Abstract
This chapter presents a technique for separation of cells by preparative density gradient electrophoresis. Electrophoretic methods of cell separation are based on differences in the surface density charge of the cells. Several of these methods have been applied for the preparative separation of mammalian cells. These include free-flow electrophoresis, Staflo electrophoresis in horizontally moving gradients, electromagnetic or endless belt electrophoresis in free solution, and density gradient electrophoresis. Free-flow electrophoresis has been extensively applied for the preparative separation and characterization of mammalian cells, with emphasis on lymphoid and other hemopoietic cell types. The application of Staflo electrophoresis or electromagnetic electrophoresis for the separation of mammalian cells has been limited. Density gradient electrophoresis has been recently applied for the separation of mammalian cells and, especially, of cells of the lymphoid system. Electrophoretic separations of cells are based on differences in their cell surface density charge. This charge is an apparent surface charge because the true charge of the cells is greatly reduced by a layer of ions of opposite charge surrounding the cell, forming an electric double layer. As mammalian cells are negatively charged in physiological pH solutions, these ions are positively charged and are attracted by electrostatic forces. They are further surrounded by a diffuse region, where ions are distributed according to the electric forces present as well as to random thermal movements.
Published Version
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