In organic experiments, rotors, columns, and plates are essential tools — but when it comes to microscopic liquid mixing, traditional rotors fall short. The innovative magnetic nanostirr, developed by Professor Chen Hongyu’s research team at Westlake University, solves this challenge by enabling efficient stirring in confined spaces like microdroplets and microfluidic channels [1].

The magnetic nanostirr consists of a magnetic Fe₃O₄ core with a protective outer shell, designed to navigate microscopic environments where conventional stirrers can’t operate. Despite their promise, controllable preparation and practical application of magnetic nanostirrs have remained complex tasks [2,3].

Breakthrough in Magnetic Nanostirr Synthesis

With over a decade of research, Professor Chen Hongyu’s team pioneered the use of electrospinning technology to rapidly synthesize Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanostirrs. This method allows for precise control over stirrer size and morphology, producing nanostirrs with:

• Diameter Range: Sub-micron to micron scale.
• Length Range: Sub-micron to macro sizes.

This flexibility makes the nanostirrs adaptable to various experimental scenarios, meeting the stirring requirements of small, confined spaces.

Figure 1 Magnetic nanostirr under scanning electron microscope Professor

Visual Demonstration of Stirring Effects

The team visually demonstrated the stirring capabilities of three different-sized nanostirrs by adding 2 μL of methyl orange dye to micro-droplets. The video shows how nanostirrs effectively mix the dye, showcasing their ability to enhance diffusion in minute liquid volumes.

J&K Scientific exclusively distributes the Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanostirr, which offers the following advantages:

• Uniform Appearance & Stable Quality: Consistent product quality ensures reliable performance.
• Wide Size Range: Accommodates diverse experimental needs, from tiny microchannels to larger microfluidic systems.
• Recyclable & Eco-Friendly: Easy to collect and reuse, reducing contamination risk and saving costs.
• Simple & Safe Operation: User-friendly handling for researchers at all levels.

About Professor Chen Hongyu

Professor Chen Hongyu is a full professor at Westlake University, previously serving at Nanjing University of Technology and Nanyang Technological University. His research focuses on nanosynthesis, composite nanostructures, and amorphous-plane-controlled synthesis.

His work explores cutting-edge nanomaterial design, driving innovation in multi-component structures, low-symmetry systems, and chiral nanostructures, with significant implications for chemical manufacturing and nanotechnology applications.

Product Information

Product Name

Magnetic nano-stir bars, silica coated iron oxide (II,III), 0.1 mg/ml in ethanol

Item number：984557

References

1. Chen Wen Han Chong, Lip Ket Chin, Rachel Lee Siew Tan, Hong Wang, Ai Qun Liu, and Hongyu Chen*, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 8570 –8573.
2. Ting Hu, Qiaozhen Ji, Wen Han Chong, Wenwen Xin, Xueyang Liu*, and Hongyu Chen*, Nanoscale, 2020, 12, 18640-18645.
3. Qiaozhen Ji, Ting Hu, Qiuxian Chen, Wenwen Xin, Xueyang Liu*, and Hongyu Chen*, Chem. Commun., 2020, 56, 11767-11770.