Microwire array for giant magneto-impedance detection of magnetic particles for biosensor prototype

A new giant magneto-impedance (GMI) biosensor prototype based on a glass-coated microwires array is reported. The optimal measurement conditions and the influence of a liquid suspension of commercially available polymer-based magnetic microparticles on the magneto-impedance (MI) response of the array were studied. The relative change in MI response enlarges as the number of the active microwires increases. The highest variation of 35% was found for 10 active microwires, for a current intensity of 10 mA. Some possible applications of the biosensor prototype are outlined. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.