WO2023144311A1 - Devices for transporting magnetic and / or ferromagnetic particles and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A system (100) for displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles (170) is provided. The system (100) comprises: a first conducting element (110) and a second conducting element (120). The system (100) further comprises a control module (130) coupled to the first conducting element (110). The system (100) further comprises an oscillator (140), wherein the oscillator (140) is configured to: receive decoded signal features which parameterize a first oscillating current signal and to generate a second oscillating current signal in the second conducting element (120), wherein the second oscillating current signal is parameterized using the received signal features which parameterize the first oscillating signal such that a magnetic field is generated between the first oscillating current signal received in the first conducting element (110) and the second oscillating current signal generated in the second conducting element (120) thereby displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles (170).

Description

Devices for

:ic and / or

and methods

This application claims the benefit of European Patent Application EP22382074.7 filed January 28^th, 2022.

The present disclosure relates to devices for transporting magnetic and I or ferromagnetic particles. The present disclosure further relates to methods for transporting magnetic and I or ferromagnetic particles.

BACKGROUND

The ability of driving nanoparticles in suspension with precision plays a primary role in several fields of science and engineering such as chemistry, physics, material science, biotechnology and medicine. Magnetic particles play, in fact, a particularly important role for their employment in biochemical and medical diagnostic applications. By properly functionalizing their surfaces, it is in fact possible to employ magnetic particles as carriers for transporting or separating biological entities thanks to the action of the magnetic forces on the particles or as molecular markers for a detection based on the magnetic properties of the particles themselves.

One of the known approaches employed for the manipulation of magnetic particles is based on the interactions between the particles and a magnetic substrate, in particular a magnetized substrate.

The idea at the base of this approach is that of operating on the magnetic configuration of the substrate modifying it so that the magnetic particles react to this modification in a controlled and predictable manner, although the controllability and predictability so far achieved are very limited. In general, however, the known systems are based on magnetic devices based on permanent magnets or driven by external magnetic fields and by high electric currents which must be carried by appropriate electric circuits being generally difficult to design and to realize. The systems based on the passage of electric currents are difficult to employ in wet reaction environments, in particular in the presence of solutions, and accordingly require thorough care in order to isolate the electric contacts from the magnetic particles solutions.

One of the typical problems concerning the electronic systems for the controlled manipulation of magnetic particles concerns, moreover, the spatial resolution that can be achieved. In particular, the systems known in the literature allow the control of the motion of magnetic particles with a precision in the order of some micrometers, while it would be desirable to be able to achieve a much more precise control, ideally in the range of nanometers.

Moreover, when operating at high temperature and/or humidity conditions, the known electronic devices for transporting particles do not permit a reliable operation. For example, in environments where the humidity is higher than 50%, the electronic devices are susceptible to damage. Condensation forms when warm air comes in contact with a cool surface. When condensation forms within the electrical components of the known electronic devices, it can cause rust and corrosion, which can be damaging to such electronic devices.

In summary, controlling the motion or transport of small particles and molecules in suspension using external fields has been proven to be an extremely difficult task. Indeed, when external fields are applied to the particles and molecules, their resulting motions have tended to be random and unpredictable. Accordingly, random and unpredictable motions are not suitable for a variety of applications that require the ability to control the motion or transport of individualized particles and molecules in a deterministic manner.

Examples of the present disclosure seek to provide improved devices and methods for transporting magnetic and I or ferromagnetic particles.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a system for displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles in a medium provided in a particles carrier is provided. The system comprises: a first conducting element and a second conducting element, wherein a longitudinal axis defined by the first conducting element is situated at an angle between 2 and 7 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the second conducting element, wherein the first conducting element is configured to receive a first oscillating current signal parameterized using one or more signal features. The system further comprises a control module coupled to the first conducting element, wherein the control module comprises an encoding module configured to receive, from the first conducting element, the first oscillating current signal and to generate a plurality of bits which encode the signal features parameterizing the received first oscillating current signal. The system further comprises a decoding module configured to: receive, from the encoding module, the generated plurality of bits; decode the received plurality of bits such that the signal features which parameterize the first oscillating current signal are obtained. The system comprises an oscillator coupled to the second conducting element and to the control module, wherein the oscillator is configured to: receive the decoded signal features which parameterize the first oscillating current signal and to generate a second oscillating current signal in the second conducting element such that a magnetic field is generated between the first oscillating current signal received in the first conducting element and the second oscillating current signal generated in the second conducting element thereby displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles, wherein the second oscillating current signal is parameterized using the received signal features which parameterize the first oscillating signal.

According to this first aspect, a system which is configured to control the motion of magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles in a medium situated in a particles carrier is provided.

Such operation is performed by generating a digital signal (including a plurality of bits) with encoding features of a first oscillating current signal received in a first conducting element. In this respect, the decoding module may be able to extract the features (e.g. the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal) which characterize the first oscillating current signal, from the digital signal. With such an arrangement, the oscillator may be able to generate a second oscillating current signal parameterized with the features of the first oscillating signal. As a result, a second current oscillating signal with a current profile which is substantially similar to the current profile of the first oscillating signal may be obtained.

A magnetic field may be generated between the first oscillating current signal received, in the first conducting element, and the second oscillating current signal generated, by the oscillator, in the second conducting element which leads to the displacement of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles located in a medium which is provided in a particles carrier. Particularly, the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles may be displaced by radiation which may induce a movement of dispersion of the particles.

In summary, a system for displacing particles is provided in which the number of electrical signals and connections needed for the generation of the magnetic field are minimized, but a great flexibility for particles manipulation is achieved nevertheless. Additionally, the system may operate at high temperature and/or humidity conditions since the system comprises relatively few electronic components which may not be affected by condensation, corrosion and so forth.

The present invention can thus generally be applied in any system in which particles need to be manipulated collectively in a medium in a controlled fashion.

In a second aspect, a method for displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles using a system according to the first aspect is provided. The method comprises: receiving, by the encoding module, a first oscillating current signal generated in the first conducting element; generating, by the encoding module, a plurality of bits which encode the signal features parameterizing the received first oscillating current signal; decoding, by the decoding module, the generated plurality of bits such that the signal features which parameterize the first oscillating current signal are obtained; receiving, by the oscillator, the decoded features of the first oscillating signal. The method further comprises generating, by the oscillator, a second oscillating current signal in the second conducting element wherein the second oscillating signal is parameterized using the obtained features of the first oscillating signal such that a magnetic field is generated between the first oscillating current signal received in the first conducting element and the second oscillating current signal generated in the second conducting element thereby displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles.

The term “radiation” may be used to refer to electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation may be defined as energy transmitted at a fixed velocity through varying electric and magnetic fields.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of a system for displacing magnetic and I or ferromagnetic particles;

Figure 2a illustrates a square oscillating current signal received by a first conducting element of the system of Figure 1 according to an example; Figure 2b illustrates a trapezoidal oscillating current signal received by a first conducting element of the system of Figure 1 according to another example;

Figure 2c illustrates a sinusoidal oscillating current signal received by a first conducting element of the system of Figure 1 according to a further example;

Figure 2d illustrates a triangular oscillating current signal received by a first conducting element of the system of Figure 1 according to another example;

Figure 3 shows an example of a plurality of bits encoding features of a first oscillating signal received by a first conducting element forming part of the system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows an example of a first oscillating signal received by a first conducting element of the system of Figure 1 and a second oscillating signal generated in the second conducting element of the system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method for displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles according to an example;

Figure 6a shows an example of a “magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particle 170” having a structure of core-membrane;

Figure 6b shows the response of the “magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170” having a structure of core-membrane of Figure 6a to the magnetic field generated by the use of the system of the present invention, creating an ordered pattern distribution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Along the present description and claims the term “oscillating current signal parameterized using one or more signal features" is to be understood as a current oscillating signal comprising one or more signal features such as the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of a system 100 for displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles. The system comprises a first conducting element 110 and a second conducting element 120. The first conducting element 110 and the second conducting element 120 may be made of any suitable metal (e.g., gold, silver, palladium, platinum, or copper) for transporting an electric charge. The first conducting element 110 and the second conducting element 120 may be e.g. a wire.

