Patent ID: 7262016
Filing Date: 2007-08-28
Classification: B01J,B01L,B03C,B82Y,C07B,C07K,C40B,G01N,G06K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for manipulating a plurality of microdevices in an array of microchannels, which method comprises: a) providing a plurality of microdevices, each said microdevice comprising b) providing a microchannel array comprising a plurality of microchannels, said microchannels are sufficiently wide to permit rotation of said microdevices within said microchannels but sufficiently narrow to prevent said microdevices from forming a chain when the major axis of said microdevices is substantially perpendicular to the major axis of said microchannels; and wherein the height of the microchannels and/or a constraint on the microdevices by a magnetic field does not allow the microdevices to stand up within the microchannels; c) introducing said plurality of microdevices into said plurality of microchannels; and d) rotating said microdevices within said microchannels by a magnetic force, whereby a combined effect of said magnetic force and said preferential axis of magnetization of said microdevices substantially separates said microdevices from each other.