Magnetic substance separation device

Abstract

A magnetic material separation device is disclosed for attracting magnetic materials from a sample within a sample container. The device includes a housing and at least one assembly of magnetic elements. The housing has at least one receiving groove. The at least one assembly of magnetic elements is disposed within the receiving groove and comprises at least four cubic magnetic elements. The at least four cubic magnetic elements are linearly arranged with different magnetization directions, concentrating the magnetic field lines of the at least one assembly on a single side, thereby forming at least one strong magnetic surface on the housing. This strong magnetic surface is used to attract magnetic materials from the sample within the sample container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a magnetic material separation device, and more particularly to a magnetic material separation device in which magnetic components are linearly arranged in different magnetization directions. Prior Technology

[0002] Traditional magnetic separation experiments often face multiple challenges. First, the magnetic strength of magnetic materials varies greatly among different manufacturers, and the characteristics of biological samples (such as encapsulation) can affect the effectiveness of magnetic forces, leading to reduced separation efficiency. Second, the diversity of experimental containers makes it difficult to optimize magnetic forces. Furthermore, the relationship between magnetic force and distance also affects separation results. Existing magnetic separation devices often struggle to balance efficiency, convenience, automation, biosafety, and biocompatibility, thus limiting the development of magnetic separation experiments.

[0003] Therefore, how to provide a magnetic separation device that takes into account the requirements of efficiency, convenience, automation, biosafety and biocompatibility, and can flexibly select the appropriate container shape, surface material and surface treatment method according to the characteristics of different samples, is an urgent problem for researchers in this field to overcome. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a magnetic material separation device, which improves the efficiency of magnetic force by optimizing the array of magnets and adopting a strong magnetic force design, and can be adapted to different container shapes, thereby providing a more comprehensive and reliable solution for magnetic material separation experiments.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a magnetic material separation device for attracting magnetic materials from a sample within a sample container. The device comprises a housing and at least one set of magnetic components. The housing has at least one receiving groove. The at least one set of magnetic components is disposed within the at least one receiving groove and comprises at least four cubic magnetic components. The at least four cubic magnetic components are linearly arranged with different magnetization directions, concentrating the magnetic field lines of the at least one set of magnetic components on a single side, thereby forming at least one strong magnetic surface on the housing. This strong magnetic surface is used to attract magnetic materials from the sample within the sample container.

[0006] According to the magnetic material separation device disclosed in the above embodiments, a strong magnetic surface can be formed on the shell by arranging cubic magnetic components in a specific manner, thereby providing a stronger magnetic force per unit area using fewer magnetic components. Furthermore, the magnetic material separation device can be adapted to different container shapes to improve the efficiency of magnetic force application, thus balancing requirements such as efficiency, convenience, automation, biosafety, and biocompatibility.

[0007] The above description of the content of this invention and the following description of the embodiments are used to demonstrate and explain the principles of this invention, and to provide a further explanation of the scope of the patent application of this invention. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the magnetic material separation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of the magnetic material separation device in Figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates the magnetic force distribution formed by four cubic magnetic components arranged linearly in different magnetization directions. Figure 4 illustrates the magnetic force distribution formed by five cubic magnetic components arranged linearly in different magnetization directions. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the magnetic material separation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a side view of the magnetic material separation device and sample container in Figure 5, with them placed horizontally. Figure 7 is a side view of the magnetic material separation device and sample container in Figure 5, placed at an angle. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the magnetic material separation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the magnetic material separation device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the magnetic material separation device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the magnetic material separation device and sample container according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0009] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention outlines its features and advantages. This description is sufficient to enable anyone skilled in the art to understand the technical content of the embodiments of the present invention and to implement them accordingly. Furthermore, based on the disclosure, patent claims, and drawings in this specification, anyone skilled in the art can easily understand the relevant objectives and advantages of the present invention. The following embodiments further illustrate the points of the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0010] It should be understood that the following description provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different forms of the invention. The specific elements and arrangements described below are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. The term "about" as used in this invention refers to a value that includes the stated value and a range of acceptable deviations taken into account by someone skilled in the art, considering measurement problems and measurement errors (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" may represent a value within one or more standard deviations of the stated value or within ±5% of the stated value. The quantities given herein are approximate quantities, meaning that the meanings of "about," "approximately," and "substantially" are implied unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the expression "a to b" in this invention indicates values ​​greater than or equal to a and values ​​less than or equal to b.

