Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6043066

Cell separation using electric fields

Mangano, Joseph A.; Vienna, VA, USA
Eppich, Henry M.; Andover, VA, USA

Described herein are methods of separating selected subpopulations of cells from cell samples via a process of subjecting the samples to electric fields which allow the separation of the cells on the basis of electroporation characteristics or size. The invention relates to methods and devices which enable discrete objects having a conductive inner core and which are surrounded by a dielectric membrane to be selectively inactivated by electric fields via irreversible breakdown of their dielectric membrane. Further disclosed are methods by which electric fields may be utilized to selectively inactivate and render non-viable particular subpopulations of cells in a suspension, while not adversely affecting other desired subpopulations such that the cells are selected on the basis of intrinsic or induced differences in their characteristic electroporation threshold, which can depend on such parameters as a difference in cell size or a critical dielectric membrane breakdown voltage. Claims of the invention include an advantageous separation of cells by this process without the need to employ undesirable exogenous agents, such as toxins or antibodies, and with a low degree of trauma or modification being incurred by the desired, selected cells. Therapeutic applications are included for the enrichment and isolation of stem cells and in the purging cancer cells.

Application Number: US1998000148620

Date Filed: 09/04/98

Dated Published: 03/28/00

Assignee: None