Baxter International Inc.

R Alan Hardwick

Ahmad-Maher Moubayed

William C Lake

Alan K Smith

Dennis E Chenoweth

An apparatus for magnetic cell separation using paramagnetic microbeads includes a base upon which is movably carried a rocker member. The rocker member carries both a primary processing container in which a mixture of liquid with cells and paramagnetic microbeads is received; and a primary magnet movable from a first position adjacent to the primary container to magnetically capture the microbeads, and a second position spaced from the primary container to magnetically release the microbeads. The mixture of liquid with cells and microbeads is agitated by tilting motions of the rocker assembly, thereby achieving the binding of target cells to microbeads. The paramagnetic microbeads, with bound target cells, are captured and released by movements of the primary magnet between its first and second positions. A secondary magnet is placed downstream from the primary magnet to capture any paramagnetic microbeads which might escape from the primary magnet. Also provided is an interconnected container apparatus for use to contain and appropriately conduct the liquid, cells, and microbeads.

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El Toro, CA, United States of America

R Alan Hardwick