Comparison between simulation and experimentally observed interactions between two magnetic beads in a fluidic system

Journal article

Continuous flow separation of magnetic particles within a microfluidic device could lead to improved performance of magnetic bead-based assays but the undesirable formation of bead clusters reduces its efficiency; this efficiency refers to the ability to separate bound magnetic beads from a mixture of particles. Such agglomerates are formed due to magnetic binding forces while hydrodynamic interactions strongly influence the particles' movement. This paper presents a model for interactions between a pair of equal sized super-paramagnetic beads suspended in water within a uniform magnetic field. To the best of our knowledge, we present for the first time a comparison between simulated trajectories and the beads' movement captured on video; the beads were suspended in a stationary fluid placed within a uniform magnetic field. In conclusion, the model is a good approximation for beads interacting with their nearest neighbours and is able to predict the trajectory pattern of these particles in a magnetic bead-based assay. Predicting the magnetically induced interaction of nearby beads will help in determining the density of beads in an assay and in avoiding agglomeration over a fixed time duration.

Authors: Oduwole, O; Grob, D; Sheard, S

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials More from this journal
• Volume: 407
• Pages: 8-12
• Publication date: 2016-01-14
• Acceptance date: 2016-01-13
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2016.01.043
• ISSN: 0304-8853
• Keywords: Super-paramagnetic bead; Magnetic separation; Microfluidics; Magnetic interaction; Hydrodynamic interaction; Magnetic field