Design of high-magnetic field gradient sources for controlling magnetically induced flow of ferrofluids in microfluidic systems

Abstract

The use of miniature electromagnets for ferrofluid-actuated liquid dispensing into microfluidic channels has been investigated by numerical simulations using the finite element method and measurements of fluid displacement and flow rate. The simulations illustrate the effect of structural and geometrical parameters of single and paired solenoid coils on the magnetic force experienced by the ferrofluid. Dual solenoids were used for extended fluid displacement. Ferrofluid positioning and flow rates were controlled also by using a solenoid with an iron core. The experimental measurements of fluid flow in capillaries were used to validate the modeling calculations. The results can be used as a basis for the development of on-chip ferrofluid-based devices integrated with microfluidic architectures.