Abstract:
The present invention relates to improved techniques for separating cells, particles and molecules important to medical science and biotechnology because separation is frequently the limiting factor for many biological processes. The apparatus and method of use provides an innovative method for quantitatively separating cells, proteins, or other particles, using multistage, magnetically, electromagnetically assisted separation technology, (“MAGSEP”). The MAGSEP technology provides a separation technology applicable to medical, chemical, cell biology, and biotechnology processes. Moreover, the instant invention relates to a method for separating and isolating mixtures of combinatorial synthesized molecules such that a variety of products are prepared, in groups, possessing diversity in size, length, (molecular weight), and structural elements. These are then analyzed for the ability to bind specifically to an antibody, receptor, or other ligate. Such a collection may provide a ligand library containing specific ligands for any ligate even though there are a greater number of conformations available to any one sequence. This technology provides a cell biologists a tool for studying molecular recognition. Combinational chemical libraries containing known and random sequences can be surveyed for strong ligands. Such a tool provides a means of recognizing and isolating agonists, antagonists, enzyme inhibitors, virus blockers, antigens, and other pharmaceuticals, but more significantly quantities of receptors on biological cells in aqueous suspensions including body fluids.

Description:
This is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/546,075 filed on Apr. 10, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,910 which is incorporated by reference herein, and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Applications Ser. No. 60/128,627 filed on Apr. 9, 1999. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional application Serial No. 60,128,627 filed on Apr. 9, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     This application is part of a government project, Contract No. NAS9-97027. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates an innovative method for quantitatively separating cells, chemicals, proteins, and other ligands, or other particles, using multistage magnetically and/or electromagnetically assisted separation technology (“MAGSEP”). MAGSEP is extremely well suited to immunological research and analysis, pharmaceutical delivery, research and processing and other biomedical applications. Cell separation problems associated with clinical, animal, and plant research can be address using MAGSEP technology. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Almost all prior art in this field can be classified as magnetic filtration, that is, non-magnetic particles are separated from magnetic particles irrespective of their degree of magnetization. For example, Miltenyi et al., teaches that cells labeled with magnetic particles (paramagnetic, superparamagnetic or ferromagnetic) are trapped in a static tube or a flowing channel by a strong magnetic field gradient that causes them to be attracted to said tube or channel wall. Non-magnetic particles are sedimented or convected away, leaving magnetic particles captive until released from the field and collected at a later time. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,344, Zborowsky applies the term “magnetapheresis”—magnetic stopping, to a similar process. Liberti et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,698 teach that thin ferromagnetic pole pieces extending into a suspension of magnetic particles will attract them, and only the magnetic particles, to said pole pieces; non-magnetic particles are convected or sedimented away, the field is switched off releasing the trapped particles into suspension where they are collected as purified cells. In a chromatography-like approach, Ugelstad teaches that high field gradients can be established around beaded ferromagnetic media and fibres, thereby trapping cells labeled with magnetic particles. Other embodiments of these magnetic filtration devices have been patented previously as set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,795,698 and 5,053,344. All of these teach a similar, simple binary separation of magnetic from non-magnetic particles, and they utilize high-gradient magnetic fields. 
     Prior art that is closer to the field of the invention has been presented by Powers et al., who teach that a low-gradient magnetic field applied to a horizontally flowing suspension in a channel can trap magnetically labeled cells dynamically and hence potentially according to their level of magnetization by the adsorption of magnetic particles. This method has only been applied to binary separations, however. Winoto-Morbach et al. introduced the concept of “magnetophoretic mobility” implying an intrinsic parameter whereby particles could be separated according to their speed of migration in a magnetic field gradient. Mobility is the ratio of the velocity to the driving force. In an embodiment that exploits this concept, Zborowsky et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,820, measured magnetophoretic mobilities and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,901 teaches that a controlled laminar flow of a suspension of particles between large permanent magnet pole pieces results in the deflection of particles according to their magnetophoretic mobility. Said deflection can be exploited as a means of recovering particles according to their mobilities, or degree of magnetization. Reddy, et. al. (1995) and Zborowski, et al. (1995) have developed analytical methods for directly evaluating the magnetization of different magnetic particle types. 
     Competing alternative preparative technologies consist of different types of separation processes, including electrophoresis and centrifugation. Electrophoresis involves separating materials by passing them through an electric field with separation occurring based on the attractions of the cells to one particular charge, whether positive or negative. Many of the manufacturers in this market are dedicated solely to the manufacturing of electrophoresis equipment. A centrifuge separates cells and other materials by inertial force. Heavier material is forced outward while lighter material remains on the top of the solution. This process may be beneficial when the cells separated can handle that kind of force and are able to separate based solely on size and/or density. This technique can be especially damaging to a cell, due to the high forces imposed when the unit propels cells into a container wall. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,901, Zborowski et al. teach a method in which a nearly constant force field, e.g. magnetic, is applied in a region that contains cells that are caused to migrate in the force field. By capturing a series of microscope images in the force field, particle (cell) velocities can be measured and, through software, a histogram of velocities that indicate the degree of magnetization of the particles can be produced when the force field is a magnetic force field. One application of this method is the measurement of magnetophoretic mobility, the ratio of particle velocity to the applied force field, from which additional physical and chemical information about the particle can be derived. The present invention is distinguished from the Zborowski et al reference in that while Zborowski analyzes particles on the basis of a distribution of magnetic properties, the instant invention provides a means to capture them on the basis of said properties, collecting and separating particles on the basis of their magnetophoretic mobility and is not limited to the collection of merely analytical data as taught by the Zborowski reference. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,820, Zborowski et al. teach a method in which a mixture of biological cells upon whose surface is affixed a number of magnetic particles in proportion to the number of receptors of interest to the researcher can be separated on that basis in a flowing stream in which they are suspended. The flowing stream flows between two magnet pole pieces, and cells within said stream are deflected toward the pole pieces at a velocity that depends on their magnetophoretic mobility and hence magnetic susceptibility and hence receptor density. The separated cells or particles are finally collected utilizing multiple outlets in fractions with each fraction containing cells having a specified range of receptor densities. Contrary to the teachings of Zborowski et al., the instant invention uses a static feed sample in a cuvette and, through the application of magnetic force, causes cells or particles to emerge from said feed cuvette with a velocity that is proportional to magnetophoretic mobility and hence magnetic susceptibility and hence receptor density. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,344, Zborowski et al. teaches a system consisting of a gap between two magnetic pole pieces in which a suspension of particles is caused to flow through a thin chamber with parallel walls by gravity or some other driving means. The chamber is positioned so as to allow the particles suspended in the flowing stream to experience a spatially graded magnetic force. The spatially graded magnetic force causes the capture of particles spatially distributed on a plane according to their magnetic susceptibility in a process traditionally termed “ferrography”. Subsequent to capture, some particles, especially biological cells, can be examined according to the position at which they were captured and classified, but not collected in suspension according to magnetic susceptibility and hence, if labeled with liganded magnetic particles, receptor density. This system does not separate particles collectible in suspension and therein differs from the instant invention, which is designed to accomplish such separation and collection. 
