Magnetic Domain Wall Tweezers

Magnetic Domain Wall Tweezers for on-chip investigation of cellular functions and Mechanobiology studies

Single molecule imaging and handling are of relevance for in-vitro biological application, because they offer a clear and direct way to investigate functions and dynamics of single cells or biomolecules. Methods based on the remote manipulation of magnetic particles are receiving great attention because they allow a controlled and highly localized stimulations of cells and bioentities. In this field, the manipulation of magnetic beads via magnetic domain wall tweezers (DWTs) is a considerable approach; it is based on thecontrolled motion of magnetic domain walls in Ni80Fe20 conduits which can trap and drag particles in suspension. DWTs are a non-invasive technique, not involving a relevant energy dissipation which couldeventually damage the cell structure. Furthermore, DWTs allow an extremely high spatial resolution (down to 100 nm) and multiplexing capability.

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The application of controlled forces to activate specific bio-pathways and investigate their effects, mimicking the role of the cellular environment, is becoming a prominent approach in the field of mechanobiology. In this framework, magnetic on-chip platforms equipped with DWTs allow to mechanically or chemically stimulate the cellular membrane, by manipulating magnetic nanoparticles on nanometric magnetic conduits patterned on-chip. The interaction force exerted by the magnetic beads onthe cellular membrane can be tuned in the pN-nN range, applying a variable external magnetic field.

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Involved People

Fundings

  • Centro Europeo di Nanomedicina (CEN) via project EP002
  • Fondazione Cariplo via project UMANA (2013-0735) – Ultrasensitive Magnetic Array for recording of Neuronal Activity – 3 years (2014-2017)