Patent ID: 6013532
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: B03C,G01N

Abstract:
A method for observing microbiological entities, selected from a group consisting of cells or microbes, suspended in a fluid medium, the method comprising the steps of:rendering the entities magnetically responsive by contacting the entities with a plurality of magnetic particles bearing an attachment agent having a binding affinity for the entities;providing a vessel with a transparent wall and a ferromagnetic collection structure having a collection surface with a diameter approximately equal to or less than the diameter of the entities;introducing the fluid medium into the vessel;placing the vessel into a magnetic field for inducing a magnetic gradient about the collection structure of sufficient strength to immobilize the entities;attracting the entities toward the collection structure;collecting a substantially linear monolayer of the biological substance along the collection structure; andoptically observing the linear monolayer through the transparent wall.