Characterization of a Novel Microcarrier Using Magnetized Red Blood Cells with Terminal Aldehydes

A novel microcarrier based on red blood cells was prepared and characterized. Proof of principle was demonstrated by using sheep red blood cells that were treated with glutaraldehyde to render the cells generally resistant to hemolysis. Magnetic beads of approximately 10 nm in diameter were prepared and attached to the surface of glutaraldehyde-treated sheep red blood cells by electrostatic interaction at various concentrations. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Dilute coverage of magnetic beads allowed the red blood cells to be separated from solution in the presence of a magnetic field, eliminating the need for centrifugation. The magnetized glutaraldehyde-treated red blood cells were then functionalized with human immunoglobulin and used in flow cytometry for the determination of antihuman immunoglobulin. The results indicated that such magnetized glutaraldehyde-treated red blood cell may be used as carriers in flow cytometry. The approach may allow the preparation of carriers using other red blood cells.