[0011] It is understood that although terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms, and these terms are only used to distinguish different elements, regions, layers, and / or portions. Therefore, a first element, region, layer, and / or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, region, layer, and / or portion without departing from the teachings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] This invention provides a magnetic material separation device for attracting magnetic materials from a sample in a sample container, thereby separating the sample from the magnetic materials. However, it is not limited to separating the sample from the magnetic materials. In some embodiments, the magnetic material separation device can also be used to separate substances adsorbed or linked to magnetic materials, and whether these substances are retained or discarded depends on the experimental objective.

[0013] The magnetic material separation device disclosed in this invention comprises a housing and at least one magnetic component group. The housing has at least one receiving groove, and the at least one magnetic component group is disposed within the at least one receiving groove, comprising at least four cubic magnetic components. The at least four cubic magnetic components are linearly arranged with different magnetization directions, such that the magnetic lines of force of the at least one magnetic component group are concentrated on one side, thereby forming at least one strong magnetic surface on the housing to attract magnetic materials from the sample in the sample container. The linear arrangement of the cubic magnetic components with different magnetization directions can mean that the magnetization direction of each cubic magnetic component rotates according to a certain rule; for example, the magnetization direction of each sequentially arranged cubic magnetic component is rotated 90 degrees relative to the magnetization direction of the previous cubic magnetic component.

[0014] In one embodiment, the at least four cubic magnetic elements are arranged, for example, in a Halbach array.

[0015] In one embodiment, a weak magnetic surface can be further formed on the housing component of the magnetic component assembly, and the weak magnetic surface and the strong magnetic surface can be located on opposite surfaces of the housing component. It should also be noted that in embodiments where the housing component is, for example, plate-shaped, the strong magnetic surface is defined as being located on a reference plane formed by the X-axis and Y-axis. The extension direction of the receiving groove in the housing component can be, for example, parallel to the X-axis or parallel to the Y-axis, thereby allowing the magnetic component assembly to have a more flexible configuration according to actual design requirements; however, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned extension direction of the receiving groove in the housing component.

[0016] In one embodiment, the at least one magnetic component group may comprise multiple magnetic component groups, and the at least one receiving groove may comprise multiple receiving grooves, with the magnetic component groups respectively disposed in these receiving grooves. That is, the number of magnetic component groups can be multiple, and the number of receiving grooves can be multiple. The number of magnetic component groups may correspond to the number of receiving grooves, thus allowing the magnetic component groups to be disposed in these receiving grooves respectively. Furthermore, a cubic magnetic component located in one receiving groove and a cubic magnetic component located in another receiving groove may be aligned with each other, but this is not a limitation of the invention. In other embodiments, a cubic magnetic component located in one receiving groove and a cubic magnetic component located in another receiving groove may be staggered with each other.

[0017] In one embodiment, any two adjacent cubic magnetic elements located in the same receiving groove may be in physical contact with each other, but the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, any two adjacent cubic magnetic elements located in the same receiving groove may have a gap, and said gap may be, for example, greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 2.0 mm.

[0018] In embodiments with multiple receiving slots, the housing component may have multiple partitions, and these partitions are disposed between any two adjacent receiving slots. In other words, these partitions of the housing component can divide the internal space of the housing component into multiple receiving slots to accommodate these magnetic component assemblies respectively. The thickness of each partition can be any value from 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm. Preferably, the thickness of each partition can be any value from 1.5 mm to 7.9 mm. For example, in one embodiment, the thickness of the partition of the housing component can be substantially 1.5 mm; in another embodiment, the thickness of the partition of the housing component can be substantially 1.8 mm; in yet another embodiment, the thickness of the partition of the housing component can be substantially 4.8 mm; and in yet another embodiment, the thickness of the partition of the housing component can be substantially 7.9 mm.

[0019] According to the magnetic material separation device disclosed in this invention, the shell thickness of the housing component at the strong magnetic surface can be any value from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm. For example, in one embodiment, the shell thickness of the housing component at the strong magnetic surface can be substantially 1.0 mm; in another embodiment, the shell thickness of the housing component at the strong magnetic surface can be substantially 1.5 mm; in yet another embodiment, the shell thickness of the housing component at the strong magnetic surface can be substantially 1.8 mm; and in yet another embodiment, the shell thickness of the housing component at the strong magnetic surface can be substantially 2.0 mm.

