Serum Protein and Antibody Interactions with Immunomagnetic Cell Isolation Particles

Immunomagnetic cell isolation particles are widely used to separate cells from complex, biological environments, such as blood, urine, or bone marrow. Cell isolation particles are typically decorated with specialized antibodies to bind to targeted cell surfaces via specific antibody–antigen interactions. These interactions can be disturbed by the presence of serum proteins, which are common constituents of cell isolation buffers to prevent cell aggregation. The proposed research will investigates the effect of serum protein–particle interactions on the binding of antibody linkers to immunomagnetic cell isolation particles. The intern will compare the binding capacity of serum proteins to various types of cell isolation particles and examine binding mechanism(s) with deteriorating effect on the cell isolation process. The partner organization, STEMCELL Technologies, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of cell isolation products. The results of this research are expected to allow STEMCELL to benefit their customers with improved cell isolation kits and cell isolation protocols.

Faculty Supervisor:

Russ Algar

Student:

Michael Van Tran

Partner:

StemCell Technologies

Discipline:

Chemistry

Sector:

Health care and social assistance

University:

University of British Columbia