Detaching stem cells from magnetic beads

[Oh Kah Weng Steve]

Dear netters,

My group has been using Dynal immuno-magnetic beads for ~ 1 year now in 
attempting to select for CD34+ stem cells. The binding of the cells are 
excellent. But when it comes to detaching them suing the "Detachabeads" 
antibodies that Dynal sell, we always lose 50% or more of the beads which 
still remain on the ....stupid beads!

We've tried enzymes like pepsin, longer incubation times,...etc. but no 
luck so far!!!

Would appreciate  any suggestions. Thanks.

Steve Oh (Project Leader)
Bioprocessing technology Unit, National University of Singapore.