Exploitation of the magnetic nanoparticles in developing magnetic microdevice

PROJECT SCOPE 

The project involves the development of an experimental model of electromagnetically actuated micropumps for applications in the field of microfluidics. The work plan proposed in this project is focused on the formulation of magnetic pastes / inks for screen-printing technology, so that these separate components could be integrated in the fabrication of micropumps for further exploitations in BioMEMS devices. Literature in the field presents various methods for actuating micropumps, among which electromagnetic actuation has a number of significant advantages such as superior response time and most importantly the lack of interactions with (bio) chemical or biological fluids. Research activities are carried out in effective collaboration between University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest and NANOM MEMS SRL and involves preliminary studies to obtain magnetic nanoparticles; formulation of magnetic pastes/inks with predetermined characteristics; initiation of magnetic pastes/inks depositions on specific substrates used in BioMEMS devices, followed by complex characterizations regarding physico-chemical properties, including electrical ones. Also, the functionality of the developed films will be tested at laboratory level to prove their actuation characteristics. To optimize the performances of the formulations of magnetic inks/pastes, special attention will be paid to the development of magnetic nanoparticles with desired size, but also functionalized according to the polymeric component of the paste. The commitment of our partner (NANOM MEMS SRL) is very important for the project, the company being interested in future transposition of the research on market. Given these circumstances, the project assumes additional stability tests, including dynamic tests with simulated flowing liquids, especially considering biological applications.

The project aims to develop intelligent materials for the magnetic actuation of BioMEMS devices. More precisely, the project proposes the development of magnetic pastes/inks with physico-chemical and mechanical properties specific to deposition technologies, in order to obtain an integrated demonstration model of electromagnetically operated micropump with applicability in BioMEMS devices (microelectromechanical systems with biological applications).