Automating Magnetic Bead Cleanups

Magnetic solid-phase reversible immobilization (SPRI™) bead DNA cleanups are used across a broad range of workflows, including post-PCR purification, next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation, nucleic acid concentration, and size selection. Although the workflow is relatively simple, it does not scale easily with sample number. This application note compares a 96-well plate cleanup performed with an 8-channel pipette and Rainin MicroPro, a 96-channel semi-automated pipetting system. It examines how replacing sequential, column-by-column pipetting with 96-channel liquid handling affects hands-on time, total processing times, and number of pipetting steps.

Using MicroPro reduced hands-on time from 34 minutes to 6 minutes while eliminating manual pipetting steps. MicroPro was also able to reuse tips during wash steps without risking sample-to-sample contamination, saving 288 tips.