The first conducting element 110 defines a first longitudinal axis 111 and the second conducting element 120 defines a second longitudinal axis 121. The first longitudinal axis 111 may be situated at an angle a with respect to the second longitudinal axis 121. The angle a may be between 2 and 7 degrees, and specifically the angle a may be between 3 and 5 degrees, and more specifically between 3.1 and 4.5 degrees.

The system 100 further comprises a control module 130 including an encoding module 131 and a decoding module 132.

In some examples, the control module 130 may comprise or may be implemented by electronic means, computing means or a combination of them, that is, said electronic or computing means may be used interchangeably so that a part of the described means may be electronic means and the other part may be computing means, or all described means may be electronic means or all described means may be computing means.

Examples of a control module 130 comprising only electronic means (that is, a purely electronic configuration) may be a programmable electronic device such as a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit).

Examples of a control module 130 comprising only computing means may be a computer system, which may comprise a memory and a microprocessor, the memory being adapted to store a set of computer program instructions, and the microprocessor being adapted to execute these instructions stored in the memory in order to generate the various events and actions for which the processor or a part thereof has been programmed.

The memory may be comprised in the control module 130 (e.g., an EEPROM) or may be external. In the case of an external memory, it may comprise, for example, data storage means such as magnetic disks (e.g., hard disks), optical disks (e.g., DVD or CD), memory cards, flash memory (e.g., pen drives) or solid-state drives (SSD based on RAM, based on flash, etc.). On the other hand, these storage means may comprise part of the system 100 itself and / or may be arranged remotely thereto, wired, or wirelessly connected. In the case of being remotely arranged, the communication established between the system 100 and the storage means may be secured by, for example, username I password, cryptographic keys and I or by an SSL tunnel established in the communication between the system 100 and the storage means.

Therefore, the set of computer program instructions (such as a computer program) executable by the processor may be stored in a physical storage means, such as those mentioned, but may also be carried by a carrier wave (the carrier medium). It may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program, such as electrical or optical, which may be transmitted via electrical or optical cable or by radio or other means. In this way, when the computer program is contained in a signal that may be transmitted directly by means of a cable or other device or means, the carrier means may be constituted by said cable or another device or means.

The computer program may be in the form of source code, object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the method. The carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program.

When the computer program is embodied in a signal that may be conveyed directly by a cable or other device or means, the carrier may be constituted by such cable or other device or means.

Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted for performing, or for use in the performance of, the relevant methods.

In addition, the control module 130 may also have a hybrid configuration between computing and electronic means. In this case, the system may comprise a memory and a microprocessor to implement computationally part of its functionalities and certain electronic circuits to implement the remaining functionalities.

The system may optionally be configured to have access to a (wireless or wired) telecommunications network, for example a WiFi (according to any IEEE 802.11 version), WiFi PAN, WiFi LAN, or WiFi ad hoc network or any other type of radiofrequency wireless communications network. Alternatively or additionally, the system may be configured for accessibility to a 3G, 4G, 5G or similar communications network. Alternatively or additionally, a wired network may be used such as Ethernet network implemented with, for example, coaxial, twisted pair, or fibre optic cables. The network may be a such as a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), or similar, or any combination thereof. The relevant telecommunications hardware and software related to network accessibility may be provided, for example, in a housing such as a console, which may also house or contain the control module 130.

The control module 130 may be provided as part of a console which may include a display element. The display element may comprise a screen, liquid retina display, a cathode ray tube display, a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Organic Light- Emitting Diode (OLED) display, electroluminescent (ELD) display, Digital Light Processing (DLP) display, a plasma display panel (PDP), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Quantum Dot Display (QDD) or any other suitable type of display element.

The display element or screen may be configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) for facilitating interaction between the user and the system. The display element may comprise a touchscreen display. This may advantageously make setting up the system and making user selections more convenient.

The system 100 may comprise local program memory, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), and local data memory such as Random Access Memory (RAM) in order to support its functions. Additionally or alternatively, the system may have access to remote program servers and data storage such as external servers and/or cloud storage.

Following the example, the control module 130 may be coupled to the first conducting element 110. The encoding module 131 (forming part of the control module 130) may receive a first oscillating signal from the first conducting element 110.

Figure 2a illustrates an example of a first oscillating signal which may be received by the first conducting element. The first oscillating signal may be modulated by analog modulation means, digital modulation means, pulsed modulation means or a combination of them.

Examples of analog modulation means may be amplitude modulation (e.g., doublesideband modulation DSB, single-sideband modulation SSB, vestigial sideband modulation VSB, quadrature amplitude modulation QAM), frequency modulation or phase modulation.

Examples of digital modulation means may be amplitude shift keying ASK (e.g., on-off keying), frequency shift keying FSK (e.g., audio frequency-shift keying AFSK, multifrequency shift keying MFSK, dual-tone multi-frequency DTMF), phase shift keying PSK (e.g., binary PSK BPSK, quadrature PSK QPSK, 8PSK, 16PSK, differential PSK, differential QPSK, offset QPSK, TT/4 QPSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation QAM (e.g., polar modulation).

Examples of pulsed modulation means may be analog over analog methods (e.g., pulse-width modulation PAM, pulse-width modulation PWM, pulse-position modulation); or analog over digital methods (e.g., pulse-code modulation PCM, delta modulation DM, pulse-density modulation PDM).

It is noted that any of the oscillating signals which will be explained later on may also be modulated as hereinbefore described.

In this example, the first oscillating signal is a square oscillating current signal. The square oscillating current signal 200 may repetitively vary between a minimum current peak value 202a - 202d of the signal and a maximum current peak value 204a - 204c of the signal, as a function of time.

Particularly, the square oscillating current signal 200 may be defined including a first flat portion comprising maintaining the minimum current peak value 202a during a first period of time, a first slope 206 between the minimum current peak value 202a and a maximum current peak value 204a, a second flat portion comprising maintaining the maximum current peak value 204a during a second period of time, and a second slope 208 between the maximum current peak value 204a and the minimum current peak value 202b. Evidently, the square oscillating current signal may repetitively vary, as a function of time, with a similar pattern.

It is noted that, in the square oscillating current signal 200, the transition between a minimum current peak value 202a - 202d of the signal and a corresponding maximum current peak value of the signal 204a - 204c and the transition between a maximum peak value 202a - 202d of the signal and a corresponding minimum peak value 204a - 204c of the signal may be (almost) instantaneous. Figure 2b illustrates a further example of a first oscillating signal which may be received by the first conducting element. In this example, the first oscillating signal is a trapezoidal oscillating current signal. Similarly as before, the trapezoidal oscillating current signal 210 may repetitively vary between a minimum current peak value 212a - 212d of the signal and a maximum current peak value 214a - 214c of the signal, as a function of time.

Particularly, the trapezoidal oscillating current signal 210 may comprise a first flat portion comprising maintaining a minimum current peak value 212a during a first period of time, a first slope 216 between the minimum current peak value 212a and a maximum current peak value 214a during a second period of time, a second flat portion comprising maintaining the maximum current peak value 214a during a third period of time and a second slope 218 between the maximum current peak value 214a and the minimum current peak value 212b during a fourth period of time. In the trapezoidal oscillating current signal 210, the transition between a minimum current peak value 212a - 212d of the signal and a maximum current peak value 214a - 214c of the signal is not instantaneous (i.e. the transition takes a relatively short time). Evidently, the signal may repetitively vary, as a function of time, with a similar pattern.

Figure 2c illustrates another example of a first oscillating signal which may be received by the first conducting element. In this example, the first oscillating signal is a sinusoidal oscillating current signal. The sinusoidal oscillating current signal 220 may be e.g. a sine wave. The sinusoidal oscillating current signal 220 may repetitively vary between a minimum current peak value 222a - 222d of the signal and a maximum current peak value 224a - 224c of the signal, as a function of time.

Particularly, the sinusoidal oscillating current signal 220 may sinusoidally rise from a minimum current peak value 222a of the signal to a maximum current peak value 224a of the signal during a first period of time and sinusoidally drop from the maximum current peak value 224a to a minimum current peak value 222b during a second period of time. Evidently, the sinusoidal oscillating current signal may repetitively vary, as a function of time, with a similar pattern.

Figure 2d illustrates another example of a first oscillating signal which may be received by the first conducting element. In this example, the first oscillating signal is a triangular oscillating current signal. The triangular oscillating current signal 230 may repetitively vary between a minimum current peak value 232a - 232d of the signal and a maximum current peak value 234a - 232c of the signal, as a function of time.

Particularly, the triangular oscillating current signal 230 may be defined by a first slope 236 comprising a continuous increment from a minimum current peak value 232a of the signal to a maximum current peak value 234a of the signal during a first period of time, and a second slope 238 comprising a continuous decrement from the maximum current peak value 234a of the signal to a minimum current peak value 232b of the signal during a second period of time, wherein the end of the first period of time and the beginning of the second period of time are the same.

It is noted that, in all the examples, the first oscillating signal obtained by the encoding module 131 may be an oscillating current signal which is a repetitive variation, typically in time, of the current of the signal about a central value or between two or more different states.

The signal may be defined (i.e. parameterized) by one or more features of the signal. Examples of such features may be e.g. the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal.

Again in figure 1 , the encoding module 131 , after obtaining a first oscillating signal as hereinbefore described, may generate a plurality of bits (i.e. data samples) such that the features of the received first oscillating signal are encoded in the generated bits.

Particularly, the encoding module 131 may generate a bit of the plurality of bits with a first value (e.g., “1” or “0”) each time the first oscillating signal reaches a maximum current peak value of the signal. The encoding module my further generate another bit of the plurality of bits with a second value (e.g., “0” or “1”) each time the oscillating signal reaches a minimum current peak value of the signal, wherein the second bit value is different with respect to the first bit value (i.e. if the first bit value generated each time the first oscillating signal reaches a maximum current peak value is “1”, the bit value generated each time the first oscillating signal reaches a minimum current peak value will be “0” and vice versa).

Moreover, each time the oscillating signal reaches a maximum current peak value of the signal, the encoding module 131 may generate one or more bits (of the plurality of bits) encoding one or more features of the first oscillating signal related to the maximum peak current value of the signal. Similarly, each time the oscillating signal reaches a minimum peak value of the signal, the encoding module may generate one or more bits (of the plurality of bits) encoding features of the first oscillating signal related to the minimum current peak value of the signal. As commented above, examples of such signal features may be e.g. the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal at the corresponding peak current values.

Additionally, the generated bits may be encoded by any of the following codification methods: Manchester, Bipolar, Differential Manchester, Biphase - S, Biphase - M, Biphase - L, RZ, NRZ - S, NRZ - M or NRZ - L. For example, the bits generated by the encoding module related to the oscillating signal illustrated in figure 2a, may correspond to a digital signal: “0101010". In this example, each time the oscillating signal reaches a minimum current peak value, a “0” may be generated by the encoding module. Similarly, each time the oscillating signal reaches a maximum current peak value, a “1” may be generated by the encoding module. Additionally, the digital signal “0101010” may be encoded by Manchester code where a bit “0” may be encoded as “10” (high-low transition) and a bit “1” may be encoded as “01” (low-high transition). Consequently, the encoded digital signal may be “10011001100110” (according to IEEE 802 convention). Similarly, an encoded data “01” by Manchester may be decoded as “1” and an encoded data “10” may be decoded as “0”.

In examples, the number of bits of the plurality of bits encoding the features of the signal corresponding to each of the current peaks may be two bits (i.e. a packet of bits comprising two bits) or four bits (i.e. a packet of bits comprising four bits).

For example, as shown in figure 3, a plurality of bits (i.e. a digital signal including such plurality of bits) may be generated by the encoding module. The first time a signal reaches a minimum current peak value, a “0” (reference sign 244a) may be generated by the encoding module. Additionally, the encoding module, may generate two bits “01” (reference sign 242a) encoding signal features related to the minimum current peak value. For example, the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal at this minimum peak of the signal. Moreover, the encoding module, may generate a marker “*” (reference sign 251a). The marker may comprise two or more bits or, alternatively, a character (as it is depicted in this example). The marker 251a may be associated to a timer implemented e.g. by the control module. The marker 251a may mark the start of the timer, the end of the timer or it may trigger a query, to the control module, to obtain the time value marked by the timer. Therefore, a position in time of the minimum current peak value (reference sign 244a) may be obtained. In examples, the timer may count the time elapsed between two successive markers. In this example, the timer associated to the marker may codify an initial time of 0 ms.

Following the example, the first time the signal reaches a maximum current peak value, a “1” (reference sign 246a) may be generated by the encoding module. Additionally, the encoding module, may generate two bits “11” (reference sign 242b) encoding signal features related to the maximum current peak value. For example, the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal at this maximum peak of the signal. Moreover, the encoding module, may generate a second marker"*” (reference sign 251 b). Therefore, a position in time of the - maximum current peak value (reference sign 246a) may be obtained using the timer associated to the marker. In this example, the timer associated to the marker may codify a time of 0.2 ms.

The second time the signal reaches a minimum current peak value, a “0” (reference sign 244b) may be generated. Additionally, the encoding module, may generate two bits “00” (reference sign 242c) encoding signal features related to the minimum current peak value. For example, the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal at this maximum peak of the signal. Moreover, the encoding module, may generate a third marker “*” (reference sign 251c). Therefore, a position in time of the minimum current peak value (reference sign 244b) may be obtained using the timer associated to the marker. In this example, the timer associated to the marker may codify a time of 0.4 ms.

The second time the signal reaches a maximum current peak value, a “1” (reference sign 246b) may be generated. Additionally, the encoding module, may generate two bits “10” (reference sign 242d) encoding features related to the maximum current peak value. For example, the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal at this maximum current peak of the signal. Moreover, the encoding module, may generate a fourth marker (reference sign 251 d). Therefore, a position in time of the maximum current peak value (reference sign 246b) may be obtained using the timer associated to the marker. In this example, the timer associated to the marker may codify a time of 0.6 ms.

