up to 0.6 V. The field detection also decreased substantially (up 3.9 times) with bias and exhibited the minimum values for the same magnitude under both polarities. Significant and linear increases with bias were also observed for nonlinearity (up to 26 times) and hysteresis (up to 33 times). Moreover, not only the voltage magnitude but also the polarity had a significant effect on the sensing characteristics. This significant, linear and simultaneous effect of improvement and deterioration of the sensing characteristics with bias indicates that both bias voltage magnitude and polarity are key factors in the control and modification of these characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of point-of-care assays can be facilitated with the use of actuated magnetic beads (MB) to perform testing in less expensive settings to enable the delivery of cost-effective care. In this paper we present six different designs of planar microelectromagnets traps (MEMT) with four external coils in series and one central coil connected for an opposite direction of manipulation of MB in microfluidic flows. The development of a simulation tool facilitated the rapid and efficient optimization of designs by presenting the influence of system variables on real time concentrations of MB. Real time experiments are in good agreement with the simulations and showed that the design enabled synchronous concentration and dispersion of MB on the same MEMT. The yield of local concentration is seen to be highly dependent on coil design. Additional coil turns between the central and external coils (inter-windings) doubled magnetic concentration and repulsion with no significant electrical resistance increase. The assemblage of a copper microchannel closed loop cooling system to the coils successfully eliminated the thermal drift promoted by joule heating generated by applied current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic field mapping with micrometric spatial resolution and high sensitivity is a challenging application, and the technological solutions are usually based on large area devices integrating discrete magnetic flux guide elements. In this work we demonstrate a high performance hybrid device with improved field sensitivity levels and small footprint, consisting of a ultra-compact 2D design where nanometric spin valve sensors are inserted within the gap of thin-film magnetic flux concentrators. Pole-sensor distances down to 400 nm are demonstrated using nanofabrication techniques combined with an optimized liftoff process. These 100 × 100 μm2 pixel sensors can be integrated in modular devices for surface mapping without moving parts.