Selective removal of contaminants from a surface using articles having magnets

摘要

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.