Magnetically actuated micro-manipulators for biological and biomedical applications

In this piece of research we have designed and fabricated micro-actuators that are magnetically actuated for biological and biomedical applications. These devices are fabricated by electro-deposition of magnetic materials onto silicon substrates. It has been demonstrated that they are capable of delivering high forces over large actuation distances, and that their use will not jeopardize living cells compared to conventional thermal actuators by featuring much lower power consumption and working temperature. Furthermore they can be suitable for applications in conductive fluidic environments. Finite-element and analytical models are used to simulate the device performance and magnetic actuation tests are implemented.