Akadeum Life Sciences Resources Blog What is Buoyancy Activated Cell Sorting?
September 2020 Share
Isolating cells is a key part of life sciences research. Buoyancy Activated Cell Sorting, also known as BACS, is the process of sorting cells by using buoyant microbubbles. By coating the microbubbles with antibodies, the target cells attach to the surface of the microbubbles, effectively separating them from the non-target cells. Then the microbubbles—composed of a gaseous core that is often shelled by polymers, lipids, or proteins—float the target cells to the top of the sample.
Choosing the right approach to cell separation is a crucial part of the research process. When using BACS:
1. The microbubbles are first mixed with the cell sample, where they identify and bind to the target cells and separate them from the non-target cells.
2. After binding with the target cells, the microbubbles float to the top. The target cells float with them, leaving behind the non-target cells.
3. In the final step, the microbubbles and target cells are removed from the top of the sample.
Buoyancy-Activated Cell Sorting (BACS) can be used for a wide variety of research methods. This cell isolation process allow scientists to perform a myriad of practices including:
• Isolating immune cells from peripheral blood
• Recovering cell populations from dissociated tissue
• Capturing circulating tumor cells in blood
• Conducting molecular analysis of specific cell populations
By using BACS, the cells are easily, quickly and gently separated for research purposes.
BACS uses microbubbles in lieu of magnets and iron beads to perform isolation, making this method gentler when compared to other methods like fluorescence-activated and magnetic cell sorting. Because the microbubble technology requires no additional equipment, it is also more cost-efficient. Because this method of cell isolation uses buoyancy, there are no limits on sample size; any size of container can be used to process the sample.
When compared to other methods of cell isolation, BACS is the most gentle and cost-effective. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting, also known as FACS, is a highly versatile approach to cell sorting. However, FACS requires highly skilled personnel to facilitate the procedure, making it an expensive alternative. Magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) is another widely used form of cell sorting, but it has sample size limitations, and includes many additional costs that are not present with BACS.
If you’re looking for a simple way to improve the process of cell sorting, we’d love to show you what our microbubbles can do. Check out our wide range of microbubble products, or contact our team to learn about our partnership opportunities.
If you are reading this, you probably already understand or at least have a very…
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…
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...