Graphical Abstract

Project Overview

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are widely used in medicine for targeted drug delivery and diagnostic applications. However, efficiently separating and manipulating these particles in continuous fluid flow is a major engineering challenge. This project focused on designing and validating a continuous microfluidic device capable of high-efficiency MNP separation. We developed a comprehensive in silico (computational) model using COMSOL Multiphysics to optimize the device geometry, followed by rigorous in vitro (experimental) validation to confirm the predicted separation efficiency under flow conditions.

Major Outcomes

• Continuous Microfluidic Separator: Successfully designed a microfluidic device capable of separating MNPs from a flowing solution in a continuous manner.
• In Silico Optimization: Developed a robust computational model to simulate the magnetophoretic forces and fluid dynamics, allowing for the optimization of channel geometry and magnetic field strength.
• High Separation Efficiency: Demonstrated that the optimized device achieves a high separation efficiency (validated experimentally) under continuous flow conditions.
• Dual Validation: Provided a strong example of integrating computational simulation with experimental validation to prototype and verify biomedical microdevices rapidly.

Permanent magnet’s magnetic flux density and simulation of its influence on nanoparticles moving.
The black arrows show the direction of magnetization.

Paper Source

To access the paper, please click here.