Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for separating cells according to differences in sedimentation velocity comprises a vessel preferably constructed from a cylindrical body of ring formation, the height of which is substantially less than its diameter, and from top and bottom plates sealingly and removably attached to the ring. The vessel is preferably mounted on a tiltable platform for controlled movement between tilted and horizontal positions and has a small horizontal cross-sectional area in the tilted position relative to such area in the horizontal position. The vessel is provided with two ports; a lower port communicating with a lowermost level of the vessel while in the tilted position and an upper port communicating with the uppermost level in the tilted position. Flow distributing structure is provided preferably between each port and the interior of the vessel whereby the force of liquid flowing into the vessel through a port is dissipated. A gradient liquid and a cell suspension are loaded into the vessel while it is in a tilted position. Thereafter, the vessel is rotated to the horizontal position for cell separation. After separation, the vessel is reoriented to the tilted position, and the gradient liquid containing separated cells is collected as various fractions.

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First Claim