Advances of Particles/Cells Magnetic Manipulation in Microfluidic Chips

Magnetic manipulation of particles/cells in microfluidic chips is a promising research field. This review stated the operation mechanism and the primary means of manipulation, including separation, concentration, capture, arrangement, and assembly. Especially, the concept of particles/cells separation with different criteria, such as sizes, shapes, and magnetic properties was emphasized. Besides, the effects of the channel geometry, the intensity and distribution of the magnetic field, and the types of magnetic liquid (paramagnetic salt solutions and ferrofluids) on the performance of the magnetic manipulation were compared. In the end, the perspective on the prospect of magnetic manipulation about particles/cells in a microfluidic chip was depicted.