Metal matrices for use in high gradient magnetic separation of biological materials and method for coating the same

A method to coat a magnetic gradient-intensifying matrix for use in a separation chamber of an apparatus for performing high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) processes, said apparatus includes a magnet having a pole gap for receiving said separation chamber, said magnet providing a magnetic field in said pole gap, which method includes the steps of:

• treating said matrix comprised of finely divided magnetically susceptible metal parts with a coat-forming liquid preparation in a preparation vessel, thereby covering the surfaces of said matrix of magnetizable metal parts, which preparation comprises a monomer capable of forming a polymer or a prepolymerized polymer;
• removing excess coat-forming liquid from said so covered matrix;
• and
• effecting the formation of a solid polymer coating of said matrix to form a solid, coated matrix, said solid polymer coating being impermeable to ions and containing substantially less than 30% water by weight based on the total weight of the coating on the matrix to form a coated matrix;
• transferring said matrix from said preparation vessel to said separation chamber of said apparatus.