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Common Filtration Errors Solved by Steel Basket-Strainer

Filtration is a routine step in many laboratory and industrial workflows, especially in cell separation, sample preparation, and liquid processing. It often appears simple, pass a sample through a filter and collect what you need. However, in practice, filtration is one of the most common sources of errors that affect sample quality, workflow efficiency, and reproducibility.

In cell separation technology workflows, even small filtration issues can lead to cell loss, contamination, or inconsistent results. These problems are not always obvious at first, but they can impact downstream processes such as flow cytometry, cell culture, or molecular analysis.

Many of these issues arise because the filtration tools being used are not designed for the complexity of real-world samples. This is where a Steel Basket-Strainer offers a more reliable and controlled approach. In this article, we will break down the most common filtration errors and explain how a Steel Basket-Strainer helps solve them in a practical and efficient way.

Why Filtration Errors Matter in Cell Separation

Before looking at specific errors, it’s important to understand why filtration plays such a critical role.

Filtration is often used to:

Remove debris and aggregates

Prepare single-cell suspensions

Protect instruments from clogging

Improve sample consistency

When filtration fails, the effects can include:

Reduced cell recovery

Contaminated samples

Instrument downtime

Unreliable data

Because filtration sits early in the workflow, any mistake at this stage can carry through the entire experiment.

Common Filtration Errors in Laboratory Workflows

1. Clogging of Filters

Clogging is one of the most frequent issues in filtration.

Why it happens:

High particle load

Mixed particle sizes

Viscous samples

As particles accumulate on the filter surface, they block pores and slow down flow. In some cases, filtration stops completely.

Impact:

Delays in processing

Need for repeated filtration

Increased handling

How Steel Basket-Strainer Solves This:

A Steel Basket-Strainer is built to handle higher particle loads more effectively. Its structure allows better distribution of material across the filtration surface, reducing the risk of localized clogging. The durable design also makes it easier to manage challenging samples without frequent replacement.

2. Loss of Target Cells or Material

Another common problem is losing valuable material during filtration.

Why it happens:

Cells getting trapped in the filter

Residual liquid left in the device

Excessive handling steps

Impact:

Lower yield

Inconsistent results

Wasted samples

How Steel Basket-Strainer Solves This:

The design of a Steel Basket-Strainer allows for better recovery of filtered material. Because it is robust and easy to handle, it reduces unnecessary transfers and helps retain more of the original sample. This is especially useful when working with limited or high-value samples.

3. Inconsistent Filtration Results

Filtration results can vary from one sample to another, even when using the same protocol.

Why it happens:

Operator-dependent handling

Uneven flow across the filter

Variable pressure conditions

Impact:

Poor reproducibility

Difficulty comparing results

Increased experimental variability

How Steel Basket-Strainer Solves This:

Steel Basket-Strainers provide a more stable and consistent filtration setup. Their rigid structure ensures uniform flow distribution, reducing variability caused by uneven filtration. This leads to more reliable and reproducible outcomes.

4. Sample Contamination

Contamination is a serious concern, especially in sensitive workflows.

Why it happens:

Open filtration systems

Multiple handling steps

Poor sealing or unstable setups

Impact:

Compromised experiments

False results

Increased repeat work

How Steel Basket-Strainer Solves This:

Steel Basket-Strainers are designed for controlled handling. Their stable structure reduces the need for repeated manipulation, lowering the risk of contamination. In workflows where cleanliness is critical, this can make a significant difference.

5. Slow Filtration and Workflow Delays

Filtration can become a bottleneck when it takes too long.

Why it happens:

Gravity-based filtration limitations

Clogging

Poor flow control

Impact:

Reduced productivity

Delayed experiments

Increased labor

How Steel Basket-Strainer Solves This:

The design of a Steel Basket-Strainer supports more efficient flow, even with complex samples. By reducing clogging and improving flow distribution, it helps maintain steady filtration rates and keeps workflows moving.

6. Poor Compatibility with Different Workflows

Many filtration tools are limited in how they can be used.

Why it happens:

Fixed sizes

Limited adaptability

Inflexible design

Impact:

Need for multiple tools

Increased cost

Workflow complexity

How Steel Basket-Strainer Solves This:

Steel Basket-Strainers are versatile and can be used across different applications. Their durable construction allows them to handle a wide range of sample types, making them a practical solution for laboratories and industrial settings.

Advantages of Using Steel Basket-Strainer

Beyond solving specific filtration errors, Steel Basket-Strainers offer several broader advantages that improve overall workflow efficiency and reliability. These benefits make them a practical choice for laboratories and industries working with complex samples.

