EpiSep is the technology platform with which WaveSense delivers the patented Xenographic Retention Chromatography™ (XRC™) technology. Separation and retention of molecular and cellular targets are achieved by unit integration of immunoaffinity, nucleoaffinity, frontal analysis, magnetic density, and mobile phase chromatography principles in a single, disposable device.

EpiSep XRC™ assays can be used in any applications where isolation and analysis of specific cells are desired. Some examples include:

Tumor cell isolation from a variety of samples
Metastasis characterization
Cell sorting
Quality control of cellular therapy preparations

Samples (blood, bone marrow, buffy coat or other tissue preparations) are incubated with antibody coated magnetic particles to specific cellular antigens associated with tumor cells. After a short incubation period, a portion of the sample is added to the EpiSep™ mounted on the magnetic dock. Tumor cells bound to the magnetic particles are captured in the magnetic field, while other cells and material are wicked away from the analysis area.

Additional reagents are then added. The wicking process eliminates the need for aspiration of unused material.

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Once the separation process is complete and all staining processes completed, the slide can be observed on an inverted flurorescent or confocal microscope. The inspection area only 0.6 cm2, so examination takes only a short time.

Alternatively, the slides can be read on many automated fluorescence readers. Usually, software supplied by the reader manufacturer will assist the user in the analytical process.

Recovery is ~92%. Please inquire as to references and procedures for these determinations.

EpiSep™ is designed to utilize samples from 10 µL to 4 ml from whole blood, bone marrow, buffy coat or tissue preparations, depending on the specific application.

EpiSep procedures are easy to perform in a single device. There are substantially fewer transfer steps for the islolation of cells using a single device. This translates to:

Less target cell loss and hence better recovery rates
Lower biohazard concerns
Ease of additional procedures, such as biomarkers, described below

Without additional transfer steps, additional stains or other reagents can used to detect multiple biomarkers.

An example is the use of DAPI for DNA staining and multiple colored antibody coated particles for detection of multiple drug resistance and metastatic markets, in one assay, using one device.

There are no aspiration, decanting or centrifugation steps using the EpiSep™. Time-to-result and hands-on-time are about 1/5 of other magnetic separation methods.

EpiSep™ kits are priced competitively with other methods. The specific comparison is dependent on the specific application. For example, costs are dramatically less in comparison to flow cytometry and its associated instrumentation needs.

EpiSep™ is at least an order of magnitude more sensitive than flow cytometry for specific cellular antigen detection. Also, depending on the detection technique (microscopy or automated reader), the number of antigens or biomarkers detected is comparable to flow cytometry.

In the XRC™ process, reactions happen faster due to the construction of the EpiSep™ device. This means that reactions are limited only by the kinetics of the reagents, and not by the physical reaction chamber (tube, microplate or slide).

The EpiSep™ can also be used as a preparative technique for flow cytometry, especially when specific cell concentration or number is too low for accurate flow cytometry results.

Yes, please see new application notes on our website www.wavesense.net We have unique recovery methods that provide excellent samples for subsequent procedures such as expansion of cells in tissue culture, FISH or ot analyses.

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