Devices and methods for separating particles

A kit, comprising a device and a first liquid including a magnetic fluid and two or more types of particles having different volumes;

• wherein the device comprises a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet, each being in fluidic communication with a flow channel, wherein the first fluid inlet includes at least two turns prior to the flow channel, wherein the first fluid inlet, the second fluid inlet, or both flow the first liquid into the flow channel, wherein the flow channel has a tapered diameter along a portion of the length of the flow channel;
• wherein the device comprises a permanent magnet configured to direct a non-uniform magnetic force onto the magnetic fluid to control the non-uniform magnetic force exerted on the particles and magnetic buoyancy force experienced by the particles;
• and
• wherein the device comprises a plurality of outlets, wherein the permanent magnet is configured so that the non-uniform magnetic force causes the two or more types of particles to be separated and flow into different outlets based on the magnetic buoyancy force and the volume of the particles, wherein the plurality of outlets includes three or more outlets for separating particles based upon the different volumes.