Durability Made from steel, these strainers are designed for long-term use. They can withstand repeated handling, exposure to different sample types, and routine cleaning without losing structural integrity. This makes them suitable for demanding workflows where consistency and reliability are important over time.

Easy Cleaning and Reuse Unlike disposable filtration devices, Steel Basket-Strainers can be cleaned thoroughly and reused multiple times. This not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes waste, making them a more sustainable option for laboratories that perform frequent filtration steps.

Stability During Filtration The rigid construction of steel provides a stable filtration setup. Unlike flexible or lightweight filters that may shift during use, Steel Basket-Strainers remain firmly in place. This stability improves control over the filtration process and reduces the risk of spills or uneven flow.

Suitable for Complex Samples Steel Basket-Strainers are well-suited for handling a variety of challenging sample types, including:

Particle-rich suspensions, where high debris content can clog standard filters

Viscous liquids, which require more robust support for consistent flow

Mixed sample types, containing particles of different sizes and properties

This versatility allows them to perform reliably under real-world laboratory conditions, where samples are often more complex than ideal test solutions.

Applications in Cell Separation Workflows

Steel Basket-Strainers can be used in several key areas:

Sample Preparation

Removing debris before cell isolation improves sample quality and consistency.

Pre-Filtration

Used as a first step to remove larger particles before finer filtration.

Cell Suspension Processing

Helps maintain uniform suspensions for accurate analysis.

Industrial and Large-Scale Filtration

Suitable for processing larger volumes where durability and efficiency are required.

Choosing the Right Filtration Approach

While no single tool fits every situation, choosing the right filtration method can reduce errors significantly.

When selecting a filtration solution, consider:

Sample type (viscous, particle-rich, etc.)

Volume

Desired purity

Workflow requirements

For many applications, especially those involving complex samples, a Steel Basket-Strainer provides a balanced solution between efficiency, durability, and control.

Conclusion

Filtration is a critical step that directly affects the success of cell separation and sample preparation workflows. Common errors such as clogging, sample loss, contamination, and inconsistent results can slow down processes and compromise data quality. Many of these issues are not caused by the samples themselves, but by limitations in the filtration tools being used.

A Steel Basket-Strainer addresses these challenges by offering a more stable, durable, and efficient approach to filtration. Its ability to handle complex samples, reduce handling steps, and maintain consistent flow makes it a practical solution for both research and industrial applications. For laboratories and businesses looking to improve reliability and efficiency in their workflows, upgrading the filtration step can make a significant difference—and a Steel Basket-Strainer is a step in that direction.

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A Cleaner Interphase: How TwinSpin Improves Cell Recovery After Centrifugation

Centrifugation is a core step in many laboratory workflows, especially in cell separation and sample preparation. It is widely used to isolate specific cell populations based on density. When done correctly, it produces a clear separation of layers, including the interphase, where target cells such as PBMCs are typically found.

However, achieving a clean and well-defined interphase is not always straightforward. Many researchers face challenges such as mixed layers, contamination from unwanted cells, and loss of target cells during collection. These issues can reduce yield, affect purity, and impact downstream applications.

In modern cell separation technology, even small improvements in separation quality can make a meaningful difference. This is where tools like TwinSpin provide value. By improving how samples are handled during centrifugation, TwinSpin helps create a cleaner interphase and supports better cell recovery.

This article explores the common challenges in interphase formation and how TwinSpin helps address them in a practical and reliable way.

Why the Interphase Matters in Cell Separation

In density gradient centrifugation, different components of a sample separate into layers based on their density. A typical separation results in:

Plasma at the top

A thin interphase containing target cells

Denser cells such as granulocytes and erythrocytes at the bottom

The interphase is the most important layer for many workflows. It contains the cells of interest, often used in:

Flow cytometry

Cell culture

Functional assays

Molecular analysis

A clean interphase allows for easier collection and better results. A poorly defined interphase, on the other hand, makes it difficult to isolate cells without contamination.

Common Problems During Centrifugation

Despite being a standard method, centrifugation often produces inconsistent results.

Mixed or Blurred Layers

One of the most common issues is the mixing of layers. Instead of a clear boundary, the interphase appears diffuse or unclear.

Why this happens:

Improper sample handling

Disturbance during centrifugation

Inconsistent density layering

Impact:

Difficult cell collection

Lower purity

Contamination from Unwanted Cells

When layers are not clearly separated, unwanted cells can enter the interphase.

