Is handling magnetic beads in large volumes possible with gripper-circular magnet architecture on flex?

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I need to buy a robot for magnetic bead handling in a large volume e.g. 2mL. I understand how smaller volume handling works: the plate is moved by gripper and placedon a circular magnet. But could it work for higher volumes? Should I try to use a different magnet, e.g. Catalyst™ 96 - Alpaqua?

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Hey @Pavel - this is not the best answer, but it depends on starting material and bead type.
We’ve had customers use the Alpaqua Magnum FLX if their samples are taking too long to bind with good success in the field in a DW plate.

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Hi there,
I’ve had great success with those large rod magnets from Carl Roth:

Handling of 2.2 mL Deepwell plates is no problem. Settlings time is ~ 4 minutes.

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Thanks! Could I ask you a follow up question? I am a fan of the Magnum EX for PCR plates but when I try this magnet with larger volume plates it doesn’t work. The EX is good enough to attract the beads, but the magnetic bead ring formed has too low diameter and since we we are using a lot of beads, there is no a clear bead-free central position at the middle of the well. Our feeling is that if the magnet has a slightly higher diameter, it would result in a slightly higher bead ring diameter and hence would generate a bead-free zone at the centre of the well. This would allow aspirating the liquid more efficiently without picking up beads.

Hence I wanted to ask about the 96S magnet from Alapaqua. Have you used it Does it have a higher magnet diameter suitable for generating a magnetic bead ring of a higher diameter and hence creating a bead free zone at the center of the well even when large amount of beads is used?

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Can you share what you’re trying to do in very generic terms?

A lot of people will miniaturize their magnetic protocols for the reasons you listed. There are also alternative plate formats that you could use potentially (doesn’t have to always be round bottom), is that an option?

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Hey @Pavel - we’ve found the EX isn’t strong enough for some of the bead cleanups as well, same with the 96S depending on volume of beads. I’m referring to this magnet: