Development of a High-Throughput Magnetic Separation Device for Malaria-Infected Erythrocytes

This study describes a non-dilutive high-gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) device intended to continuously remove malaria-infected red blood cells (iRBCs) from the circulation. A mesoscale prototype device with disposable photo-etched ferromagnetic grid and reusable permanent magnet was designed with a computationally-optimized magnetic force. The prototype device was evaluated in vitro using a non-pathogenic analog for malaria-infected blood, comprised of 24% healthy RBCs, 6% human methemoglobin RBCs (metRBCs), and 70% phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The device provided a 27.0 +/- 2.2% reduction of metRBCs in a single pass at a flow rate of 77 mu L min(-1). This represents a clearance rate over 380 times greater throughput than microfluidic devices reported previously. These positive results encourage development of a clinical scale system that would economize time and donor blood for treating severe malaria.