Common contaminants:

Red blood cells

Granulocytes

Platelets

Impact:

Reduced sample quality

Interference with downstream analysis

Loss of Target Cells

During collection, some target cells may be lost due to:

Poor visibility of the interphase

Mixing of layers

Inefficient separation

Impact:

Lower yield

Reduced experimental reliability

Variability Between Samples

Even when using the same protocol, results can vary between runs.

Reasons include:

Operator handling differences

Sample variability

Inconsistent centrifugation conditions

This variability makes it difficult to achieve reproducible results.

The Role of Cleaner Interphase in Cell Recovery

A clean interphase directly improves both cell recovery and purity.

When the interphase is well-defined:

Target cells are easier to identify

Collection is more precise

Contamination is reduced

This leads to:

Higher yield

Better consistency

Improved downstream performance

In workflows that rely on cell enrichment techniques, maintaining interphase clarity is especially important. Even small improvements can enhance the efficiency of enrichment steps and overall workflow outcomes.

Introducing TwinSpin: A Practical Approach to Better Separation

TwinSpin is designed to improve the quality of separation during centrifugation by addressing one of the most common challenges in cell isolation, maintaining a stable and controlled environment throughout the process. In many traditional workflows, successful separation depends heavily on operator technique. Small variations in handling, loading, or positioning can lead to disturbances that affect how layers form during centrifugation.

Instead of relying only on user precision, TwinSpin introduces a more controlled setup that supports consistent conditions from start to finish. By reducing variables that can disrupt separation, it helps ensure that the density gradient behaves as expected.

TwinSpin supports:

Stable sample positioning

Consistent separation conditions

Improved layer definition

By focusing on these aspects, it helps produce a cleaner and more reliable interphase.

How TwinSpin Improves Interphase Quality

1. Stable Separation Environment

One of the key factors in achieving a clean interphase is stability. TwinSpin helps maintain a controlled setup during centrifugation. This reduces movement and disturbances that can blur layer boundaries.

Result:

Clearer separation

More defined interphase

2. Reduced Mixing of Layers

Mixing often occurs when samples are not properly stabilized. TwinSpin minimizes this risk by supporting better separation conditions.

Result:

Less overlap between layers

Improved purity of the interphase

3. Improved Visibility of the Interphase

A well-defined interphase is easier to see and collect. TwinSpin helps create a sharper boundary between layers, making it easier for users to identify the target cell fraction.

Result:

More precise collection

Reduced cell loss

4. Consistent Performance Across Samples

Consistency is critical in laboratory workflows. TwinSpin supports reproducible conditions, reducing variability between samples.

Result:

Reliable outcomes

Easier comparison between experiments

Benefits for Cell Separation Workflows

TwinSpin offers several advantages that directly support cell separation technology.

Improved Cell Recovery Cleaner and more stable separation leads to a well-defined interphase, making it easier to identify and collect target cells. When the boundary between layers is clear, fewer cells are lost during collection. This is particularly important when working with limited samples or rare cell populations, where maximizing recovery is essential.

Higher Purity When layer mixing is minimized, unwanted cells such as erythrocytes or granulocytes are less likely to contaminate the interphase. This results in a cleaner cell population with fewer impurities. Higher purity reduces the need for additional cleanup steps and improves the overall quality of the sample.

Reduced Handling Errors A clearly visible interphase simplifies the collection process. Researchers can isolate the desired fraction more confidently, without excessive pipetting or repeated adjustments. This reduces the chance of errors, such as drawing material from the wrong layer or disturbing the separation during collection.

Better Downstream Performance High-quality samples lead to more reliable results in downstream applications, including:

Flow cytometry, where clean suspensions improve signal clarity

Cell culture, where reduced contamination supports better growth conditions

Molecular assays, where sample purity affects sensitivity and accuracy

These benefits are especially valuable in workflows that rely on cell enrichment techniques, where both yield and purity directly influence the success of the process. By improving the initial separation step, TwinSpin helps ensure that downstream workflows start with the best possible sample.

Applications in Research and Industry

TwinSpin can be used in a variety of settings.

PBMC Isolation

Improves recovery and purity of mononuclear cells from blood samples.

Cell Culture Preparation

Provides clean starting material for culture workflows.

Immunology Research

Supports studies requiring high-quality immune cell populations.

Molecular Workflows

Enhances sample quality for RNA and DNA analysis.

In all these applications, a cleaner interphase leads to better results.

Supporting Modern Cell Separation Technology

As cell separation technology continues to evolve, the focus is shifting toward:

Higher precision

Better reproducibility

Reduced manual variability

Tools like TwinSpin align with these goals by improving one of the most critical steps, centrifugation. By enhancing interphase clarity, TwinSpin supports more efficient cell enrichment techniques, helping researchers achieve better outcomes without adding complexity to their workflows.

Practical Impact on Laboratory Efficiency

Improving interphase quality has a direct impact on workflow efficiency.

Faster Sample Processing

Clear separation reduces time spent identifying and collecting cells.

Fewer Repeat Experiments

Better results reduce the need for reprocessing.

Lower Variability

Consistent outcomes improve data reliability.

Improved Resource Use

Higher recovery means less sample waste.

These benefits contribute to smoother and more efficient lab operations.

Conclusion

Centrifugation is a fundamental step in cell separation workflows, but its effectiveness depends heavily on the quality of the interphase. Common issues such as mixed layers, contamination, and cell loss can limit the success of even well-designed protocols.

A cleaner interphase makes a significant difference. It improves visibility, simplifies collection, and increases both yield and purity. These improvements are essential for reliable results in modern laboratory workflows. TwinSpin offers a practical solution by creating more stable and consistent separation conditions. By reducing disturbances and improving layer definition, it helps researchers achieve better outcomes with less effort.

In the context of advancing cell separation technology and improving cell enrichment techniques, tools that enhance basic workflow steps can have a strong impact. TwinSpin supports this by turning centrifugation into a more controlled and reliable process, helping labs move toward better efficiency and more consistent results.

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Why Buffy Coat Is Ideal for High-Yield Leukocyte Isolation

Leukocyte isolation is one of the most common starting points for immunology, cell biology, and translational research workflows. Whether laboratories are studying immune responses, performing functional assays, or isolating specific cell populations, obtaining a high number of viable leukocytes is essential. The quality and concentration of starting material directly influence the success of downstream processes such as Antibody Cell Separation, flow cytometry, or functional screening assays.

Among the various sample sources available for leukocyte isolation, buffy coat stands out as one of the most efficient and practical options. Buffy coat contains a highly concentrated population of white blood cells, making it particularly valuable for laboratories that require large numbers of immune cells for research or development. Compared with working directly from whole blood, buffy coat provides significantly higher yields and reduces the number of preparation steps needed to obtain enriched cell populations.

Buffy coat is also well suited for modern cell separation technology and advanced cell enrichment techniques, which rely on efficient sample preparation and consistent cell input. Because leukocytes are already concentrated in this fraction, isolation workflows can begin immediately without extensive preprocessing.

This article explores what buffy coat is, how it is generated, and why it is widely considered one of the best starting materials for high-yield leukocyte isolation. It also explains how laboratories can prepare buffy coat from whole blood and how it fits into modern cell isolation workflows. 

Understanding Buffy Coat and Its Role in Leukocyte Isolation

Buffy coat, also known as leukocyte concentrate, is a fraction of blood that contains a high concentration of white blood cells. Leukocytes play a critical role in the immune system, helping the body recognize and eliminate infections, foreign substances, and abnormal cells. Because of their importance in immune responses, leukocytes are widely studied in biomedical research. When whole blood is processed, it separates into different layers based on density. These layers typically include:

Plasma at the top

Buffy coat in the middle

Red blood cells at the bottom

The buffy coat appears as a thin whitish layer between plasma and red blood cells. Although small in volume, this layer contains a dense population of leukocytes and platelets.

Buffy coat is most commonly obtained as a byproduct of blood donation processing. During the preparation of red blood cell concentrates and platelet products, leukocytes are removed from the donated blood. This step improves the compatibility and shelf life of blood products used in transfusions. Removing leukocytes also reduces the risk of adverse reactions such as fever or antibody formation during transfusion therapy. The removed leukocyte fraction becomes the buffy coat. Even though it is technically a byproduct of blood processing, it is extremely valuable for laboratory work because it contains 10–20 times more leukocytes than whole blood.

This high concentration makes buffy coat an ideal starting material for many research applications involving immune cells.

Why Buffy Coat Provides Higher Leukocyte Yields

One of the main advantages of buffy coat is the high density of immune cells it contains. When researchers isolate leukocytes from whole blood, they must first separate them from a large volume of red blood cells and plasma. This process typically requires multiple preparation steps. Buffy coat simplifies this process by concentrating leukocytes into a much smaller volume.

Higher Starting Cell Numbers

Because buffy coat contains leukocytes that have already been concentrated during blood processing, laboratories can obtain a large number of cells quickly. High starting numbers are particularly important for applications such as:

Functional immune assays

Flow cytometry analysis

Cell culture experiments

Screening workflows

Isolation of rare cell populations

Starting with a concentrated leukocyte fraction significantly improves overall cell yield.

