A compact electromagnetic syringe stirrer and temperature controller for the reliable dispensing of living cells and microparticles
Maryamsadat Ghoreishi,
Giovanna Peruzzi,
Lucia Iafrate,
Gianluca Cidonio,
Noemi D’Abbondanza,
Giancarlo Ruocco,
Marco Leonetti,
Riccardo Reale
Affiliations
Maryamsadat Ghoreishi
Center for Life Nano- and Neuro- Sciences, Italian Institute of Technology, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Basic and Applied Science for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome 00161 Rome, Italy
Giovanna Peruzzi
Center for Life Nano- and Neuro- Sciences, Italian Institute of Technology, 00185 Rome, Italy
Lucia Iafrate
Center for Life Nano- and Neuro- Sciences, Italian Institute of Technology, 00185 Rome, Italy
Gianluca Cidonio
Center for Life Nano- and Neuro- Sciences, Italian Institute of Technology, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome 00184 Rome, Italy
Noemi D’Abbondanza
Center for Life Nano- and Neuro- Sciences, Italian Institute of Technology, 00185 Rome, Italy; International School of Advanced Studies, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy
Giancarlo Ruocco
Center for Life Nano- and Neuro- Sciences, Italian Institute of Technology, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
Marco Leonetti
Center for Life Nano- and Neuro- Sciences, Italian Institute of Technology, 00185 Rome, Italy; Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Research Council of Italy, CNR-NANOTEC, Rome Unit, Piazzale A. Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
Riccardo Reale
Center for Life Nano- and Neuro- Sciences, Italian Institute of Technology, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Civil Engineering and Computer Science, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Corresponding author at: Department of Civil Engineering and Computer Science, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
Lab-on-chip technologies frequently require biological samples, such as cells or microorganisms, to be maintained inside a syringe for prolonged periods of time during operations. Challenges include preventing cell sedimentation, ensuring cell viability, and maintaining buffer rheological properties (i.e. viscosity and density) constant, particularly in applications like 3D bioprinting and diagnostic assays. To address these challenges, we have developed the Syringe Electromagnetic Controller (SEC), an integrated system capable of simultaneously stirring and thermoregulating samples inside a syringe. SEC prevents sedimentation through the cyclic movement of a magnet actuated by an electromagnetic field, while maintaining a stable temperature (within ± 0.5 °C from a set-point) with a feedback loop. The system is compact, cost-effective, and easily integrated into various setups. Experimental validation shows that SEC effectively keeps living cells in suspension and at a constant temperature without compromising cell viability. Thus, we have ultimately demonstrated the functionality of SEC as a versatile solution for enhancing the reliability of lab-on-chip applications.
