Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a system that uses magnetic beads coated in special antibodies to filter dead cells from healthy ones in cultures that are used to produce protein-based drugs. ImmunoSolv is a company that was setup as a spinoff to capitalize on this interesting new research.
From the University of Edinburgh:
The antibodies bind to dead cells without harming the remaining healthy cells.
A magnet is then used to draw the dead cells out, leaving the living cells to produce beneficial proteins more effectively.
Researchers have found that removing dead cells can increase productivity of cell cultures by more than 100 per cent.
The technique replaces lengthy and potentially damaging methods of cell removal, such as spinning cultures around at high speeds, which can traumatise healthy cells.
The technology could also have implications for vaccine development and stem cell research.
Benefits of the Dead-Cert™ nanoparticles technology, as described by ImmunoSolv:
Increase confidence and reduce uncertainty in your cell preparations and cultures Improve viability from less than 50% to over 95% Save time and money Separate cells in minutes in their own growth medium with minimal manipulation and trauma – no generation of further dead cells! Column-free No specialist equipment required – all you need is a simple magnet
More from University of Edinburgh..
ImmunoSolv technology page…
