Releasable magnetic cell capture system

Abstract

Compositions and methods for capturing specific cell types from a mixture in a liquid suspension of cells are provided. Targeted magnetic nanoparticles of the invention can be utilized to isolate, quantify, and characterize circulating tumor cells from complex body fluids, such as blood. The magnetic nanoparticles are releasable after targeted cells have been isolated, leaving the cells in a viable state for characterization and growth in culture. The targeted magnetic nanoparticles are fabricated using surface-functionalized super paramagnetic nanoparticles that are encapsulated in a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer to form microparticles. The microparticles are rendered target-selective by additional coatings of gelatin and gold nanoparticles which are derivatized with a targeting ligand specific for a targeted cell type.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.