Cell purification and biosafety considerations in biomedicine

Abstract

In research settings purification of specific cell populations is generally performed using magnetic beads or Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS). Because magnetic bead-based cell sorting is a bulk cell separation process that can easily be performed in a sterile, enclosed environment it frequently is the technology of choice to purify cell types characterized by one or two abundantly-expressed cell surface markers in translational and clinical research. Therapeutic cell types characterized by intracellular or complex combinations of low and high-level expressed cell surface markers are obtained by FACS using a cell sorter. Although cell sorters allow for precise identification of cells with complex characteristics with reliable sort recoveries, the process is not easily performed in a sterile, enclosed environment. In recognition of potential hazards generated by aerosols during cell sorting, NIH recently has issued a policy on biosafety for cell sorters effective as of FY 2012 that will affect intra- as well as extramural funded research. The policy calls for containment of aerosols by locating cell sorters (1) in a separate lab space with appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirator use for operators, or (2) within a class II Biological Safety Cabinet and where the use of PPE is optional.