Reduced Sample Preparation

When working with whole blood, several preparation steps are often required before leukocyte isolation can begin. These steps may include dilution, erythrocyte removal, and density centrifugation. Buffy coat eliminates many of these early steps. Because leukocytes are already concentrated, laboratories can proceed directly to downstream cell enrichment techniques or Antibody Cell Separation workflows.

Efficient Downstream Processing

Many isolation methods work more efficiently when the starting material contains a higher proportion of target cells. Buffy coat provides exactly this advantage. By increasing the ratio of leukocytes to other blood components, buffy coat improves the performance of modern cell separation technology. This efficiency becomes particularly important when isolating rare immune cell populations that would otherwise be difficult to detect in whole blood.

How Buffy Coat Is Generated from Whole Blood

Buffy coat can be produced in two primary ways: through blood donation processing or through laboratory preparation from fresh whole blood.

Method 1: Centrifugation of Whole Blood

One common approach is to centrifuge whole blood. During centrifugation, components separate according to their density.

The process typically results in three layers:

Plasma at the top

Buffy coat in the middle

Red blood cells at the bottom

The buffy coat layer is carefully collected after centrifugation. This method is widely used in blood banks and research laboratories.

Method 2: Leukocyte Filtration

Another approach involves filtering whole blood through specialized filters that retain leukocytes while allowing other components to pass through. These filters are designed to capture white blood cells efficiently. After filtration, the leukocyte-rich fraction can be recovered and used as buffy coat. Both methods produce a sample that contains a concentrated population of leukocytes suitable for downstream applications.

Preparing Buffy Coat from Whole Blood in the Laboratory

In addition to using buffy coat obtained from blood donations, laboratories can prepare their own buffy coat fractions from fresh whole blood. A simple protocol can generate buffy coat efficiently.

Step 1: Dilute the Blood Sample

Mix one part whole blood with one part washing buffer. Gentle mixing ensures that the cells are evenly distributed and prevents clot formation.

Step 2: Perform Centrifugation

Centrifuge the diluted blood for approximately 10 minutes at 200 × g. It is important to turn the centrifuge brake off so the layers remain stable during deceleration.

Step 3: Identify the Buffy Coat Layer

After centrifugation, the buffy coat appears as a cloudy interface between the plasma and the red blood cell layer.

Step 4: Collect the Buffy Coat

Using a pipette, carefully remove the leukocyte-rich interface and transfer it into a fresh tube. Once collected, the buffy coat can be used directly for leukocyte isolation or for more specific cell separation workflows.

Conclusion

Buffy coat is one of the most efficient and practical starting materials for leukocyte isolation. As a concentrated leukocyte fraction generated during blood processing, it provides 10–20 times more immune cells than whole blood, making it ideal for high-yield cell isolation workflows. By reducing the need for extensive sample preparation and improving starting cell numbers, buffy coat supports modern cell separation technology and advanced cell enrichment techniques. It is also highly compatible with Antibody Cell Separation methods, which rely on specific cell surface markers to isolate targeted populations.

Laboratories can obtain buffy coat directly from blood donations or prepare it themselves using simple centrifugation protocols. In either case, the resulting sample provides a powerful foundation for immune cell research. When combined with careful preparation and supportive tools such as filtration systems or a Lab Strainer cascade, buffy coat enables cleaner suspensions, higher recovery, and more reliable downstream results.

For researchers seeking efficient leukocyte isolation with minimal sample preparation, buffy coat remains one of the most effective and widely used solutions available.

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7 Mistakes Researchers Make During Tissue Dissociation (And How pluriStrainer® Fixes Them)

Tissue dissociation is one of the most important steps in preparing high-quality single-cell suspensions for downstream applications. Whether the goal is flow cytometry, primary cell culture, cell separation, or organoid research, the quality of the dissociation process determines how reproducible and reliable the data will be.

Yet even experienced researchers encounter the same recurring issues: clogged filters, inconsistent yields, large cell aggregates, and long processing times. Many of these problems happen not because of complex technical errors, but because of simple steps that become inefficient over time.

This is where the pluriStrainer® becomes a helpful tool. As a flexible and easy-to-use cell strainer, it simplifies tissue dissociation, prevents common mistakes, and saves valuable time. Whether you work with a 40 µm cell strainer, a 70 µm cell strainer, or a 100 µm strainer, having the right device makes tissue processing smoother and more predictable.

Here are the seven most common mistakes researchers make during tissue dissociation, and how pluriStrainer® fixes them.

Mistake 1: Skipping the Stepwise Filtration Process

Many researchers try to push tissue suspensions directly through a single mesh size—usually a 70 µm cell strainer, to save time. In reality, this slows the workflow because large debris and tissue fragments clog the mesh almost immediately.

