Magnetic Cell Separation and Cell Isolation


Isolate cells from multiple samples

Magnetic cell separation, also known as immunomagnetic cell separation or magnetic cell sorting, involves targeting cells for selection or depletion using antibodies or ligands directed against specific cell surface antigens. Labeled cells are cross-linked to magnetic particles, also known as magnetic beads, that can be immobilized once an electromagnetic field is applied.

Due to its speed and simplicity, magnetic cell separation is one of the most commonly used methods by which scientists isolate highly purified populations of specific cell subsets.

Commonly Asked Questions About Magnetic Cell Separation

Should I use positive selection or negative selection?

Both positive and negative selection can be performed using magnetic cell isolation methods. When a positive selection is performed, the supernatant can be discarded and the magnetically-labeled cells of interest remain immobilized until removed from the electromagnetic field. When a negative selection is performed, the desired cells are located in the supernatant.

Learn about the pros and cons of positive and negative selection methods >

Magnetic cell separation: negative and positive selection

Figure 1. Negative and Positive Selection in a Column-Free Magnetic Cell Separation Technology


Should I use column-based or column-free magnetic cell separation methods?

There are two different formats for performing immunomagnetic separation: column-based and column-free.

Column-based magnetic cell separation techniques involve passing a sample previously labeled with magnetic particles through a column matrix within a magnetic field. The column is filled with ferromagnetic spheres that become magnetized in the applied magnetic field, creating a localized magnetic field that can immobilize the magnetic particles within the sample. When positive selection is used (Figure 2), non-magnetically-labeled, non-target cells can pass through the column while magnetically-labeled, target cells are retained within the column. Upon removing the external magnetic field, the target cells can be collected by pushing buffer through the column.

While commonly-used, column-based magnetic cell isolation protocols can sometimes be costly, complicated, laborious, and time-consuming, requiring multiple washes to avoid contamination between separations and the use of new columns for each experiment. In addition, it’s not uncommon for columns to become clogged, risking the loss of precious samples, especially when working with tissue samples that contain a significant amounts of debris.

Column-based magnetic cell isolation: positive selection protocol

Figure 2. Column-Based Magnetic Cell Isolation Using a Positive Selection Protocol


Column-free magnetic cell separation techniques involve placing a tube filled with a magnetically-labeled sample within a magnetic field. The magnetically-labeled target cells will migrate towards the magnet and will be immobilized at the sides of the tube. The unlabeled cells in suspension can then be poured or pipetted off to separate them from the labeled cells. Upon removing the tube from the magnet, the labeled cells are released from the sides of the tube. If a positive selection protocol is used (Figure 3), the labeled cells are the cells of interest and can be resuspended in buffer for immediate use in downstream applications.

Column-free magnetic cell isolation: positive selection protocol

Figure 3. Column-Free Magnetic Cell Isolation Using a Positive Selection Protocol


Which method should you choose? In general, column-based and column-free technologies are both well-established methods that result in highly purified cells. Both technologies have been used by life science researchers for more than 20 years in a variety of applications and with thousands of citations in peer-reviewed publications. In an increasingly competitive research environment, we recommend choosing the most efficient technologies available to help you complete your cell separation—and, ultimately, your downstream experiments—in less time and with less effort. In our experience, column-free magnetic cell isolation techniques are the most efficient approaches to isolate highly purified cells for research.

We have moved to column free isolation for convenience; it is a bit more flexible and faster.

Susanne, Senior Research Scientist


Should I use magnetic cell separation or FACS to isolate cells?

Magnetic cell sorting and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) are the two most common ways by which scientists isolate specific cell types. The choice between the two methods depends on what you require for your specific downstream application.

Magnetic cell isolation is a much faster and simpler procedure than FACS, and is often the preferred cell isolation method for common cell types. However, unlike magnetic cell isolation, FACS will allow you to:

  • Sort single cells
  • Sort multiple cell types simultaneously
  • Isolate cells based on intracellular markers (e.g. GFP)
  • Isolate cells based on expression levels
  • Sort complex cell types with multiple markers at higher purity

To decide which of the two methods to use, start by investigating whether the expected purity of available magnetic cell isolation kits would meet your experimental needs. Product performance data can often be found on a supplier’s website. If a vendor does not publicly provide performance data for their cell separation products, contact them directly to ask for this information or ask for a sample of their product to test in your own lab. Due to their speed and simplicity, magnetic cell isolation techniques can often be easier to incorporate into your experimental design than complicated flow sorting instruments and protocols.

Magnetic cell separation techniques and FACS can also be used together. Pre-enriching your sample with magnetic cell separation techniques prior to FACS can maximize yield and purity and reduce sort time, especially when working with large sample volumes or rare cell types.


Our Magnetic Cell Separation Technologies

There are many commercial technologies available for magnetically purifying cells. One of the most widely used technologies is EasySep™.

EasySep™ Magnetic Cell Separation

EasySep™ Magnetic Cell Separation

EasySep™ is a column-free magnetic cell isolation technology that allows for efficient positive or negative selection of a variety of cells types from various sample sources.

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EasySep™ cell isolation magnets are available in various formats to accommodate a range of sample numbers and volumes.

View and compare EasySep™ cell isolation magnets >


Automated magnetic cell separation instruments

Automating magnetic cell separation can save hands-on time for labs that routinely perform magnetic cell separation procedures. In addition, automation minimizes handling of potentially hazardous samples, which may be important to reduce the risk of exposure to dangerous pathogens.

RoboSep™ Automated Cell Separation

RoboSep™ Cell Separation Instruments

RoboSep™ instruments are fully automated magnetic cell isolation instruments that can isolate cells from up to 4 or 16 samples simultaneously.

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View protocols for automated immunomagnetic cell separation >



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