Magnetic nanoparticles are extensively utilized as markers/signal labelling in various biomedical applications. Detecting and distinguishing magnetic signals from similarly sized moving magnetic nanoparticles in microfluidic systems is crucial yet challenging for biosensing. In this study, we have developed an original method to detect and differentiate magnetic signals from moving superparamagnetic (SPM) and ferrimagnetic (FM) nanoparticles of comparable sizes. Our approach utilizes a highly sensitive magnetic-coil-based sensor that harnesses the combined effects of giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) and an LC-resonance circuit, offering performance superior to that of conventional GMI sensors. Iron oxide nanoparticles, which have similar particle sizes but differing coercivities (zero for SPM and non-zero for FM) or similar zero coercivities but differing particle sizes, flow through the magnetic coil at controlled velocities. Their distinct effects are analyzed through changes in the complex impedance of the sensing system. Our findings provide a unique pathway for utilizing SPM and FM nanoparticles as innovative magnetic markers to identify specific biological entities, thereby expanding their potential applications.

The droplet-based microfluidic system is increasingly advancing and widely applied in various fields of analytical techniques and experiments. To optimize and advance this system, droplet dynamics is of utmost concern. The velocity of droplets is highly significant as it aids in precise droplet control and manipulation, ultimately leading to the optimization of device design and performance. This paper utilizes numerical simulations to explore the influence of flow characteristics, fluid properties, and geometric parameters of the contraction microchannel on the velocity of droplets while they are in a stable state. The findings indicate that the droplet velocity is influenced by factors such as viscosity ratio (λ), capillary number (Ca), and contraction ratio (C).

PET bottles are widely used for drinking water. PET bottles’ quality depends on their thickness. The aim of this study is to find design variables and optimal parameters of the stretching blow molding (SBM) process of PET bottles in order to increase the uniformity of bottle thickness by using the simulation technique and Taguchi method. The finite element method is used to predict the results of the SBM process. The Taguchi method is performed with six variables that belong to two main factors, which are temperature positions and parison thickness. Through the analysis process, the optimal parameters are determined and verified, with a minimum objective function result of 0.000265. On the other hand, the temperature at T4 positions and the preform thickness at Th2 sections are the main influences on the uniformity of PET bottle thickness.

The low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of existing magnetic sensors limits the detection of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in microfluidic biosensing. We present a novel microfluidic coil-based impedance detection system for quantifying magnetic particles, including Fe filings and citrate-coated Fe₃O₄ MNPs, with potential applications in magnetically guided biosensing. Unlike conventional approaches that directly measure the magnetic properties of dispersed particles, our method employs an external collector magnet to concentrate particles within a copper coil detector. The accumulated particles alter the coil’s electromagnetic response through changes in the sample’s dielectric properties, producing an amplified impedance signal proportional to sample volume. We evaluated detection performance for 1–10 mg of ferromagnetic Fe filings and citrate-coated Fe₃O₄ MNPs across a broad frequency range. Results show a strong linear correlation between particle mass and impedance change, with SNR values from 25 dB to over 45 dB, demonstrating high sensitivity and precision. Coil sensitivity was further optimized by varying the number of turns (5, 10, and 15), enabling frequency-specific customization. This approach provides a scalable, low-cost platform adaptable to polymer-coated MNPs targeting biological analytes.