Importance

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Abstract

Biological entities such as cells, microbes, or components thereof are labeled with a magnetic colloid containing microscopic magnetic particles. The magnetic particles have a coating capable of biospecific or non-specific binding with the entities. An immobilization apparatus includes a non-magnetic vessel having a ferromagnetic collection structure for attracting the entities toward a collection surface upon which the magnetically labeled entities are immobilized subsequent to placement of the vessel on a support between two magnets. The ferromagnetic collection structure preferably has a sharp edge or high curvature for intensifying the magnetic field and for collecting the entities in a monolayer. The vessel includes an un-obstructed observation path so that immobilized entities may be observed and/or manipulated. The ferromagnetic collection structure may be arranged in various two dimensional patterns to provide a desired collection configuration. The apparatus may further have inlet and outlet ports for allowing a flow of liquid reagent through the vessel for washing or straining the immobilized entities. The support can be translated so that a shoulder on the collection structure concentrates the collected entities by movement of the shoulder in a transverse direction relative to the magnetic field.

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First Claim