Magnetic membranes for mechanical stimulation of cells: MaMi
The MaMi project combines expertise in the field of magnetism with knowledge of bioinspired local flow control to create novel concepts and technological solutions that could revolutionize the field of microfluidics.
This project is completed now. If interested, feel free to contact us.
Microfluidics and magnetism in biomimetic locally-driven flows: introduction
The MaMi project bridges microfluidics and magnetism research by taking advantage of magnetic forces inspired by biomimetic systems to control local flows and cargo transport.
The critical research question guiding the project is “How can magnetism and biomimetic locally-driven flows overcome the current limitations of microfluidics?”
The 9 MaMi partners will take different approaches to address this question.
Magnetic membranes for remote mechanical stimulation of cells in microfluidic devices: project description
In this consortium, we developed microfluidic devices with an industry potential for organ-on-a-chip applications.
The ultimate goal will be to address the hurdles that need to be overcome to transition microfluidic techniques from prototype-state organ-on-a-chip into marketable devices.
PDMS is the gold standard fabrication material within the engineering research community. We will explore fast-fabrication thermopolymer materials (PMMA, PC, PS, COC) that are better suited for biological applications and commercially relevant with scale-up potential to design this new generation of organ-on-a-chip.
However, as thermopolymers are non-stretchable, the current methods of recreating desirable mechanical stimulation to produce more bio-relevant cellular phenotypes will not be possible.
We will, therefore, exploit magnetic forces to achieve remote mechanical stimulation within the thermopolymer organ-on-a-chip.
Related content
Have a look at these three reviews written by Emma Thomée, PhD:
Magnetic fluids and microfluidics: A short review
A short overview of lung-on-a-chip systems
Actuation concepts for in-vivo mechanical strain
Funding
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 MSCA-IF under grant agreement No 766007 (MAMI).
Researcher
Emma Thomée
Research Associate
- PhD candidate at Elvesys/Strasbourg University in the frame of MSCA-ITN
- Analytical chemist (QPharma AB, Sweden)
- Master of Science in Biomedical engineering (Lund University, Sweden)
Areas of expertise:
Biomedical engineering, Microfluidics, Organ-on-chip, Magnetism.