Label-free cellular manipulation and sorting via biocompatible ferrofluids

A system for separating at least one target from a sample suspended in a biocompatible ferrofluid, the system comprising:

• a microfluidic channel having an inlet, at least one outlet, and a length between the inlet and the at least one outlet, wherein a sample suspended in a biocompatible ferrofluid can be added to the inlet and flow along the microfluidic channel length to the at least one outlet;
• a plurality of electrodes traversing at least a portion of the microfluidic channel length and generating a magnetic field pattern along the microfluidic channel length when a current is applied to at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes;
• and
• at least one target in the sample;
• wherein the at least one target is separated from the sample as the at least one target flows along at least a portion of the microfluidic channel length.

A method for separating at least one cell type from a sample, the method comprising:

• suspending two or more cell types in a biocompatible ferrofluid to form a sample;
• passing the sample through a microfluidic channel traversing a plurality of electrodes;
• applying a current to the plurality of electrodes to create a magnetic field pattern along the microfluidic channel;
• and
• sorting at least one cell type of the two or more cell types into at least one outlet based on one or more characteristics of the at least one cell type.