Abstract: A test element and method for detecting an analyte with the aid thereof is provided. The test element is essentially disk-shaped and flat, and can be rotated about a preferably central axis which is perpendicular to the plane of the disk-shaped test element. The test element has a sample application opening for applying a liquid sample, a capillary-active zone, in particular a porous, absorbent matrix, having a first end that is remote from the axis and a second end that is near to the axis, and a sample channel which extends from an area near to the axis to the first end of the capillary-active zone that is remote from the axis.

Abstract: A microfluidic device of a diagnostic and detection system includes an inlet port connected by one or more microchannels to an outlet port and includes a capture and visualization chamber (CVC) connected to at least one microchannel. A fluid to be analyzed can be mixed with magnetic microbeads that have an affinity to become bound to target components, such as pathogens in the fluid. The fluid including the magnetically bound target components can be injected through the microfluidic device. Magnetic field gradient, such as provided by permanent or electro-magnets, can be applied to the fluid and the magnetically bound target components flowing through the microfluidic device to cause the magnetically bound target components to migrate into the (CVC) and become separated from the fluid.

Abstract: A diagnostic instrument having a cellular analysis system capable of running standardized immune monitoring panels. The system could include an automated and integrated specimen sampling method through a continuous flow process. The instrument could include a probe washer station, scheduler, cassette autoloader, bar coding system, and/or containment area common interface. An improved optimization test is proposed for instrument and flow cytometer quality assurance. The proposed method analyzes population separation for measuring instrument performance and/or sample quality. Such a method may also use population separation for measuring sample and/or run quality.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge and methods for performing a diagnostic, molecular or biochemical assay thereon, where all dried and/or liquid reagents necessary for the assay are contained in the cartridge and the assay requires only the addition of sample. Pneumohydraulic features, chamber and diaphragm technologies are introduced for overcoming the problems of bubble interference and reagent washout during operation of a microfluidic cartridge. The cartridges are inserted into a host instrument for performance of an assay and the cartridge is supplied as a consumable.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding cells. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for incubating cells having a dynamically controlled environment in which the cells are grown, which are maintained in a desired condition and in which cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. The apparatus also comprises an imaging mechanism for automatically determining the state of an individual cell of the cells over time. The imaging mechanism is in communication with the incubating mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction vessel and a reaction controller, wherein temperature control of a liquid stored within the vessel can be performed with a high accuracy and faithful responsiveness. The reaction container and the reaction controller comprise one or a plurality of reaction chambers in which liquid is storable, and a wall that surrounds the reaction chamber, and the entirety or a part of the wall is formed by a temperature raising and lowering body that can raise or lower the temperature thereof according to a signal from an instructing part provided outside.

Abstract: Integrated apparatus and method for hematological analyses, wherein the apparatus, comprises, arranged substantially in line and integrated substantially in a single machine, a device (14) of the optical type to detect substantially instantaneously the speed of blood sedimentation (ESR) by measuring the optical density, or absorbance, of the blood sample, and a measuring assembly (18) with a cell-counter function or suchlike.

Abstract: A cell processing apparatus 29 of the present invention includes a storage container 57 that can contain liquid L including a biological sample; a filter 60 that prevents a first cell C1 in the biological sample from passing therethrough and that allows a second cell C2 having a smaller diameter than that of the first cell C1 to pass therethrough; and a filtration cylinder 58 for separating, in the storage container 57 and via the filter 60, the liquid L into a first liquid L1 mainly including the first cell C1 and a second liquid L2 mainly including the second cell C2. A measurement target cell discriminated by the filter from the other cells can be easily collected.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for reagent compositions for biosensors comprising release polymers, methods of making such biosensors and films of reagent compositions comprising release polymers. The reagent compositions comprise a release polymer and an effective analyte detecting amount of an enzyme an enzyme cofactor and a redox compound capable of acting in a biosensor as (i) a redox mediator associated with a working electrode (ii) a redox couple associated with a reference electrode or (iii) the redox mediator associated with the working electrode and the redox couple for the reference electrode.