The third time the signal reaches a minimum current peak value, a “0” (reference sign 244c) may be generated by the encoding module. Additionally, the encoding module, may generate two bits “01” (reference sign 242e) encoding features related to the minimum current peak value. For example, the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal at this minimum current peak value of the signal. Moreover, the encoding module, may generate a fifth marker (reference sign 251 e). Therefore, a position in time of the minimum current peak value (reference sign 244c) may be obtained using the timer associated to the marker. In this example, the timer associated to the marker may codify a time of 0.8 ms.

Evidently, further maximum and minimum current peak values of the signal (and the corresponding bits encoding features of the current signal related to such signal peaks and timers) may be encoded in a substantially similar way.

Although, in this example, two bits are used for encoding signal features related to the peaks of the signal, in some other examples, four bits may be used instead of two bits.

In summary, the encoding module may generate a digital signal including a plurality of bits representing maximum and minimum current peak values of the signal, as well as one or more features of the signal (e.g. the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength) related to such maximum and minimum current peak values of the signal. The digital signal may also include markers associated to a timer as hereinbefore described.

Again in figure 1 , the decoding module 132 (forming part of the control module 130) may receive the plurality of bits (i.e. the digital signal including such plurality of bits) from the encoding module 131 (which may have been generated as hereinbefore described) and decode the plurality of bits such that the features of the first oscillating current signal at the corresponding current peak values of the signal are obtained.

As shown in figure 3, the decoding module may be configured to decode the first bit “0” (reference sign 244a) of the plurality of bits received from the encoding module and identify that this bit corresponds to a minimum current peak value of the oscillating signal received in the first conducting element. The decoding module may further be able to decode the bits “01” (reference sign 242a) and identify features of the signal current peak. For example, the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal at this minimum current peak value of the signal. The decoding module may further be configured to decode the marker “*” (reference sign 251a) and identify the position in time of such peak indicated by the timer associated to the marker, in this example, 0 ms.

Similarly, the decoding module may be configured to decode the bit “1” (reference sign 246a) of the plurality of bits received from the encoding module and identify that this bit corresponds to a maximum current peak value of the oscillating signal received in the first conducting element. The decoding module may further be able to decode the bits “11” (reference sign 242b) and identify features of the signal current peak. For example, the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal at this maximum peak of the signal. The decoding module may further be configured to decode the marker (reference sign 251b) and identify the position in time of such peak via the timer associated to the marker, in this example, 0.2 ms.

The decoding module may further be configured to decode the bit “0” (reference sign 244b) of the plurality of bits received from the encoding module and identify that this bit corresponds to a minimum current peak value of the oscillating current signal received in the first conducting element. The decoding module may further be able to decode the bits “00” (reference sign 242c) and identify features of the signal current peak. For example, the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal at this minimum peak of the signal. The decoding module may further be configured to decode the marker “*” (reference sign 251c) and identify the position in time of such current peak via the timer associated to the marker, in this example, 0.4 ms.

The decoding module may further be configured to decode the bit “1” (reference sign 246b) of the plurality of bits received from the encoding module and identify that this bit corresponds to a maximum current peak value of the oscillating signal received in the first conducting element. The decoding module may further be able to decode the bits “10” (reference sign 242d) and identify features of the signal current peak. For example, the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal at this maximum peak of the signal. The decoding module may further be configured to decode the marker “*” (reference sign 251 d) and identify the position in time of such peak indicated by the timer associated to the marker, in this example, 0.6 ms.

Finally, the decoding module may be configured to decode the bit “0” (reference sign 244c) of the plurality of bits received from the encoding module and identify that this bit corresponds to a minimum current peak value of the oscillating signal received in the first conducting element. The decoding module may further be able to decode the bits “01” (reference sign 242e) and identify features of the signal current peak. For example, the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal at this minimum peak of the signal. The decoding module may further be configured to decode the marker “*” (reference sign 251 e) and identify the position in time of such peak indicated by the time associated to the marker, in this example, 0.8 ms.

Evidently, further maximum and minimum current peak values of the signal (and the corresponding features of such current peaks and times) may be decoded, from the digital signal, in a substantially similar way.

In some examples, the decoding module may further be configured to calculate the time lapsed between a first marker “*” (e.g. 251 b) and a second marker “*” (e.g. 251 d) by performing the following operation: the timer associated to the second marker “*” (e.g. 251 d) may be subtracted with respect to the timer associated to the first marker “*” (e.g. 251b). In this example, the decoding module may perform the operation: 0.6ms - 0.2ms. Consequently, in this example, the time elapsed between the first marker “*” (i.e. 251 b) associated to the maximum peak 246a and the second marker"*” (i.e. 251d) associated to the maximum peak 246b may be 0.4ms.

Again in figure 1 , the system may further comprise an oscillator 140. The oscillator 140 may be coupled to the control module 130 and to the second conducting element 120.

The oscillator 140 may be configured to replicate the first oscillating current signal, taking into account all the information extracted from the above-commented plurality of bits, such that a second oscillating current signal with the same current profile of the first current signal may be obtained. The second signal is generated in the second conducting element 120.

Examples of an oscillator 140 implemented by electronic means may comprise an amplifier circuit with a positive and/or regenerative feedback loop including means for varying one or more features (e.g. the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and / or the wavelength of the signal.) of the signal using a variable voltage or current.

Examples of an oscillator 140 implemented by mechanical means may comprise an amplifier circuit with a positive and/or regenerative feedback loop and a piezo-electric resonator active element. The oscillator may further comprise means for varying one or more features (e.g. the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the signal.) of the generated signal by a variable voltage or current. In some examples, a mechanical oscillator may be a crystal oscillator.

It is noted that, in both examples, the oscillator 140 may control one or more features (e.g. the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase and I or the wavelength of the sign) of the generated signal.

In any case, the oscillator 140 may be adapted to receive the decoded maximum and minimum current peak values, the features of the signal at such peaks and the position in time of such peaks (decoded by the decoding module 132) of the first oscillating signal. With such data, the oscillator 140 may be configured to generate a second current oscillating signal with a similar current profile as the current profile of the first oscillating signal.

In summary, the oscillator 140, after receiving the decoded features of the first oscillating current signal, may generate a second current signal parameterized with the same features (e.g. amplitude, frequency, period, phase and I or wavelength) of the first signal. As a result, the second current oscillating signal may substantially have the same current profile with respect to the current profile of the first oscillating current signal including the same amplitude, frequency, period, phase and / or wavelength and the same maximum and minimum current peak values. Additionally, in examples, both signals may be displaced in time with respect to each other as will be described later on.

This can be seen in figure 4. In this figure is shown a first oscillating current signal 310 and a second oscillating current signal 330. Both signals are obtained as hereinbefore described. As can be seen in the figure, both signals have the same current profile, as a function of time.

Particularly, the first oscillating current signal 310 corresponds to a repetitive trapezoidal current profile defined by a first slope 312 between a minimum current value 314 and a maximum current value 316 during a first period of time, a first upper flat portion 318 comprising maintaining the current value during a second period of time, a second slope 320 between the maximum current value 316 and the minimum current value 314 during a third period of time and first lower flat portion 322 comprising maintaining the current value during a fourth period of time.

