The exploitation of cell surface receptors for selective cell separation processes holds great promise for a wide range of applications. The fundamental engineering principles and underlying biochemical/biophysical phenomena to be generated by the proposed projects are expected to be generalizable to a very diverse range of potential cell separation processes. In addition to intrinsic receptor/ligand (binding molecule) biochemical interactions, there are a number of biophysical considerations which affect the selectivity and yield of receptor-mediated cell separation processes. The PIs propose a set of complimentary projects aimed at a quantitative understanding of the influence of key parameters on receptor-mediated adhesion of cells to a ligand-coated surface. Specifically, they will investigate the affects of receptor and ligand densities, receptor mobility, receptor/ligand binding affinity, temperature, and fluid shear rate on receptor-mediated cell separations. Model systems will include antigen-coated polymeric microspheres and cultured neuroblastome cells, with appropriate antibody and lectin ligand-coated surfaces. This grant application is an excellent example of the type of cross-disciplinary proposal we wish to see in the Engineering Directorate's Biotechnology Program. The Principal Investigators are considered well qualified to carry out the proposed research and I recommend funding of this proposal for three years in accordance with the revised budget.
