Electro-magnetic Templates with Magnetic Nanoparticles for Cell-based Assays

We discuss the possibility of a specially designed electro-magnetic template with magnetic nanoparticles for cell-based-assays. There is an urgent need for a special type of hardware allowing for biological cell manipulation. We have developed an original technique of using electro-magnetic templates with magnetic nanoparticles for biological cell manipulation. The essence of this approach is to generate a non-uniform magnetic field profile using a system of electric current carrying wires. The gradient of the magnetic field results in the movement of the nanoparticles towards the magnetic energy minima. In turn, the flow of magnetic nanoparticles drags biological cells in the same direction. We present experimental data on biological cells (erythrocytes) manipulations by magnetite (Fe3O4) on specially designed templates The results show controlled biological cell motion and destruction via haemolysis. This technique allows us to capture and to move cells located in the vicinity (10-20 microns) of the current-carrying wires. One of the most interesting results shows a periodic motion of erythrocytes between the two conducting contours, which frequency is controlled by the electric circuit. The obtained results demonstrate the feasibility of cell manipulation which can be utilized in cell-based assays.