Magnetic Cell Separators
Magnetic cell separation technology can be used to enrich heterogeneous cell samples for particular cell populations prior to sorting, or as an endpoint itself (eg. positive selection of CD11c+ DC, generation of Lineage negative cells for adoptive transfer).
Our facility has two automated separators that are located in room 2-203. A mandatory 15-minute training session provided by FCF staff is a pre-requisite for use of either instrument. This training session is free of charge. Please contact Julie for training on the autoMACS (julie.yuan@sickkids.ca) and Pier for training on the Robosep (pier.penttila@sickkids.ca).
| AutoMACS Pro | Robosep | |
| Minimum booking time | One hour | One hour |
| Fees | $20/hr | $20/hr |
autoMACS Pro Separator
The autoMACS Pro Separator is a bench-top automated magnetic cell separator used for cell isolation and enrichment. Up to six samples can be processed automatically in volumes ranging from 0.2 mL to 50 mL. Preset cell separation programs allow positive or negative selection of magnetically labeled cells using MACS columns. Cell separation programs are chosen based on levels of antigen expression and desired levels of recovery and purity. Cells are first labeled by the user with antibodies and/or MACS magnetic microbeads and then loaded onto the autoMACS where cells are passed through one or two columns (depending on the program). Both labeled and non-labeled fractions are eluted into tubes in chilled tube racks. Wash programs are performed between separations. The unit is in a bio-safety cabinet for aseptic handling of samples.
For more info visit: http://www.automacs.info/ and http://www.miltenyibiotec.com/
Key features:
- 10 standard programs
- Program duration: 2.5-10 minutes per sample mL, 4 minutes per wash
- Maximum number of cells: 2 x 108 labeled cells, 4 x 109 total cells per separation
- Minimum number of cells: 1 x 105
- Sample volume: 200 µl to 50 mL
User provides:
- Running buffer: can be purchased from Miltenyi (PBS, 2mM EDTA, 0.5%BSA, 0.09% NaAzide, cat#130-091-221, $330 for 6 x 1.5L) or make your own in 1L pyrex bottles
- MACS microbeads and antibodies for labeling
Robosep
Robosep is an automated column-free magnetic cell separator. EasySep technology is used to isolate cells by either positive or negative selection. The Robosep can label and separate up to four samples at one time and both positive and negative selections can be done together. Users select a pre-optimized protocol and load the cell samples, labeled antibody (biotin, FITC, PE or APC), EasySep Selection cocktail, EasySep magnetic particles and tip racks onto the instrument. Using disposable tips the instrument labels the cells and places them in a magnetic for separation. The unlabeled fraction is then pipetted out to separate the labeled and un-labeled fractions. The instrument is in a biosafety cabinet for asceptic handling of samples.
For more info visit: http://www.robosep.com/ and http://www.stemcell.com/
Key features:
- Program duration: 25-103 minutes
- Maximum number of cells: positive selection - four samples of up to 2 x 109, negative selection; four samples of up to 1 x 109
- Minimum number of cells: 6 x 105 to 8 x 109 cells
- Sample volume: 0.250 to 8.5 mL per sample
User Provides:
- antibodies, EasySep Selection cocktail, EasySep magnetic particles
- Robosep Tip Racks
- buffer (PBS, 2% FBS, 1mM EDTA, can be purchased from Stem Cell Technologies or make your own)