Separation and Purification of Stem and Blood Cells by Porous Polymeric Membranes

Abstract

Efficient cell separation is important for the successful isolation and purification of blood cells, stem cells, and specific tissue cells. Cell separation through membrane filtration was recently reported by several researchers. Leukocyte removal filters are commercially available cell separation filters. Removal of leukocytes from the blood using these filters has successfully decreased the side effects of blood transfusions and viral infections arising from leukocytes in donor blood. Compared with other cell separation methods, membrane filtration is simple and inexpensive, and sterility is easy to maintain during the process. Recently, the authors succeeded in purifying hematopoietic stem cells from the blood by the filtration method through porous polyurethane foaming membranes having nanosegments. We also succeeded in the separation of different kinds of mesenchymal stem cells through nylon mesh filters. We have reviewed the recent membrane technology for the separation and purification of stem cells and blood cells comprehensively.