APPLICATIONS

Cell Sorting

Isolating the Cells that Matter 

CellEctor Cell Sorter
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What is Cell Sorting?

Cell sorting is the process of identifying, selecting, and separating specific cells from a heterogeneous sample based on their physical or biological characteristics, such as size, morphology, viability, or protein expression. By distinguishing target cells from unwanted populations, cell sorting enables the isolation of a homogeneous cell population. This is essential for a wide range of applications, including research, diagnostics, and therapeutic development, where precise analysis of defined cell types is required.

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Why is Cell Sorting Important? 

Cell sorting enables precise analysis by isolating specific cell populations for a wide range of applications. In immunology, it allows researchers to separate distinct immune cell types from complex samples, such as bone marrow, enabling targeted studies on B cells, T cells, or other subsets.

In cancer research, cell sorting is used to distinguish tumour cells from infiltrating immune cells. This method investigates tumour heterogeneity, supporting improved diagnostics and personalised treatment strategies, such as liquid biopsy analyses.

In plant science, sorting specialised cell types helps scientists understand developmental processes, stress responses, and disease resistance, contributing to crop improvement and better adaptation to environmental changes. 

What are the primary methods of cell sorting?

Cell sorting can be performed using a range of techniques, each with different strengths, weaknesses, and capacities. Some approaches are suitable for processing large cell populations, while others are designed for high selectivity and the isolation of rare or single cells. Selection depends on the research goal, sample type, and throughput needs.

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Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) 

Efficient for high-throughput, marker-based cell isolation, but with several drawbacks. Sample preparation is labor-intensive and requires single-cell suspensions, which can be difficult for some tissues. The high flow rates and charging in FACS may reduce cell viability, affecting downstream analyses. Data interpretation is also complex, relying on accurate gating and compensation for spectral overlap. In addition, very rare cell populations with weak signals can be difficult to detect and isolate.

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Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) 

Similar to FACS, MACS is also efficient for high-throughput cell isolation but has some disadvantages. It requires a large starting number of cells and can potentially cause damage or stress to cells. Additionally, the magnetic fields used in MACS can harm some cell populations, impacting their viability and function.

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Microfluidics 

The most commonly used method in microfluidics for cell isolation is cell-affinity chromatography, which can process large numbers of cells simultaneously, significantly increasing throughput. However, shear forces and other mechanical forces within microfluidic channels can affect cell viability and function.  

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Cell Picking / Micromanipulation 

The technique enables the controlled separation of selected living cells from suspension, as well as from fixed cells. While it does not support high throughput, it offers significant advantages for precise cell isolation. Cell picking provides a method for targeted cell isolation, and the CellEctor system stands out as the most flexible and gentle approach available. 

Precision Cell Sorting with MMI CellEctor

The MMI CellEctor cell sorter/cell picker provides outstanding capabilities for precise and automated cell picking and/or sorting. Equipped with a microcapillary connected to a nanolitre pump, the system enables gentle and accurate uptake of single cells. CellEctor allows highly selective cell sorting, including the isolation of single cells and cell clusters. Cells can be chosen based on their morphology or specific fluorescence markers.

The sophisticated MMI CellTools software platform enables full automation of the microscopic cell sorting process. Using the MMI CellDetector image analysis module, cells can be reliably identified and selected according to their morphology, size, or fluorescence characteristics, ensuring accurate and flexible cell sorting. 
 

Up to 100% picking efficiency

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Sorting of Pollen Cells

This video demonstrates the isolation and sorting of pollen cells. The pollen cells were automatically detected and subsequently individually isolated and sorted using the CellEctor, ensuring precise and efficient single-cell handling.

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We work hand-in-hand with you, designing solutions that fit your unique research needs. Complex samples? Customized workflows? We handle it all—quickly and efficiently.

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