Abstract: A sample analyzer comprising: a measurement section; a transportation section; an identification data obtainer; and a system controller; is disclosed. The system controller is configured to acquire a result of determination regarding whether a sample needs a re-measurement for a sample based on a result of a measurement of the sample. When the system controller recognizes a presence of the washing fluid tube transported by the transportation section before a determination result regarding a necessity of re-measurement is obtained for an already aspirated sample, the system controller prohibits the supply of the washing fluid in the washing fluid tube to the measurement section.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample processing section, a transporting section, an identification data acquirer and a system controller. When identification data of a washing fluid tube is acquired by the identification data acquirer, the system controller controls the transporting section to supply the washing fluid tube to the sample processing section. When the washing fluid tube arrives at the sample processing section, the sample processing section aspirates the washing fluid in the supplied washing fluid tube and performs a washing of at least one part of the sample processing section. The system controller prohibits the washing with the washing fluid tube if identification data of a sample tube is acquired after the identification data of the washing fluid tube is acquired and before the washing is started.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: Provided are a microorganism testing chip capable of suppressing self-fluorescence and enhancing mass productivity, and a microorganism testing device using the same. The microorganism testing chip includes a main body and a fungus body detection unit mounted on the main body. The main body has a detection window frame portion which is a through-hole or a pass-through groove. The fungus body detection unit is disposed to cover the detection window frame portion and has a fungus body detection flow path connected to flow paths provided in the main body. The fungus body detection unit includes a cover member and a flow path member, and is formed by attaching these two members to each other. The flow path member has a groove. By attaching the two members to each other, the groove of the flow path member serves as the fungus body detection flow path.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated lab-on-a-chip device for carrying out a nucleic acid extraction process on a fluid sample containing cells and/or particles, the device comprising: (a) a sample inlet (1) for loading of a fluid sample, (b) a lysis unit (4) for lysis of cells and/or particles present in the fluid sample, (c) a reservoir of lysis fluid (7) for the lysis unit, (d) a nucleic acid extraction unit (5) downstream of the lysis unit, and (e) reservoirs of first washing buffer and eluant fluid (8, 9, 10) for the nucleic acid extraction unit, wherein the device further comprises (f) a mixing unit (6) downstream of the nucleic acid extraction unit, and (g) a source of mixing fluid (11) for the mixing unit. The reservoirs of lysis fluid, first washing buffer and eluant fluid may be provided parallel to one anther so that they may be actuated by a single pump.

Abstract: A diagnostic test tape for liquid samples is provided comprising a flexible transport tape and a plurality of test fields applied to the transport tape that are distributed in the longitudinal direction of the tape, where said test fields comprise a detection layer and a spreading net spanning the detection layer for a planar uptake of liquid sample, wherein the spreading net is formed from a lattice-like fabric comprising fabric threads that cross at right angles. In order to prevent the fabric from arching up under tape tension it is proposed that the fabric is oriented obliquely to the transport tape such that all fabric threads run obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the tape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a droplet-based affinity assay device and system. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes an antibody immobilized on a surface. According to another embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes a droplet on the droplet microactuator, the droplet comprising an antibody.

Abstract: A device for individually analysing cells of interest, comprising (a) a channel for receiving the contents of a cell of interest, wherein the channel has an input end and an output end, and (b) a cell trapping site in proximity to the input end of the channel, wherein (i) the input end of the channel is adapted such that an intact cell of interest cannot enter the channel; and (ii) the channel contains one or more analytical components for analysing the contents of the cell of interest. In use, a cell is applied to the device, where it is trapped by the cell trapping means. The cell cannot enter the channel intact, but its contents can be released in situ to enter the channel's input end. The contents can then move down the channel, towards the output end, and they encounter the immobilised reagents, thereby permitting analysis of the cell contents.

