A DNA array sensor utilizing magnetic microbeads and magnetoelectronic detection

We describe a multi-analyte biosensor that uses magnetic microbeads as labels to detect DNA hybridization on a micro-fabricated chip. The beads are detected by giant magnetoresistance (GMR) magnetoelcctronic sensors embedded in the chip. The prototype device is a tabletop unit containing electronics, a chip carrier with a microfluidic flow cell, and a compact electromagnet and is capable of simultaneous detection of eight different analytes. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.