Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic particle separators using micromachined magnetic arrays and more particularly, to magnetic particle separators or manipulators using controlled magnetization on micromachined magnetic arrays for the separation of cells and other biological materials. The present invention also pertains to using such devices for the separation and analysis of biological materials for immunoassays, DNA sequencing, protein analysis, and biochemical detection applications. The present invention can also be viewed as a novel method for fabricating fully integrated permanent magnet components within any microelectromechanical system (“MEMS”) structures. The present invention also provides a magnetic particle separation and manipulation system for rapid separation and accurate manipulation of magnetic particles in two-dimensional electromagnetic arrays, which utilize high throughput biological analyses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic particle separators using micromachined magnetic arrays and more particularly, to magnetic particle separators or manipulators using controlled magnetization on micromachined magnetic arrays for the separation of cells and other biological materials. The present invention also pertains to using such devices for the separation and analysis of biological materials for immunoassays, DNA sequencing, protein analysis, and biochemical detection applications. The present invention can also be viewed as a novel method for fabricating fully integrated permanent magnet components within any microelectromechanical system (“MEMS”) structures. The present invention also provides a magnetic particle separation and manipulation system for rapid separation and accurate manipulation of magnetic particles in two-dimensional electromagnetic arrays, which utilize high throughput biological analyses.