Cell labeling and magnetic separation by means of immunoreagents based on polyacrolein microspheres.

Polyacrolein (PA) microspheres were synthesized by means of ionizing radiation and shown to contain aldehyde groups which form covalent bounds with amino compounds and proteins. PA microspheres made fluorescent after reaction with fluorescein-labeled antibodies were found to specifically label sensitized sheep red blood cells (SRBC). PA microspheres could also be grafted onto a variety of polymeric spheres of different sizes and composition by ionizing radiation. These hybrid spheres, i.e., preformed polymeric spheres with PA microspheres grafted on their surfaces could bind antibodies which retained specificity of reaction with cell surface receptors. Purification of sensitized SRBC from a mixture containing chicken red blood cells (CRBC) by means of hybrids magnetic spheres in a magnetic field was demonstrated.