Magnetic Microrobots as a Platform for Cell Clean Up

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Mobile magnetic microrobots offer advantages in biomedical applications.
• Efficient clearance of cell aggregates is vital for preventing tissue damage and reducing the need for invasive surgeries, particularly in vascular contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate cellular manipulation and cleanup of Human Liver Cancer (HepG2) cells using untethered magnetic microrobots.
• To evaluate microrobot performance in both closed microchannel and open air-liquid interface environments.
• To assess the impact of microrobot actuation on HepG2 cell viability.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two distinct types and sizes of untethered magnetic microrobots for cellular manipulation.
• Conducted experiments in microchannels to simulate a controlled working environment.
• Performed cellular cleanup on a glass slide to mimic an air-liquid interface.
• Assessed cell viability using trypan blue staining post-actuation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful manipulation and mobility of HepG2 cell clusters using magnetic microrobots in both tested environments.
• Confirmed the potential utility of microrobots for cell sorting and separation applications.
• Evaluated and reported on HepG2 cell viability immediately after and 24 hours post-microrobot actuation.

Conclusions:

• Untethered magnetic microrobots are effective for manipulating and clearing cell aggregates, including HepG2 cells.
• The demonstrated capabilities are applicable to both microfluidic and open surface environments.
• Microrobot actuation did not compromise HepG2 cell viability, supporting their use in sensitive biomedical applications.