The Application of Magnetic Techniques in Biosciences

Abstract

The idea to use magnetic techniques in biosciences is not new, but it has enjoyed a resurgence of interest especially during the last two decades. Magnetic adsorbents, carriers and modifiers can be used for the immobilization, isolation, modification, detection, determination and removal of a variety of biologically active compounds, xenobiotics, cellular components and cells. Magnetic separation and labelling have recently found many useful and interesting applications in various areas of biosciences, especially in molecular and cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry and bioanalytical chemistry. Special attention is being paid to the possible biomedical and clinical applications. Currently, the magnetic selective separation, represents the most often used magnetic technique. It can facilitate or accelerate many separation and purification processes especially in heterogeneous systems. To perform a biomagnetic separation an appropriate magnetic separator and magnetic particles or other magnetic labels are needed. Several types of separators and a wide assortment of magnetic particles of different type and size (usually surface modified) are commercially available. The importance of biomagnetic (separation) techniques has increased in recent years and further development of new important applications is expected in the future. The purpose of this review is to summarise basic elements and prospects of biomagnetic techniques and to highlight possible applications in various bioscience disciplines.