[0020] In one embodiment, the magnetic assembly may be in solid contact with the inner circumferential surface of the receiving groove, but this is not a limitation of the invention. In other embodiments, a gap may be present between the magnetic assembly and at least one surface of the inner circumferential surface of the receiving groove.

[0021] According to the magnetic material separation apparatus disclosed in this invention, the side length of each cubic magnetic element can be any value from 1 mm to 15 mm. Preferably, the side length of each cubic magnetic element can be any value from 3 mm to 10 mm. For example, in one embodiment, the side length of the cubic magnetic elements in the magnetic element group can be substantially 3 mm; in another embodiment, the side length of the cubic magnetic elements in the magnetic element group can be substantially 5 mm; and in yet another embodiment, the side length of the cubic magnetic elements in the magnetic element group can be substantially 10 mm.

[0022] In one embodiment, the magnetic material separation device may further include a fixing member disposed on the housing member for fixing the sample container to the strong magnetic surface of the housing member.

[0023] In one embodiment, the magnetic material separation device may further include an inclined support member. The inclined support member is pivotally disposed at one end of the housing member, and is used to selectively ensure that the horizontal height of said end of the housing member is greater than or equal to the horizontal height of other portions of the housing member.

[0024] In an embodiment of a magnetic material separation device with a fixing member, the fixing member can be a support frame disposed at an upper end of the housing. The fixing member (support frame) may have at least one perforation, and the sample container may be, for example, a centrifuge tube. The perforation allows a portion of the sample container (centrifuge tube) to pass through so that the tube aligns with a strongly magnetic surface, and the periphery of the perforation can support a flange at the opening of the sample container (centrifuge tube).

[0025] <First Embodiment>

[0026] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2, wherein Figure 1 is a perspective view of the magnetic material separation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded view of the magnetic material separation device of Figure 1.

[0027] The magnetic material separation device 1 of this embodiment is used to attract magnetic materials from a sample in a sample container (not shown). The magnetic material separation device 1 includes a housing 11 and a plurality of magnetic component assemblies 13.

[0028] The housing component 11 of this embodiment has four receiving slots S1, and these four receiving slots S1 are parallel to each other. Specifically, the housing component 11 includes a main shell 111, three partitions 112, and a base 110. The three partitions 112 are disposed on the main shell 111 to form four parallel elongated grooves on the main shell 111, and the base 110 is fixed to the main shell 111, for example through (but not limited to) screws, so as to form the four receiving slots S1 together with the main shell 111 and the partitions 112. The partitions 112 are disposed between any two adjacent receiving slots S1. In addition, the base 110 has four through holes H1, and these four through holes H1 respectively connect to the four receiving slots S1, so that the magnetic component assembly 13 can be placed into the receiving slots S1 through the through holes H1.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the length and width directions of the housing component 11 correspond to the X-axis and Y-axis directions, respectively. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the receiving groove S1 in the housing component 11 is substantially parallel to the X-axis, and it can be considered to extend along the length direction of the housing component 11, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the extension direction of the receiving groove in the housing component may be substantially parallel to the Y-axis, that is, it may extend along the width direction of the housing component.

[0030] In this embodiment, the partition wall 112 is integrally formed into the main shell 111. However, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned structural configuration. In other embodiments, the main shell, partition wall, and base may be integrally formed into a shell component.

[0031] In this embodiment, the four magnetic component groups 13 are respectively disposed in the four receiving slots S1. Each magnetic component group 13 includes at least four cubic magnetic components M1. That is, at least four cubic magnetic components M1 are accommodated in each receiving slot S1. During assembly, these cubic magnetic components M1 are placed into the receiving slots S1 through the through holes H1. The cubic magnetic components M1 are linearly arranged with different magnetization directions, so that the magnetic field lines of the magnetic component group 13 are concentrated on one side.

