Magnetic Microtweezers for High-Throughput Bioseparation in Sub-Nanoliter Droplets

Abstract Multiomics studies at single-cell level require small volume manipulation, high throughput analysis and multiplexed detection, characteristics that droplet microfluidics can tackle. However, the initial step of molecules bioseparation remains challenging. Here, we describe a unique magnetic device to trap and extract magnetic particles in sub-nanoliter droplets, for compartmentalisation of detection steps. Relying on electrodeposition of NiFe structures and microfluidic manipulation, this technology has allowed the purification of genetic material at single-cell scale and was able to reach an extraction rate of 72% for a sample of purified oligonucleotides. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Copyright The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission.