Magnetic flow sorting using a model system of human lymphocytes and a colloidal magnetic label
M Zborowski1, L R Moore, S Reddy
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195-5254, USA.
ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Researchers developed a continuous magnetic cell sorter for experimental cell enrichment. This novel flow-through system offers comparable purity and enrichment rates to batch sorters for lymphocytes.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cell sorting relies on surface protein expression differences.
- Immunomagnetic cell sorting offers high capacity and viability but has limitations.
- Commercial batch sorters have low enrichment rates and are not continuous.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test a continuous, flow-through magnetic cell sorter.
- To enable small-volume, experimental cell enrichment.
- To improve upon limitations of existing batch magnetic cell sorters.
Main Methods:
- Developed a continuous, flow-through magnetic cell sorter.
- Labeled human peripheral lymphocytes using an immunofluoromagnetic sandwich.
- Utilized anti-CD8 monoclonal antibody-fluorescein and anti-mouse antibody-colloidal iron-dextran conjugates.
- Employed a saturation magnetic field of 1.334 T and a five-channel sorter.
Main Results:
- Sorted 2-3 million lymphocytes per hour.
- Achieved purity rates of 68-85% and enrichment rates of 16-34x.
- Recovery of enriched fractions was up to 32%.
- Performance was comparable to commercial batch magnetic separators.
Conclusions:
- The continuous flow-through sorter is effective for experimental cell enrichment.
- Current limitations include sorting capacity and recovery due to small scale.
- Future work will focus on enhancing resolution, recovery, and capacity for broader applications.
