T2 Biosystems proprietary Nanoparticles

T2 Biosystems' technology is based on superparamagnetic nanoparticles. These proprietary particles are composed of a superparamagnetic metal core surrounded by a polymer layer decorated by multiple analyte-specific binding agents.

Caption: T2 Biosystems' nanoparticles are composed of an iron oxide metal core covered with dextran polymer. These are in turn functionalized with a detection moiety, such as a an antibody recognizing a virus.

The presence of analyte results in a change in a characteristic signal that can be measured by magnetic resonance detectors. In the presence of analyte, the particles transition between dispersed and clustered states.

Caption: Nanoparticles are coated to bind to the target analyte, forming clusters. The presence of clusters changes the T2 of the solution.

The particles can be functionalized to bind and sense a wide variety of targets including viruses, cells, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, and small molecules. Additionally, the particles have been used for both single-point measurements and continuous monitoring of target levels.