Column-Free Method for Isolation and Culture of C-Kit Positive Stem Cells from Atrial Explants

Abstract

Ever since the discovery of stem cells, their isolation from tissues and expansion in culture has been extensively studied due to its potential for therapeutic application. The magnetic-assisted cell sorting (MACS) method is the most widely used technique for the sorting of cells based on their cell surface markers. Though effective, the major drawbacks are high cost and the requirement for the frequent replacement of the columns. In the column-free method, the cells are sorted using the same principle of immune-magnetic isolation but does not require magnetic columns, making it cost-effective. The isolation of c-kit⁺ stem cells from atrial explants using column-free magnet is found to be efficient and yields homogenous population of stem cells. This method saves time and labor and is economical when working with large sample sizes.