The production and characterisation of magnetic particles produced with in-air microfluidics

Magnetic particles are widely used in biomedical, environmental and research applications. However, conventional production methods lack flexibility and are relatively expensive. Here we use in-air microfluidics to produce particles using a two-nozzle setup. The focus of this work is on magnetic particles that consist of a polymer matrix that is seeded with magnetic microparticles. Via in-air microfluidics monodisperse magnetic alginate particles are produced with neodymium and permalloy powder in mass percentages of 0.5%, 5% and 10%. The particles are then characterised in a custom-made setup by measuring the trajectories in water under influence of a magnetic field and comparing these to theory, revealing a decent resemblance. This research serves as a stepping stone for researchers who want to create their own magnetic particles with in-air microfluidics.