Cell patterning using microstructured ferromagnetic thin films

Magnetic cell patterning is demonstrated through controlling the micromagnetic states in microstructured ferromagnetic thin films. The number of magnetic nanoparticles entering the cells by endocytosis can be determined by magnetophoresis experiment and is found to be dependent of the cocultured extracellular magnetic nanoparticles concentrations. In zigzag magnetic films the effects of cell patterning differ for magnetic films at as-deposited state and at remanent states after applying fields in different directions. Remanent states of concentric rings are proposed for cell patterning. Cells can be arranged at any positions in sequence by selectively changing the magnetic field directions. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3383229]