Cell sorting

Cell sorting is the ability to separate cells according to their properties. These properties can be described as intracellular (inside the cell) or extracellular (outside the cell). Intracellular processes can include DNA, RNA and protein molecule interaction, whereas extracellular physical properties include size, shape (morphology), and surface protein expression.

The Importance of Cell Sorting

As cells are basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms, the ability to isolate and sort different cell types within organs and tissues has led to many established principles in medicine and physiology.

Methods of Cell Sorting

Currently there are several methods for cell sorting. Some are primitive and do not require special equipment whereas others rely on sophisticated electronic appliances. Three major types of cell sorting are fluorescent activated cell sorting, magnetic cell selection and single cell sorting.

Single Cell Sorting

Single cell sorting provides a method for sorting a heterogeneous mixture of cells based upon intracellular and extracellular properties. There are several methods for sorting single cells:

Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting

Main article: Flow cytometry

Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting, or FACS, utilizes Flow cytometry to provide a fast, objective and quantitative measurement of intra- and extracellular properties, not including morphology, for sorting a heterogeneous mixture of cells.

Magnetic Cell Sorting

Magnetic cell sorting provides a method for enriching a heterogeneous mixture of cells based upon extracellular properties, typically cell-surface proteins (antigens). There are several types of magnetic cell sorting:

References

  1. "The Isoraft System" (website). Cell Microsystems. Retrieved 2013-03-19.
  2. "DEPArray Technology" (website). silicon biosystems. Retrieved 2013-03-19.
  3. "MACS" (website). Meltenyi Biotech. Retrieved 2013-03-19.
  4. "A simple one-step method for isolating highly purified plasmacytoid dendritic cells from human peripheral blood" (PDF). Stem Cells Journal. Retrieved 2013-03-19.

External links

- Magnetic Bead Cell Separation Ebook

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