Abstract: In a microfluidic system, a magnetic clamp for sealing a flexible microchannel chip includes a base formed from a magnetically-attractable material. The base supports a window for viewing the face of the microfluidic chip. A ring with magnets uniformly distributed around it is disposed over the base. A transparent disk attached to the top of the ring has an inlet and an outlet for introducing and removing a fluid medium into a cavity defined the disk, the window, the center opening of the ring and the base. An elastomer cushion is attached to the inner surface of the disk. The magnetic force between the base and the magnets on the ring compresses the cushion against the microfluidic chip so that the microchannels are sealed against the window with a uniform and reproducible pressure.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a microfluidic system for detecting a biological entity in a sample volume is provided. The microfluidic system may include: a chamber configured to receive the sample volume, wherein the chamber includes a detection region for detecting the biological entity; a first port in fluid communication with the chamber; and a second port including a filter in fluid communication with the chamber; and wherein a fluid provided to the first port or the second port flows between the first port and the second port through the chamber.

Abstract: Material transfer/interrogation devices (e.g. liquid handling workstations) have been designed in the past for transferring material from a source to a destination location or for interrogating a material at a location, where the locations remain fixed. The invention provides methods and apparatuses for transferring or interrogating materials by one or more carrier devices to one or more receiving devices, where the carrier and receiving devices move independently and simultaneously on multiple axes. In some embodiments, one or more of the carrier and receiving devices can move along an X, Z, Y, and Theta axis, which allows the source and destination locations to rotate and translate relative to each other. Due to this rotation and translation, containers can be positioned to minimize the distance traveled between a pick location from the source and a place location on the destination, greatly increasing the speed at which material transfer can occur.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods for ionophorically screening pore forming bacterial protein toxins and receptors for insect toxicity. The method includes: a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid and an insect receptor, b) contacting the membrane with the pore forming bacterial protein toxin and an ion solution, and c) measuring ion flow through the membrane. Also provided are a method and kit for determining the amount of live pore forming bacterial toxin protein in a sample.

Abstract: A biodevice is in an elongated form and has a conductive layer and an insulating layer stacked on a side surface of a shaft member at the center. A cylindrical hollow section is formed through the device, being connected to the exterior at a front end and extending from this front end axially. An electrode section is formed on an inner surface. A sensing substance such as enzyme may be placed at the electrode section to detect a current value corresponding to the concentration or quantity of an object under test placed between a counter electrode and the biodevice.

Abstract: Methods, materials, apparatus and systems are described for performing capillary flow assay. In one aspect, a system includes a sample collection unit to collect a sample liquid and a sample testing and storing unit to interface with the sample collection unit to test and store the collected sample liquid. The sample testing and storing unit includes a sample inlet shaped to receive the collected sample from the sample collection unit, and a sample well positioned below the sample inlet to retain at least a portion of the sample liquid. The sample testing and storing unit includes a sample housing unit to store a remainder of the sample liquid not retained in the sample well, and an analyte testing unit housing shaped to receive an analyte detecting unit to test a presence of a target analyte in the sample liquid.

Abstract: A sensor includes a diaphragm having a through-hole (1), and includes a frame supporting a diaphragm and having a cavity. Kerfs are formed in a frame so as to extend from an end surface of the frame, and the wall surfaces of the kerfs are made hydrophilic. This structure can suppress the occurrence of bubbles in the vicinity of the through-hole, and efficiently remove the remaining bubbles. As a result, the bubbles adhering to the vicinity of the through-hole can be removed, and the measuring reliability of the sensor can be improved.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a-method for performing a lateral flow assay. The method includes depositing a sample on a test strip at an application region, detecting a first detection signal arising from the test strip in the first detection zone, and generating a baseline for the first measurement zone by interpolating between values of the detection signal outside of the first measurement zone and inside of the first detection zone. The method may include locating a beginning boundary and an ending boundary for the first measurement zone on the test strip. Additional detection zones having measurement zones may also be incorporated with the embodiment.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: A cancer cell separating apparatus includes: a flow channel including an antibody fixation area having antibodies which bind specifically to cancer cells fixed thereon, wherein the cancer cells and non-cancer cells are separated using a difference in velocity of movement between the cancer cells and the non-cancer cells in cell slurry introduced into the flow channel.

