Magnetic bead assays give rise to a number of novel techniques in the analysis of life science. The use of magnetic separators allows for the magnetized small beads to be isolated from the media. Magnetic beads have been used in the processing of DNA purification through to protein isolation and beyond. There are many magnetic bead suppliers available with numerous assays that can be used to achieve the desired separation of your target of interest. 

How it works

• Step 1 - Add the bead solution to your sample microplate
  
• Step 2 - Shake vigorously to start bond of target to the magnetic bead
• Step 3- Settle the beads by placing the microplate on the MagnaSim96 magnetic separator plate
• Step 4- Aspirate the waste with the bonded beads held compressed via the microplate in contact with the MagnaSim96 magnetic separator plate
  
• Step 5 - Apply a bond separation agent to the solution
• Step 6 - Shake vigorously to separate the target sample from the magnetic bead
• Step 7 - Settle the beads by placing the microplate on the MagnaSim96 magnetic plate
• Step 8 - Remove the desired target sample from the plate with the magnetic beads held compressed via the MagnaSim96 magnetic separator plate and transfer the target sample to a new microplate

Care must be taken as to not have too strong of a magnet as it can cause the magnetic beads to maintain a memory. If this occurs the separation agent in step 5 will not be able to penetrate the compressed beads causing a loss of target sample in step 7. Having too low of a magnetic force allows the loss of sample in step 4 and in step 8.

The Magnasim96 line of magnetic separation products from SiMBiOTiX is designed to allow for faster settling times with reduced sample loss. The results shown below show the vast improvement of the separation yields between the Magnasim and other magnetic nest providers.