Fabrication and characterization of magnetic microrobots for three-dimensional cell culture and targeted transportation

Sangwon Kim; Famin Qiu; Samhwan Kim; Ali Ghanbari; Cheil Moon; Li Zhang; Bradley J Nelson; Hongsoo Choi

doi:10.1002/adma.201301484

Fabrication and characterization of magnetic microrobots for three-dimensional cell culture and targeted transportation

Adv Mater. 2013 Nov 6;25(41):5863-8. doi: 10.1002/adma.201301484. Epub 2013 Jul 17.

Authors

Sangwon Kim¹, Famin Qiu, Samhwan Kim, Ali Ghanbari, Cheil Moon, Li Zhang, Bradley J Nelson, Hongsoo Choi

Affiliation

¹ Robotics Engineering Department, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), 711-873, Daegu, South Korea; Brain Science Department, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), 711-873, Daegu, South Korea.

Abstract

Magnetically manipulated microrobots are demonstrated for targeted cell transportation. Full three-dimensional (3D) porous structures are fabricated with an SU-8 photoresist using a 3D laser lithography system. Nickel and titanium are deposited as a magnetic material and biocompatible material, respectively. The fabricated microrobots are controlled in the fluid by external magnetic fields. Human embryonic kidney 239 (HEK 239) cells are cultivated in the microrobot to show the possibility for targeted cell transportation.

Keywords: magnetic manipulation; microrobots; targeted cell transportation; three-dimensional cell culture.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
Feasibility Studies
HEK293 Cells
Humans
Magnetic Phenomena*
Microtechnology / methods*
Polymers / chemistry
Porosity
Robotics / methods*

Substances

Polymers