[0032] Please further refer to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of the magnetic force distribution formed by four cubic magnetic components arranged linearly with different magnetization directions, and Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of the magnetic force distribution formed by five cubic magnetic components arranged linearly with different magnetization directions. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, by arranging these cubic magnetic components M1 linearly with different magnetization directions, a strong magnetic region can be formed on one side of these cubic magnetic components M1, and a weak magnetic region can be formed on the other side of these cubic magnetic components M1. This allows for the generation of a strong magnetic force in a single direction (area) using fewer magnetic components, thus providing a stronger magnetic force per unit area. The linear arrangement of the cubic magnetic components with different magnetization directions refers to arranging several cubic magnetic components with N and S poles in a specific manner (e.g., a Halebeck array arrangement), such as the arrangement shown in Figures 3 and 4. The number of cubic magnetic components M1 in Figures 3 and 4 is merely an example; the present invention is not limited to the number of cubic magnetic components M1 shown in Figures 3 and 4. In some embodiments of the present invention, each magnetic component group may, for example, contain six or more cubic magnetic components. The cubic magnetic component M1 may be, for example, a magnet with N and S poles, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0033] Through the configuration of the aforementioned cubic magnetic component M1, these four magnetic component groups 13 form a strong magnetic surface B1 and a weak magnetic surface B2 on the housing component 11. The strong magnetic surface B1 can be used to attract magnetic substances in the sample within the sample container. Specifically, the strong magnetic surface B1 is located on the surface of the main housing 111 away from the base 110, and the weak magnetic surface B2 is located on the surface of the base 110 away from the main housing 111.

[0034] In this embodiment, all of these cubic magnetic components M1 are cubes. That is, each face of these cubic magnetic components M1 is a square. It should be noted that the cube can refer to a regular cube as well as a cuboid, for example, whose shape is close to a cube due to manufacturing errors.

[0035] In this embodiment, the cubic magnetic elements M1 located in one of the receiving slots S1 are staggered with the cubic magnetic elements M1 located in the adjacent receiving slots S1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the cubic magnetic elements in any two adjacent receiving slots can be aligned with each other.

[0036] In this embodiment, any two adjacent cubic magnetic elements M1 located in the same receiving groove S1 are in physical contact with each other, but the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, there may be a gap between any two adjacent cubic magnetic elements. The distance between the cubic magnetic elements in a single receiving groove can be controlled, for example, by limiting these cubic magnetic elements through the walls at both ends of the receiving groove. For example, when the length of the receiving groove is substantially equal to the total length of the cubic magnetic elements in the receiving groove, the walls at both ends of the receiving groove will abut against the two outermost cubic magnetic elements, making these cubic magnetic elements close to each other. When the length of the receiving groove is greater than the total length of the cubic magnetic elements in the receiving groove, these cubic magnetic elements may have a gap between them, for example, due to repulsive forces.

[0037] In this embodiment, these cubic magnetic elements M1 are in solid contact with the inner circumferential surface of the receiving groove S1. By matching the shape of the cubic magnetic elements M1 to the shape of the receiving groove S1, unintended rotation of the cubic magnetic elements M1 within the receiving groove S1 can be avoided, thereby ensuring a structural configuration in which the cubic magnetic elements M1 are linearly arranged in different magnetization directions.

[0038] In the magnetic material separation device 1 of this embodiment, there are four receiving slots S1, each containing ten cubic magnetic elements M1. The side length of each cubic magnetic element M1 is substantially 10 mm, and the thickness of each partition wall 112 is substantially 7.9 mm. Furthermore, the shell thickness of the housing 11 at the strong magnetic surface B1 is substantially 2.0 mm. Under the aforementioned configuration, the strong magnetic surface B1 formed by the magnetic element group 13 on the housing 11 can have a magnetic field strength of approximately 600 Gauss to 1000 Gauss. Under the same configuration conditions as described above, the magnetic field strength generated on a single surface of the housing by a conventional magnet arrangement is only about 50 Gauss to 300 Gauss, significantly less than the magnetic field strength generated by the magnetic element group 13 on the strong magnetic surface B1 in this embodiment. Therefore, it can be seen that by linearly arranging the cubic magnetic elements in different magnetization directions, the magnetic field lines of the magnetic element group are concentrated on one side, thereby providing a stronger magnetic force per unit area using fewer magnetic elements.

[0039] In terms of application, magnetic bead separation was tested using the magnetic material separation device 1 of this embodiment during cell culture. The initial number of cells and magnetic beads added was 5 × 10⁶. After 14 days of co-culture, magnetic beads were separated using the magnetic material separation device 1 of this embodiment. The results showed that with a cell number of 1 × 10⁶, a residual amount of less than 15, or even less than 10, magnetic beads could be achieved, meeting the recommendation that the residual amount of magnetic beads should be less than 30 (Reference: JOURNAL OF HEMATOTHERAPY 7:437-448 (1998)).

[0040] The area of ​​the strong magnetic surface of the magnetic material separation device of the present invention can be designed to be greater than or equal to the surface area of ​​the sample container, depending on actual needs. For example, the area of ​​the strong magnetic surface can be changed by adjusting the number of receiving slots, the number of cubic magnetic elements, the size of the cubic magnetic elements, and / or the density of the cubic magnetic elements.

