A simple and inexpensive method for preparing erythrocyte membranes by filtration through a hollow-fiber system

An efficient, simple method for preparing biologically active erythrocyte membranes is described. The semiautomated procedure involves circulating hemolysate mixture through a hollow-fiber system, thereby filtering off intracellular components leaving a high yield of washed ghosts. The prepared ghosts exhibit cation-stimulated ATPase activities comparable to those of ghosts prepared by traditional methods. Electron micrographs revealed that the filtration isolation caused less shearing of the membranes than procedures based solely on centrifugation.