Continuous magnetophoretic separation of blood cells in microdevice format

This paper presents a method for continuous magnetophoretic separation of red and white blood cells from whole blood based on their native magnetic properties. The microsystem separates the blood cells using a high gradient magnetic separation method without the use of additives such as magnetic tagging or inducing agents. A theoretical model of the magnetophoretic microseparator is derived and verified by comparison with finite element simulation. The microseparator is fabricated using microfabrication technology, enabling the integration of microscale magnetic flux concentrators in an aqueous microenvironment, providing strong magnetic forces, and fast separations. Experimental tests are performed using a permanent magnet to create an external magnetic flux of 0.2 T, and measuring the movement of red blood cells within the microchannel of the microseparator. The experimental results correlate well with the theoretical results. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.