Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS)

Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) is a specialized technique used in various fields of biology and medicine, including fertility treatment and assisted reproductive technologies. In the context of fertility, MACS is commonly used for sperm selection in procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

The sperm sample is mixed with  magnetic beads and an external  field is applied to it, causing the sperm attached to the beads to move to the side of the container. Unbound sperm  can then be removed, leaving  a purified sperm population  with normal DNA. 
 
 
The purified sperm is then used in the IVF process to increase the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development. MACS is often used in cases where the male partner had a  DNA defect, such as  male infertility or repeated miscarriages. This method has been shown to improve IVF outcomes in certain patient populations, although more studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in broader populations.