General questions about MagRo automation and automation processes

More questions, by subject area, here:
   • Frequently asked questions about PickPen technology and manual devices
   • Frequently asked questions about MagRo automation and automation processes
   • Frequently asked questions about nucleic acid purifications
   • Frequently asked questions about protein purifications


How can I improve my throughput?
The MagRo™ robotic workstation brings the advantages of PickPen® magnetic particle technology to automated sample purification. It combines a PickPen magnetic tool for magnetic particle transfers and manipulations with high precision liquid handling designed for automation of routine laboratory tasks. This unique combination simplifies the automation of sample purification protocols and allows the application of PickPen technology to larger batch sizes while avoiding spin columns, vacuum boxes and centrifugations.

MagRo 8-M bridges the gap between manual tools and high throughput automation. It processes 8 wells at a time in batch sizes of up to 96 samples per run, depending on the application.

What are the advantages of the MagRo 8-M for me?
MagRo™ 8-M combines a PickPen® magnetic tool for magnetic particle transfers and manipulations with high precision liquid handling designed for automation of routine laboratory tasks. This unique combination simplifies the automation of sample purification protocols and allows the application of PickPen® technology to larger batch sizes.

The costs are low because of the consumables. The reagents can be bought separately without the need to waste any of them. Magro™ 8-M uses one tip for each sample, one tip for each reagent and only the amount of plates needed.

By integrating magnetic particle processing and liquid handling into one flexible instrument, MagRo™ 8-M carries out both pre- and post purification dispensing. With its small footprint, MagRo™ 8-M saves on costly and limited lab space without compromising on performance.

Can I use the MagRo 8-M for many different applications?
MagRo 8-M can bed used for a broad range of applications: for example purification of DNA from various of sample material (plant, tissue, blood etc) and purification of histidine-tagged proteins and immunoprecipitation protocols.  You can use it with our ready-made protocols with our QuickPick kits or create your own protocols for any kit from a  third party.

What is the throughput of the MagRo 8-M?
MagRo 8-M robotic workstation integrates magnetic particle processing and liquid handling in one flexible instrument. It processes 8 wells at a time in batch sizes of up to 96 samples per run and up to 300 samples per day depending on the application.

This processing time depends on the application but, for example, it takes 30 minutes to purify genomic DNA from 8 samples of whole blood. In the MagRo 8-M process the liquids are dispensed prior to the purification. Therefore, the 30 minutes includes the sample and reagent dispensing and the purification step.

Is there any risk of cross contamination?
Due to the innovative dispensing and magnetic particle handling technology, there will be a minimum of drops of liquids during all dispensing or purification steps. The PickPen device of the MagRo 8-M transfers only magnetic particles, not liquids, and uses a new tip for each sample.

How much service does the MagRo 8-M require?
The MagRo 8-M device does not require much regular service. In normal use, some reference coordinates (“Anchors”) need to be checked on a weekly basis. The dispensing pumps cannot be calibrated by the user and are exchanged for refurbished pumps as part of the normal service contract at regular intervals.

What are the overall costs when using the MagRo 8-M?
The overall costs will be based on the use of reagents and consumables. The technology of the MagRo 8-M allows for very efficient use of reagents and consumables. For example, the dispensing units carry no dead volumes that have to be filled with expensive reagents. The reagents can be bought separately without the need to waste any of them. MagRo 8-M uses one tip for each sample, one tip for each reagent and only the amount of plates needed.

Are the processes fixed or can I change them?
A set of protocols are included in the software for your need. You need just to press “start” or you can change certain variables in the process, for example buffer or sample volumes, incubation times etc. Once the samples, reagents and consumables have been loaded onto the instrument, just start the protocol and no additional intervention is required through to collection of the purified sample. You can also make your own protocols for your specific needs.


Can I create my own processes?
You can use the MagRo™ robotic workstation with ready-to-use protocols for QuickPick™ kits or customize your own applications. The flexible software design gives the choice of working with ready-to-use, tailor-made and instrument operators’ own protocols to carry out both purification protocols as well as pre- and post purification dispensing on the same compact platform.

Can I use the MagRo™ 8-M for liquid dispensing only?
Yes. Magro 8-M has several different dispensing actions that you can choose from. You can create your own processes for pre- and post purification actions.