Abstract A method of carrying out a solid phase chemical reaction or a filtration step to remove a solid from a liquid utilizing ferromagnetic particles. The particles may have a porous or otherwise bondable solid support material having adsorbed or chemically bonded thereon a biologically active substance to make them biologically active. Alternatively, the particles may act as an inert medium to convey a solid precipitate out of a liquid. The process involves the addition of the ferromagnetic particles to a potentially reactive fluid. After the fluid has reacted either as a result of contact with the biologically active material or by a process causing a precipitate in the fluid, the particles may be separated from the fluid by bringing the particles into close proximity with a magnet such as an electromagnet. When sufficient particles are held in an elongated container and a magnetic force is exerted to hold the particles in a porous mass across the container, the particles may be moved through the liquid to filter solid particles from the liquid. A second container may be placed over a portion of the elongated container on the particles and any entrapped precipitate may be removed from the elongated container. The particles may alternatively have a bondable surface capable of adsorption or chemical coupling of biologically active materials. Polymer and ceramic biomaterial supports and particular combinations with ferromagnetic materials are disclosed. A valve formed from the ferromagnetic particles is also disclosed herein.
A process of conveying a solid from one container to another comprising: placing a plurality of particles of a ferromagnetic substance in a test tube; moving a magnet near the outer surface of the first tube near the bottom end thereof; placing a collar over the open end of the tube; and moving the magnet upwardly along the tube to a point above the upper opening of the tube whereby the particles of a ferromagnetic substance and any substance entrapped thereby are moved into the collar.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
A process of conveying a solid from one container to another comprising: placing a plurality of particles of a ferromagnetic substance in a test tube; moving a magnet near the outer surface of the first tube near the bottom end thereof; placing a collar over the open end of the tube; and moving the magnet upwardly along the tube to a point above the upper opening of the tube whereby the particles of a ferromagnetic substance and any substance entrapped thereby are moved into the collar.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the diameter of said particles is between about one-tenth and 10 millimeters.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the diameter of said particles is about one-half millimeter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said ferromagnetic material consists essentially of iron.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said magnet is an electromagnet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said magnet is a permanent magnet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said particles have a biomaterial support affixed thereto.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said collar is a portion of a second elongated container.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said liquid contains a solid material and said particles are moved through said liquid thereby entrapping said solid material and removing it from said liquid.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the test tube contains a liquid to which a filter aid has been added.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
89 words
A process for conveying a solid from one container to another comprising: placing a plurality of particles of a ferromagnetic substance in a first test tube; moving a magnet near the outer surface of the first test tube near the bottom thereof; placing a second tube over the open end of the first tube; and moving the magnet upwardly along the first tube to a point above the upper opening of the first tube whereby the magnetic particles and any substance entrapped thereby are moved into the second tube.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
89 words
A process for conveying a solid from one container to another comprising: placing a plurality of particles of a ferromagnetic substance in a first test tube; moving a magnet near the outer surface of the first test tube near the bottom thereof; placing a second tube over the open end of the first tube; and moving the magnet upwardly along the first tube to a point above the upper opening of the first tube whereby the magnetic particles and any substance entrapped thereby are moved into the second tube.