Dr. Ebner's major research interest is the application of magnetic fields to the separation, collection and/or manipulation of magnetic particles from a fluid medium, with particular emphasis in the use of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) principles. This technique consists on the use of fine ferromagnetic elements that as a result of the application of an external magnetic field become energized and create magnetic gradients large enough to collect particles that because of their small size and/or low magnetism their collection cannot be otherwise realized. Today major emphasis and potential for HGMS is found in the medical area where the technique can be used to assist magnetic drug targeting for cancer treatment, restenosis, embolization control as well as for rapid detoxification.
