CELL SEPARATION USING CRYOGELS

Cryogels are gel matrices that are formed in moderately frozen solutions of monomeric or polymeric precursors. Cryogels typically have interconnected macropores (or super macropores), allowing unhindered diffusion of solutes of practically any size, as well as mass transport of nano- and even microparticles. Cryogel biomaterials have been applied in technologically challenging area like, protein and cell separation, tissue engineering, bioreactors for therapeutic protein production and extracorporeal devices. Desired cells can bind to the monolithic cryogel column through specific interactions with some immobilized groups introduced on the surface of their pore walls. In the environmental biotechnology, these biomaterials have been used for analysis and removal heavy metals and bacterial contaminations from water and soil samples. This paper will give an overview on the potential applications of cryogel.