Author Spotlight: Asymmetric Field Flow Fractionation for Bioreactor Integration

We see the potential of extracellular vesicles, but also recognize the difficulty in their isolation, especially from large sample biofluids such as bioreactor media. In this research we tested if we can use asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation to isolate extracellular vesicles. As of now, isolating extracellular vesicles directly from biofluids in a continuous flow for integration into bioreactors is impossible.

Instead, biofluids must be first collected and processed, adding variability and labor. Our device designed for extracellular vesicle isolation from large volume biofluids enables integration with bioreactors for continuous flow and automation. We found liquid viscosity might impact extracellular vesicles isolation using asymmetric field flow fractionation.

We're exploring if adapting biofluid and buffer flows to viscosity can enhance isolation.