This paper highlights recent advances in synthesis and magnetotransport properties of magnetic Co nanoparticles. It is shown that magnetic Co nanoparticles self-assembled in nanoparticular monolayers revealing giant magnetoresistance similar to granular systems but with additional features resulting from dipolar interactions between small domains of nanoparticles. A spin-valve with one magnetic Co nanoparticular electrode is employed as a model to demonstrate that individual magnetic moments of Co nanoparticles can be coupled to a magnetic Co layer which in turn offers tailoring of the resulting giant magnetoresistance characteristics. In addition, it is demonstrated that combining a magnetic on-off ratchet with magnetic tunneling junctions integrated in the ratchet introduces a new biosensor concept enabling: (1) simultaneous transporting and separating biomolecules, (2) dynamical biomolecule detection when passing magnetic tunneling junctions in a 1D arrangement. It is projected that this biosensor concept could be applied for viruses as well as for bacteria.
JavaScript is turned off in your web browser. Turn it on to take full advantage of this site, then refresh the page.