[0041] <Second Embodiment>

[0042] Please refer to Figures 5 to 7, wherein Figure 5 is a perspective view of the magnetic material separation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is a side view of the magnetic material separation device and sample container of Figure 5 placed horizontally, and Figure 7 is a side view of the magnetic material separation device and sample container of Figure 5 placed at an angle.

[0043] The magnetic material separation device 1b of the second embodiment (corresponding to Figure 5) is similar to the magnetic material separation device 1 of the first embodiment (corresponding to Figure 1), and uses the same or similar reference numerals to represent the same or similar components. The functions and effects of the same or similar components are the same as those described above, and will not be repeated here. The following only describes the main differences between the magnetic material separation device 1b of the second embodiment and the magnetic material separation device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0044] In the second embodiment, the sample container 9b is a biocompatible certified corner bottle, and the magnetic material separation device 1b further includes a fixing member 15b and an inclined support member 17b. The fixing member 15b is disposed on the housing member 11b and is used to fix the sample container 9b to the strong magnetic surface B1 of the housing member 11b.

[0045] An inclined support 17b is pivotally disposed at one end of the housing 11b, and the inclined support 17b is used to selectively make the horizontal height of said end of the housing 11b greater than or equal to the horizontal height of the other parts of the housing 11b. Specifically, as shown in FIG6, when the inclined support 17b is in the retracted position, the magnetic material separation device 1b and the sample container 9b can be placed horizontally on a horizontal surface, so that the sample in the sample container 9b has a large interaction area with the strong magnetic surface B1. As shown in FIG7, when the inclined support 17b is pivoted to the unfolded position, the magnetic material separation device 1b and the sample container 9b can be tilted and placed on a horizontal surface, which is beneficial for extracting the separated sample.

[0046] In the second embodiment, there are seven partition walls 112b, eight magnetic component groups 13b, and eight receiving slots S1. Each magnetic component group 13b contains eight cubic magnetic components M1, each with a side length of approximately 10 mm, and each partition wall 112b has a thickness of approximately 4.8 mm. Furthermore, the shell thickness of the housing component 11b at the strong magnetic surface B1 is approximately 2.0 mm. Under the aforementioned configuration, the strong magnetic surface B1 formed by the magnetic component group 13b on the housing component 11b can have a magnetic field strength of approximately 3500 Gauss. Under the same configuration conditions as described above, the magnetic field strength generated on a single surface of the housing component by a conventional magnet arrangement is only approximately 50 to 300 Gauss, significantly less than the magnetic field strength generated by the magnetic component group 13b on the strong magnetic surface B1 in this embodiment. Therefore, it can be seen that by arranging cubic magnetic components linearly in different magnetization directions, the magnetic field lines of the magnetic component group are concentrated on one side, thereby providing a stronger magnetic force per unit area with fewer magnetic components.

[0047] In terms of application, during cell culture, magnetic bead separation tests were conducted using the magnetic material separation device 1b of this embodiment. The initial number of cells and magnetic beads added was 5 × 10⁶. After 14 days of co-culture, magnetic bead separation was performed using the magnetic material separation device 1b of this embodiment. The results showed that even with a cell number of 1 × 10⁶, a residual amount of less than 15, or even less than 10, magnetic beads could be achieved, meeting the recommendation that the residual amount of magnetic beads should be less than 30.

[0048] It should be understood that the fastener 15b and the inclined support 17b in this embodiment are both optional, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0049] <Third Embodiment>

[0050] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the magnetic material separation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] The magnetic material separation device 1c of the third embodiment (corresponding to Figure 8) is similar to the magnetic material separation device 1b of the second embodiment (corresponding to Figure 5), and uses the same or similar reference numerals to represent the same or similar components. The functions and effects of the same or similar components are the same as those described above, and will not be repeated here. The following only describes the main differences between the magnetic material separation device 1c of the third embodiment and the magnetic material separation device 1b of the second embodiment.