     Improved techniques for separating living cells and proteins are increasingly important to biotechnology because separation is frequently the limiting factor for many biological processes. In response to that need, the present invention was developed to provide a method for quantitatively separating cells, particles, ligands, proteins, and other chemical species using a magnetic and/or an electromagnetically-assisted separation process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant apparatus and method of use provides an innovative method for quantitatively separating cells, proteins, or other particles, using multistage, magnetically and/or electromagnetically assisted separation technology (“MAGSEP”). The MAGSEP technology provides a separation technology applicable to medical, chemical, cell biology, and biotechnology processes. Moreover, the instant invention relates to a method for separating and isolating mixtures of combinatorial synthesized molecules such that a variety of products are prepared, in groups, possessing diversity in size, length, (molecular weight), and structural elements. These are then analyzed for the ability to bind specifically to an antibody, receptor, or other ligate. Such a collection may provide a ligand library containing specific ligands for any ligate even though there are a greater number of conformations available to any one sequence. This technology provides a cell biologists a tool for studying molecular recognition. Combinational chemical libraries containing known and random sequences can be surveyed for strong ligands. Such a tool provides a means of recognizing and isolating agonists, antagonists, enzyme inhibitors, virus blockers, antigens, and other pharmaceuticals. 
     In clinical applications utilizing a single or multistage magnetic and/or electromagnetic separator, cells that are labeled with decreasing numbers of paramagnetic beads are separated quantitatively on the basis of the extent of labeling by using magnetic fields of increasing strength. Cells with greater numbers of magnetic beads attached to their receptors will be attracted to a weak magnetic field, while cells with fewer beads will not as shown best in FIG.  1 . This principle establishes the basis for separating (“classifying”) cells or other particles according to their magnetic strength, using either a rate or an equilibrium process. 
     One main reason that electromagnetic field-assisted methods have not been heavily employed commercially in the past is the mystique of equipment used in the field. The physics is considered too complex, but it is rather simple in fact. There is further misunderstanding about the mechanism of separation. In addition to the existence of a mystique, real physical factors also have been a deterrent to magnetic field-assisted separations. Most magnetically assisted separations that require the specific adsorption of beaded media to the separand also require some kind of flowing device for removing unwanted particles. 
     The multistage electromagnetic separator of the instant invention overcomes these barriers by greatly simplifying the electromagnetic field-assisted separation process. The separator does not require a stabilized matrix such as gel, paper, or density gradient. The technology does not require any forced flow of fluid for magnetic separation. The iterative transfer of fluids minimizes flows and provides a milder and more suitable environment for separating and purifying cells and proteins. The electromagnetic separator technology incorporated into the present invention also offers automatic decanting of contaminant suspensions. The unwanted cells or particles are simply left behind as by-products of the process in an opposing half chamber. Finally, the end-user of the apparatus will appreciate the added efficiency of needing to make only one buffer to complete extraction and to collect automatically separated fractions without the complications of pumping and volume measurements. 
     Another application of magnetic separation technology that is in its infancy is the development of neoglycoconjugates. Many cells, enzymes, and lectins possess recognition sites for specific carbohydrates (“lectin” means “carbohydrate binding protein”). By conjugating specific carbohydrates (oligo- or polysaccharides) to the surface of magnetic beads, specific cells, enzymes or lectins can be isolated by HMGS or MACS. This represents an ideal application for MAGSEP, since different glycoconjugates can be linked to magnetic beads of different strengths, thus separating, out of a mixed population, cells that recognize glycoconjugate A on strongly magnetizable beads from those that recognize glycoconjugate B on weakly magnetizable beads. Furthermore, MAGSEP could also cause the collection of bead-free cells at the end of the separation by adding a solution of free sugars that competed for the magnetic binding sites thereby setting the magnetically captured cells free. 
     In addition to the above very recent innovation, needs for the separation of cells on the basis of receptor density have been identified. Research laboratories have recently used receptor number as a dependent variable in a variety of scientific applications. In endocrinology mouse leukemia cells exhibit reduced beta-adrenergic receptors, in growth regulation the number of EG. receptors is regulated by cell density in cultures which can be modulated by protamine, in virology the cell surface has limited numbers of receptors for herpes virus glycoprotein D which is required for virus entry into cells, in carcinogenesis the H-ras oncogene alters the number and type of EG.-beta receptors, in infectious diseases galanin receptor levels are coupled to pertussis toxin resistance of pancreatic cells, and a diphtheria toxin receptor-associated protein has been identified. In neurology regulation of opioid kappa receptors occurs in stimulated brain cell cultures, in nutrition mast cells lose IgE receptors in protein malnutrition, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors have been discovered at high density. This relatively small sample of recent findings indicates clearly that tools for studying cells with modified receptor densities would be welcome. 
