System and method to manipulate magnetic particles in liquid suspension

Abstract

Described herein are systems and methods to manipulate magnetic particles in liquid suspension. The system comprises at least two magnets, wherein one magnet tip is enclosed in a non-magnetic capsule that can be immersed into and pulled out of the liquid suspension contained in a vessel, and another magnet located outside of the vessel that may be activated to repel the magnet tip enclosed in the capsule. Microparticles in the liquid suspension are driven to the bottom of the vessel when the external magnet is activated and otherwise are driven to the bottom surface of the non-magnetic capsule by the magnet tip. Among other applications, the invention can be used in biotechnology to separate magnetic particles from a liquid suspension in a vessel as well as to transfer magnetic particles among a variety of liquid suspensions in multiple vessels

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