Biochemical
and Biotechnology -
Quick Isolation of Stem Cells
Introduction
For the isolation of stem cells, an
efficient method that is more than 10 times faster than
the conventional techniques has been developed at Nagoya
University. To develop this method, the researchers
used a special antibody that binds only to stem cells
and a polymer that becomes less water-soluble when heated.
To isolate human stem cells, a test tube is first filled
with a mixture of polyethylene glycol, which is relatively
water-insoluble, and dextran, a water-soluble polysaccharide.
These two liquids separate in the test tube into two
layers, like oil and water.
Once the tube is prepared, a collection of human cells
is added to the antibody-polymer complex. The tube is
then stirred and warmed. The stem cells, which become
bound to the antibody polymer complex molecules, accumulate
in the polyethylene glycol layer, while all the other
human cells accumulate in the dextran layer. When the
tube is centrifuged, the stem cells bound to the antibody-polymer
complexes congregate naturally at the interface between
the two liquids, where they can be easily recovered.
Contact for more
information
Science & Technology
Wing Embassy of India
2-2-11, Kudan Minami, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 102-0074, Japan
Tel: +81-3-3262-2391 to 97,
Fax: +81-3-3234-4866
E-mail:tandonus@hotmail.com