Abstract: An analyzer comprising: a specimen container setting portion including a plurality of container holders for holding a plurality of specimen containers of different types; an aspiration section for aspirating the specimen from the specimen container set in the specimen container setting portion; a sensor for detecting the presence of the specimen container set in at least one of the plurality of container holders; and a controller for determining in which of the plurality of container holders the specimen container is set based on the detection result of the sensor, and controlling the operation of the aspiration section, is disclosed. A method for aspirating a specimen is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample analysis cartridge and a sample cartridge reader are provided. In measuring a particular component included in a sample flowing in a microfluidic channel, a numerical value of hematocrit is reflected to thus improve the accuracy of measurement of the particular component.

Abstract: A system for in situ monitoring within a specified environment includes a housing with an intake inserted into the environment. A plurality of pumps are included in the housing with a number of test beds, each being separately coupled to one of the number of pumps, where each of the number of test beds holds material and where each of the plurality of pumps operate to separately push fluid through a coupled test bed. An effluent storage device is disposed to receive effluent from the number of test beds.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analysis device which can analyze substances with low blood concentration with high precision without having to make the device larger. The analysis device is composed of: a specimen disk equipped with specimen containers; a reagent disk equipped with reagent containers; a first disk equipped with first containers where purification of the subject component to be measured in the specimen is carried out; a second disk equipped with second containers where purification of the sample purified in the first container is carried out; and a mass spectrometry unit which measures the specimen purified in the second container.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a sample chamber accommodating a sample, a first sample distribution unit connected to the sample chamber and receiving the sample, a sample transfer unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and forming a path for transferring the sample, and including a first connection unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and a second connection unit, wherein the distance from the center of rotation to the second connection unit is greater than the distance from the center of rotation to the first connection unit, a second sample distribution unit connected to the second connection unit and receiving the sample transferred via the sample transfer unit after filling the first sample distribution unit, and first and second analysis units respectively connected to the first and second sample distribution units and analyzing ingredients of the sample.

Abstract: A micromachined patch-clamp apparatus is disclosed for holding one or more cells and providing electrical, chemical, or mechanical stimulation to the cells during analysis with the patch-clamp technique for studying ion channels in cell membranes. The apparatus formed on a silicon substrate utilizes a lower chamber formed from silicon nitride using surface micromachining and an upper chamber formed from a molded polymer material. An opening in a common wall between the chambers is used to trap and hold a cell for analysis using the patch-clamp technique with sensing electrodes on each side of the cell. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more electrostatic actuators formed on the substrate to provide mechanical stimulation to the cell being analyzed, or to provide information about mechanical movement of the cell in response to electrical or chemical stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pretreatment apparatus that performs concentration and separation of a sample, and in particular, in order to provide a sample pretreatment apparatus using a solid-phase extraction column, and a mass spectrometer using the same, which is particularly suitable for clinical analysis in which qualitative/quantitative analysis of a biological sample such as blood is performed, according to each operational step for a solid-phase extraction treatment, for example, a collection device serving as flow passages or containers for collection of waste liquid or extracted matter is installed on a bottom face of the solid-phase extraction column, and the extracted matter is separately collected without being mixed with waste liquid by switching the positions of the collection device.

Abstract: A system has been constructed that recapitulate the features of a capillary bed through normal human tissue. The system facilitates perfusion of three-dimensional (3D) cell monocultures and heterotypic cell co-cultures at the length scale of the capillary bed. A major feature is that the system can be utilized within a “multiwell plate” format amenable to high-throughput assays compatible with the type of robotics commonly used in pharmaceutical development. The system provides a means to conduct assays for toxicology and metabolism and as a model for human diseases such as hepatic diseases, including hepatitis, exposure-related pathologies, and cancer. Cancer applications include primary liver cancer as well as metastases. The system can also be used as a means of testing gene therapy approaches for treating disease and inborn genetic defects.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices having active features such as valves, peristaltic pumps, and mixing portions are fabricated to have a thin elastomeric membrane over the active features. The active features are activated by a tactile actuator external to the membrane, for example, a commercial Braille display. The display may be computer controlled, for example by simple text editor software, to activate individual Braille protrusions or a plurality of protrusions to actuate the active portions of the microfluidic device. Integral devices can incorporate the tactile actuators in a single device, but still external to the membrane.

