A New Rapid Method for the Isolation of Surface Membranes from Tissue Culture Cells

A number of methods for the isolation of the surface membrane of animal cells have been described (1-5). All these methods involve rupture of the cells and separation of the surface membranes from the resulting homogenate by physical techniques. The identity and purity of the isolated product have been judged by morphological criteria, and the enrichment of enzymatic activities associated with the surface membrane. Warren and his coworkers (3) stabilized the cell surface membrane prior to rupture to prevent fragmentation of the membrane. All of these methods are lengthy and result in a low yield of the final membrane fraction. This report describes a rapid and simple method for the isolation of a highly enriched surface membrane fraction from monolayer and multilayer tissue culture cells. Phase-contrast-and electron microscopy of the membrane fraction reveals very little contamination with other cell organelles. The method also allows for simple microscopic or electron microscopic examination of the remaining cellular material after removal of membrane.