How pluriStrainer® fixes it

pluriStrainer® devices are designed to be stackable, making it easy to build a Lab Strainer cascade using several pore sizes at once. A typical cascade might include:

100 µm strainer for large fragments

70 µm cell strainer for medium debris

40 µm cell strainer for fine preparation

This stepwise filtration reduces clogging, speeds up processing, and increases the final recovery of single cells. The ability to stack multiple strainers on the same tube ensures a smooth and efficient workflow without changing equipment between steps.

Mistake 2: Applying Too Much Force During Filtration

Pushing tissue with excessive pressure leads to:

Cell damage

Altered morphology

Lower viability

Mesh rupture

This often happens when strainers clog or when samples are too viscous.

How pluriStrainer® fixes it

With the Connector Ring attached, pluriStrainer® allows users to control flow rate through a simple open-and-close mechanism. You can slow the flow for gentle dissociation or allow faster passage when the sample is homogeneous.

For more challenging tissues like spleen, lung, or brain, researchers can connect a syringe to generate low pressure, pulling the liquid gently through the mesh without forcing or damaging the cells. This controlled flow protects fragile cells and results in better single-cell suspensions.

Mistake 3: Allowing Meshes to Clog Due to Poor Ventilation

One of the biggest frustrations during dissociation is when filters clog not because of debris, but because of poor airflow. Air pressure builds up under the mesh, blocking liquid flow and causing the sample to sit on top of the strainer.

How pluriStrainer® fixes it

pluriStrainer® is designed with improved ventilation to reduce clogging. This ensures continuous flow and prevents liquid buildup on the mesh surface.

Even sticky or viscous materials move through more consistently, making filtration faster and less frustrating. For high-volume samples, pluriStrainer® can be combined with a funnel to allow up to 24 mL of sample on top of the strainer without slowing down the process.

Mistake 4: Using Gauze or Improvised Filters

Some labs still rely on gauze, nylon mesh pads, or homemade filters to save costs. Unfortunately, these materials:

Trap large numbers of viable cells

Produce uneven mesh sizes

Introduce contaminants

Cause inconsistent results

Slow down processing time

How pluriStrainer® fixes it

pluriStrainer® offers:

Sterile, ready-to-use filters

Uniform and precise mesh sizes

Compatibility with all major 50 mL tubes

Options ranging from 70 µm to 500 µm

This provides consistent and reliable filtration with fewer lost cells and fewer repeated dissociation attempts. It is simply a faster and more predictable alternative to gauze-based filtration.

Mistake 5: Losing Valuable Cell Fractions During Filtration

Many researchers forget that sometimes the larger tissue fraction may contain intact cell clusters that are still useful. Standard strainers make it difficult to recover this material.

How pluriStrainer® fixes it

pluriStrainer® can be inverted to recover the retained material. A quick flush with buffer releases the trapped fraction without contamination or mechanical damage.

This is especially helpful when working with:

Mammary tissue

Organoids

Bone marrow

Tumor samples

Lymphoid tissues

By turning the strainer upside down onto a fresh tube, you easily recover the material that would normally be discarded. This ensures higher cell yield and more comprehensive downstream analysis.

Mistake 6: Ignoring the Importance of Mesh Size Variability

Using only a single mesh size (for example a 70 µm cell strainer) prevents optimization of cell yield and homogeneity. Different tissues and applications require different pore sizes.

For example:

A 100 µm strainer is best for coarse dissociation

A 70 µm cell strainer is ideal for lymphoid tissues

A 40 µm cell strainer prepares samples for flow cytometry

Finer meshes help remove aggregates before magnetic separation

How pluriStrainer® fixes it

pluriStrainer® is available in a wide range of pore sizes, including:

70 µm

100 µm

200 µm

300 µm

400 µm

500 µm

Labs that require fine preparation can combine pluriStrainer® with Mini Strainer formats such as the Cell strainer 40 µm and Cell strainer 70 µm for small-volume processing.

Having the correct mesh size at every stage leads to:

Better single-cell suspensions

Fewer aggregates

Easier downstream separation

Cleaner flow cytometry plots

Mesh size flexibility is one of the biggest reasons pluriStrainer® saves time and improves purity.

Mistake 7: Not Using Filtration as Part of the Tissue Dissociation Process

Many researchers see filtration only as a final cleanup step. But effective dissociation starts with filtering at the right moments, not just at the end.

