Akadeum Life Sciences Resources Blog What Is the Difference Between Positive and Negative Cell Separation?
March 2020 Share
Cell isolation methods and technologies use either a positive or negative cell separation approach. Here are some of the differences when considering a cell separation approach:
Positive selection involves targeting the desired cell population with an antibody specific to a cell surface marker (CD4, CD8, etc.). The targeted cells are then retained for downstream analysis.
Negative selection is when several cell types are removed, leaving the cell type of interest untouched. Similar to positive selection methods, cells are labeled with antibodies that target specific cell surface markers or populations. However, in the case of negative selection, the unwanted cells are the ones labelled and then subsequently removed.
Both positive and negative selection approaches have their advantages and disadvantages.
One of the main advantages of positive selection is that isolated cells are highly purified when compared to negative selection. This high purity is due to the specific antibodies used to target a particular cell type. Additionally, sequential isolations can be performed on positively selected cells. Many technologies, however, leave the positively selected cells bound to the antibodies or other labeling agents, which may affect some downstream assays.
On the other hand, negative selection produces targeted cells that are unbound by antibodies. Cell isolation protocols using negative selection are also quicker and easier than positive selection approaches. One disadvantage, though, is that negative selection methods are inherently less pure than positive selection methods, since it is more difficult to target all unwanted cells than one wanted cell population.
The choice to use a positive or negative selection method depends on both your cell population and potential research applications.
Is there a robust selection marker on the surface of the cell type you want to target? If yes, consider positive selection methods. If no, consider negative selection methods.
Could antibodies or other labeling agents attached to your targeted cells affect downstream assays or research applications? If yes, it may make more sense to use negative selection methods. If no, try positive selection methods.
If you are reading this, you probably already understand or at least have a very…
We demonstrated Akadeum's cell isolation and sorting technology at the We Make Health Fest on…
We have successfully demonstrated use of microbubbles for isolation of human T-cells and mouse B-cells.…
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...