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 kit for separating two or more types of particles, the kit comprising a device and a plurality of magnetic particles that are biocompatible with mammalian cells, wherein the device comprises:
 (1) at least one first fluid inlet in fluidic communication with a flow channel, wherein the flow channel is configured to receive the two or more types of particles and the plurality of magnetic particles via the at least one fluid inlet;   (2) a magnet configured to direct a non-uniform magnetic force onto the flow channel whereby the two or more types of particles and the magnetic particles are exposed to the non-uniform magnetic force when introduced in the flow channel such that the two or more types of particles experience a magnetic buoyancy force; and   (3) a plurality of outlets, wherein the magnet is configured so that the non-uniform magnetic force causes the two or more types of particles to be separated and flow into different outlets based on the magnetic buoyancy force and volume of the two or more types of particles;   wherein the device is configured to separate the two or more types of particles when at least one of the two or more types of particles are cells.   
     
     
         2 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic particles comprise iron oxide particles, cobalt particles, cobalt ferrite particles, iron particles, and FePt particles, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic particles are nano-size magnetic particles covered by a surfactant. 
     
     
         4 . The kit of  claim 3 , wherein the nano-size magnetic particles have a diameter of 5 nm to 10 nm. 
     
     
         5 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein, the magnetic particles are configured to form a magnetic fluid upon introduction to a carrier medium. 
     
     
         6 . The kit of  claim 5 , wherein the carrier medium comprises water, hydrocarbon oil, kerosene, or a combination there. 
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising a magnetic fluid, wherein the magnetic fluid comprises the plurality of magnetic particles. 
     
     
         8 . The kit of  claim 7 , wherein the magnetic particles are nano-size magnetic particles covered by a surfactant, and the magnetic fluid is a colloidal mixture of the nano-size magnetic particles in a carrier medium. 
     
     
         9 . The kit of  claim 8 , wherein the nano-size magnetic particles have a diameter of 5 nm to 10 nm. 
     
     
         21 . The kit of claim  19 , wherein the carrier medium comprises water, hydrocarbon oil, kerosene, or a combination there. 
     
     
         23 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to separate the two or more types of particles when at least two of the two or more types of particles are cells. 
     
     
         24 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the magnet is disposed on one side of the device to generate the magnetic force. 
     
     
         25 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the magnet comprises a permanent magnet. 
     
     
         28 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to be operated under a continuous flow. 
     
     
         29 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of outlets includes two outlets for separating particles having two different volumes. 
     
     
         30 . The kit of claim  22 , wherein the device is configured to separate the cells label-free. 
     
     
         31 . The kit of claim  22 , wherein the device is configured to separate the cells without the cells being conjugated to magnetic beads.