Methods and devices for selectively removing from a subject a target 
cell, 
pathogen, or 
virus expressing a binding partner on its surface are presented. In one embodiment, the device contains an excorporeal circuit, which includes, at least, a 
magnetic filter comprising a 
magnet and a removable, magnetizable substrate capable of capturing magnetic 
nanomaterials; and a pump in fluid communication with the 
magnetic filter, wherein the pump moves fluid through the excorporeal circuit. The 
magnet is capable of generating a 
magnetic field sufficient to capture magnetic 
nanomaterials in the 
magnetic field. In a preferred embodiment, the target cells are 
cancer cells and / or cells infected with pathogenic agents. The devices may be designed for 
extracorporeal or 
in vivo uses. Functionalized 
superparamagnetic nanoparticles are either mixed 
ex vivo with a 
biological fluid from the patient or injected into the patient. Then the 
biological fluid, which includes the nanoparticles is transported to the 
magnetic filter to remove any nanoparticles that are complexed to the target cells, pathogens, or 
virus, and any free nanoparticles. Optionally, the 
functionalized nanoparticles contain and deliver a therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is released when the 
nanoparticle binds to the target cells, pathogens, or 
virus.