In-situ Patterning of Magnetic Particles in Microfluidic Channels by Forward/Reverse Local Magnet Arrangement

Abstract : The patterning of microbead in microfluidics channel is a practical technique for application in bio and medical areas. An approach is described for a direct patterning of magnetically active microbeads in microfluidic devices without inner structure. Local magnet arrangements - flat arrangement and stack arrangement – contacting same poles or opposite poles of magnet were utilized for generating trapping magnetic fields. The arrangement of magnets contacting same poles generated isolated patterns by repelling of magnetic field. The flat arrange ment of vertically reverse magnet arrays shaped trapping patterns repelling magnetic field line between same poles. Spatially, the stack compositions of magnet arrangements allow diverse isolated trapped patterns of magnetic particles. Trapped magnetic particles in fluidic channels were stable on the 18 ㎖/hr flow conditions and magnetic force of 1.08 mT in the all experiments. This experimental study suggests the simple and versatile methods to pattern magnetic particles, and has potential of wide application to bio and medical area.