During dissociation, samples often require:

Intermittent clearing of debris

Removal of partially digested material

Separation of tissue layers

Short incubation with reagents

Controlled mixing and flow

How pluriStrainer® fixes it

pluriStrainer® allows users to hold liquid on top of the mesh by blocking the flow. This makes it possible to:

Incubate tissue fragments with enzymes directly on the strainer

Perform short treatments (e.g., TRIzol®, Buffer RLT)

Dissociate primary tissues physically

Break up clusters while maintaining sterile conditions

This transforms filtration from a simple step into an active part of the dissociation workflow.

The ability to combine the strainer with the Connector Ring and a syringe also supports physical dissociation of tough tissues like:

Brain

Spleen

Pancreas

Thymus

Lymph nodes

Researchers can guide dissociation with gentle low pressure, improving the final quality of the single-cell suspension. 

Why pluriStrainer® Is the Right Tool for Tissue Dissociation

Throughout the tissue dissociation workflow, pluriStrainer® provides benefits that directly address the most common mistakes:

Prevents clogging through smart airflow design.

Saves time with stackable filters and funnel compatibility.

Improves cell yield by allowing easy recovery of retained fractions.

Supports a complete workflow from coarse filtering to fine cleanup.

Works for all major tissue types including viscous, fibrous, and fragile samples.

Allows precise control with the Connector Ring and low-pressure syringe option.

Fits into any existing lab workflow thanks to compatibility with standard 50 mL tubes.

Whether a lab relies on Lab cell strainers, Mini Strainers, 40 µm, 70 µm, or 100 µm meshes, pluriStrainer® serves as a reliable and flexible system that improves every step of tissue processing.

Conclusion

Tissue dissociation may appear simple, but small mistakes can add up to major losses in yield, sample quality, and time. By understanding the seven most common errors and using tools designed to overcome them, researchers can create cleaner, faster, and more reliable workflows.

pluriStrainer® stands out because it doesn’t just filter—it supports every part of tissue preparation. From preventing clogs and improving flow to enabling controlled incubation and easy recovery of fractions, it helps researchers achieve better results with less effort.

For labs aiming to produce real single-cell suspensions, streamline tissue dissociation, and reduce repetitive strain on workflows, pluriStrainer® is a practical upgrade that makes a measurable difference.

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How Positive Selection Improves Purity in Whole Blood Processing Without Pre-Treatment

Working with whole blood has always been one of the most demanding steps in cell isolation. It contains many cell types packed into a complex environment of proteins, platelets, erythrocytes, and debris. Every researcher and production team dealing with whole blood knows the struggle: separating the right cells without adding complicated preparation steps that slow the workflow, stress the sample, or lower purity.

Traditionally, most cell separation workflows start by treating whole blood before enrichment. This usually involves density centrifugation, red cell lysis, or other physical separation steps. While these methods work, they also create more opportunities for technical inconsistencies, contamination, and cell loss.

Positive selection offers a much simpler path. By directly isolating the desired cells from untreated whole blood, researchers can skip pretreatment steps and still achieve high purity. This has become even more practical with the availability of modern cell separation technology such as pluriBead®, which uses a straightforward, size-based system to enrich the exact population needed.

This article explains how positive selection improves purity, why it works particularly well with whole blood, and how pluriBead® makes the process faster, easier, and more reliable for both research and commercial workflows.

Why Whole Blood Is Difficult to Process Without Pre-Treatment

Before exploring how positive selection helps, it is important to understand why whole blood is challenging in the first place:

High red blood cell content makes most samples too dense for direct separation.

Platelets and erythrocytes can cause unwanted binding or clogging in many systems.

Multiple cell types create a high risk of contamination.

Traditional enrichment methods depend heavily on centrifugation or lysis reagents, both of which create extra handling steps.

These issues create one major question for many labs:

Is it possible to isolate pure target cells from whole blood without pretreatment? Positive selection provides a clear answer—yes.

How Positive Selection Works

Positive selection is a cell enrichment technique that isolates the desired cells by binding them directly with a specific antibody. Instead of removing cells you don’t want, you capture the ones you do want.

Here’s the basic process:

A monoclonal antibody recognizes a marker on the target cell. The antibody is attached to a bead or solid phase.

Only the desired cells bind to the antibody. These cells become “labeled.”

Unbound cells pass through during the washing step. This includes erythrocytes, platelets, and all other non-target cells.

The labeled cells remain behind and are enriched.

This direct approach allows the separation to focus only on one outcome—retaining the target cells—without the need to prepare the blood beforehand.

Why Positive Selection Improves Purity Without Pre-Treatment

Positive selection makes it possible to start with whole blood exactly as collected. The main reason purity improves is simple:

Only the desired cells are captured, so everything else flows through early in the workflow.

