Magnetic apparatus and methods of use

Abstract

Provided herein is a magnetic apparatus for collecting superparamagnetic particles from a subject. The superparamagnetic particles are previously injected into the subject and have ligands bound thereto that are specific for one or more non-cell biomarkers. In one embodiment, the superparamagnetic particles are injected into and retrieved from a cavity such as a joint cavity. These compositions and methods allow for the sequestration and removal of inflammatory mediators, as both a diagnostic of the local immune response and a therapeutic that can reduce inflammation in the local disease environment.

1 . A magnetic apparatus for collecting superparamagnetic particles from a subject comprising a permanent magnet between 500 and 1000 microns in height and having proximal and distal ends, wherein the superparamagnetic particles are bound to one or more ligands specific for a non-cell biomarker. 
     
     
         2 . The magnetic apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the permanent magnet is widest at the proximal end and narrowest at the distal end. 
     
     
         3 . The magnetic apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the magnetic apparatus is conical or pyramidal in shape. 
     
     
         4 . The magnetic apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein a tip of the distal end is between 30 and 80 microns in width. 
     
     
         5 . The magnetic apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the proximal end is between 200 and 500 microns in width. 
     
     
         6 . The magnetic apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the permanent magnet comprises neodymium, iron and boron. 
     
     
         7 . The magnetic apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the permanent magnet comprises an alloy having the chemical formula of Nd 2 Fe 14 B. 
     
     
         8 . The magnetic apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a rod having soft magnetic properties, wherein the magnetic apparatus is located at a distal end of the rod. 
     
     
         9 . The magnetic apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a cannulae for penetrating a cavity of the subject, the cannulae having openings at a distal and proximal end with the cross-sectional area in between the ends of the cannulae being substantially hollow and containing the magnetic apparatus and the rod, wherein the magnetic apparatus is positionable outside the distal end of the cannulae and within the cavity of the subject. 
     
     
         10 . The magnetic apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ligand is an antibody. 
     
     
         11 . The magnetic apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ligand is an aptamer. 
     
     
         12 . A method of making a magnetic apparatus comprising a permanent magnet between 500 and 1000 microns in height and a pyramidal shape,
 a. wherein the magnetic apparatus has proximal and distal ends, wherein a tip of the distal end is between 30 and 80 microns in width; and   b. wherein the method comprises rotating a laser beam at a surface of a permanent magnet sheet in 90 degree steps.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the proximal end is between 200 and 500 microns in width. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the permanent magnet comprises neodymium, iron and boron. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the permanent magnet comprises an alloy having the chemical formula of Nd 2 Fe 14 B. 
     
     
         16 . A method of collecting superparamagnetic particles from a subject comprising inserting a magnetic apparatus into a cavity or tissue of the subject,
 a. wherein the magnetic apparatus comprises a permanent magnet between 500 and 1000 microns in height and having proximal and distal ends;   b. wherein the magnetic apparatus is moved through a cannulae for penetrating the cavity or tissue of the subject, the cannulae having openings at a distal and proximal end with the cross-sectional area in between the distal end and the proximal end of the cannulae being substantially hollow and containing the magnetic apparatus, wherein the magnetic apparatus is positionable outside of the distal end of the cannulae and within the cavity or tissue of the subject; and   c. wherein the subject was previously administered the superparamagnetic particles bound to one or more ligands specific for one or more non-cell biomarkers.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the magnetic apparatus is located at a distal end of a soft magnetic rod. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the cavity contains synovial fluid. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein no or a negligible amount of synovial fluid is removed from the cavity upon collecting the superparamagnetic particles. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the magnetic apparatus is conical or pyramidal in shape. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein a tip of the distal end of the magnetic apparatus is between 30 and 80 microns in width. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the proximal end of the magnetic apparatus is between 200 and 500 microns in width. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the permanent magnet comprises neodymium, iron and boron. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the permanent magnet comprises an alloy having the chemical formula of Nd 2 Fe 14 B. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the ligand is an antibody, and wherein the non-cell biomarker comprises a polynucleotide, a polypeptide, or a fragment thereof. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the polypeptide is an inflammatory mediator, a collagen degradation product, or a fragment thereof. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the inflammatory mediator is selected from the group consisting of interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor, prostaglandin E, and interferon gamma. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the collagen degradation product is a C-terminal fragment of Type II collagen. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein an amount or level of the one or more non-cell biomarkers is determined and a diagnosis or prognosis of a disease or condition is made based on the amount or level. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein collection of the non-cell biomarkers results in treatment of a disease or condition.