Magnetic particles for egg research

Abstract

The progress in new technologies and new materials has influenced the "classical" food technology processes and related science. Egg-related research and technology is no exception, as can be seen from current scientific papers. Different types of new materials (both in the nanometer and micrometer range) have been developed and used in various areas. Magnetic nano-and microparticles represent extremely interesting and useful materials for bioapplications due to their specific properties (e.g., possible manipulation in an external magnetic field, "visibility" in magnetic resonance imaging, heat production in an alternating magnetic field, biocompatibility, etc.). Up to now, not many magnetic-particle applications have been introduced into egg-related research and technology; however, this field of activity can substantially benefit from the use of magnetic nano-and microparticles in the future. In this chapter we have tried to summarize the current state of art. Magnetic nano-and microparticles used in different areas of biosciences and biotechnology usually use magnetite (Fe3O4), maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), or various type of ferrites (MeO.Fe 2O3, where Me = Ni, Co, Mg, Zn, or Mn) as magnetic moieties. Many different types of magnetic particles and devices for their manipulation are produced commercially; for introductory information see recent papers (Safarik and Safarikova 1999, 2004). The areas of egg-related research that follow have already benefited from the application of magnetic particles. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.