Figure 3.

Dead-Cert™ Nanoparticles: simple devices for effective direct removal of non-viable cells in vitro. ImmunoSolv's antibody-based Dead-Cert™ technology (see www.immunosolv.com) has been developed to discriminate non-viable from viable cells in vitro. ImmunoSolv has used antibodies, together with additional discriminatory molecules coupled to the surface of 250 nm super-paramagnetic nanoparticles, to develop a simple, yet highly effective dead-cell removal device, the Dead-Cert™ Nanoparticle. Because of their ability to bind to membrane structures that are not accessible on viable cells-represented by the red symbols in the cartoons-the coated particles are able to bind selectively to apoptotic (dying) as well as necrotic (dead) cells and cell debris. Once bound to non-viable cells and debris, the Dead-Cert™ Nanoparticles can be readily removed with the aid of a simple magnet leaving the ‘untouched’ viable cells purified by negative selection.