Patent ID: 7232691
Filing Date: 2007-06-19
Classification: B03C,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A process of separating a sample comprising: attaching a different receptor agent to at least two distinct populations of magnetic micro spheres with a specific range of magnetic moments, wherein each of said magnetic microspheres includes a plurality of magnetic particles, and wherein said magnetic particles are either coated, imbedded in said magnetic microspheres, or immobilized on a surface of or within said magnetic microspheres; combining a target sample with said distinct populations of magnetic microspheres containing the different attached receptor agents together for a period of time sufficient to allow for binding between attached receptor agents and target species within said target sample to form one or more receptor agent-target species complexes; and, sorting said distinct populations of magnetic microspheres containing the different receptor agent-target species complexes by passing said magnetic microspheres through a first magnetic field provided by a first magnet for magnetizing said magnetic microspheres to a chamber and a collector, wherein the chamber and the collector are disposed in a second magnetic field provided by a second magnet, and wherein said magnetic microspheres having different magnetic moments are separated in the chamber in the presence of the second magnetic field according to trajectories determined by their respective magnetic moments.