The second oscillating current signal 330 may correspond to a repetitive trapezoidal profile defined by a first slope 332 between a maximum current value 334 and a minimum current value 336 during a first period of time, a first lower flat portion 338 comprising maintaining the current value during a second period of time, a second slope 340 between the minimum current value 336 and the maximum current value 334 during a third period of time and first upper flat portion 342 comprising maintaining the current value during a fourth period of time.

As commented above, both current signals comprise the same current profile and share the same features of the signal at the maximum and minimum current peak values.

It is noted that, in this example, two oscillating current signals with a trapezoidal profile are shown. However, in some other examples, the signals may be any of the signals described with reference wo figures 2a - 2d.

In cany case, as shown in this figure, the current profile of the second oscillating current signal 330 (generated in the second conducting element) is displaced in time with respect to the current profile 310 of the first oscillating current signal (received in the first conducting element) such that the first lower flat portion 322 of the first current profile of the first oscillating current signal and the first upper flat portion 342 of the second current profile of the second oscillating current signal substantially coincide in time. The same is true for the remaining upper and lower flat portions of the signals.

In this respect, the control module may be configured to identify the position in time of the first lower flat portion 322 of the first oscillating current signal by decoding the corresponding marker associated to a timer included in the plurality of bits of the digital signal which codify suck peak of the signal, as hereinbefore described. For example, the marker of the corresponding plurality of bits encoding information of the first lower flat portion may indicate 1 ms. This value indicates the start in time of the lower flat portion 332. The oscillator may thus be configured to generate the second oscillating current signal 330 such that the start in time of the upper flat portion 342 is also at 1 ms. With such an arrangement, the oscillator may generate the second oscillating current signal with a current profile such that the upper flat portion 342 of the second signals substantially corresponds in time with the first lower flat portion 322 of the first oscillating signal. Evidently, further upper and lower flat portions of the repetitive oscillating signals may also substantially correspond in time.

However, in some examples, there may be a little misalignment, in time, between the start of the first lower flat portion 322 of the first oscillating current signal and the start of the upper flat portion 342 of the second oscillating current signal. Particularly, there may be a misalignment, in time, between 1 % and 10% of the starting time of the first lower flat portion 322 of the first oscillating current signal with respect to the starting time of the upper flat portion 342 of the second oscillating current signal. For example, if first lower flat portion 322 starts at 1 ms, the upper flat portion 342 of the second signal may start at 0.95 ms or at 1 .05 ms.

In any case, again in figure 1 , the first oscillating current signal with a first current profile, received in the first conducting element 110, may induce a first local magnetic field Bi in the first conducting element 110. Similarly, the second oscillating current signal with the same current profile with respect to the current profile of the first oscillating current signal (and displaced in time with respect to the first oscillating current signal) may induce a second local magnetic field B2 in the second conducting element 120. As a result, a resultant magnetic field B_r may be generated between the first oscillating current signal received in the first conducting element 110 and the second oscillating current signal generated by the oscillator 140 in the second conducting element 120. The resultant magnetic field B_r may be the vector sum of the first local magnetic field Bi and the second local magnetic field B2 (i.e. B_r = Bi + B2). As a result, magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170, contained in a medium 160 in a particles carrier 150, may be displaced.

In some examples, the first conducting element 110 and the second conducting element 120 may be electrically coupled to the particles carrier 150.

The particles carrier 150 may be any suitable vessel containing the medium 160 with magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170. The particles carrier may be made of any suitable material e.g. plastic such as PVC, fabric, metals, concrete, wood, crystal, glass, polymeric material, and so forth. In some examples, the medium 160 containing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may comprise hydrocarbons (e.g., methane, acetylene, ethylene, ethane, propyne, propene, propane, butane, and paraffin oil), organohalides (e.g., carbon tetrafluoride, fluoromethane, difluoromethane, fluoroform, pentafluoroethane, hexafluoroethane, octafluoropropane), water, glycerol, ester, fatty acids (e.g., lauric acid, linoleic acid), fatty acid derivative (e.g. esters such as ethyloleate), vegetable oil (e.g., olive oil, light olive oil, corn oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil, grape seed oil, linseed oil, canola oil, peanut oil, red flower oil, sunflower oil), sulfonates and sulfonate derivates (e.g. docecylbenzene sulfonate and salts thereof), and mixtures thereof. In some examples the medium 160 containing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may comprise a mixture of water and glycerol (99% purity); a mixture of vegetal oil and glycerol, a mixture of paraffin oil and water, a mixture of lauric acid and glycerol, a mixture of water and docecylbenzene sulfonate; a mixture of vegetal oil and docecylbenzene sulfonate, a mixture of paraffin oil and water, and a mixture of lauric acid and docecylbenzene sulfonate. The appropriate medium 160 as well as the experimental process conditions for their preparation, can readily be determined by those skilled in the art according to the field and the type of formulation being prepared.

In some examples, the particles carrier 150 may comprise one or more therapeutical or diagnostic agents. The appropriate therapeutical or diagnostic agent, their effective amount as well as the experimental process conditions for their preparation, can readily be determined by those skilled in the art according to the field and the type of particle carrier being prepared.

In particular, the particles carrier 150 may comprise one or more therapeutical agents; and the therapeutical agent may be a pharmaceutical or veterinary active ingredient. The pharmacological activity of the therapeutical agent depends on the type of disease or condition to be treated. Examples of suitable therapeutical agent for the present invention can be, but without limitation, anti-cancer agents, anti-infection agents, agents against digestive tract diseases or conditions, agents against ophthalmic diseases or conditions, agents against muscle-skeleton diseases or conditions, agents against metabolic diseases or conditions, agents against immune and/or autoimmune diseases or disorders, agents against cardio-vascular disease or conditions, agents against endocrine diseases or conditions. Thus, these systems may be a drug-delivery system. These systems can be appropriate for applications in therapy. Then, it is also part of the invention, a system of the first aspect of the invention comprising the particles carrier 150 comprising: the medium 160; the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170; and a therapeutically effective amount of one or more pharmaceutical active ingredients (agent) as defined above, wherein the therapy comprises performing the method for displacing the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles of the second aspect of the invention. The use in therapy can be also drafted as a method for the treatment of a disease, wherein the treatment comprises administering to a patient in need of such treatment a system of the first aspect of the invention comprising the particles carrier 150 comprising: the medium 160; the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170; and a therapeutically effective amount of one or more pharmaceutical active ingredients (agent) as defined above; and performing the method for displacing the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles of the second aspect of the invention. Further, the use in therapy can be also reformulated as the use of the system of the first aspect of the invention comprising the particles carrier 150 comprising: the medium 160; the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170; and a therapeutically effective amount of one or more pharmaceutical active ingredients (agent) as defined above for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disease or condition, wherein the treatment comprises performing the method of displacing of the second aspect of the invention. The type of disease or condition to be treated depend on the pharmacological activity of the active ingredient of the particle carrier 150.

In particular, the particles carrier 150 may comprise one or more diagnostic agents. The appropriate diagnostic agent depends on the type of disease or condition to be diagnosed. Appropriate diagnostic agents for the present invention are those agents that possess a property or function which can be used for detection purposes, particularly for imaging detection purposes, such as chromophore agents, fluorescent agents, phosphorescent agents, luminescent agents, light absorbing agents, radioactive agents, and transition metal isotope mass tag agents. Thus, this system may be a detection system. Then, it is also part of the invention, a system of the first aspect of the invention comprising the particles carrier 150 comprising: the medium 160; the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170; and a diagnostically effective amount of one or more diagnostic active agent as defined above, wherein the diagnostic comprises: i) analyzing an isolated output (i.e. an image, a sound and/or an electromagnetic-signal among others) obtained after performing the method of displacing the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles of the second aspect of the invention, wherein the particles carrier 150 comprise one or more diagnostic agents as defined above; and ii) an determining a diagnosis form the analyzed output. The appropriate analyse of the isolated output and the determination of the diagnosis can be readily determined by those skilled in the art according to the type of output and the disease or condition to be diagnosed.

In some examples, the particles carrier 150 comprising the medium 160; the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170; and a therapeutically effective amount of one or more pharmaceutical active ingredients (agent) or a diagnostically effective amount of one or more diagnostic active agent as defined above is in form of a single unit dosage form. The term “single unit” encompasses one entity such as a single tablet and a single capsule. The term “single unit dosage form” defines a dosage form which consists only of one unit which contains the “effective amount” of the active ingredient included in the particles carrier 150 of the present invention. The appropriate form of the single unit dosage form can be readily determinate by those skilled in the art according to its intended use. The “effective amount” of the active ingredient is a “therapeutically effective amount when at least a therapeutic active agent is present in the particles carrier”. The term “therapeutically effective amount” refers to the amount of a pharmaceutical or veterinary active ingredient that, when administered, is sufficient to prevent development of, or alleviate to some extent, one or more of the symptoms of the disease or condition which is addressed. The term “diagnostically effective amount” refers to the effective amount of a diagnostic/detection compound that, when administered, is sufficient for the diagnosis of a disease or disorder; particularly as imaging diagnostic use as contrast imaging agent. The dose of the pharmaceutically, veterinary or diagnostic active ingredient administered will of course be determined by the particular circumstances surrounding the case, including the compound administered, the route of administration, the particular condition being treated/diagnosed, and the similar considerations. The single unit dosage form may comprise one or more excipients and/or carriers. For therapy, the excipients and/or carriers are “pharmaceutically acceptable”, and for diagnosis, the excipients and/or carriers are “diagnostically acceptable”. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers” refers to that excipients or carriers suitable for use in the pharmaceutical technology for preparing dosage forms with medical use. The term “diagnostically acceptable” refers to that excipients or carriers suitable for use in the diagnosing technology for preparing dosage forms with diagnostic use; particularly by imaging diagnostic use. The detection of these diagnostic agents in the body of the patient can be carried out by the well-known techniques, such as in imaging diagnostic with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray. The appropriate excipients and/or carriers, their amounts as well as the experimental process conditions for their preparation, can readily be determined by those skilled in the art according to the field and the type of formulation being prepared. In some examples, the particles carrier 150 may comprise one or more shape-memory agents; color change agent; energy, light, heat, sound and/or fluorescence emission/capture agent; and/or opacity change agent. The presence of the above- mentioned agents allows the variability of the physical, chemical, and/or mechanical properties of these systems/materials when the method of the second invention is performed, and the resulting magnetic field is generated. Some of these variabilities may involve a change in the color and/or transparency of the system/material. In fact, when the method of the second invention is performed, and the resulting magnetic field is generated, a coloration, discoloration, change of color, opacification, and/or transparency occurs. Further, other variabilities may involve a change in their emission/capture capability. In this way, when the method of the second invention is performed, and the resulting magnetic field is generated, an energy, light, heat, sound, and/or fluorescence emission or capture is trigger, quenched or modified in intensity or grade. Finally, other variability of the properties of these systems/materials of the invention involves shape changes. Examples includes a reduction or increase in the viscosity, density, fracture resistance and/or malleability properties.

Thus, these systems of the first aspect of the invention wherein the particles carrier 150 comprises the medium 160 and the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 can be appropriate for applications in a large variety of areas, for instance optics, electronics, automotive sector, construction sector, and energy/light/heat/sound industry. Examples of applications of these systems are listed herein below: glasses and mirrors such as smart glasses, vehicle-glasses, facilities/building-windows; screens such as televisions, computers, tablets, mobile devices, electronic books, projection screens and augmented reality glasses; smart-pai nts/coati ng such as for vehicles, facades, ceilings, floors, walls; smart textile materials such as clothes, seats, mattresses and furniture; smart-polymeric or metal sheets; memory-shape materials suitable for car bodies, seats, mattresses, furniture, foams, building structures (to react against materials fatigue); and for industrial cleaning of surfaces (for instance, cleaning of industrial chimneys and/or ovens; descaling of grease and/or other substances from engines, exhaust pipes, kitchens, building facades); efficiency and/or power generation, light capture, heat repulsion, heat capture, power generation by temperature change, sound capture, and for power transmission for vehicle charging; the food sector (in functional packaging to detect food expiration or to protect food from external agents); and maritime field (such as arrangement on submarine facilities/equipment as cables). The viscosity of the medium 160 containing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may be comprised between 1.44 x 10~²Pa. s and 1.70 x 10~²Pa. s, specifically between 1.60 x 10^-2Pa. s and 1.69 x 10^-2Pa. s , more specifically 1.61 x 10^-2Pa. s The viscosity of the transport medium 160 containing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may be varied depending on the desired application (industrial applications: e.g., cleaning, color changes, color changes in paintings, textile treatment; or medical applications: e.g., cancer treatment, diverticulum treatment, glaucoma treatment).

The refractive index of the medium 160 may be comprised between 1.40 and 1.50; specifically, between 1.43 and 1.44; and more specifically 1.4318. In examples, the selected properties (viscosity and/or refraction index) of the medium 160 may be based on the particles carrier 150 to be selected and the desired application (industrial applications: e.g., cleaning, color changes, color changes in paintings, textile treatment; or medical application: e.g., cancer treatment, diverticulum treatment, glaucoma treatment).

For use in therapy and/or diagnostic, the system for displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles in a medium with a viscosity of 1.69 x 10~²Pa. s may comprise oscillating signals with a frequency between 2.90112 kHz and 2.94260 kHz, and specifically between 2.90384 kHz and 2.90388 kHz; and/or a longitudinal axis defined by the first conducting element situated at an angle between 1 and 4.5 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the second conducting element, specifically between 4.1 and 4.5 degrees.

For use in the material sector, the system for displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles in a medium with a viscosity between 1.61 x 10~²Pa. s and 1.62 x 10~²Pa. s, and specifically may comprise oscillating signals with a frequency between 1 kHz and 13 kHz, and specifically between 8 kHz and 9 kHz; and/or a longitudinal axis defined by the first conducting element situated at an angle between 1 and 4.5 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the second conducting element, specifically between 3.1 and 3.2 degrees.

