Diamond Magnetic Microscopy of Malarial Hemozoin Nanocrystals

Since 2009, diamond magnetic microscopy has been used to image magnetic phenomena in condensed matter and biological systems, but observing single nanoparticles at room temperature is a challenge. Of particular interest are paramagnetic hemozoin nanocrystals that grow inside the parasites that transmit malaria. The authors use diamond magnetic microscopy to study individual hemozoin nanocrystals from infected blood, as well as synthetic hemozoin. Data from over 100 nanocrystals yield histograms of their magnetic properties. Translating this platform to study l00exi00exv00exi00exn00exg malaria-infected cells could shed light on their hemozoin formation dynamics, and interaction with antimalarial drugs.