Fully-integrated 2D microelectromagnet coil arrays in silicon for magnetic manipulation and RF imaging of cells and magnetic particles

Summary The invention comprises a novel method and an apparatus to manipulate, segregate, detect and analyze biological samples on a microfluidic CMOS chip. This technique offers sub-micrometer precision and fast processing speeds for a cheap, easily accessible lab-on-a-chip system. The technology is based on a microcoil array, built into the front end of the CMOS chip, which creates varying electric and/or magnetic fields that can be used to manipulate the system. A microfluidic chamber is photolithographically assembled on top of the microcoil array. The design and geometry of the chamber can be tailored to specific applications. The back end of the CMOS chip is used for fast sample control and signal processing.

The microelectromagnetic microcoil array is capable of generating localized magnetic potential to manipulate biological samples marked with magnetic beads. This is achieved with submicrometer resolution and magnetic trap depth deep enough to suppress thermal cell motion. Another important aspect of this system is its programmability: the magnetic field pattern can be actively changed in real time to allow for active transport of the trapped species over the chip.

Dielectrophoresis is another promising method to manipulate cells and particles in biofluids. It is based on an inhomogeneous electric field, which induces a dipole on a particle suspended in the liquid. Almost any particle, without special preparation, can be trapped and moved when exposed to proper electric fields. The electric field is generated by micropost electrodes in the CMOS front-end as a complement to the microcoil magnetic array. One can switch between the magnetic- and electric-field based operations.

Applications Manipulation, segregation, detection and analysis of biological samples such as cells and fluids. For Further Information Please Contact the Director of Business Development Daniel Behr Email: [email protected] Telephone: (617) 495-3067

Inventor(s): Westervelt, Robert M.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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