A novel synthesis of polyacrolein microspheres and their application for cell labeling and cell separation

A novel method for the synthesis of polyacrolein microspheres with fluorescent or magnetic properties is described. These microspheres carry reactive aldehyde groups on their surface, which are used for covalent binding of various proteins at physiological pH. Polyacrolein microspheres may be used as a simple tool for cell labeling and cell separation. The feasibility of specific labeling of fresh human red blood cells and of the separation of human red blood cells from turkey red blood cells by means of a magnetic field is discussed.