     Methods exist for utilizing high-magnetic-gradient technology for the specific removal of cells from the human circulation by labeling them with immunobead ligands. This is now practiced as a binary separation which might benefit from continuous separation afforded by the instant invention. The use of magnetically delivered therapeutics is another potential application for magnetic particle separation technology. 
     Once magnetized particles or microcapsules for delivery have been made, it is necessary to separate weakly magnetized particles from those with the highest susceptibility. Since strongly magnetized particles will be required, an important consideration is the distance between the external magnet and the delivery site and the undesirability of delivering weak particles, loaded with drug, to normal-tissue sites to produce unwanted side effects. The technology may be utilized as a means for the separation of a specified subset of T-lymphocytes for transfusion of AIDS patients, or a specified subset of islet cells for the treatment of diabetes. 
     The counting of prepurified cells in diagnostic tests parallels developments in flow cytometry which costs up to 100 times as much. The low cost of this technology can not be overstated: AIDS care givers in the developing world are puzzled over how to do diagnostic tests that involve flow cytometry in environments that lack flow cytometers. The instant invention utilizing a multistage electromagnetic separator solves these problems and promises to offer solutions to such global health problems. 
     In theory, there are no capacity limits to magnetically-assisted separation. It can be small, for diagnostic purposes, or large, for preparative applications such as cell transplants. The latter is significant since a tall magnetic column, which would be required (possibly up to 1 meter and a field greater than 1-2 Teslas) for the quantitative resolution we propose, is replaced by the staged separation cavities in a rotating disk with several modest permanent magnets and electromagnets as illustrated in FIG.  2 . 
     The development of user-friendly devices that are capable of separating particles according to quantity of ligand on their surfaces appears to be the greatest need in improving magnetically-assisted separation devices. The magnetic separation industry has made considerable progress in this regard, but the technology to date has been limited to binary separation methods. An example would be Baxter Healthcare&#39;s Isolex-300 Magnetic Cell Separator, which chooses stem/progenitor cells through use of monoclonal antibody (MAB)-coated magnetic beads. The stem cells are selected for reconstituting bone marrow damaged by chemical or radiation treatment. The instant MAGSEP invention represents a quantum leap in progress by finally providing a reliable method for differential separation on the basis of small differences in surface composition. 
     Most ligand-based (such as receptor-antibody) cell separation methods are binary—all or nothing. By combining magnetic attraction, used as a rate process, with countercurrent extraction, it is now possible to use magnetic separation of cells as a quantitative technique, separating on the basis of the number of ligands bound per cell. This could be qualitative, based on the amount of ligand bound to each kind of cell, or quantitative, based on the amount of ligand bound to cells of the same type, some with high receptor content and some with low. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for quantitatively separating cells, proteins, or other particles, using multistage, magnetically, electromagnetically assisted separation technology, (“MAGSEP”). 
     It is an object of the instant invention to provide a method for separating and isolating mixtures of combinatorial synthesized molecules such that a variety of products are prepared, in groups, possessing diversity in size, length, (molecular weight), and structural elements which may be analyzed for the ability to bind specifically to an antibody, receptor, or other ligate, providing a means for forming a ligand library containing specific ligands for any ligate to provide a cell biologists a tool for studying molecular recognition. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a means of recognizing and isolating agonists, antagonists, enzyme inhibitors, virus blockers, antigens, and other pharmaceuticals using combinational chemical libraries containing known and random sequences. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of magnetic cell and cell components sorting for plants and animals. 
     It is another object of the present invention to develop a plate assembly capable of incorporating at least one and preferably a multiple of magnets, electromagnetic devices, and/or combinations thereof and base support. 
     It is another object of the present invention to design electromagnetic hardware and drive boards capable of providing variable field strength (in the 1-1000 mT range). 
     It is another object of the present invention to design an indexing system for plate translation. 
     It is another object of the present invention to incorporate and configure the electromagnetic separator of the present invention to fit within an containment enclosure for space flight and remote applications. 
     It is another object of the present invention to incorporate data management and processing control system. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an electromagnet exhibiting a relatively quick change in polarity to enhance mixing. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an electromagnetic separator having a constant force and a formed flux density. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an embodiment, whereby biological cells that have on their surfaces receptors that can be bound by an antibody can be attached to magnetic particles through specific chemical ligands such as avidin, a protein that reacts with biotin, a vitamin that can be chemically bound to the antibody thereby attaching the cells to magnetic particles to be collected by the present invention. 
     It is another object of the present invention to select homogeneous populations of magnetic particles from heterogeneous magnetic particle populations synthesized for use in cell research applications. 
     It is another object of the present invention to select strong, homogeneous populations of magnetic particles for targeted drug delivery whereby magnetic microparticles are used for the parenteral delivery of targeted drugs based wherein the differentiation and selection due to the fact that magnetically weak particles are inimical to this modality. 
     It is another object of the present invention to utilize an embodiment wherein the translating magnet is a permanent dipole, a permanent quadrupole, or a permanent hexapole magnet, or the magnet is a dipolar, quadrupolar or circular electromagnet. 
     It is another object of the present invention to utilize an embodiment wherein the translating magnet is a series of fixed electromagnets of any polarity, operated in sequence so as to sweep particles into a common starting band. 