[0052] In the third embodiment, there are six partition walls 112c, seven magnetic component groups 13c, and seven receiving slots S1. Each magnetic component group 13c contains twelve cubic magnetic components M1, each with a side length of approximately 10 mm, and each partition wall 112c has a thickness of approximately 1.5 mm. Furthermore, the shell thickness of the housing component 11c at the strong magnetic surface B1 is also approximately 1.5 mm. Under the aforementioned configuration, the strong magnetic surface B1 formed by the magnetic component group 13c on the housing component 11c can have a magnetic field strength of approximately 4300 Gauss. Under the same configuration conditions as described above, the magnetic field strength generated on a single surface of the housing component by a conventional magnet arrangement is only approximately 50 to 300 Gauss, significantly less than the magnetic field strength generated by the magnetic component group 13c on the strong magnetic surface B1 in this embodiment. Therefore, it can be seen that by arranging cubic magnetic components linearly in different magnetization directions, the magnetic field lines of the magnetic component group are concentrated on one side, thereby providing a stronger magnetic force per unit area with fewer magnetic components.

[0053] In terms of application, during cell culture, magnetic bead separation was tested using the magnetic material separation device 1c of this embodiment. The initial number of cells and magnetic beads added was 5 × 10⁶. After 14 days of co-culture, magnetic bead separation was performed using the magnetic material separation device 1c of this embodiment. The results showed that even with a cell number of 1 × 10⁶, a residual amount of less than 15, or even less than 10, magnetic beads could be achieved, meeting the recommendation that the residual amount of magnetic beads should be less than 30.

[0054] Furthermore, the extension direction of the receiving groove in the housing component of the third embodiment differs from that of the receiving groove in the housing component of the second embodiment. The receiving groove in the second embodiment extends parallel to the Y-axis, while the receiving groove in the third embodiment extends parallel to the X-axis. Therefore, the magnetic component assemblies in these two embodiments have different magnetic force distributions. However, the present invention is not limited to the extension direction of the receiving groove in the housing component. For example, the extension direction of the receiving groove in the housing component of the second embodiment can also be modified to be parallel to the X-axis according to actual design requirements; that is, the receiving groove can extend, for example, along the length direction of the housing component. As another example, the extension direction of the receiving groove in the housing component of the third embodiment can also be modified to be parallel to the Y-axis according to actual design requirements; that is, the receiving groove can extend, for example, along the width direction of the housing component.

[0055] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0056] Please refer to Figure 9, which is a perspective view of the magnetic material separation device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] The magnetic material separation device 1d of the fourth embodiment (corresponding to Figure 9) is similar to the magnetic material separation device 1b of the second embodiment (corresponding to Figure 5), and uses the same or similar reference numerals to represent the same or similar components. The functions and effects of the same or similar components are the same as those described above, and will not be repeated here. The following only describes the main differences between the magnetic material separation device 1d of the fourth embodiment and the magnetic material separation device 1b of the second embodiment.

[0058] In the fourth embodiment, there are sixteen partition walls 112d, seventeen magnetic component groups 13d, and seventeen receiving slots S1. Each magnetic component group 13d contains sixteen cubic magnetic components M1, each with a side length of approximately 5 mm, and each partition wall 112d has a thickness of approximately 1.8 mm. Furthermore, the shell thickness of the shell component 11d at the strong magnetic surface B1 is also approximately 1.8 mm. Under the aforementioned configuration, the strong magnetic surface B1 formed by the magnetic component group 13d on the shell component 11d can have a magnetic field strength of at least approximately 800 Gauss. Under the same configuration conditions as described above, the magnetic field strength generated on a single surface of the shell component by a conventional magnet arrangement is only approximately 50 to 300 Gauss, significantly less than the magnetic field strength generated by the magnetic component group 13d on the strong magnetic surface B1 in this embodiment. Therefore, it can be seen that by arranging cubic magnetic components linearly in different magnetization directions, the magnetic field lines of the magnetic component group are concentrated on one side, thereby providing a stronger magnetic force per unit area with fewer magnetic components.

[0059] In terms of application, during cell culture, magnetic bead separation was tested using the magnetic material separation device of this embodiment for 1 day. The initial number of cells and magnetic beads added was 5×10⁶. After 14 days of co-culture, magnetic bead separation was performed using the magnetic material separation device of this embodiment for 1 day. The results showed that even with a cell number of 1×10⁶, a residual amount of less than 15, or even less than 10, magnetic beads could be achieved, which meets the recommendation that the residual amount of magnetic beads should be less than 30.

[0060] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0061] Please refer to Figure 10, which is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the magnetic material separation device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] The magnetic material separation device 1e of the fifth embodiment (corresponding to FIG. 10) is similar to the magnetic material separation device 1b of the second embodiment (corresponding to FIG. 5), and uses the same or similar reference numerals to represent the same or similar components. The functions and effects of the same or similar components are the same as those described above, and will not be repeated here. The following only describes the main differences between the magnetic material separation device 1e of the fifth embodiment and the magnetic material separation device 1b of the second embodiment.

