Apex MM · Multi-mode
Peak depletion of lipoproteins and soluble proteins
Built for plasma and serum, where ApoB-bearing lipoproteins (LDL, VLDL) overlap EVs in size and size-exclusion alone cannot remove them.
- The highest-purity column in the Apex range, maximal lipoprotein and protein depletion
- Processes up to 1.0 mL of plasma or serum per column
- SEC + multi-mode resin in a single column
MM
MM miniSize-based SEC alone can’t remove LDL/VLDL
ApoB-bearing lipoproteins (LDL, VLDL) overlap extracellular vesicles in size, so a size-exclusion column co-isolates them with EVs. In plasma and serum this lipoprotein carry-over lowers signal-to-noise in single-particle, proteomic, and functional analyses.
The overlap problem
SEC above multi-mode resin, in one column
Apex MM for lipoprotein depletion
More than just SEC
By combining SEC with a multi-mode (MM) resin that uses hydrophobic interaction and ion-exchange to selectively bind and remove lipoproteins and other soluble contaminants, Apex MM columns enhance EV purity.
- Adds a second separation mode beyond size
- Selectively removes lipoproteins (LDL/VLDL) and soluble proteins
- Optimized for plasma and serum
The result, peak lipoprotein purity
Across the Apex range you choose your operating point on the recovery–purity curve. Apex MM reaches the highest lipoprotein depletion while still recovering the majority of EVs.
| Apex 6B | Apex 4B | Apex MM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimized for | Highest yield | High purity | Peak lipoprotein purity |
| EV recovery | >90% | >70% | >50% |
| Albumin (HSA) depletion | >99.9% | >99.99% | >99.999% |
| HDL (ApoA1) depletion | >99% | >99.9% | >99.99% |
| Lipoprotein (ApoB) depletion | 40% | >80% | >98% |
| Resin | 20 nm SEC | 35 nm SEC | SEC + multi-mode |
| Sample volume | 0.5–1.0 mL · mini 0.1–0.3 mL | ||
Apex mini
Smaller size, same performance
The Apex mini packs the same multi-mode resin into a smaller column for low-volume and precious samples, process 0.1–0.3 mL inputs with the same lipoprotein and protein depletion as the full-size Apex MM column.
0.1–0.3 mL
input sample volume
Apex mini MM · 0.15 mL
Validated in plasma
Human plasma data show the multi-mode layer clears the soluble proteins and lipoproteins that size-exclusion alone leaves behind.
Residual plasma contaminants by column
Human plasma
The multi-mode layer captures what size can’t
Apex MM adds hydrophobic-interaction and ion-exchange chemistry on top of size-exclusion, binding and removing the contaminants that co-elute with EVs by size. In human plasma it depletes albumin and HDL to near-undetectable levels and clears the ApoB lipoproteins that size-exclusion barely touches.
>99.999%
Albumin (HSA) depletion, soluble protein cleared to near-undetectable
>99.99%
HDL (ApoA1) depletion, maximized by MM
>98%
ApoB lipoprotein depletion, versus ~40% for SEC alone (Apex 6B)
Single-particle validation
Intact vesicles of the expected size
Beyond bulk purity, single-particle methods confirm the isolate is genuine, intact EVs, and that the multi-mode chemistry depletes lipoproteins without touching the vesicles themselves. The size distribution is preserved, and the EV-specific signal rises clear of lipoprotein background.
Size distribution preserved
Size distribution · NTA
Lipoproteins removed, small vesicles kept
The multi-mode resin depletes lipoproteins by surface chemistry, not by size, so the vesicle population stays intact. Apex MM peaks at a mode of 68 nm, essentially matching single-mode Apex 4B (72 nm), and keeps the small vesicles that size-only cleanup can trim away.
- Size distribution preserved versus single-mode SEC
- Small vesicles retained, not gated out by size
Single-particle analysis
EV signal rises above lipoprotein noise
With co-isolated lipoproteins gone, far more of every detected particle is a real vesicle. Per scatter event, Apex MM carries markedly more EV-specific signal than traditional single-mode SEC, so genuine vesicles stand clear of lipoprotein background in single-particle assays.
9×
higher tetraspanin signal per scatter event (Atlas ELISA) vs SEC
1.5×
higher membrane-dye signal per scatter event vs SEC
EV signal per scatter event
Built for plasma EV applications
Biomarker discovery
Lipoprotein-free plasma isolates sharpen signal-to-noise.
EV proteomics
Fewer co-isolated lipoproteins → cleaner spectra and libraries.
Single-particle & functional
Attribute counts and activity to vesicles, not lipoproteins.
Technical specifications
Specifications & formats
| Specification | Apex MM |
|---|---|
| Resin type | Multi-mode (SEC + hydrophobic / ion-exchange) |
| Bed volume | 9.0 mL · mini 3.3 mL |
| Sample volume | 0.5–1.0 mL · mini 0.1–0.3 mL |
| Formats | Single column and mini |
| Compatible instruments | Ascent (columns) · Summit (columns) |
| Validated biofluids | Cell culture, plasma, serum, urine, CSF |
Application notes
Latest Apex application notes
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What samples are Apex MM columns designed for?
Apex MM is built for lipoprotein-rich biofluids like plasma and serum, where ApoB-bearing lipoproteins (LDL, VLDL) overlap EVs in size. It is also available as a mini format for 0.1–0.3 mL inputs.
How does Apex MM remove lipoproteins?
Apex MM combines size-exclusion chromatography with a multi-mode (MM) resin that uses hydrophobic interaction and ion-exchange to selectively bind and remove lipoproteins and other soluble contaminants, significantly enhancing EV purity.
Should I use Apex MM, 6B, or 4B?
Apex MM is optimized for maximum EV purity in plasma and serum, ideal for unbiased assays like mass spec and flow cytometry. Apex 6B is optimized for the highest total EV recovery, ideal for targeted analysis such as immunoassays, western blots, and surface-marker pull-down. Apex 4B is optimized for the highest purity, ideal for unbiased analysis including proteomics and RNA-seq.
Is Apex MM compatible with automation?
Yes. Apex MM columns run on the Ascent instrument, which processes up to 8 samples in parallel, and on the Summit instrument for higher-throughput automation.
Contact us
Talk to us about Apex MM
Tell us about your plasma or serum workflow and downstream assay, and our scientists will share a protocol to get you started with Apex MM.