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Numerical investigation of planar microcoils integrated in microfluidic devices for biological applications

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Abstract

The objective of this work is to create a finite element model of different magnetic actuator topologies using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The aim is to simulate and improve the magnetic field generated by different planar microcoil topologies while minimising energy dissipation. The magnetic field generated by square and circular spiral planar microcoils was compared with that produced by serpentine meander planar microcoils. It has been found that the trapping efficiency in a magnetic manipulation microfluidic system for biological applications is closely linked to the geometry and electrical parameters of the planar microcoils. In addition, the location of these microcoils within the microfluidic channel intended for the circulation of the paramagnetic microbeads also play a crucial role. The obtained results show that bu reducing the inter-turn spacing using a thinner conductor cross-section and injected a higher electrical intensity in the actuator, both the magnetic field strength and its gradient can be increased, and therefore cause a higher magnetic actuation force.

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Data availability

The simulation data used in this study are described in detail in the paper.

Abbreviations

A :

Magnetic vector potential, T m, or Wb/m

B:

Magnetic field density, T

e s :

Conductor thickness, m

E is :

Inter-turn spacing, m

H:

Magnetic field strength, A/m

Fm :

Magnetic force, N

I:

Current intensity, A

J:

Current density, A/m2

L s :

Conductor width, m

m:

Magnetic moment, A m2

M:

Magnetization, A/m

n :

Turns number, –

V :

Volume, m3

V m :

Magnetic scalar potential, V

Δχ:

Effective magnetic susceptibility of the particle relative to medium, -

Χ:

Magnetic susceptibility, –

µ0 :

Magnetic permeability of vacuum, H/m

μr :

Relative permeability, –

σ:

Electric conductivity, S/m

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the General Directorate of Scientific Research and Technological Development (DGRSDT) of Algeria and LABAB Laboratory of National Polytechnic School of Oran (Algeria). The comments from the reviewer are also greatly acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Applied Biomechanics and Biomaterials (LABAB), National Polytechnique School of Oran-Maurice Audin, El Mnaouer, BP 1523, 31000, Oran, Algeria

    Abdelghani Benbrahim, Halima Benchenane, Salim Hammar & Benaoumeur Aour

  2. Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Oran-Mohamed Boudiaf, El Mnaouer, Bir El Djir, BP 1505, 31023, Oran, Algeria

    Abdelghani Benbrahim & Nasreddine Mekkakia-Maaza

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  1. Abdelghani Benbrahim
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  2. Halima Benchenane
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Correspondence to Halima Benchenane.

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Benbrahim, A., Benchenane, H., Hammar, S. et al. Numerical investigation of planar microcoils integrated in microfluidic devices for biological applications. Microsyst Technol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-024-05674-3

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