[0063] In the fifth embodiment, there are twenty-three partition walls 112e, twenty-four magnetic component groups 13e, and twenty-four receiving slots S1. Each magnetic component group 13e contains twenty-six cubic magnetic components M1, each with a side length of substantially 3 mm, and each partition wall 112e has a thickness of substantially 1.8 mm. Furthermore, the shell thickness of the housing component 11e at the strong magnetic surface B1 is also substantially 1.8 mm. Under the aforementioned configuration, the strong magnetic surface B1 formed by the magnetic component group 13e on the housing component 11e can have a magnetic field strength of at least approximately 800 Gauss. Under the same configuration conditions as described above, the magnetic field strength generated on a single surface of the housing component by a conventional magnet arrangement is only about 50 to 300 Gauss, significantly less than the magnetic field strength generated by the magnetic component group 13e on the strong magnetic surface B1 in this embodiment. Therefore, it can be seen that by arranging cubic magnetic components linearly in different magnetization directions, the magnetic field lines of the magnetic component group are concentrated on one side, thereby providing a stronger magnetic force per unit area with fewer magnetic components.

[0064] In terms of application, during cell culture, magnetic bead separation was tested using the magnetic material separation device 1e of this embodiment. The initial number of cells and magnetic beads added was 5 × 10⁶. After 14 days of co-culture, magnetic bead separation was performed using the magnetic material separation device 1e of this embodiment. The results showed that even with a cell number of 1 × 10⁶, a residual amount of less than 15, or even less than 10, magnetic beads could be achieved, meeting the recommendation that the residual amount of magnetic beads should be less than 30.

[0065] <Sixth Embodiment>

[0066] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the magnetic material separation device and sample container according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] The magnetic material separation device 1f of the sixth embodiment (corresponding to FIG11) is similar to the magnetic material separation device of the previous embodiment, and uses the same or similar reference numerals to represent the same or similar components. The functions and effects of the same or similar components are the same as those described above, and will not be repeated here. The following only describes the main differences between the magnetic material separation device 1f of the sixth embodiment and the magnetic material separation device of the previous embodiment.

[0068] In the sixth embodiment, the sample container 9f can be a biocompatible centrifuge tube, specifically, for example, a 15 ml, 25 ml, or 50 ml centrifuge tube. The sample container 9f can also be a biocompatible microcentrifuge tube (or eppendorf tube), specifically, for example, a 5 ml, 2 ml, or 1.5 ml centrifuge tube. The fixing member 15f of the magnetic material separation device 1f is used to fix the sample container 9f to the strong magnetic surface B1 of the housing member 11f.

[0069] In detail, the fixing member 15f is a support frame, and the fixing member 15f is disposed at an upper end of the housing member 11f. The fixing member 15f has a through hole F1, which is used for a tube 90f of the sample container 9f to pass through so that the tube 90f corresponds to the strong magnetic surface B1, and the periphery of the through hole F1 is used to support a tube flange 91f of the sample container 9f.

[0070] In the sixth embodiment, the number of magnetic component groups and the number of receiving slots are both seven. Each magnetic component group contains twelve cubic magnetic components, each with a side length of approximately 10 mm. There are six partitions between any two adjacent receiving slots, and each partition has a thickness of approximately 1.5 mm. Furthermore, the shell thickness of the housing 11f at the strong magnetic surface B1 is also approximately 1.5 mm. Under the aforementioned configuration, the strong magnetic surface B1 formed by the magnetic component groups on the housing 11f can have a magnetic field strength of approximately 4300 Gauss. Under the same configuration conditions, the magnetic field strength generated on a single surface of the housing component by a conventional magnet arrangement is only about 50 to 300 Gauss, significantly less than the magnetic field strength generated on the strong magnetic surface B1 by the magnetic component groups in this embodiment. Therefore, it can be seen that by linearly arranging the cubic magnetic components in different magnetization directions, the magnetic field lines of the magnetic component group are concentrated on one side, thereby providing a stronger magnetic force per unit area using fewer magnetic components.

[0071] In terms of application, during cell culture, magnetic bead separation was tested using the magnetic material separation device 1f of this embodiment. The initial number of cells and magnetic beads added was 5 × 10⁶. After 14 days of co-culture, magnetic bead separation was performed using the magnetic material separation device 1f of this embodiment. The results showed that even with a cell number of 1 × 10⁶, a residual amount of less than 15, or even less than 10, magnetic beads could be achieved, meeting the recommendation that the residual amount of magnetic beads should be less than 30.

