When you decide to scale up your process, one of the most difficult parameters to determine in a non-homogeneous magnetic separation rack is the separation time. In scaled-up non-homogeneous devices, you must use longer separation times in order to gain the same bead yield as a smaller process. However, it is still difficult to determine when the separation is complete.
This post is about biomagnetic separation with a magnetic separation rack, and how to scale-up this process. If you are interested in this topic, download our free ebook The Basic Guide to Scale-up Biomagnetic Separation Processes:
Problems with scaling up a traditional magnetic separation rack
In a non-homogeneous magnetic separation rack, beads farther from the magnet experience much less magnetic force than beads in the retention zone or near the magnet. Since the magnetic force determines the speed of separation, it will take a much longer time for the beads far from the magnet to reach the retention position. These beads move slowly because of the weak magnetic forces.
Homogeneous separation systems allow an easier scale up
In a homogeneous biomagnetic separation system, the magnetic force is constant. As a result, all beads experience the same magnetic force and therefore travel at the same speed toward the retention zone. Larger homogeneous systems simply need to increase their separation times proportional to the increase in vessel diameter.
It is advantageous if you can measure the separation in real time. In a non-homogeneous magnetic separation rack, there is no easy way to monitor the process except by sampling your material from time to time. But for homogeneous systems, you can easily monitor your process optically in real time, allowing the scientist or technician to quantify separation times and keep track of the quality of the product as it is being separated.
Don't forget to check these posts from our blog in order to get a deeper insight into the scaling-up of biomagnetic separation processes:
- What is the Best Way to Scale Up When Different Volumes are Required?
- Why do IVD companies scale up their biomagnetic separation processes?
- Why do different batch volumes require different magnetic fields?
Check www.sepmag.eu/ebooks to access to FREE eBooks on the subject, or contact us. We will be glad to help you to achieve an efficient magnetic bead separation process!
