Systems and methods for handling a variety of sample and preparatory fluids in a rack specifically configured for compatibility with predetermined liquid handlers such as automated pipettors or multi-channel manual pipettors and set up for magnetic based sample preparation. The rack can hold all of the necessary sample and reagent vials, and present them to the pipettor in some embodiments in a way that allows for parallel operation. The rack includes slidable magnets that in some embodiments are actuatable directly by the pipettor, eliminating a layer of complexity. Combined with a suitable pipettor the magnet enabled rack supports a multistep magnetic based sample preparation capability in a high throughput manner at one station that enhances sample purity throughout magnetic separation processes.

Assemblies, systems, and methods for isolation of target material are provided. In various embodiments, an assembly for target material isolation includes a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion together defining an inner chamber. The inner chamber includes a semi-toroidal shape and the semi-toroidal shape defines a longitudinal axis. The assembly further includes one or more fluidic connection from the exterior of the housing to the inner chamber. An isolation material (e.g., polymer wool and/or magnetic beads) may be disposed within the inner chamber. A system includes a configured to fit at least a portion of the housing and releasably couple the assembly. Upon activation of the motor, the assembly may rotate about the longitudinal axis. An angle of the platform may be adjustable to thereby change the angle of the longitudinal axis about which the assembly rotates.

A system is provided for the quantitative magnetic separation of magnetic objects (e.g., particles or cells). The system uses magnetic ratcheting over arrays of ferromagnetic elements having gradient spacing manifested in various pitch zones that are encountered by the magnetic objects as they traverse the array. The system can be used to separate and concentrate magnetic objects based on iron oxide content. For cells, different phenotypes may be separated based, for example, on surface expression of proteins or molecules that are bound to magnetic particles. The system includes a substrate or chip having the array of ferromagnetic elements with increasing lateral pitch and an externally driven magnet device that generates a cycling magnetic field. Magnetic objects with higher IOC separate and equilibrate along the array at larger pitches. The system can be used for the differential sorting of particles and cells of interest.

Analytical assay reaction cartridges, kits containing same, and methods of production and use thereof are disclosed. These cartridges include a magnetic assembly that surrounds at least a portion of a sample read window on the cartridge. The cartridge also includes an analytical reagent positioned therewithin, wherein the analytical reagent comprises magnetic beads coated with at least one anti-red blood cell antibody.

The present invention is directed to a method for sorting biological objects including the steps of providing a magnetic device that includes a conduit or channel having upstream and downstream sections and a magnetic means for generating first and second magnetic fields in the upstream and downstream sections, respectively; flowing a sample fluid that includes magnetically labeled biological objects and unlabeled biological objects through the upstream section to magnetically saturate the magnetically labeled biological objects by the first magnetic field; and flowing the sample fluid from the upstream section continuously to the downstream section to collect the magnetically labeled biological objects on a wall of the downstream section by the second magnetic field, wherein the first magnetic field in the upstream section has a higher average field strength than the second magnetic field in the downstream section.

An apparatus, vortex generator assembly and method for automated cell lysis and nucleic acid purification and processing. The vortex generator assembly includes sample holder having a lysis well, at least one wash well, and an elution well. The vortex generator assembly also includes a sample holder cover having a plurality of vibration rods for creating a vortex in the wells of the sample holder. The apparatus includes motor operating a rotating cam to cause the vibration rods to vibrate and create the vortex in a well holding fluid and magnetic beads, wherein the vortexing speed is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the beads and disperse the beads in solution, to collect nucleic acids such as DNA.

A planar magnet for magnetic density separation, comprising an array of pole pieces succeeding in longitudinal direction of a mounting plane, each pole piece having a body extending transversely along the mounting plane with a substantially constant cross section that includes a top segment that is curved to distribute the magnetic field associated with the top surface of the pole piece such that its strength transverse to the mounting plane is substantially uniformly distributed in planes parallel to the mounting plane, the curved top segments having a width (w) in longitudinal direction of the mounting plane and a maximum height (h) transverse to the mounting plane, wherein the top segments of successive pole pieces are unequal in height and/or width.

Devices for sorting components (e.g., cells) contained in a liquid sample are provided. In certain aspects, the devices include a magnetic separation device and an acoustic concentrator device fluidically coupled to magnetic separation device. Aspects of the invention further include methods for sorting cells in a liquid sample, and systems, and kits for practicing the subject methods.

The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.

Magnetic assisted separation apparatuses for separating a target substance from a medium in which the target substance is suspended, and related methods, are provided. According to one aspect, a magnetic separator may include a frame having an opening configured to receive one or more containers containing the medium. Additionally, the magnetic separator may include first and second magnetic field generating elements mounted on opposing sides of the frame such that one or more containers can be positioned between the first and second magnetic field generating elements. According to another aspect, a workstation includes a work surface for receiving one or more containers containing the medium, a fluid transfer member, an automated manipulator configured to move the fluid transfer member, and a plurality magnetic field generating elements each being moveable between a position remote from the one or more containers and another position adjacent to the one or more containers.