The term “magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170” refers to particles having magnetic and/or ferromagnetic properties. The term “particles” encompass nanoparticles and microparticles. The term “nanoparticles” refers to particles having nanoscale dimensions, i.e., having an average diameter from 1 nm to lower than 200 nm, and having any shape or morphology. The measurement of the average diameter of the nanoparticles can be performed by any method disclosed in the art. For the purpose of the invention, the measurement is performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The term “microparticles” refers to particles having microscale dimensions, i.e. having an average diameter from higher than 0.20 pm (200nm) to 500 pm, and having any shape or morphology. The measurement of the average diameter of the microparticles can be performed by any method disclosed in the art. For the purpose of the invention, the measurement is performed by SEM. Therefore, the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may include particles with average dimensions in the range of 1 nanometer (nm) to 500 microns (pm). The magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may include particles with average dimensions in the range of 1 nanometer (nm) to 100 microns (pm). The magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may include particles with average dimensions in the range of 4 nanometer (nm) to 50 microns (pm). The magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may include particles with average dimensions in the range of 4 nanometer (nm) to 20 microns (pm). The magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may include particles with average dimensions in the range of 4 nanometer (nm) to 10 microns (pm). The magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may include particles with average dimensions in the range of between 10 nm and 100 pm. The magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may include particles with average dimensions in the range of 4 nm to 10 nm. The magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may include particles with average dimensions in the range of 5 nm to 10 nm. The magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may include particles with average dimensions in the range of 4 nm to 7 nm. The magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may include particles with average dimensions in the range of 8 nm to 10 nm. The appropriate size of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 and their amount can readily be determined by those skilled in the art according to the type of movement that is looking for and the type of medium (160) and particles carrier (150) used. For example, when a synchrony method is required, then the average diameter of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may be of 4nm to 7nm. And, when an asynchrony method is required, then the average diameter of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may be of 8nm to 10nm.

The term “magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170” may have any shape or morphology. As example, the “magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170” may have a structure of core-membrane. The term “core-membrane particles” refers to particles formed by a core (internal portion) and a membrane (or shell as an external layer) surrounding the core. The “magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170” may have a core-membrane structure wherein the internal core has a (semi)pyramidal shape (north, 90°) and the external membrane has a pyramidal shape (180°) illustrated in figure 6a.

The “magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170” may have a structure of coremembrane may be prepared following the methods known in the state of the art. As an example, the process may comprise the following steps:

- The first process, for the preparation of the core using a first mold and a coprecipitation technique;

- The second process, for the preparation of the external membrane using a second exterior mold and a coprecipitation technique; and

- The third process, for the bonding of the core and the membrane using a coprecipitation technique and inverse pressure. Coprecipitation technique is known and an example of use and methodology for the coprecipitation technique may be found in the following article “Kagaya S, Miwa S, Mizuno T, Tohda K. Rapid coprecipitation technique using yttrium hydroxide for the preconcentration and separation of trace elements in saline water prior to their ICP-AES determination. Anal Sci. 2007 Aug;23(8):1021-4. doi: 10.2116/analsci.23.1021. PMID: 17690440”.

It is noted that the application of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 in the particles carrier 150 is performed using industrial diffusors with a nano pointer for plastic particles carrier 150; or using equipment for heat sealing with controlled temperature for textile particles carrier 150.

When the resultant magnetic field is generated between the first oscillating current signal received in the first conducting element 110 and the second oscillating current signal generated by the oscillator 140 in the second conducting element 120, the generated resultant magnetic field may displace the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 by radiation which may induce movement of dispersion of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles.

Typically, it is known that when magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles are placed under an external magnetic field applied on a conducting element, the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles may align with the external magnetic field, along the conducting element. This alignment causes a force to be exerted on the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles, which may cause the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles to move from an initial position to a final position along the conducting element.

A varying electric field can induce a magnetic field. When an electric field oscillates or changes, it may generate a magnetic field that is perpendicular to the direction of the electric field. The magnetic field may oscillate, and as the magnetic field oscillates it generates a varying electric field that is perpendicular to the magnetic field. Consequently, an oscillating electric and an oscillating magnetic field may be generated, and the oscillating electric and the oscillating magnetic field may induce electromagnetic radiation. This process is known as electromagnetic wave generation. Therefore, electromagnetic radiation may be generated by placing a conductive element in a changing electric current. Consequently, a magnetic field may be induced in the conductive element, which may generate electromagnetic radiation.

In summary, the resultant magnetic field B_r may be induced by the first current profile and the first local magnetic field Bi, and by the second oscillating current signal and the second local magnetic field B2. Therefore, the resultant magnetic field B_r may generate electromagnetic waves which may yield electromagnetic radiation. As a result, the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may be displaced with a movement of dispersion by the action of electromagnetic radiation. The radiation may induce movement of dispersion of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170.

It may be noted that the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 are not displaced along the first conductive element and I or the second conductive element as may be the case of a magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particle when a magnetic field is applied to a conductive element (e.g., as typically in the state of the art).

Movement of dispersion of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may be induced by radiation that is the homogeneity of the rapprochement between magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles. Radiation may be considered radiation at high frequency when magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles are moving at high speed (e.g., 0.04 Hz).

It is noted that, in case two bits are selected to codify features of the first oscillating signal as hereinbefore described, the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles may achieve a radiation of 0.02 Hz which induces a movement of dispersion of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles. However, in case four bits are selected to codify features of the first oscillating signal as hereinbefore described, the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles may achieve a radiation of 0.04 Hz which induces a movement of dispersion of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles.

Depending on the power used to generate the magnetic field (e.g. the second local magnetic field B2, the resultant magnetic field B_r), the time to respond (i.e. the time for the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles to start moving) may vary.

Furthermore, as mentioned in the description referring to figure 1 , the first longitudinal axis 111 may be situated at an angle a with respect to the second longitudinal axis 121. The angle a may be between 1 and 7 degrees, and specifically the angle a may be between 2 and 7 degrees, more specifically between 3 and 5 degrees, and even more specifically between 3.1 and 4.5 degrees.

In this disclosure, the resultant magnetic field B_r is an oscillating magnetic field. Furthermore, the first oscillating current signal received in the first conducting element 110 and the second oscillating current signal generated by the oscillator 140 in the second conducting element 120, are oscillating signals. Therefore, the resultant magnetic field B_r in combination with the first oscillating current signal and I or the second oscillating current signal, may generate electromagnetic radiation which may exert a force on the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170, causing the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 to move by a movement of dispersion.

It may be noted that a suitable configuration of the angle a (which may be between 1 and 7 degrees) is required for causing the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 to move by a movement of dispersion. There may be no controlled movement of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 with a configuration of the angle a, with a < 1 degree or a > 7 degrees. A controlled movement of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may refer to a movement of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 which may be varied depending on the resultant magnetic field generated between the first oscillating current signal received in the first conducting element and the second oscillating current signal generated in the second conducting element, wherein the second oscillating current signal is parameterized using the received signal features which parameterize the first oscillating signal.

In some examples, the resultant magnetic field generated between the first oscillating current signal received in the first conducting element and the second oscillating current signal generated in the second conducting element, may result in a rotation of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170.

Depending on the size of the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170, the time to fully rotate (i.e., a rotation of 360°) the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 may be increased or decreased, as it is shown in the following table.

Turn time may refer to the time elapsed to move the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles 170 between a first position in a first direction and a second position in a second direction.

For example, a particle with a size of 4 nm or 5 nm may take 0,4 millisecond to start moving from the first direction to the second direction. In this example, the particle with a size of 4 nm or 5 nm may move from the first direction to the second direction, wherein an angle between the first direction and the second direction is 10 degrees.

For example, a particle with a size of 6 nm may take 0,45 millisecond to start moving from the first direction to the second direction. In this example, the particle with a size of 6 nm may move from the first direction to the second direction, wherein an angle between the first direction and the second direction is 7 degrees.

