field flow fractionation (FFF)

Field flow fractionation (FFF) is a family of techniques used for the separation of nanoparticles, proteins, DNA, viruses, and other materials based on size, charge, or other physical properties. Separation takes place in a thin, open channel through which samples are transported by a laminar flow of liquid. A field, applied perpendicularly to the channel flow, partitions the various components into regions of different flow velocities.