A MICROFLUIDIC MAGNETIC HYBRID ACTUATOR FOR ADVANCED HANDLING FUNCTIONS AT CELL RESOLUTION

In microfluidics, the use of super-paramagnetic microparticles (SMPs) has experienced a dramatic increase over the last decade, but control of the magnetic field at micro scale is still a topical issue. Permanent magnets don't offer a programmable approach, external coils require a certain power, and neither are usually integrated. Hybrid systems, which include external magnets to generate a high and homogeneous magnetic field, and integrated coils that produce a high gradient, are seemingly a promising way to reach a higher precision in magnetic actuation, not mentioning the forces they create on SMPs can be attractive or repulsive. The goal of our work, for one part, is to develop a simple solution for the micro-fabrication of this kind of devices, but also to delve into the design possibilities, for instance to create a separation stage or investigate more exotic functions like focusing (without leading to a dilution or an increase in the flow rate, unlike most hydrodynamic focusing techniques).