Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting (MACS)
MACS stands for Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting. In this application, immunomagnetic principles allow the selection of spermatozoa that display no signs of damage or death (e.g., apoptosis) and thus retain their whole DNA.
Seminal quality is vital for achieving pregnancy because it impacts both fertilization and future embryo quality. Sperm quality can be affected by many factors, including the presence of apoptotic sperm. This method can be used to eliminate damaged sperm from the sample because their membranes contain identifiable indicators. As a result, a higher percentage of the sample will be devoid of damaged sperm and therefore of better quality.
Using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS), Bliss IVF assisted reproduction clinics have shown a 10-15% improvement in pregnancy rates.
MACS, also known as immunomagnetic cell separation, bind magnetic particles to cells using antibodies that engage with the targeted cells' surface markers. The cells of interest are then magnetically separated from the remainder of the biological sample.
How MACS is used at Bliss IVF?
- The magnetic beads of a biological sample are coated with antibodies, lectins, or enzymes that correlate with the surface markers or antigens of the targeted cell type.
- These surface marks are on the magnetic beads that label the cells.
- After the solution is transferred to the column, a magnetic field is applied.
- The non-targeted cells flow through the column, but the targeted ones (the ones to which the magnetic beads are attached) are magnetized to the walls.
- After turning off the magnetic field, beads-carrying cells are freed to recover.