The Magnetic Immuno-Chromatographic Test System by MagnaBioSciences, LLC

The MICT® technology system is a desktop based, in vitro diagnostic device. The purpose of the MICT® system, when used with its disposable Test Devices, is to provide a means to quantitatively and qualitatively detect biochemical analytes directly from body fluids or environmental samples.

The format of MICT® assays is similar to that of standard home pregnancy tests. In MICT® assays, however, small magnetic nanoparticles replace the gold or colored latex particles used in visually read tests. These nanoparticles have similar flow and capture characteristics to their colored analogues, however in the MICT® technology system, a magnetic measurement of the capture line is made. The magnetic measurement is directly related (quantitatively) to the amount of accumulated magnetic material in the capture region.

The magnetic measurement requires the excitation of the nanoparticles in a magnetic field. This magnetic field is provided by way of a C-shaped electromagnet, while the magnetic measurement is performed by an array of thin film induction coils. The format of the capture line, as well as the geometry, position, material selection and electronics, all contribute to the sensitive nature and quantitative ability of the measurement.

Geometry of MICT® excitation/detection elements

The graphic below helps to illustrate the sensitivity advantage offered by MICT®. In all immuno-chromatographic tests, the capture region extends throughout the depth of the membrane, as does particle accumulation in the completed test. In optically read assays (visual or reflectance), only the accumulation of particles on the top surface can be detected. Typically depth resolution is limited to 10μ in membranes that are approximately 200 μ thick. In MICT®, the entire particle distribution can be resolved by way of a magnetic measurement:

MICT® Detection Elements

The MICT® technology system is intended for use in the laboratory. It is an in vitro diagnostic device that provides quantitative and qualitative information regarding the presence of biochemical analytes that are labeled with a superparamagnetic particle (SPMP). The system accomplishes this by measuring analyte-specific MICT® Test Devices. The information provided by the MICT® technology system can be used as an aid in the diagnosis of specific disease or physiological states.

Electronically read lateral flow instruments typically employ optical transmission or reflectance techniques to quantify the accumulation of particles in the test region. Such techniques suffer from numerous inaccuracies which may be caused by:

Non-uniform distribution of particles in the capture region. This can be a problem due to the small spot size of laser diodes used in the measurement. In contrast, MICT® technology uses a volumetric measurement technique, with a cross sectional area of approximately 2mm². This is considerably larger than the micron-scale measurements made with laser diodes.
Optical interferences from other components in the sample. Such interferences can mask the colored particles intended to be detected. Flow dynamics, in which the distribution of particles can sometimes be pulled away from the surface of the test strip, can also be a factor leading to inaccuracies. Both of these factors serve to mask the particles intended to be detected. By their nature, the magnetic moment from the SPMP cannot be masked or optically hidden from the MICT® detector elements. The only interferences would be those of a magnetic nature, of which there are none in body fluids (even the iron in hemoglobin is non-magnetic).

Immunoassay Comparison Table

The table below illustrates the differences between MICT® and conventional, particle-based immunoassays.

MagnaBioSciences Immunoassay comparison table

	1. Apply patient sample, wait for 10-20 minutes for test development.
	2. Insert cassette into MICT® Instrument.
	3. Press Start button to begin measurement. MICT® automatically recognizes the measurement parameters.
	4. Read and Print results.