Magnetically-controllable zigzag structures as cell microgripper

We designed and fabricated a micro-scaled cell gripper based on two highly flexible magnetic zigzag structures that can be actuated by a magnetic field. Elongated single domain magnetic thin films with high magnetic shape anisotropy were deposited on the zigzag structures. By adjusting the external magnetic field we were able to control the torque applied on the magnetic films that was responsible for the actuation. We measured and discussed the displacement of the zigzag structures under different magnetic fields, and we observed a hysteresis characteristic in the actuation. Furthermore, we demonstrated the ability of gripping a single cell in water solution using the designed cell microgripper. The cell microgripper proposed in this study can provide important information for future biochip and biomedical applications.