title: Magnetic separations in biotechnology.
abstract: Magnetic separations are probably one of the most versatile separation processes in biotechnology as they are able to purify cells, viruses, proteins and nucleic acids directly from crude samples. The fast and gentle process in combination with its easy scale-up and automation provide unique advantages over other separation techniques. In the midst of this process are the magnetic adsorbents tailored for the envisioned target and whose complex synthesis spans over multiple fields of science. In this context, this article reviews both the synthesis and tailoring of magnetic adsorbents for bioseparations as well as their ultimate application.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre for Biological and Chemical Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, Lisbon 1049-001, Portugal.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Borlido
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Azevedo
authors.forename: A C A
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Roque
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Aires-Barros
mesh_terms: D001709:Biotechnology; D060526:Magnetic Fields; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011506:Proteins / Q000302:isolation & purification
chemical_list: D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D009696:Nucleic Acids; D011506:Proteins
keywords: Automation; Magnetic particles; Magnetic separations; Purification; Synthesis