Reconfigurable Translocation of Microbeads Using Micro-Engineered Locally Controlled Magnetic Fields

A microfluidic platform for magnetic bead translocation is introduced, consisting of microfabricated magnetic devices. Each magnetic device was constructed of embedded actuation microcoil array in various designs, which enable efficient magnetic beads and magnetic bead-labeled cell translocation in different patterns and step sizes. The translocation of magnetic beads and magnetic bead-labeled cells was demonstrated in three motion modes: transportation, oscillation, and convergence and divergence. The trapping and translocation efficiencies were measured and analyzed.