Here are the specific benefits that contribute to higher purity:

1. No centrifugation means fewer contaminants

Centrifugation is effective, but it often brings unwanted cells along with the buffy coat. Platelets, erythrocytes, and debris can remain in the final suspension.

With positive selection, these contaminants never bind to the antibody. They automatically move into the flow-through, resulting in a cleaner target fraction.

2. Less mechanical stress prevents cell damage

Whole blood pretreatment methods subject cells to strong forces. Damaged cells release debris, which reduces purity and interferes with downstream applications.

Positive selection avoids this by using gentle mixing at room temperature, preventing cell rupture and reducing unwanted contaminants.

3. Direct enrichment reduces processing errors

Every additional step increases risk: pipetting errors, incomplete spins, lysis inefficiency, and variability between operators.

By working directly from whole blood, positive selection reduces the number of steps, lowering the chance of impurities entering the sample.

4. Target cells are secured early in the workflow

Once the antibody binds to the target cell, that cell stays captured. This early “lock-in” protects the target population throughout the entire process.

Because the desired cells remain held back by the solid phase, unwanted cells have fewer opportunities to mix with the final product, leading to higher purity.

The Advantage of pluriBead® in Whole Blood Processing

While positive selection can be performed using different systems, pluriBead® offers a unique advantage: it does not require magnets or density separation. Instead, it uses size exclusion through a compatible pluriStrainer®.

pluriBead® combines:

non-magnetic monodispersed beads,

precise antibody coating,

and a simple sieving system.

This gives researchers and production teams a straightforward, gentle, and scalable way to perform antibody cell separation directly from whole blood.

Here is why it stands out:

1. No preparation of whole blood is needed

pluriBead® allows the enrichment process to begin immediately after sample collection. There is no:

density centrifugation

erythrocyte lysis

volume reduction

washing prior to separation

This reduces time, cost, and workflow complexity while protecting both purity and yield.

2. Very low contamination from platelets and erythrocytes

Because pluriBeads® bind only to the target cells, the unbound blood components naturally move into the flow-through. This reduces contamination significantly. Researchers using pluriBead® consistently report low levels of unbound cells in the final target fraction—even when processing whole blood directly.

3. Size-based separation keeps the workflow consistent

The beads used in pluriBead® are larger than blood cells, which allows reliable straining through mesh sizes designed to hold back the bead-cell complexes. This adds a layer of physical separation on top of antibody specificity, improving the purity of the final suspension.

4. No risk of phagocytosis

Because the beads are significantly larger than the cells, they cannot be taken up by them. This maintains cell integrity and prevents bead-cell contamination.

5. The flow-through remains usable

An added advantage of pluriBead® is that the flow-through is free of bead-bound cells. This makes it suitable for:

a second positive selection,

a negative enrichment,

or further analysis.

This flexibility allows researchers to maximize the value of each blood sample.

The pluriBead® Workflow for Whole Blood

pluriBead® follows a three-step system that is easy to integrate into any lab or facility. The workflow is designed to be fast, simple, and predictable.

Step 1: Incubation

Mix the untreated whole blood with the pluriBeads®.

Gently incubate the mixture at room temperature.

During this time, antibodies on the beads bind to the target cells.

This step is gentle and avoids mechanical stress.

Step 2: Washing and Separation

Pour the incubated sample onto a pluriStrainer®.

Bead-bound cells remain on the mesh.

All other cells pass through and collect in the tube below.

This creates an immediate separation between desired and unwanted cells.

Step 3: Detachment

Add the detachment buffer directly to the pluriStrainer®.

The target cells detach from the beads.

The purified cells wash into a fresh tube.

This leaves the beads behind and yields a clean cell suspension ready for downstream use.

Conclusion

Positive selection offers a practical and effective way to isolate target cells from whole blood without the need for pretreatment steps like density centrifugation or erythrocyte lysis. By binding only the desired cells and letting the rest flow through, positive selection simplifies the workflow and dramatically improves purity.

With tools such as pluriBead®, researchers and businesses gain an efficient and reliable system for antibody cell separation that fits seamlessly into existing workflows. pluriBead® combines gentle incubation, size-based separation, and easy detachment to deliver high-purity cells directly from whole blood—saving time, reducing stress on the sample, and improving consistency.

As demand for clean, well-defined cell populations continues to grow across research, diagnostics, and production, positive selection without pretreatment stands out as a valuable solution. pluriBead® makes this approach accessible, scalable, and dependable, offering a clear path to improved workflow performance and better results.