MANIPULATION OF CHEMICAL AND/OR BIOLOGICAL SPECIES USING MAGNETIC FIELD MODULATORS

摘要

Methods and apparatuses for manipulating chemical and/or biological species (e.g., cells) and using magnetic fields are provided. The methods may involve patterning magnetically-susceptible cells using a magnetic field modulator. For instance, when a fluid containing cells is brought in contact with a surface and the magnetic field modulator is positioned proximate the surface, the cells may form a pattern by aligning with portions of the modulated magnetic field. Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the magnetic field modulator is not integrally connected to the surface. Thus, patterns of cells can be formed on various types of surfaces and the magnetic field modulator may be repositioned without altering the surface. Patterns comprising multiple cell types on a single surface can also be formed. Such patterns may be useful for studying cell-cell interactions and for forming three-dimensional cellular structures (e.g., tissues).