This invention relates to the static or continuous magnetic separation of specific entities from mixtures where the separation of target entities is clone in a one-step process. It is universally applicable to the harvest or removal of such entities for processing of biological molecules, cells of all types, virus particles, and the like, and for small- to large-scale separations of the same. By manipulation of the scientific principles that underlie this invention, specific targets can be conveniently captured for analysis, harvested or subjected to further processing on a collection surface free of bystander components. The principles employed and the methods disclosed completely obviate the need for washing of targeted entities such as cycles of resuspension and magnetic separation for removal of contaminating substances in the case of static separation or complex cycles of sample introduction and harvest to perform continuous processing.