System and method for cell levitation and monitoring

A method for separating a heterogeneous population of cells, the method comprising the steps of:

• placing a channel containing a sample of the heterogeneous population of cells in a magnetically-responsive medium into a levitation system, wherein the system comprises
• a set of two magnets producing a magnetic field, wherein a space between the two magnets is sized to receive the channel;
• and
• a microscopy device having a stage between the set of two magnets on which the channel is placed;
• and
• levitating the heterogeneous population of cells in the magnetically-responsive medium by balancing a magnetic force applied to each of the cells by the magnetic field of the magnets with a corrected gravitational force of the cells in the magnetically-responsive medium, thereby separating the heterogeneous population of cells;
• separating the individual cells to an equilibrium exhibiting a balance between only gravitational forces and magnetic forces on the individual cell;
• and
• obtaining an image of the heterogeneous population of cells using the microscopy device and analyzing the image to characterize the heterogeneous population of cells.