Innovative technique for patterning Nd–Fe–B arrays and development of a microfluidic device with high trapping efficiency

Abstract

Trapping/separating bio-entities via magnetic field gradients created a vast number of possibilities to develop biosensors for the early detection of diseases without the need for expensive equipment or physician/lab technicians. Thus, opening a window for at-home disposable rapid test kits. In the scope of the current work, an innovative and cost-effective technique to form well-organized arrays of Nd–Fe–B patterns was successfully developed. High aspect ratio Nd–Fe–B flakes were synthesized by surfactant-assisted ball milling technique. Nd–Fe–B flakes were distributed and patterned into a PDMS matrix by the aforementioned technique. A microfluidic channel was integrated on the fabricated Nd–Fe–B/PDMS patch with a high magnetic field gradient to form a microfluidic device. Fe nanoparticles, suspended in hexane, were flowed through the microfluidic channel, and trapping of the magnetic nanoparticles was observed. More experiments would be needed to quantitatively study efficiency. Ergo, the microfluidic device with high trapping efficiency was developed. The established technique has the potential to outperform the precedents in trapping efficiency, cost, and ease of production. The developed device could be integrated into disposable test kits for the early detection of various diseases.