Microfluidic transport in magnetic MEMS and bioMEMS

AbstractMagnetic materials, such as ferrimagnetic and ferromagnetic nanoparticles and microparticles in the form of ferrofluids, can be advantageously used in micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS) and bioMEMS applications, as they possess several unique features that provide solutions for major microfluidic challenges. These materials come with a wide range of sizes, tunable magnetic properties and offer a stark magnetic contrast with respect to biological entities. Thus, these magnetic particles are readily and precisely maneuvered in microfluidic and biological environments. The surfaces of these particles offer a relatively large area that can be functionalized with diverse biochemical agents. The useful combination of selective biochemical functionalization and ‘action‐at‐a‐distance’ that a magnetic field provides makes superparamagnetic particles useful for the application in micro‐total analysis systems (µ‐TAS). We provide insight into the microfluidic transport of magnetic particles and discuss various MEMS and bioMEMS applications. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2010 2 382–399This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing

Microfluidic transport in magnetic MEMS and bioMEMS Journal Articles