     It is another object of the present invention to utilize an embodiment wherein the control of the translating magnet(s) holding magnet(s) and disk transfer system is controlled by a computer and custom software. 
     It is another object of the present invention to utilize an embodiment wherein capture cavities and holding magnets are arrayed in a straight line or some other geometrical relationship especially including in a circle. 
     It is another object of the present invention to utilize an embodiment wherein more than one sample cuvette, with their translating magnets, serve the array of capture cavities. 
     It is another object of the present invention to utilize an embodiment wherein the invention is used to separate magnetically labeled biological cells. 
     It is another object of the present invention to utilize an embodiment wherein the invention is used to select homogeneous populations of magnetic microparticles for application to cell separation and other biochemical separation processes. 
     It is another object of the present invention to utilize an embodiment wherein the invention is used to select homogeneous subpopulations of magnetic particles for targeted drug delivery. 
     It is another object of the present invention to utilize an embodiment wherein the invention is used in any process in which the desired goal is the classification (separation) of magnetic particles according to magnetophoretic mobility and hence volumetric differential susceptibility. 
     It is another object of the present invention to utilize an embodiment wherein no translation magnet is used. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating magnetic collector comprising magnetic particle separator in which at least one sample cuvette filled with a liquid in which particles to be separated are suspended and at least one reuseable capture cavity positioned so as to interface with the fluid in said sample cuvette. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an optical magnetocytometer comprising at least one light source, including optical elements such as lenses, filters and mirrors, and at least one light detector, including optical elements such as lenses, filters and mirrors causing particles to be sensed as they are collected into the capture cavity. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a multistage high-gradient separator in which the capture of low-susceptibility particles is facilitated by at least one polepiece of ferromagnetic metal or other magnetizable substance permanently or temporarily positioned within the capture cavity of the primary invention. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a magnetic bead attached to a cell receptor by a ligated specific antibody; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a multistage electromagnetic separator showing comparison with a hypothetical magnetic chromatography column; 
     FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a single stage of the magnetic separation process wherein cells that bind magnetic beads are drawn along the gradient toward the pole; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view of an electromagnetic separator for sample capture showing the translating and holding magnets and associated apparatus; 
     FIG. 5 is an perspective view of an electromagnet separating laboratory unit showing the plate assembly, the electromagnet assembly, the holding magnet, and base unit; 
     FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a translating electromagnet showing a steel core and windings; 
     FIG. 7 shows the plate assembly used in the embodiment of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the plate assembly fill ports of the embodiment of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 9 is a cuvette utilized in the embodiment of FIG. 4 further showing a capture cuvette and sample cuvette together with the holding electromagnet, permanent holding magnet, and translating electromagnet; 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the plate and a cuvette showing filing of the sample cuvette; 
     FIG. 11 is a partial cutaway view of the plate and a cuvette showing the position of the cuvette with respect to the rotation of the top plate; 
     FIG. 12 is a partial cutaway view of the plate and a cuvette showing initiation of particle alignment in a sample cuvette due to the translation magnet energizing and moving particles toward the plate interface; 
     FIG. 13 is a partial cutaway view of the plate and a cuvette showing position of the translation magnet and capture of particles; 
     FIG. 14 is a partial cutaway view of the plate and a cuvette showing rotation of the top plate to capture a fraction of particles; 
     FIG. 15 is a graph showing the translating magnet field strength; 
     FIG. 16 shows the holding magnet assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 17 shows a graph depicting the separation of magnetic from non-magnetic micro spheres; 
     FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing a plate assembly for attachment to a translating electromagnetic station; 
     FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing an indexing system for MAGSEP for rotating the collection plate; 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a modular design of the processing unit providing a cassette change out; 
     FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a MAGSEP cassette occupying the same form factor as the space flight proven ADSEP cassette providing change out capabilities; 
     FIG. 22 is an alternate embodiment showing a translating magnet assembly utilizing multiple quadropole magnets energized sequentially in a cascading magnet design; 
     FIG. 23 is a an alternate embodiment showing a translating magnet assembly consisting of a moving quadruple magnet; 
     FIG. 24 is an alternate embodiment showing a quadruple or hexapole translating magnet; 
     FIG. 25 is a diagram of the concept of a reciprocating multistage magnetic separator in which the capture cuvette is drained and refilled at each stage; and 
     FIG. 26 is a diagram of a sample cuvette with magnetic particles migrating into a capture cavity with an embedded optical sensing system. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention is an electromagnet separator  10  for quantitatively separating substrates including cells, proteins, ligands, chemicals, antigens, and other particles by using an electromagnetically assisted separation process. The multi-stage electromagnet, (“MAGSEP”),  10  of the present invention allows a multiple stage separation based on magnetic susceptility and magnetophoretic mobility. The preferred embodiment of the electromagnet separator  10  is a multistage counter-current device in which the substrates or cells are labeled with decreasing numbers of paramagnetic beads and separated quantitatively on the basis of the extent of labeling by using magnetic fields of increasing strength. The electromagnetic separator  10  enhances product recovery by collecting fractions automatically and provides differential separation where only binary separations were previously possible. It will work with any aqueous suspension and has the flexibility to operate efficiently in commercial applications and space research laboratories. The invention makes it possible to separate large quantities of immunological, hematological, and other differentiating cell types in direct proportion to their surface antigen content. Moreover, it makes it possible to either refine samples to a higher level or purity of categorize portions of the sample based or magnetic susceptibility and/or magnetophoretic mobility. Moreover, the field strength can be varied to produce uniform capture of magnetized cells or other substrates. 
