Recent approaches for cell isolation using micro/nanoparticles

Abstract

Cell isolation, a part of sample preparation, is an essential step in almost all pre-analytical procedures, especially in the isolation of living cells for further culturing and molecular analysis. Micro- or nanotechnology results in the high purity of the isolated target cells and improves diagnostic data accuracy. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are the most extensively applied for cell isolation among micro/nanoparticle-based technology. In which, the external magnetic field is used for the enrichment or final isolation of target cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, Natural Killer Cells (NK cells), gamma delta T cells (γδ T cells) for further culturing to improve the cell- and immunotherapy and reduce the complication from the therapeutic method. It is difficult to invent cell isolation tools because the biocompatibility aspects need materials that do not affect cytotoxicity and maintain the cell living. Moreover, the material used should not induce an allergic response from human subjects who intend to be used in therapeutic approaches. Therefore, things to remember when using bioconjugate micro/nanoparticles for cell separation include good biocompatibility, high binding capacity, and the superparamagnetic property (in the case of MNPs). This chapter reviews the recent approaches of micro/nanoparticles in cells and sample preparation for biological analysis.