Abstract: A self-addressable, self-assembling microelectronic device is designed and fabricated to actively carry out and control multi-step and multiplex molecular biological reactions in microscopic formats. These reactions include nucleic acid hybridization, antibody/antigen reaction, diagnostics, and biopolymer synthesis. The device can be fabricated using both microlithographic and micro-machining techniques. The device can electronically control the transport and attachment of specific binding entities to specific micro-locations. The specific binding entities include molecular biological molecules such as nucleic acids and polypeptides. The device can subsequently control the transport and reaction of analytes or reactants at the addressed specific micro-locations. The device is able to concentrate analytes and reactants, remove non-specifically bound molecules, provide stringency control for DNA hybridization reactions, and improve the detection of analytes. The device can be electronically replicated.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: Systems and methods of sample processing and temperature control are disclosed. The invention may especially relate to temperature control, and may in some embodiments be methods of temperature control of an automated sample processing system and methods of automated sample processing. Specifically, the present invention provides temperature control in relation to sample processing systems and methods of processing samples, and in some embodiments provides temperature control in relation to sample carriers and processing materials such as reagents. Corresponding systems and devices are disclosed, including sample processing systems (1), sample carrier temperature regulation systems (60), reagent temperature regulation systems, sample processing control systems, and temperature regulation devices, among other embodiments.

Abstract: A thermal cycle system and method suitable for mass production of DNA comprising a temperature control body having at least two sectors. Each sector has at least one heater, cooler, or other means for changing temperature. A path traverses the sectors in a cyclical fashion. In use, a piece of tubing or other means for conveying is placed along the path and a reaction mixture is pumped or otherwise moved along the path such that the reaction mixture is repetitively heated or cooled to varying temperatures as the reaction mixture cyclically traverses the sectors. The reaction mixture thereby reacts to form a product. In particular, polymerase chain reaction reactants may continuously be pumped through the tubing to amplify DNA. The temperature control body is preferably a single aluminum cylinder with a grooved channel circling around its exterior surface, and preferably has wedge-shaped or pie-shaped sectors separated by a thermal barrier.

Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.

Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for analysis of individual particles in a microfluidic device. The methods involve the immobilization of an array of particles in suspension and the application of experimental compounds. Such methods can also include electrophysiology studies including patch clamp recording, electroporation, or both in the same microfluidic device. The apparatus provided includes a microfluidic device coupled to a multi-well structure and an interface for controlling the flow of media within the microchannel device.

Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.

Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.

Abstract: An analytical chip and analyzer are disclosed. The analytical chip comprises a substrate and reaction cells that are formed in the substrate for receiving a sample collected from a living body. A reagent storage portion is used to store reagents to be supplied to the reaction cells. Flow paths are provided to connect the reaction cells to the reagent storage portions, thereby allowing the reagents stored in the reagent storage portions to flow into the reaction cells.

Abstract: A method for operating a tissue processor and a respective tissue processor for performing this method are described for the processing tissue samples. The tissue processor comprises at least one retort for receiving the tissue samples and at least one container for receiving a process medium. The process medium is transferred at least one of from the container into the retort and from the retort into the container. A value is automatically measured in the course of transferring the process medium, the value representing a characteristic property of the process medium. The process medium is identified based on the value.

Abstract: The present invention includes a magnetically susceptible polymer component, a method of making the same, and apparatuses and systems for mixing, separating or localizing a magnetically susceptible polymer compound in a reaction. The magnetically susceptible polymer component includes a polymer and a magnetically susceptible particle of a predetermined size, which yields a component having a much-improved magnetic reactivity due to the increase in magnetic material by mass percentage. The apparatuses and systems of the present invention employ controllable magnetic fields distributable in perpendicular directions in order to precisely control the orientation, position and relative motion of any magnetically susceptible components within a reaction vessel.