Particles Sorting in Micro Channel Using Designed Micro Electromagnets of Magnetic Field Gradient

In this study, microelectromagnet, microchannel, syringe pump, and controlling devices were integrated to form a particle sorting system. A simple, two-dimensional, relatively quick fabricating and easily operating microelectromagnet was designed. Polystyrene particles and magnetic beads were pumped into the microchannel with the syringe pump, and it was observed that the magnetic beads were attracted to one of two outlets by the microelectromagnet, which features a gradually changing magnetic field. The polystyrene particles would move to another outlet because of different-width micro channel, and it completed the separation of the particles. Based on experimental results, the magnetic flux density of the microelectromagnet was 2.3 Gauss for a 12.5-μm average distance between electrodes at 1.0-μm increments, and the magnetic force was 0.22 pN for 2.8-μm magnetic beads. The separating rate was greater for larger distance increment and smaller average distance between the electrodes. The separating rate of the magnetic beads increased as the electric current increased and flow velocity decreased. When the flow velocity was 0.333μm/s and electric current was 1A, the separating rate was 90%. The separating rate of the polystyrene particles increased as the flow velocity increased and was 85% when the flow velocity was 0.6μm/s. These results demonstrate that this particle sorting system has potential applications in bio-molecular studies. •We proposed a method for separating polystyrene particles and magnetic beads by the different-width outlets and microelectromagnet with gradually changing magnetic field, which is simple, two-dimensional and easily operating.•The separating rate was greater for larger distance increment and smaller average distance between the electrodes.•The separating rate of the magnetic beads increased as the electric current increased and flow velocity decreased, and the maximum value is 90%.