Carbohydrate-Specific Adhesion of Intact Cells to Resolved Glycolipids on TLC Plates

T his procedure allows detection of specific cell adhesion to glycolipids resolved on TLC plates. The steps include: (1) HPTLC of glycoconjugates, (2) coating the chromatogram with polymer, (3) preblocking the chromatogram to reduce non-specific cell binding, (4) mounting the chromatogram in the acrylic chamber, (5) adding labeled cells, (6) incubating, (7) removal of non-adherent cells by centrifugation, and (8) fixation of adherent cells for detection. Adherent cells never pass through an air/liquid interface prior to fixation, allowing detection of specific cell adhesion even if adhesive strength is low.