Innovative bioseparation technologies employing thermoresponsive polymer interfaces

Abstract An array of medical treatments is currently advancing, including biopharmaceuticals, such as antibody medications, and cellular therapies, such as stem cells. However, the separation and purification processes required to fabricate these treatments are inherently costly, prompting the need for innovative methods. A bioseparation technique using poly( N -isopropylacrylamide), a functional polymer whose hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties change with temperature, was developed in this study. The adsorption and desorption of antibodies was regulated by adjusting the temperature of a column filled with temperature-sensitive polymer-coated silica beads to achieve separation and purification of the contaminants. A polymer-treated glass substrate facilitated the temperature-regulated adhesion and release of stem cells. Thermoresponsive polymer-modified microfibers and columns enabled the temperature-controlled separation of large quantities of stem cells. These columns also allowed the temperature-regulated purification of viral vectors used in gene therapy. The temperature-controlled separation and purification of extracellular vesicles (exosomes) was achieved by combining peptides with an affinity for these vesicles and thermoresponsive polymers. Consequently, these temperature-sensitive polymers enabled the temperature-regulated separation and purification of antibodies, cells, viral vectors, and extracellular vesicles. This cost-effective approach safely preserves the activity of the target, offering potential utility in medical analysis, pharmaceutical production, and drug discovery.