Abstract: The invention provides a method for convenient analysis and cell separation of antigen-specific T cells based on one or more products secreted by these cells in response to antigen stimulation. The T cells are provided with a capture moiety for the product, which can then be used directly as a label in some instances, or the bound product can be further labeled via label moieties that bind specifically to the product and that are labeled with traditional labeling materials such as fluorophores, radioactive isotopes, chromophores or magnetic particles. The labeled cells are then separated using standard cell sorting techniques based on these labels. Such techniques include flow cytometry, magnetic gradient separation, centrifugation, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for modification of magnetically immobilized biomolecules, particularly for temperature-controlled modifications.

Abstract: Cells can be labeled with products which they secrete and release in an efficient manner by coupling the cells at their surface to a specific binding partner for the product and allowing the product to be captured by the specific binding partner as it is secreted and released. The product-labeled cells can then be further coupled to suitable labels if desired and separated according to the presence, absence or amount of product.

Abstract: A micro column system is provided for high gradient magnetic field separation of macromolecules and/or cells. The system provides fast kinetics and high efficiency as well as the purity and simplicity of a column separation. A yoke provides a magnetic field to a plurality of micro columns. A separation and release process for purifying biological material on the column includes release of the biological material from magnetic particles and elution from the column while the magnetic particles are still magnetically retained by the matrix inside the column.

Abstract: A method is provided for modifying cells retained in a high gradient magnetic cell separation column (HGMS). Selected cells within a heterogeneous mixture are labeled with a label comprising a magnetic particle and specific for the selected cells. The labeled, selected cells are applied to the magnetic cell separation column, which retains the selected cells. The selected cells are then modified while retained in the column and then removed to the original suspension or to a purified, homogenous suspension.

Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. The use of plastic coated matrices especially small spheres or balls which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS. The selection of small spheres in combination with the coating provides for uniform matrices of high stability.

Abstract: Tumor cells, particularly carcinoma cells, are separated from peripheral blood by magnetic sorting. The tumor cells are magnetically labeled with antibodies directed to tissue specific antigens, preferably cytoplasmic proteins. Labeling for cytoplasmic antigens is accomplished first permeabilizing, then fixing the cells. The cells are separated on a magnetic matrix. The number of tumor cells in the enriched fraction is used to calculate the number of tumor cells present in a patient hematopoietic sample.

Abstract: Tumor cells, particularly carcinoma cells, are separated from peripheral blood by magnetic sorting. The tumor cells are magnetically labeled with antibodies directed to tissue specific antigens, preferably cytoplasmic proteins. Labeling for cytoplasmic antigens is accomplished first permeabilizing, then fixing the cells. The cells are separated on a magnetic matrix. The number of tumor cells in the enriched fraction is used to calculate the number of tumor cells present in a patient hematopoietic sample.

Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. The use of plastic coated matrices especially small spheres or balls which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS. The selection of small spheres in combination with the coating provides for uniform matrices of high stability.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the diagnosis of allergen hypersensitivity in a patient. Rare, allergen-specific cells are enriched from a complex cell population, e.g. a patient blood sample. The percentage of blood cells that bind to a particular allergen is less than 0.01%. The allergen-specific cell population is enriched by magnetic cell sorting. In normal blood, the allergen-binding cells are primarily B-cells expressing CD19 and CD21. In blood from allergic patients, an additional population of effector cells, e.g. basophilic granulocytes is labeled by the allergen.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the diagnosis of allergen hypersensitivity in a patient. Rare, allergen-specific cells are enriched from a complex cell population, e.g. a patient blood sample. The percentage of blood cells that bind to a particular allergen is less than 0.01%. The allergen-specific cell population is enriched by magnetic cell sorting. In normal blood, the allergen-binding cells are primarily B-cells expressing CD19 and CD21. In blood from allergic patients, an additional population of effector cells, e.g. basophilic granulocytes is labeled by the allergen.

Abstract: A magnetic separator device is provided for separating biological materials from carrier fluids using the technique of high gradient magnetic separation. A release compensator reduces the amount of force that an operator needs to apply in order to remove a separation column from the magnetic field of the separator device. The release compensator may be a mechanical compensator, but is preferably a magnetic compensator. The magnetic separator device also preferably includes a mount for mounting the device to a wall. The mount is preferably a pair of additional magnets.

Abstract: Improved magnetic separation devices for magnetic separation procedures are provided. The improved separation devices contain matrices which provide uniform pores or channels that reduce the entrapment of air or non-target substances, and decrease the loss of target substances due to mechanical disruption. Target cells, from various systems and organs, or other target biological substances are labeled in conjunction with a suitable specific binding member, and isolated using the devices and methods of the present invention. In its simplest form, the cell separation system of the present invention has two main components: a magnetic separator and a cell separation reagent. A more complex separation device includes fluid passages, collection and storage containers and the separation column. The fluid circuitry can be constructed with integrated valves, or the valves may be applied externally to the fluid pathways.

Abstract: Improved magnetic separators, devices and methods for magnetic separation procedures are provided. The improved separation devices contain matrices which provide uniform pores or channels that reduce the entrapment of air or non-target substances, and decrease the loss of target substances due to mechanical disruption. Target cells, from various systems and organs, or other target biological substances are labeled in conjunction with a suitable specific binding member, and isolated using the devices and methods of the present invention. In its simplest form, the cell separation system of the present invention has two main components: a magnetic separator and a cell separation reagent. A more complex separation device includes fluid passages, collection and storage containers and the separation column. The fluid circuitry can be constructed with integrated valves, or the valves may be applied externally to the fluid pathways.

Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. Superior superparamagnetic particles, optionally coated with a polysaccharide or other, usually organic, materials can be prepared in uniform compositions with homogeneous magnetizations. The coating can conveniently be conjugated to a specific binding moiety complementary to a biological material whose purification or separation is desired. In addition, plastic coated matrices which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS.

Abstract: Improved magnetic separators, devices and methods for magnetic separation procedures are provided. The improved separation devices contain matrices which provide uniform pores or channels that reduce the entrapment of air or non-target substances, and decrease the loss of target substances due to mechanical disruption. Target cells, from various systems and organs, or other target biological substances are labeled in conjunction with a suitable specific binding member, and isolated using the devices and methods of the present invention. In its simplest form, the cell separation system of the present invention has two main components: a magnetic separator and a cell separation reagent. A more complex separation device includes fluid passages, collection and storage containers and the separation column. The fluid circuitry can be constructed with integrated valves, or the valves may be applied externally to the fluid pathways.

Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. Superior superparamagnetic particles, optionally coated with a polysaccharide or other, usually organic, materials can be prepared in uniform compositions with homogeneous magnetizations. The coating can conveniently be conjugated to a specific binding moiety complementary to a biological material whose purification or separation is desired. In addition, plastic coated matrices which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS.

Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. Superior superparamagnetic particles, optionally coated with a polysaccharide or other, usually organic, materials can be prepared in uniform compositions with homogeneous magnetizations. The coating can conveniently be conjugated to a specific binding moiety complementary to a biological material whose purification or separation is desired. In addition, plastic coated matrices which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS.

Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. Superior superparamagnetic particles, optionally coated with a polysaccharide or other, usually organic, materials can be prepared in uniform compositions with homogeneous magnetizations. The coating can conveniently be conjugated to a specific binding moiety complementary to a biological material whose purification or separation is desired. In addition, plastic coated matrices which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS.