ENGINEERING
Magnetic Separation in Microfluidics (Magnetophoresis)
Magnetic separation is one of the most widely used techniques in biology — and microfluidics makes it precise and continuous. Magnetophoresis uses magnetic fields, usually via magnetic beads, to capture and sort targets on a chip. Here is how.
What is magnetophoresis?
Magnetophoresis is the motion of magnetic (or magnetically labelled) particles in a magnetic field gradient. Most biological targets are not magnetic, so they are tagged with antibody-coated magnetic beads (immunomagnetic labelling), then pulled aside by a magnet as they flow through the chip.
On-chip implementation
An external magnet or integrated micro-magnets create the field gradient. Labelled targets are deflected to a separate outlet or held while unlabelled material washes away — enabling capture, washing and release in a continuous flow.
Strengths and limits
- Highly specific — antibody-coated beads target almost anything.
- Gentle and established — widely validated chemistry.
- Limit — usually needs a labelling (bead) step, unlike label-free methods.
Applications and alternatives
Cell isolation (e.g. CTCs, immune cells), nucleic-acid and protein extraction, and immunoassays. For label-free needs, compare dielectrophoresis, acoustofluidics and inertial microfluidics.
Frequently asked questions
What is magnetophoresis?
The movement of magnetic or magnetically labelled particles in a magnetic field gradient, used in microfluidics to capture and sort targets — usually via antibody-coated magnetic beads.
How does magnetic bead separation work on a chip?
Targets are tagged with magnetic beads, then a magnet near the channel deflects or holds them while unlabelled material flows past, allowing capture, washing and release.
Is magnetic separation label-free?
Usually no — it relies on magnetic beads to tag the target. Label-free alternatives include dielectrophoresis, acoustofluidics and inertial microfluidics.
Capture with magnets
Designing a magnetic separation chip?
We build chips that integrate with bead chemistry and magnets. Upload your design for a quote, or book a call.
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