Columns
MACS® Columns for magnetic cell isolation
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Magnetic cell separation of highly pure and viable cells
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Excellent recovery of target cells
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Different column types for every cell isolation need
Principle of MACS® Columns
MACS® Columns contain a matrix composed of superparamagnetic spheres, which are covered with a cell-friendly coating. When the column is placed in a MACS Separator, the spheres amplify the magnetic field by 10.000-fold. This induces a strong magnetic field within the column that retains cells being labeled with MACS MicroBeads. Minimal labeling with only a small amount of MicroBeads is therefore sufficient to effectively separate labeled and unlabeled cells.
Inside the magnetic column, the space between the spheres is about 20 times the size of lymphocytes, so that cells can move freely and are only retained by magnetic forces. This ensures a gentle flow of cells, without pressure, sticking or compression. In consequence, cell integrity and characteristics are preserved, and the cells are fully functional for downstream applications.
Choose the column you need
We offer the optimal column for your experimental set-up, desired isolation strategy, and specific application. Explore the different column options below to learn more and choose the one that fits your cell separation procedure.
For detailed information on the column type recommended for a specific reagent, please refer to the data sheet provided with the particular MACS Cell Separation Reagent.
LS Column
Capacity
Labeled cells: up to 1×108
Total cells: up to 2×109 with manual use, up to 1×109 with MultiMACS Cell24 Separator Plus
Isolation strategy
Positive selection
Depletion of strongly magnetically labeled cells
Separator compatibility
MidiMACS Separator, QuadroMACS Separator, VarioMACS Separator, SuperMACS II Separator, MultiMACS Cell24 Separator Plus
MS Column
Capacity
Labeled cells: up to 1×107
Total cells: up to 2×108
Isolation strategy
Positive selection
Depletion of strongly magnetically labeled cells
Separator compatibility
MiniMACS Separator, OctoMACS Separator, VarioMACS Separator, SuperMACS II Separator
LD Column
Capacity
Labeled cells: up to 1×108
Total cells: up to 5×108
Isolation strategy
Stringent depletion of even weakly labeled cells
Separator compatibility
MidiMACS Separator, QuadroMACS Separator, VarioMACS Separator, SuperMACS II Separator, MultiMACS Cell24 Separator Plus
Whole Blood Column*
Capacity
Volume whole blood: up to 15 mL with manual use, up to 10 mL with the MultiMACS Cell24 Separator Plus
Isolation strategy
Positive selection directly from human whole blood or buffy coat
Separator compatibility
MidiMACS Separator, QuadroMACS Separator, VarioMACS Separator, SuperMACS II Separator, MultiMACS Cell24 Separator Plus
* Whole Blood Columns can only be purchased with the Whole Blood Column Kit.
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XS Column
Capacity
Labeled cells: up to 1×109
Total cells: up to 2×1010
Isolation strategy
Positive selection of very large cell numbers in one single step
Separator compatibility
SuperMACS II Separator
Large Cell Column
Capacity
Labeled cells: up to 1×107
Total cells: up to 2×108
Isolation strategy
Positive selection of large human or animal cells
Separator compatibility
MiniMACS Separator, OctoMACS Separator, VarioMACS Separator, SuperMACS II Separator
D Column
Capacity
Labeled cells: up to 1×109
Total cells: up to 1×1011
Isolation strategy
Depletion of large cell numbers
Separator compatibility
SuperMACS II Separator
autoMACS® Column
Capacity
Labeled cells: up to 2×108
Total cells: up to 4×109
Volume whole blood: up to 15 mL
Isolation strategy
- Positive selection
- Positive selection directly from human whole blood
- Depletion
Separator compatibility
autoMACS® NEO Separator, autoMACS® Pro Separator
Multi-24 Column Block
Capacity
Labeled cells: up to 1×108 (per single column)
Total cells: up to 1×109 (per single column)
Isolation strategy
Parallel positive or untouched selection of large sample numbers or volumes
Separator compatibility
MultiMACS Cell24 Separator Plus