     Magnetophoretic mobility is defined as:          μ   m     =       v   m       B   -          B          Z                                  
     where B is the capture magnet&#39;s magnetic field strength and v m  is the velocity of the particle in the magnetic field. The velocity is a function of the magnetic field and properties of the particle and the solvent:          v   m     =       2        a   2        Δ   ×   B                      B         a                 η                   μ   0                        Z                                
     Therefore, each stage in the MAGSEP device selects particles of different magnetophoretic mobilities. The particles in each of the stages will have a different mobility distribution. The low magnetic field strengths will select particles of higher mobility, whereas the higher magnetic field strengths will select for lower mobilities. Therefore, each stage will contain a magnetophoretic mobility cutoff, based on the magnetic field strength of the capture magnet, and the dwell time of the capture. 
     In equation (2) a is a particle radius, ΔX is the magnetic susceptibility difference between particle and medium, η is viscosity, and μ is the magnetic permeability of free space. 
     The method of cell separation using a magnetic field has been implemented as a binary separation between cells that have and have not bound magnetic micro spheres on the basis of a specific surface ligand, as best shown in FIG.  1 . As shown an antigen is attached to a cell receptor site and biotin is attached to the antibody. A magnetic bead is attached to avidin which is connected to the biotin. Since biological cells that have on their surfaces receptors that can be bound by an antibody can be attached to magnetic particles through specific chemical ligands such as avidin, a protein that reacts with biotin, a ligand can be chemically bound to the antibody. 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a multistage electromagnetic separator showing comparison with a hypothetical magnetic chromatography column. As noted heretofore, the MAGSEP device utilizes a step-wise rotary distribution and containment system which selects, isolates, and stores particles of different magnetophoretic mobilities. The particles in each of the stages will have a different mobility distribution. The low magnetic field strengths will select particles of higher mobility, whereas the higher magnetic field strengths will select for lower mobilities. Therefore, each stage will contain a magnetophoretic mobility cutoff, based on the magnetic field strength of the capture magnet, and the dwell time of the capture. FIG. 2 demonstrates that the fast cells have the greater magnetophoretic mobility. Thus, the cells are separated according to the quantity of ligand on their surfaces. 
     By combining magnetic attraction, used as a rate process, with countercurrent extraction, it is possible to use magnetic separation of cells as a quantitative technique separating on the basis of the number of ligands bound per cell. This could be qualitative, based on the amount of ligand bound to each kind of cell, or quantitative, based on the amount of ligand bound to cells of the same type, some with high receptor content, and some with low receptor content. 
     FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a single stage of the magnetic separation process whereby cells that bind magnetic beads are drawn along the gradient toward the pole. The illustration shows a magnetic source, either permanent or electromagnetic, at the top of the container or cuvette, which produces a magnetic field gradient therein. Magnetic force creates movement of the paramagnetic particles in accordance with their magnetophoretic mobility. The electromagnetic separation device  10  of the present invention provides a very clean separation wherein the particles are loosely aligned in strata with the most magnetic particles at the top of the cuvette, particles with a lower magnetic susceptility are suspended in the middle, and particles with little or no magnetic susceptibility are suspended in the bottom of the cuvette. 
     For example, all separands attached to magnetized particles such as cells or proteins may be drawn into a half-cavity of a multistage separator from a uniform suspension, while non-magnetic separands remain distributed equally between upper and lower cavities. Nonmagnetic particles are allowed to settle for a predetermined time period. The upper cavity is moved to a position above a fresh solution that is thoroughly mixed with the separated cells. In low gravity, the result may be achieved not by sedimentation, but by dilution of non-magnetic cells out of the cavity. 
     The preferred embodiment achieves multi-stage separation by utilizing multiple sample cavities within the same plate assembly. The field strengths of both the translating electromagnet and the holding electromagnet can also be varied during the separation process. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multistage electromagnetic separator  10  of the present invention. The MAGSEP unit  10  illustrates the upper plate  26  rotatively cooperatively engaging a lower plate  24  supported by a plurality of leg members  22  whereby the upper plate  26  contains at least one and preferably a plurality of upper collection cuvettes  27  in selected fluid communication with the lower plate  24  and a lower sample cuvette  38  disposed therein wherein a seal is formed thereinbetween with a sealant such as a grease, wax, or other lubricating and/or sealing constituent. FIG. 4 also shows a translating electromagnet  40 , a translation system  42 , a holding magnet  44  which is a permanent magnet in the embodiment, a holding electromagnet with cooling fan  46 , a plate rotation system  48 , and a plate location microswitches  50 . 
     As illustrated in FIG. 5, a commercial unit is shown wherein the upper plate  26  is formed of a polymer such as a polycarbonate and is mounted onto a bearing  33  and secured with a clamping bolt  29 . The legs support  22  are replaced by flanges  23  forming a base. The lower plate  24  is formed of stainless steel. A holding magnet stepper motor  31  rotates the top plate  26 . The holding electromagnet  46  is suspended over the upper cuvettes  27 . An electromagnet  35  is shown within the base. The base is mounted onto a housing  37  which includes a power switch  39 , 110VAC plug  41 , communications port  43 , indicator lights  45 , and cooling fan  47 . 
     More particularly, the laboratory unit includes a computer and software, and consists of an electronics housing and the processing unit. The electronics box has several interfaces including 110VAC, power switch, RS 232 interface, and status lights. The unit receives power through the 110AC connector. Power is activated with the power switch. The PC that controls the unit operates via the RS 232 signal connector. The status of the power, translating electromagnet, holding magnet, and plate rotation are indicated with a graphical user interface via a personal computer. 
