Akadeum Life Sciences Resources Blog What Is Cell Separation and Cell Sorting?
November 2016 Share
If you are reading this, you probably already understand or at least have a very good idea of what cell sorting and cell separation is. Still, you would be surprised by how many times we get asked questions like, “What is the difference between cell sorting and cell separation?”
We also get questions like, “What are the different ways to separate cells?” or “What is the difference between positive and negative cell separation?”
In order to answer these questions, we have put together a summary below. In our experience, cell separation is all about isolating a cell population from other cells or biological samples.
There are three different cell separation approaches: positive selection, depletion, and negative selection.
The positive approach to cell isolation is when the cell type of interest is targeted by the removal mechanism and retained for downstream analysis.
Positive selection is typically performed by targeting a cell surface marker (CD4, CD8, etc.) with a monoclonal antibody.
Depletion is when a single cell type is targeted and removed from a biological sample. For example, the removal of red blood cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is completed via depletion.
Similar to depletion, the negative cell separation approach is when several cell types are removed to leave one cell type untouched.
A negative selection example is the depletion of all cells except for T cells or the removal of all cells except for B cells from samples like whole blood or bone marrow.
Researchers sort cells for a variety of applications. Here are a few examples of cell separation:
Several cell separation technologies are on the market today, but the three most common are fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS™), and buoyancy-activated cell sorting (BACS™).
FACS, or fluorescence-activated cell sorting technology, labels cells with fluorescent markers, which could be based on internal or external markers of the cells. The cells are measured and identified one at a time and then sorted based on the color of the marker.
With magnetic-activated cell sorting, or MACS™, technology, magnetic particles (nanoscale and microscale) bind to cells through an antibody interaction with the cell surface markers. Then, the targeted cells can be magnetically isolated from a sample.
Buoyancy-activated cell sorting, or BACS™, is a new way of sorting cells. Microbubbles bind to cells through surface marker antibodies. The targeted cells are then removed from a biological sample through flotation.
There are a few other methods for separation, like microfluidics, cell separation by centrifugation, and filtration.
Choosing a cell separation technology is a difficult decision. Researchers have to evaluate different methods of cell isolation for both quality and efficiency—all while considering funding, workflows, and availability.
But don’t worry; Akadeum microbubbles are here to save the day.
If you are looking for a rapid cell sorting technology that is easy to use, isolates cells to a high level of purity, and doesn’t require expensive equipment like a magnet or column, Akadeum BACS™ microbubbles are the right choice for your project.
We offer a wide variety of cell isolation products for many different cell types. Interested in trying our microbubbles? Contact us today.
Recently, Akadeum and our revolutionary cell sorting technology was featured in Xconomy Detroit. The article…
The Akadeum Team is excited to present and attend this year’s Great Lakes International Imaging…
We demonstrated Akadeum's cell isolation and sorting technology at the We Make Health Fest on…
Researcher Spotlight: University of Pennsylvania, Mouse B Cell Isolation
Akadeum’s gentle Mouse B Cell Isolation kit produces high purity B cell population without affecting physiology or...
An inside look at the role of T cells and B cells in immune response to COVID-19
Recent developments in COVID-19 immunology research look at the role T cells and B cells play in immune response to...
Akadeum Microbubbles: The Novel Approach to COVID Research (Webinar Dec 16)
The emergence of COVID-19 has changed life as we know it the world over. This is a fast-moving and deadly pandemic...
Researcher Spotlight: Mouse B Cell Isolation Kit
“The resulting sample looked perfect after using microbubbles – very happy with the product.” Get...
Improving Cell Separation for Single Cell RNA Sequencing
RNA-Sequencing Medical advancements have provided researchers with strategies that change the way in which we...
What is Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy?
Immunotherapy Immunotherapy is the practice of manipulating T cells to treat cancer. Also called adoptive cell...
Cell Therapies Medical research and cancer treatment strategies are constantly adapting to overcome new challenges....
CAR T Cells: How These Cancer Fighting T Cells are Harvested and Manufactured for Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy Immunology is the study of the immune system and what it can do, immunotherapy is the study of how to do...
What is Protein Therapy and What Role Does Cell Separation Play in it?
Proteins are large molecules in the body that play a critical role in virtually everything that happens. Movement,...
Cost Comparison of Cell Separation Methods
Cell Separation Immunology is an evolving field of study that constantly requires new equipment and methods to keep up...