Devices and methods for separating particles

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for devices, methods for separating particles, and the like.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A device, comprising:
 a first fluid inlet in a flow channel for flowing a first liquid including two or more types of particles, wherein the first liquid includes a magnetic fluid or is mixed with the magnetic fluid;   a magnetic device configured to direct a non-uniform magnetic force onto the magnetic fluid and the particles; and   a plurality of outlets, wherein the non-uniform magnetic force causes the types of particles to be separated and flow into different outlets.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the particles are cells. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic device includes a magnet disposed on one side of the device to generate the non-uniform magnetic force. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic device is configured to control the non-uniform magnetic force exerted on the particles and the magnetic buoyancy force experienced by the particles. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of outlets includes two outlets for separating particles having two different volumes. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic device includes a permanent magnet. 
     
     
         7 . A method for separating particles, comprising:
 disposing at least two types of particles in a first fluid, wherein the first liquid includes or is mixed with the magnetic fluid;   flowing the magnetic fluid and the particles down a channel;   exposing the magnetic fluid and the particles to a non-uniform magnetic force; and   separating the types of particles.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein a magnet disposed on one side of the channel generates the non-uniform magnetic force. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein exposing includes causing the particles to experience a magnetic buoyancy force that causes the particles to separate from one another based on the volume of the particles. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the particles are cells. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein separating includes causing the different types of cells to flow through different outlets. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the method is operated under a continuous flow.