In some examples, a particle with a size of 7 nm may take 0,61 millisecond to start moving from the first direction to the second direction. In this example, the particle with a size of 7 nm may move from the first direction to the second direction, wherein an angle between the first direction and the second direction is 7 degrees.

In some examples, a particle with a size of 8 nm may take 0,69 millisecond to start moving from the first direction to the second direction. In this example, the particle with a size of 8 nm may move from the first direction to the second direction, wherein an angle between the first direction and the second direction is 7 degrees.

In some examples, a particle with a size of 9 nm may take 0,45 millisecond to start moving from the first direction to the second direction. In this example, the particle with a size of 9 nm may move from the first direction to the second direction, wherein an angle between the first direction and the second direction is 7 degrees.

In some examples, a particle with a size of 10 nm may take 0,37 millisecond to start moving from the first direction to the second direction. In this example, the particle with a size of 10 nm may move from the first direction to the second direction, wherein an angle between the first direction and the second direction is 6 degrees.

In some examples, a particle with a size of 11 nm may take 0,33 millisecond to start moving from the first direction to the second direction. In this example, the particle with a size of 11 nm may move from the first direction to the second direction, wherein an angle between the first direction and the second direction is 6 degrees.

In some examples, a particle with a size of 12 nm may take 0,2 millisecond to start moving from the first direction to the second direction. In this example, the particle with a size of 12 nm may move from the first direction to the second direction, wherein an angle between the first direction and the second direction is 6 degrees.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method for displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles according to an example.

A system for displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles as hereinbefore described may be provided.

At block 410, a first oscillated signal may be received by the first conducting element.

At block 420, a plurality of bits, which encode the signal features parameterizing the received first oscillating current signal, may be generated by the encoding module. At block 430, the generated plurality of bits may be decoded, by the decoding module, such that the signal features which parameterize the first oscillating current signal are obtained.

At block 440, the decoded features of the first oscillating signal may be received by the oscillator.

At block 450, the oscillator may generate a second oscillating current signal in the second conducting element wherein the second oscillating signal is parameterized using the obtained features of the first oscillating signal such that a resultant magnetic field is generated between the first oscillating current signal received in the first conducting element and the second oscillating current signal generated in the second conducting element thereby displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles contained in a medium provided in a particles carrier

Consequently, magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles situated in a medium may be displaced with great accuracy.

Although only a number of examples have been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses, and/or equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the described examples are also covered. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by particular examples, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. If reference signs related to drawings are placed in parentheses in a claim, they are solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility of the claim, and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles in a medium provided in a particles carrier, the system comprising: a first conducting element and a second conducting element, wherein a longitudinal axis defined by the first conducting element is situated at an angle between 2 and 7 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the second conducting element, wherein the first conducting element is configured to receive a first oscillating current signal parameterized using one or more signal features; a control module coupled to the first conducting element, wherein the control module comprises: o an encoding module configured to:

■ receive, from the first conducting element, the first oscillating current signal;

■ generate a plurality of bits which encode the signal features parameterizing the received first oscillating current signal; o a decoding module configured to:

■ receive, from the encoding module, the generated plurality of bits;

■ decode the received plurality of bits such that the signal features which parameterize the first oscillating current signal are obtained; an oscillator coupled to the second conducting element and to the control module, wherein the oscillator is configured to:

■ receive the decoded signal features which parameterize the first oscillating current signal;

■ generate a second oscillating current signal in the second conducting element such that a magnetic field is generated between the first oscillating current signal received in the first conducting element and the second oscillating current signal generated in the second conducting element thereby displacing the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles, wherein the second oscillating current signal is parameterized using the received signal features which parameterize the first oscillating signal.

2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal axis defined by the first conducting element is situated at an angle between 3 and 5 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the second conducting element.

3. A system according to any of claims 1 - 2, wherein the features which parameterize the first oscillating signal are one or more of the following features: the amplitude, the frequency, the period, the phase, the wavelength.

4. A system according to any of claims 1 - 3, wherein the first oscillating current signal received in the first conducting element and I or the second oscillating current signal generated in the second conducting element repetitively varies between a maximum current peak value of the signal and a minimum current peak value of the signal as a function of time.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein generating, by the encoding module, a plurality of bits which encode the signal features parameterizing the received first oscillating current signal comprises: generating a bit of the plurality of bits with a first bit value each time the first oscillating current signal reaches a maximum current peak value of the signal, and generating another bit of the plurality of bits with a second bit value each time the oscillating current signal reaches a minimum current peak value of the signal, wherein the second bit value is different with respect to the first bit value.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein generating, by the encoding module, a bit with a first bit value each time the first oscillating current signal reaches a maximum peak value further comprises: generating one or more bits encoding the features which parameterize the first oscillating current signal corresponding to the maximum current peak value of the first oscillating current signal.

7. A system according to any of claims 5 - 6, wherein generating, by the encoding module, a bit comprising a first bit value each time the first oscillating signal reaches a minimum current peak value further comprises: generating one or more bits encoding the features which parameterize the first oscillating current signal corresponding to the minimum current peak value of the first oscillating current signal.

8. A system according to any of claims 6 - 7, wherein the number of bits encoding features which parameterize the signal is two bits or four bits.

9. A system according to any of claims 5 - 8, wherein generating, by the encoding module, a bit with a first bit value each time the first oscillating current signal reaches a maximum or a minimum peak value further comprises: generating two or more bits or one character associated to a timer such that a position in time of the maximum current peak value of the first oscillating signal is codified and I or generating two or more bits or one character associated to a timer such that the position in time of the minimum current peak value of the first oscillating signal is codified.

10. A system according to any of claims 1 - 9, wherein the first oscillating current signal defines a first current profile and the second oscillating current signal defines a second current profile, wherein the first current profile and the second current profile are the same current profile.

11. A system according to any of claim 10, wherein the first current profile and the second current profile correspond to a repetitive trapezoidal profile or a repetitive square profile defined by a first slope between a minimum current value and a maximum current value during a first period of time, a first upper flat portion comprising maintaining the current value during a second period of time, a second slope between the maximum current value and the minimum current value during a third period of time and first lower flat portion comprising maintaining the current value during a fourth period of time.

12. A system according to claim 11 , wherein the first current profile and the second current profile are displaced in time with respect to each other such that the first lower flat portion of the first current profile and the first upper flat portion of the second current profile substantially coincide in time.

13. A system according to claim 12, the magnetic field is generated between the first lower flat portion and the first upper flat portion.

14. A system according to any of claims 1 - 13, wherein the system further comprises a particles carrier containing a medium with the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles, wherein the particles carrier is electrically coupled to the first conducting element and to the second conducting element.

15. A method for displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles using a system according to any of claims 1 - 14, the method comprising: receiving, by the encoding module, a first oscillating current signal generated in the first conducting element; generating, by the encoding module, a plurality of bits which encode the signal features parameterizing the received first oscillating current signal; decoding, by the decoding module, the generated plurality of bits such that the signal features which parameterize the first oscillating current signal are obtained; receiving, by the oscillator, the decoded features of the first oscillating signal; generating, by the oscillator, a second oscillating current signal in the second conducting element, such that a magnetic field is generated between the first oscillating current signal received in the first conducting element and the second oscillating current signal generated in the second conducting element thereby displacing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles, wherein the second oscillating signal is parameterized using the obtained features of the first oscillating signal.