[0072] As can be seen from the first to sixth embodiments described above, the magnetic material separation device of the present invention can be configured in different ways to adapt to different situations and sample requirements. Furthermore, experiments conducted with suitable sample containers showed that, at a cell count of 1×10⁶, the magnetic material separation device of the present invention consistently achieved the recommended residual magnetic bead count of less than 30 beads. Moreover, in these experiments, the cell loss rate was controlled to approximately 10%, and the cell viability was consistently higher than 94.1%.

[0073] According to the magnetic material separation device of the above embodiments, a strong magnetic surface can be formed on the shell by arranging cubic magnetic components in a specific manner, thereby providing a stronger magnetic force per unit area using fewer magnetic components. In addition, the magnetic material separation device can be adapted to different container shapes to improve the efficiency of magnetic force action, so as to take into account the requirements of efficiency, convenience, automation, biosafety and biocompatibility.

[0074] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to the preferred embodiments described above, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of patent protection of the present invention shall be determined by the claims defined in the appended patent application.

[0075] 9b, 9f: Sample containers 1,1b,1c,1d,1e,1f: Magnetic material separation device 11,11b,11c,11d,11e,11f: Housing components 110: Base 111: Main Shell 112, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e: Partition walls 13, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e: Magnetic component assembly 15b, 15f: Fasteners 17b: Inclined support 90f:tube body 91f: Nozzle flange B1: Strong magnetic surface B2: Weak magnetic surface F1: Perforation H1: Through hole M1: Cube magnetic component S1: Receiving slot

Claims

1. A magnetic material separation device for attracting magnetic materials from a sample container, the magnetic material separation device comprising: a housing having a plurality of partitions and at least one receiving slot, the partitions being disposed between any two adjacent receiving slots; at least one magnetic element group disposed in the at least one receiving slot, the at least one magnetic element group comprising at least four cubic magnetic elements and the at least one magnetic element group further forming a weak magnetic surface on the housing, the weak magnetic surface and at least one strong magnetic surface being located on opposite surfaces of the housing; and an inclined support member pivotally disposed at one end of the housing, the inclined support member selectively causing the horizontal height of the end of the housing to be greater than or equal to the horizontal height of other parts of the housing, wherein when the inclined support member is in a retracted position, the magnetic material separation device and the sample container are horizontally placed on a horizontal surface, and when the inclined support member is pivotally rotated to an extended position, the magnetic material separation device and the sample container are inclinedly placed on the horizontal surface; wherein... The at least four cubic magnetic elements are linearly arranged in different magnetization directions, so that the magnetic lines of force of the at least one magnetic element group are concentrated on one side, thereby forming the at least one strong magnetic surface on the housing, and the at least one strong magnetic surface is used to attract magnetic substances in the sample in the sample container.

2. The magnetic material separation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least four cubic magnetic elements are arranged in a Heilbeck array.

3. The magnetic material separation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic component group comprises a plurality of magnetic component groups, the at least one receiving tank comprises a plurality of receiving tanks, and the magnetic component groups are respectively disposed in the receiving tanks.

4. The magnetic material separation device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least four cubic magnetic elements located in one of its receiving slots are aligned or staggered with each other as well as the at least four cubic magnetic elements located in another receiving slot.

5. The magnetic material separation device as claimed in claim 3, wherein any two adjacent cubic magnetic elements located in the same receiving tank are in physical contact with each other.

6. The magnetic material separation device as described in claim 1, wherein the thickness of each partition wall is from 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm.

7. The magnetic material separation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic component assembly is in solid contact with the inner peripheral surface of the at least one receiving groove.

8. The magnetic material separation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side length of each of the cubic magnetic elements is 1 mm to 15 mm.

9. The magnetic material separation device as claimed in claim 1 further includes a fixing member disposed on the housing member, and the fixing member is used to fix the sample container to the at least one strong magnetic surface of the housing member.

10. The magnetic material separation device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fixing member is a support frame disposed at an upper end of the housing member, the fixing member has a through hole, the sample container is a centrifuge tube, the through hole is for a tube body of the sample container to pass through so that the tube body corresponds to the at least one strong magnetic surface, and the periphery of the through hole is used to support a tube opening flange of the sample container.

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