Chromatographic separation of different species of cells with ion exchange resin

Abstract

A technique to separate different species of cells chromatographically with anion exchange resins as the adsorbent was developed and applied to mixtures of several species of cells to examine the degree of separation. Resin granules adsorbing cells on the surface were placed on the top of a resin column without cells, and the elution of cells was made with salts (NaCl, sodium acetate, KI, or phosphates); the resin granules were stirred with a square rod inserted into the column in a cylindrical glass tube. The concentration gradient elution of mixed cells gave a separation pattern with peaks, each of a single species of cells. The separation was complete between baker's yeast and Escherichia coli or Chlorella cells, less satisfactory between baker's and wine yeast cells, and partial between baker's yeast and Trigonopsis cells. Rapidity in practicing the separation is one of the characteristics of this newtechnique, since the whole process of separation could be completed within an hour. The applicabilities of the technique for analysis or separation of mixed cells in suspension were discussed.