Five stage internal cell separator

Abstract

Cells are normally separated by velocity sedimentation and/or density gradient centrifugation, counter current distribution or selective agglutination. The cells may also be separated using a multi-sectioned plastic sleeve defined by a plurality of plastic cylinders with screens and O-rings therebetween and a retaining plate at the top end of the cylinders. These methods present various problems including a large variation in the sizes of cells isolated in any fraction, high costs of materials, and/or exposure of the cells to air immediately following separation. These problems are overcome by means of a simple cell separator which permits separation on the basis of size, and which is sealed maintaining a sterile environment during the separation process. The separator includes an elongated, tubular casing with an open upper end and a closed lower end, an elongated, tubular column for insertion into the casing, the column having a closed upper end and an open lower end, the column including a plurality of separate interconnectable tubular sections for releasably supporting cup-shaped filters between adjacent sections, and a flange on the uppermost section for sealing engagement with the upper end of the casing. Cells in a liquid medium are introduced into the column through an inlet duct in the close upper end of the column. The cells are separated by means of the filters, and the liquid medium is discharged through an outlet duct in the lower end of the casing. Thus, the column can be inserted and removed from the casing as a unit, and disassembled from the upper or lower end thereof.