Conceptual design of integrated microfluidic system for magnetic cell separation, electroporation, and transfection

For the purposes of a successful ex vivo gene therapy we have proposed and analyzed a new concept of an integrated microfluidic system for combined magnetic cell separation, electroporation, and magnetofection. For the analysis of magnetic and electric field distribution (given by Maxwell equations) as well as dynamics of magnetically labeled cell and transfection complex, we have used finite element method directly interfaced to the Matlab routine solving Newton dynamical equations of motion. Microfluidic chamber has been modeled as a channel with height and length 1 mm and 1 cm, respectively. Bottom electrode consisted of 100 parallel ferromagnetic straps and the upper electrode was plate of diamagnetic copper. From the dynamics of magnetic particle motion we have found that the characteristic time-scales for the motion of cells (mean capture time ∼ 4 s) and gene complexes (mean capture time ∼ 3 min), when permanent magnets are used, are in the range suitable for efficient cell separation and gene delivery. The largest electric field intensity (∼10 kV/m) was observed at the edges of the microelectrodes, in the close proximity of magnetically separated cells, which is optimal for subsequent cell electroporation.