A Model for Blood Cell Transport and Separation in a Magnetophoretic Microsystem


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We present a model for predicting the transport and separation of red and white blood cells in plasma in a magnetophoretic microsystem. The microsystem is passive and consists of an array of integrated soft-magnetic elements embedded beneath a microfluidic channel. The elements are magnetized by and external field and produce a nonuniform field distribution in the microchannel, which gives rise to a force on blood cells as they pass through it. In whole blood, white blood cells behave as diamagnetic microparticles while red blood cells exhibit diamagnetic or paramagnetic behavior depending on the oxygenation of their hemoglobin. We presents a model for predicting the motion of blood cells in the microsystem that takes into account the magnetic, fluidic, and buoyant forces on the cells. We use the model to study red/white blood cell transport, and our analysis indicates that the microsystem is capable of rapid and efficient red/white blood cell separation.

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Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 45 - 48
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: MEMS & NEMS Devices, Modeling & Applications
ISBN: 1-4200-6184-4