Selective removal of contaminants from a surface using articles having magnets
US6503761B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S436/806
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A system and method for removing contaminants from a surface. The system is designed to use particles having means thereon which are capable of selectively binding to a contaminant or contaminants of interest. The particles are applied to the surface whereupon the contaminants bind to the particle. When the particle is removed, the desired contaminants are also removed. Preferably, the present invention utilizes magnetic particles having iron therein. The particles may then be readily removed using magnets. The means for binding the contaminant to the particle preferably comprise a ligand or a charge specifically designed to remove the contaminant of interest. The particles may be included in a carrier to facilitate their application to the surface. The invention is especially useful for the removal of contaminants from skin.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.