Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS)
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Magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) is a sperm separation technique used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) that effectively isolates morphologically normal sperm with higher fertilization potential. The process employs annexin V microbeads to selectively bind to apoptotic sperm, allowing healthy sperm to pass through a magnetic column. MACS is particularly indicated for patients with low sperm quality, history of poor fertilization in multiple IVF cycles, and issues such as smoking or varicocele.
Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS)
- 1. MAGNETIC ACTIVATED CELL SORTING (MACS)
- 2. What is it • MACS is a sperm separation technique used in A.R.T • It is said to separate morphologically normal sperms which displays higher potential for fertilization • It allows separation of good quality sperm from apoptotic sperm (Sperm programmed to die) which may be one of the causes for failure of IVF
- 3. Method used • Negative selection: – Annexine V microbeads conjugated magnetic beads bind to a marker- phosphatidylserine which is present on the surface of the apoptotic sperm. – The sperms are exposed to a magnetic field – The sperms onto which the magnetic beads bind are trapped in the column. – The sperms onto which the magnetic beads do not bind pass through- These are healthy sperms
- 4. Method used Superparamagnetic nanoparticles and columns Sperms expressing Annexine –V will attach to the magnetic nanoparticles Column placed in a strong magnetic field Cells attached to the nanoparticles (expressing the antigen) stay on the column Cells not expressing the antigen flow through Annexine –V specific antibodies attached for phosphatidylserine Healthy Sperms
- 5. Indications to use MACS • Low sperm quality - motility and morphology • Heavy smokers, varicocele etc. • Patients with more than 2 cycles with unexpected poor fertilization • Poor embryo quality/blastocyst rate • Repeated miscarriages
- 6. THANK YOU!