     A single processing unit consists of the upper and lower plates, plate rotation system electromagnet, electromagnet translation system, and holding magnet assembly. The plates bolt together through a tapered roller bearing that allows the plates to rotate with respect to one another. The lapped interface between the plates provides a seal separating the fluids. The lower cuvette can be aligned with as many as 15 upper cuvette stations during processing. A two-phase stepping motor rotates the upper plate by driving the rotation system that engages an internal gear mounted to the underside of the upper plate. The translating electromagnet is mounted to the translation system that translates the electromagnet vertically along the lower cuvette. A programmed amount of current is sent to the electromagnet creating magnetic field across the lower cuvette. The translating electromagnet field strength can be programmed from 0 to 1400 gauss (measured at the poleface), or other selected range. The electromagnet translation system moves the electromagnet up and down the lower cuvette. The translation rates can be programmed to range from 5 micrometers/second to 2000 micrometers/second or other selected values. The holding magnet assembly consists of a permanent magnet mounted on an arm that is connect to a stepping motor. The stepping motor rotates the arm containing the holding magnet, positioning the holding magnet above the cuvette being processed. 
     As best shown in FIG. 6, one preferred embodiment of a translating electromagnet  40  consists of a C-1018 steel core  42  with  818  windings of 26-gage copper magnet wire formed in a disk having an air gap 44 inbetween the distal ends thereof. It receives current ranging from 0 to 2.16 Amps from the electronics box. The magnetic field strength can be programmed from 0-1500 gauss (measured at the poleface). The electromagnetic translation system moves the electromagnet up and down the lower cuvette  28 . The translation rates can be programmed to range from 120 to 250 μms. 
     As best shown in FIG. 4, the holding magnet  44  assembly consists of a permanent magnet mounted on an arm  19  that is connected to a stepping motor  31 . The stepping motor  31  rotates the arm  19  containing the holding magnet  44 , positioning the holding magnet  44  above the upper cuvette  27  being processed. 
     METHOD OF USE 
     MAGSEP  10  was designed to separate magnetically susceptible materials suspended in fluids. An application of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is as follows: 
     The upper plate  26  and lower plate  24  are set to the fill position (half stepped), and the fluid samples are filled into the upper  27  and lower cuvettes  28 . The upper cuvette  27  rotates into position above the lower cuvette  28  aligning the upper  27  and lower cuvettes  28 . The translating electromagnet  40  energizes to a programmed current level and translates from the bottom of the lower cuvette  28  to the interface of the plates  24 ,  26 . The translating electromagnet  40  is de-energized, and the holding electromagnet  46  is energized to a programmed current level pulling particles within a specified mobility range into the top of the captured upper collection cuvette  27 . Finally, the holding electromagnet  46  is de-energized leaving the permanent holding magnet  44  to keep the collected sample particles in the top cuvette  27  while the upper plate  26  rotates thereby capturing the sample of the collected particles. This process can be preprogrammed to vary or remain the same for up to 15 capture cuvettes  27 . 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the plate assembly showing the bottom plate  24  in cooperative engagement with the upper plate  26  in alignment with a sample cuvette  28  and an upper collection cuvette  27  and the holding magnet  44  well of the arm  19 . 
     More particularly, FIG. 8 shows the filling ports within a section of a top plate  26  in fluid communication with the upper collection cuvettes  27 . Also shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 is a sample file port  52 , sample vent port  53 , sample drain port  54  (FIG.  10 ), and fill relief port  56 . The plate assembly holds the samples before and after separation. The plate assembly of one preferred embodiment consists of a polycarbonate top plate, a stainless steel bottom plate, and one polycarbonate sample cuvette  28 . The top plate is bolted to the bottom plate with a central clamping bolt that serves as an axle and allows the top plate to rotate with respect to the bottom plate. The top plate has at least one and preferably a plurality,  15  as shown, of cavities called collection cuvettes  27 . The sample cuvette  28  is attached to an opening in the bottom plate  24 . This allows the collection cuvette  27  to be rotated over the sample cuvette  28 , thus allowing particles in the sample cuvette  28  to be transferred to the collection cuvette  27 . The collection cuvette can then be rotated away from the sample cuvette capturing the contents of the collection cuvette. The pressure of the clamping bolt seals the top plate to the bottom plate. 
     FIGS. 9-14 show the step-wise progression of separating particles utilizing the present invention. 
     As shown in FIG. 9, the cuvette configuration shows the position of the capture cuvette  28 , sample cuvette  38 , holding electromagnet  46 , permanent holding magnet  44 , and translating electromagnet  40 . FIG. 10 illustrates filling the sample cuvette  28  with cells or other substrate having magnetic particles selectively attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 11, the top plate  26  rotates with respect to the bottom plate  24  and the sample cuvette  28  to a full step position with sample and collection cuvettes finally aligned. The translational electromagnet  40  energizes and moves toward the plate interface as depicted in FIG. 12 showing initiation of particle alignment in the sample cuvette  28 . It should be noted that the sequence for filling can be to raise the translational electromagnet  40  with the upper plate  26  one-half stepped, then bring the upper collecting cuvette  27  holding the magnet in place, or to bring the upper chamber  27  of the cuvette and magnet  40  into place, then elevate the sample cuvette  28 . 
     FIG. 13 shows the final position of the translating electromagnet and capture of particles wherein the translating electromagnet  40  stops and deenergizes, and the holding electromagnet  46  energizes, and field couples with the permanent magnet  44 . Finally, as shown in FIG. 14, the top plate  26  is rotated to capture a selected fraction of the particles as the process sample. 
     FIG. 15 is a graph depicting the translating magnet  40  field strength of an embodiment such as described in FIG.  4 . 
     As shown in FIG. 16, the capture or holding electromagnet  46  or programmable electromagnet is used to pull the sample past the plate interface and into the top of the upper cuvette  27 . 
