The technology is 1,000 times smaller than a strand of hair, but researchers at the FAMU/FSU College of Engineering say it has the power to save thousands of heart attack victims each year.
They've just been awarded a nearly $100,000 grant to move forward in the development of that technology to create a new heart attack detection device.
Ching-Jen Chen, Dean of FAMU/FSU College of Engineering, says, "In order to achieve this, we're using a nano-magnetic particle technology."
Chen demonstrates how the device will work. The magnetic particles will attach to the proteins released during a heart attack, and then a pocket sized meter will be able to read whether a person is suffering an attack.
Ramakrishma Sida, a doctoral student, says, "We can detect a heart attack in 15 minutes, and it's also a lot cheaper."
Researchers say it's not just quicker and cheaper, but their device will also be more accurate.
Chen adds, "Certainly we are eager that whatever the result of our research, whether it be basic or applied, transform into commercial and actually benefit the general public."
Chen says the grant is for one year, and by that time they hope to have the prototype ready to go for further development and eventually FDA approval.
The college has teamed up with Nano-Magentics and Biotech Inc. for this project.