the present invention relates to a separation medium with various functionalities suitable for , for example , isolation of proteins , cells , and viruses and also for diagnostic applications and cell cultivation . the separation medium comprises magnetic metal particles , preferably coated with an inert synthetic polymer , and pre - functionalised beads . these particles and beads are provided encapsulated in a hydrophilic porous polymer , preferably agarose . the beads may be used for cell cultivation or for chromatography . when the beads are used for chromatography the agarose layer may be provided with ligands having affinity for selected biomolecules .