Efficient Schwann cell purification by differential cell detachment using multiplex collagenase treatment.

Schwann cell purification is usually difficult due to the contamination of fibroblasts, which often become a predominant cell type in Schwann cell culture in vitro. We have developed a novel and efficient method to enrich Schwann cells by differential detachment of two types of cells. In the culture, cells were treated with a multiplex collagenase and the Schwann cells were found to detach faster than fibroblasts and thus Schwann cells could be easily isolated. Within 5 days, Schwann cell purity could reach above 99%, which was confirmed by immunostaining characterization and flow cytometric analysis. In addition, this efficient method can reach a high cell yield after two rounds of differential detachment procedures and does not require antimitotic treatment or special equipment as often needed by other reported methods.