Theoretical study of the photothermal behaviour of self-assembled magnetic-plasmonic chain structures.

We study the field-directed self-assembly and photothermal behavior of one-dimensional (1D) chains of core-shell FeO@Au magnetic-plasmonic nanoparticles. Monte Carlo analysis is used to predict the self-assembly of the nanoparticles when they are subjected to a uniform magnetic field and confined to a fluidic nanochannel. A coupled photonic and thermodynamic analysis is performed to analyze the optical and photothermal properties of the 1D chain structures.

Optimization of Optical Absorption of Colloids of SiO@Au and FeO@Au Nanoparticles with Constraints.

We study the optical response of monodisperse colloids of core-shell plasmonic nanoparticles and introduce a computational approach to optimize absorption for photothermal applications that require dilute colloids of non-interacting particles with a prescribed volume fraction. Since the volume fraction is held constant, the particle concentration is size-dependent. Optimization is achieved by comparing the absorption spectra of colloids as a function of particle size and structure.

Theoretical Comparison of Optical Properties of Near-Infrared Colloidal Plasmonic Nanoparticles.

We study optical properties of near-infrared absorbing colloidal plasmonic nanostructures that are of interest for biomedical theranostic applications: SiO@Au core-shell particles, Au nanocages and Au nanorods. Full-wave field analysis is used to compare the absorption spectra and field enhancement of these structures as a function of their dimensions and orientation with respect to the incident field polarization. Absorption cross-sections of structures with the same volume and LSPR wavelength are compared to quantify differential performance for imaging, sensing and photothermal applications.

Magnetic levitation-based electromagnetic energy harvesting: a semi-analytical non-linear model for energy transduction.

Magnetic levitation has been used to implement low-cost and maintenance-free electromagnetic energy harvesting. The ability of levitation-based harvesting systems to operate autonomously for long periods of time makes them well-suited for self-powering a broad range of technologies. In this paper, a combined theoretical and experimental study is presented of a harvester configuration that utilizes the motion of a levitated hard-magnetic element to generate electrical power.

Self-Assembly of Crystalline Structures of Magnetic Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Fabrication of Nanostructured Materials.

A theoretical study is presented of the template-assisted formation of crystalline superstructures of magnetic-dielectric core-shell particles. The templates produce highly localized gradient fields and a corresponding magnetic force that guides the assembly with nanoscale precision in particle placement. The process is studied using two distinct and complementary computational models that predict the dynamics and energy of the particles, respectively.

Magnetofection Mediated Transient NANOG Overexpression Enhances Proliferation and Myogenic Differentiation of Human Hair Follicle Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

We used magnetofection (MF) to achieve high transfection efficiency into human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). A custom-made magnet array, matching well-to-well to a 24-well plate, was generated and characterized. Theoretical predictions of magnetic force distribution within each well demonstrated that there was no magnetic field interference among magnets in adjacent wells.

Template-assisted nano-patterning of magnetic core-shell particles in gradient fields.

A method is proposed for controlling the assembly of colloidal magnetic core-shell nanoparticles into patterned monolayer structures with nanoscale feature resolution. The method is based on magnetic field-directed self-assembly that is enhanced using soft-magnetic template elements. The elements are embedded in a nonmagnetic substrate and magnetized using a uniform bias field.

A model for predicting field-directed particle transport in the magnetofection process.

Purpose: To analyze the magnetofection process in which magnetic carrier particles with surface-bound gene vectors are attracted to target cells for transfection using an external magnetic field and to obtain a fundamental understanding of the impact of key factors such as particle size and field strength on the gene delivery process.

Methods: A numerical model is used to study the field-directed transport of the carrier particle-gene vector complex to target cells in a conventional multiwell culture plate system. The model predicts the transport dynamics and the distribution of particle accumulation at the target cells.