Microscale 2D magneto-electrography: a new concept in analytical chemistry towards applications in nanoscience – 2D-ME

Our project aims at developing a novel concept in analytical science, called microscale 2D magneto-electrography (2D-ME). This concept will allow two simultaneous orthogonal migration dimensions in the same microchannel: electrophoresis under a high electric field and magnetophoresis under a powerful magnetic field gradient. With 2D-ME, we will introduce a more powerful alternative to microscale chromatography and electrophoresis, which are the two dominant axes in modern separation science. This new concept is expected to be better adapted for size, charge and shape characterisations of nano objects. Nano-objects, e.g., functionalized nanoparticles, quantum dots, have been playing important roles in biomedicine and diagnostics. For each family of nano-objects, there is often a co-existence of various subpopulations and interferences (especially in biological fluids) with overlapping physical properties, rendering challenging their fine separation and characterization. In addition, the emergence of new magnetic and non-magnetic nano-objects requires continuous efforts to develop novel and more powerful separation technologies. From this urgent need, we will develop in this project the first 2D-ME prototype in microfluidic format and demonstrate the 2D-ME concept with an inaugural application for resolute charge, size and shape characterization of magnetic nanorods serving as innovative drug carriers. 2D-ME can be subsequently extended to other nano(bio)-objects such as extracellular vesicles, charged biomolecules and even inorganic and organic ions. Our project presents an interdisciplinary approach covering microfluidics, instrumentation, modeling, (bio)analytical chemistry, nanoscience, and chemical synthesis. Achievement of this challenging project will be ensured by the complementary expertise of partners. The consortium consists of highly experienced investigators with advanced careers and new high-potential actors including young researchers, and has already contributed to the creation of technological StartUps. With this experience, the project will benefit from a multi-angle vision from the scientific, valorisation and technological-transfer points of view. The consortium fully endorses gender equality having 3 male and 3 female members. The 2D-ME project will have a multi-levelled impact. For a short-term perspective, this project, which essentially covers instrumentation and fundamental research in analytical chemistry, will allow the development of an original analytical concept and device for sensitive detection and high-resolution separation of target nanoparticles from complex and heterogeneous populations. For medium term, the 2D-ME project will also lead to the production of a prototype with high potential for industrial exploitation, as there is still a big need for powerful tools for characterization and detection of nano-objects (especially with sizes smaller than 50 nm). For long-term expectation, 2D-ME will help explore and control the nanometric heterogeneity to improve nanoparticle synthesis and the quality of nanomedicine.