Preparation of micro-cell membrane chromatographic columns with polyvinyl alcohol-modified polyether ether ketone tube as cellular membrane carrier

Cell membrane chromatography is a promising technique for screening active components from complex matrices. Unfortunately, the large consumption of cells and low resolutions of analytes limit the applications of this method. Herein, we report polyether ether ketone tube as a novel cellular membrane carrier for cell membrane chromatography. Its inner surface is firstly coated by polyvinyl alcohol and then cell membranes are physically adsorbed onto the polyvinyl alcohol layer. To verify this approach, osteoclast and osteoblast micro-column were prepared and characterized by calcitonin and verapamil , respectively. Comparing with common cell membrane chromatographic column, the micro-cell membrane chromatographic columns showed about 1000-fold decrease of cell consumption and satisfactory retention behavior. The developed column was applied to screen potential active components from Cortex Phellodendri Chinensis . A total of 18 components in Cortex Phellodendri Chinensis extract were observed as having retention property of osteoclast micro-cell membrane chromatographic column, while 10 components retained on osteoblast micro-cell membrane chromatographic column. The results of in vitro assay showed that berberine , obacunoic acid and phellodendrine had an obvious inhibitory effect on osteoclast differentiation and function. Berberine and tetrahydropalmatine increased the osteoblast proliferations and mineralized nodules density. This cell membrane/polyvinyl alcohol column can be applied to various biological chromatography models.