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Posted on Thu, Jan 17, 2013

Validation of Biomagnetic Separation Processes: Summary

Non-homogeneous biomagnetic separation processes are difficult to validate and standardize. The fact that magnetic beads move at different speeds due to the varied magnetic forces in a non-homogeneous environment makes monitoring the production almost impossible.

Free PDF guide:   "Validation of Magnetic Bead Separation Processes" 

This post is about magnetic bead separation and how to validate this process. If you are interested in this topic, and are willing to learn more about it, download our Free Guide The Starting Guide to Validate Biomagnetic Separation Processes:

Beads close to the magnets move quickly to the retention point and are exposed to high magnetic forces for a long time. These beads have a very high probability of aggregation, causing a loss of material.  Beads far from the magnet move slowly to the retention point. The time of separation is crucial for recovering these distant beads. Longer times results in more of the distant beads being recovered, but also increases the probability that the closer beads will aggregate due to high magnetic force exposure. Aggregation of the beads is a very unpredictable effect of non-homogeneous separation, thus making lot to lot variation of this process almost certain.

Why should we choose an homogeneous magnetic bead separation system?

Homogeneous biomagnetic separation processes (such as the ones allowed by Sepmag systems), on the other hand, are much more predictable and consistent. Aggregation difficulties are alleviated using this technology because all of the beads move at the same speed and are exposed to the same magnetic forces throughout the separation container. Homogeneity of force increases yield without changing the separation time or increasing the magnetic force.  In addition to an increase in yield, monitoring the process becomes relatively easy. Scientists can utilize an optical monitor and track bead speed, bead movement and optical density of the suspension over time.

Technicians can create standard curves at any volume of magnetic separation and compare the production process over time with the standard curves. Quality control recordings will indicate any deviation of the process from the standard curve quickly, thus allowing scientists and technicians to correct any problems before the end of production. Independent of volume, results of biomagnetic separation using the Sepmag technology are highly reproducible; a major hallmark of excellent industrial standards.  

Technicians use curves to observe the magnetic bead separation production process over time

If you found this article interesting and want to get a deeper insight in the topic of magnetic bead separation, make sure to check these articles from our blog:

Dr. Lluís Martínez

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