Effect of magnet size on two-dimensional magnetic scanning-based cell patterning

Abstract

Cell patterning is one of the fundamental techniques in biomedical and biological studies. We aim at patterning cells on an arbitrary shape by utilizing a magnetic scanning technology based on Magneto-Archimedes effect. Cells in paramagnetic solution behave as a diamagnetic particle and are subjected to a repulsive force from a magnet. Our method is able to pattern cells by neither labeling the cells magnetically nor contacting the cells directly. Fluorescent polystyrene beads with the similar physical properties to animal cells were suspended in paramagnetic solution. The magnet which was placed under the chamber containing the suspension was reciprocated using a motorized stage. As a result, the fluorescent beads in the area which the magnet passed were removed. The width of the area depended on the magnet diameter. This result suggests that our method is applicable for patterning cells on an arbitrary shape.