Diamagnetic rearangement of uric acid crystal structures causing gout

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K12511
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Biomedical engineering/Biomaterial science and engineering
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Iwasaka Masakazu 広島大学, ナノデバイス・バイオ融合科学研究所, 教授 (90243922)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 磁場配向 / 尿酸結晶 / 反磁性 / 痛風 / 結晶構造 / 光反射 / 光計測

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Magnetic and optical properties of uric acid crystals initiating gout were investigated for the development of a new possible diagnostics for gout. We studied the effect of magnetic fields on structure of uric acid crystals. In addition, the relation between light reflection by micro-crystals and magnetic orientation was evaluated for the realization of optical diagnostics of crystallization. As a model system, a dynamic change of the crystal structure from amorphous to plate-like crystals was exhibited. Magnetic orientation of the plate-like crystals right after applying a 500 mT magnetic field was observed. The observed distinct anisotropy of uric acid crystals is useful for the remote detection of the uric acid crystallization and its shape.

Free Research Field

生体磁気工学