     The permanent magnet  44  is used to keep the captured sample at the top of the capture cuvette  27 , preventing it from falling into the plate interface and becoming trapped between the plates  24 ,  26 . The permanent magnet  44  size and materials can be varied to provide a variety of field strengths. 
     FIG. 17 is a graph showing the results of a separation experiment separating magnetic from non-magnetic microparticles by the multistage magnetophoresis process. The experiment began with a mixture containing 90% 1-2 μm magnetic spheres (“animospheres, Polysciences, Inc.) and 10% 6.0 μm non-magnetic spheres (Interfacial Dynamics Corp.). The particles may be suspended in any type of fluid; however, water, polyethylene glycol, or ethyl alcohol are typically used. Six cavities were equipped with magnets ranging from 10 mT to 375 mT field at the pole face. Gradients were estimated using field measurements at 2.54 cm and converted to mT/m. Dwell time at each cavity was 15 min, and travel distance was on average 3 mm. From these data, a magnetophoretic mobility was estimated for each of the 7 cavities, as given on the accompanying graph. 
     It is seen that 80.1% of the magnetic particles were all captured in cavity #6, corresponding to a mobility of 0.6 mm/N-s, where only 2.8% of the non-magnetic particles were captured. The “purity” of the magnetic spheres went from 90% to 99.6%. 
     FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing an external plate assembly for a translating electromagnetic station, wherein the plate assembly  100  includes a translating electromagnetic station  102  (preferably three per sample plate  104 ) attached to a sample plate  104  in rotational fluid communication with a plurality of cavities  106  formed and aligned around the periphery of a collection plate  108  which is in cooperative engagement with a holding magnet (electromagnet)  146 . 
     FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing an indexing system for MAGSEP for rotating the collection plate, wherein a tray cover  110  attaches to the plate assembly  100  which is connected to a worm gear  112  and providing an angular contact bearing  114  connected to a bearing standoff  116 . The assembly is rotatively attached to a base assembly  119  having a bearing race relief  118 , and position sensor  120 , wherein the base  119  forms a tray  122  which is mechanical connection with shaft  124  of a precision worm  126  in communication with a flexible shaft coupling  128  driven be a stepper motor  130 . The indexing system tray  58  is disposed within a cartridge or cassette  132  defined by a containment enclosure  134  and cover  136  holding the plate assembly as shown in FIG. 20 which is a perspective view showing a modular design of the processing unit providing a cassette change out. 
     As shown in FIG. 21, a MAGSEP cassette can be utilized in a modular design including a processing module holding more of the same or different cassettes. 
     As an alternate embodiment, FIG. 22 show the use of a cascading magnet system in which a series of dipole, quadrupole or ring magnets, say three or four, is stacked along the upper cylindrical cavity of the MAGSEP two-plate device. These are activated in sequence, lowest first, to accelerate (in the sense of a magnetic induction accelerator as used in particle physics) particles upward until they reach an unstable point as defined by Earnshaw&#39;s theorem, at which time the first field is switched off and the second switched on to continue the upward capture process without sticking the particles to the wall by magnetapheresis as set forth and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,344 by Zborowski et al., 1995, hereby incorporated by reference. 
     FIG. 2 is this alternate embodiment showing a translating magnet assembly utilizing multiple quadropole magnets energized sequentially in a cascading magnet design consisting of a sample cuvette, separation electromagnet, collection cuvette, and holding electromagnet. 
     FIG. 23 is an alternate embodiment showing a translating magnet assembly consisting of a moving quadruple magnet consisting of a separation electromagnet, sample cuvette, collection cuvette, and holding electromagnet. 
     FIG. 24 is an alternate embodiment showing a quadruple or hexapole translating magnet. 
     ALTERNATE APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention could also be used as a means of “Magnetic Chromatography”. Capture can be “isocratic”, wherein magnets in all of the stages have equal strength, or “gradient” wherein magnets at increasing stage numbers have increasing field strength. In the latter case, in a typical application the first stage would have no magnet and no upper cavity and would serve the purpose of homogenizing the cell mixture by stirring just before the beginning of transfers. The second stage would have no magnet and would serve the purpose of adding magnetic particles to the cell suspension from a low volume upper cavity, mixing them together, and allowing them to react. The third stage would have a very weak magnet in the upper cavity, which would have similar volume to the lower cavity, and would attract only the most highly magnetized cells, namely those with the most receptors for the magnetic ligand. The fourth stage would have a stronger magnet than does the third in its upper compartment and would attract more weakly magnetized cells, etc. until, at the final-but-one stage the strongest magnet of all would capture the cells with the least receptors. The final stage would also have no magnet and would contain any remaining completely unmagnetized cells after the final transfer. In the presence of gravity uncaptured cells will settle into the lower cavities by gravitational sedimentation if the transfer times are made sufficiently long. In the absence of gravity uncaptured cells would remain in both the upper and lower cavities at each transfer; however, continued mixing with each transfer would have the effect of removing the uncaptured cells in each cavity. 
     MULTISTAGE ELECTROMAGNETIC SEPARATOR RECIPROCATING MAGNETIC COLLECTOR 
     As best shown in FIG. 25, a reciprocating multistage magnetic separator can be utilized in which the capture cuvette is drained and refilled at each stage. 
     Moreover, a magnetic particle separator according to the preferred embodiment may be used in which at least one sample cuvette is filled with a liquid in which particles to be separated are suspended and at least one capture cavity is positioned so as to interface with the fluid in said sample cuvette. After particles are captured by the magnetic field of the primary invention said capture cavity slides away from said sample cuvette. Fluid is then drained from said capture cavity to collect separands, and said capture cavity is subsequently rinsed and filled with fresh capture fluid. The capture cavity is once again positioned over the sample cuvette, and a same or different magnetic field and gradient as previously are applied to draw a next group of magnetic particles into the freshly filled capture cavity. 
