Determination of the force acting on biocompatible ferrofluid droplets in inhomogeneous magnetic field

Abstract We studied the magnetic properties of biocompatible ferrofluids containing magnetite nanoparticles stabilized by polyelectrolyte shell. These materials have many potential medical applications, where the fluid is interacting with biological tissues. We measured the force acting on ferrofluid droplets in inhomogeneous magnetic field of varying strength, in order to estimate the forces arising between the magnetic fluid and the surrounding tissue inside a living body. The results were compared with theoretical calculations.