Related Experiment Videos
Fractionation of cells and subcellular particles with Percoll
1Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Unit of Biochemistry, University of Uppsala BMC, Box 575, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden. hakan.pertoft@medkem.uu.se
Journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Methods
|July 13, 2000
Summary
Density gradient centrifugation is a powerful technique for isolating cells and subcellular particles. Percoll is an ideal medium for this, ensuring undamaged, homogeneous cell populations for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Centrifugation is a standard method for cell and particle separation.
- Density gradient centrifugation offers powerful applications, especially with sensitive assays and clinical treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the applications and benefits of density gradient centrifugation.
- To highlight Percoll as a preferred density gradient medium.
- To discuss emerging media like silanized colloidal silica particles.
Main Methods:
- Density gradient centrifugation using Percoll.
- Silanization of colloidal silica particles (e.g., BactXtractor).
- Separation of cells and subcellular particles based on size and buoyant density.
Main Results:
- Percoll effectively reduces convection and yields undamaged, homogeneous cell populations.
- Silanized colloidal silica particles show promise, particularly for microorganism recovery for Polymer Chain Reaction (PCR).
- The described separation methods are applicable to various suspended cells and organelles.
Conclusions:
- Density gradient centrifugation with Percoll is highly effective for isolating diverse biological materials.
- Newer media offer complementary or alternative solutions for specific separation needs.
- The technique is crucial for applications ranging from in vitro fertilization to cell therapy and basic research.