A device for separating a sample of cells suspended in a bio-compatible ferrofluid is described. The device includes a microfluidic channel having a sample inlet, at least one output, and a length between the sample inlet and the at least one output, wherein a sample can be added to the sample inlet and flow along the length to the at least one outlet. The device includes a plurality of electrodes, wherein the microfluidic channel length transverses the plurality of electrodes, and further includes a power source for applying a current to the plurality of electrodes to create a magnetic field pattern along the length of the microfluidic channel. The present invention also includes a method for separating at least one cell type. The method includes the steps of suspending cells in a bio-compatible ferrofluid to form a sample, passing the sample through a microfluidic channel that transverses a plurality of electrodes, applying a current to the plurality of electrodes to create a magnetic field pattern along the length of the microfluidic channel, and sorting the cells into at least one output channel based on a variation of at least one of cell size, shape and elasticity.

A device for separating a sample of cells suspended in a bio-compatible ferrofluid is described. The device includes a microfluidic channel having a sample inlet, at least one output, and a length between the sample inlet and the at least one output, wherein a sample can be added to the sample inlet and flow along the length to the at least one outlet. The device includes a plurality of electrodes, wherein the microfluidic channel length transverses the plurality of electrodes, and further includes a power source for applying a current to the plurality of electrodes to create a magnetic field pattern along the length of the microfluidic channel. The present invention also includes a method for separating at least one cell type. The method includes the steps of suspending cells in a bio-compatible ferrofluid to form a sample, passing the sample through a microfluidic channel that transverses a plurality of electrodes, applying a current to the plurality of electrodes to create a magnetic field pattern along the length of the microfluidic channel, and sorting the cells into at least one output channel based on a variation of at least one of cell size, shape and elasticity.

A method is described for controlling an oil spill by seeding micron-sized magnetizable particles in the oil. Once seeded, particles can form a unique and preferential bond with the oil resulting in creation of a colloidal mixture. This bond forms as a result of a combination of forces including the intermolecular Van der Waal forces. Once this bond is formed, the oil is rendered magnetic and can be controlled and moved in response to a magnetic field. This can include removing oil from water, reducing the diffusion rate of oil on water, magnetically lifting oil from water or nonporous surfaces, as well as separating the magnetic material from the oil.

A method is described for controlling an oil spill by seeding micron-sized magnetizable particles in the oil. Once seeded, particles can form a unique and preferential bond with the oil resulting in creation of a colloidal mixture. This bond forms as a result of a combination of forces including the intermolecular Van der Waal forces. Once this bond is formed, the oil is rendered magnetic and can be controlled and moved in response to a magnetic field. This can include removing oil from water, reducing the diffusion rate of oil on water, magnetically lifting oil from water or nonporous surfaces, as well as separating the magnetic material from the oil.

The present invention includes a method of controlling an oil spill through introduction of a plurality of magnetizable particles into the oil spill in an amount sufficient to form a colloidal mixture. An absorbent is, also introduced into the oil spill to form an absorbent mixture. A magnetic field can be applied to the system to move, manipulate, or otherwise control the absorbent mixture in response to movement of the magnetic field.

The present invention includes a method of controlling an oil spill through introduction of a plurality of magnetizable particles into the oil spill in an amount sufficient to form a colloidal mixture. An absorbent is, also introduced into the oil spill to form an absorbent mixture. A magnetic field can be applied to the system to move, manipulate, or otherwise control the absorbent mixture in response to movement of the magnetic field.

A device and method for extracting particles contained in a ferrofluid medium are provided. Such methods may comprise suspending particles of different sizes in a ferrofluid medium and containing the ferrofluid medium in a cylindrical reservoir, and applying a first magnetic field to at least a portion of the reservoir. The first magnetic field is configured to indirectly exert a force on at least a portion of the particles of a predetermined size, and direct the portion of particles in a desired direction.

A device and method for extracting particles contained in a ferrofluid medium are provided. Such methods may comprise suspending particles of different sizes in a ferrofluid medium and containing the ferrofluid medium in a cylindrical reservoir, and applying a first magnetic field to at least a portion of the reservoir. The first magnetic field is configured to indirectly exert a force on at least a portion of the particles of a predetermined size, and direct the portion of particles in a desired direction.

A method is described for controlling an oil spill by seeding micron-sized magnetizable particles in the oil. Once seeded, particles can form a unique and preferential bond with the oil resulting in creation of a colloidal mixture. This bond forms as a result of a combination of forces including the intermolecular Van der Waal forces. Once this bond is formed, the oil is rendered magnetic and can be controlled and moved in response to a magnetic field. This can include removing oil from water, reducing the diffusion rate of oil on water, magnetically lifting oil from water or nonporous surfaces, as well as separating the magnetic material from the oil.

A method is described for controlling an oil spill by seeding micron-sized magnetizable particles in the oil. Once seeded, particles can form a unique and preferential bond with the oil resulting in creation of a colloidal mixture. This bond forms as a result of a combination of forces including the intermolecular Van der Waal forces. Once this bond is formed, the oil is rendered magnetic and can be controlled and moved in response to a magnetic field. This can include removing oil from water, reducing the diffusion rate of oil on water, magnetically lifting oil from water or nonporous surfaces, as well as separating the magnetic material from the oil.