     In the preferred embodiment diagrammed in FIG. 25 there is one sample cuvette  28  milled into a block  24  with a polished upper surface and one inverted capture cavity  27  milled into a sliding block  26  with a polished lower surface. The upper block  26  slides into and out of three positions. In the one position the capture cavity is filled with liquid via fill port  210 , in another position (the one shown in FIG. 25) magnetic separand particles are attracted in from the sample cuvette  28 , and in another position the capture cavity  27  is drained of liquid and separand particles using collection port  212 —preferably in the order just described. Drain port  214  is available for rinsing or fluid balance during filling using fill port  210 . This cycle is repeated as many times as desired using a slightly increased magnetic field strength of capture magnet  46 . 
     OPTICAL MAGNETOCYTOMETER 
     A magnetic particle separator may also be utilized with the MAGSEP embodiment as best illustrated in FIG. 26 showing a sample cuvette with magnetic particles migrating into a capture cavity with an embedded optical sensing system. The optical sensing system comprises at least one light source, which includes optical elements such as lenses, filters and mirrors, and at least one light detector which includes optical elements such as lenses, filters and mirrors cause particles to be sensed as they are collected into the capture cavity. Moreover, the at least one light source may be selected from at least one laser, and/or at least one filament lamp, and/or at least one diode emitting light of any wavelength, and/or at least one electroluminescent light source, or combinations thereof. The at least one sensor may be selected from at least one photodiode, and/or at least one photo multiplier tube, and/or at least one video plane in which the at least one light sensor is a charge-coupled photodiode array, or combinations thereof. 
     A preferred embodiment provides for a magnetic particle separator in which at least two light sources, including optical elements such as lenses, mirrors and collimators, and at least one light detector, including optical elements such as lenses, filters, collimators and mirrors causes particles to be sensed at least two times at two specific locations as they are collected into the capture cavity as defined by the primary patent so as to measure the particles&#39; time of flight between two light sources (or within a distributed light source) and hence the particles&#39; velocities, from which their magnetophoretic mobilities can be calculated in which the light sources are any of those listed above in which the light sensors are any of those listed above. 
     An alternate preferred embodiment is a magnetic particle separator according to the primary patent in which at least one light source, including optical elements such as lenses, filters and mirrors, and at least one light detector, including optical elements such as lenses, filters and mirrors causes particles to be sensed as they are collected into the capture cavity as defined in the primary patent such that particle size information can be derived using the theories of light scattering by particles and a plurality of light intensity signals from the at least one light sensor. 
     Furthermore, the magnetic particle separator may be utilized in an environment in which cells or particles passing to the magnetic wall of the capture cavity are collected on a microscope coverslip for observation and measurement using a microscope. The magnetic wall may form the top surface of the capture cavity, or the embodiment may provide that the magnetic wall is the lower surface of said capture cavity. 
     As set forth in one preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 26, the capture cavity is a cylinder, the light source  206  is embedded at a specific position in the wall of the cylinder, and the light sensors  202  are embedded in the wall of the cylinder. The light sensors  202  are preferably positioned in a linear array on a circumference, in such a way as to detect light from the light source  206  and ideally positioned to measure light intensities that are affected by the passage of particles through the beam of light produced by the light source  206 . Unlabeled cells can remain suspended in the lower cuvette, where magnetic cells were magnetically aligned before applying magnet  46  at the top of the diagram. Labeled cells are shown migrating upward toward this magnet  46  into and through the upper collection chamber on the basis of their magnetophoretic mobility. The strength of the magnet  46  thus determines which cells are captured. They will be captured at the top on a coverglass  204 . Detector  202  will integrate the photosignal amplitudes and send the integrated value to an address corresponding to its cuvette number to the user-interface computer. Each collection cuvette in a series of 15-20 would be equipped with a light source  206  and an optical detector  202 . 
     MULTISTAGE HIGH-GRADIENT SEPARATOR 
     A multistage high-gradient separator devices provides for a magnetic particle separator in which the capture of low-susceptibility particles is facilitated by at least one polepiece of ferromagnetic metal or other magnetizable substance permanently or temporarily positioned within the capture cavity of the primary invention. At least one polepiece couples with the field of the capture magnet of the primary invention and is of such a shape as to cause a high magnetic field gradient to form around itself. The high field gradient exerts a force on particles having low magnetic susceptibilities. Such particles include red blood cells, cells labeled with magnetic nanoparticles and certain diamagnetic minerals and polymers. 
     In a preferred embodiment at least one pin-shaped piece of coated iron is attached to the roof of the capture cavity, and the rest of the embodiment is that of the primary invention or the primary invention as modified by one or both of the above continuances. 
     PROGRAMMABLE CAPTURE FIELD 
     A magnetic particle separator as set forth in the preferred embodiment provides for the capture of particles according to magnetophoretic mobility is facilitated by a time-varying magnetic field. In the preferred embodiment the electric current applied to the electromagnet above the capture cavity is controlled as a function of time by a computer-operated power supply in which the rate of decrease of the magnetic field is programmed on the basis of predicted magnetophoretic mobility of the particles to be captured at a particular stage. The rate of decrease of the magnetic field may also be programmed to be constant. The magnitude of the magnetic field can be programmed to follow a mathematical function of time selected by the operator. Moreover, the magnitude of the magnetic field can also be programmed to follow a mathematical function of time calculated by a computer algorithm. Finally, the magnitude of the magnetic field can be modified on the basis of a signal that signifies the presence or movement of cells or particles in the capture cavity. 
     The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made upon departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, this invention is not intended to be limited by the specific exemplifications presented herein above. Rather, what is intended to be covered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.