opentrons-magnetic-block

Bead separation on Flex uses the Opentrons Magnetic Block to immobilize magnetic beads in wells. Place your sample plate on the unpowered block, wait 2–5 minutes for beads to collect at the magnet, then pipette off the supernatant. This automates DNA/RNA extraction, PCR cleanup, and library preparation workflows without powered equipment.

Yes. The magnetic block supports bead-based PCR cleanup and SPRI (solid-phase reversible immobilization) workflows on Flex. Beads bind target DNA/RNA or proteins, the magnet collects them, and you remove contaminants via supernatant removal and wash cycles.

Magnetic bead separation requires standard 96-well plates compatible with the Opentrons Magnetic Block and Flex gripper-based plate movement. The block occupies a fixed magnet position on the Flex deck; your protocol handles plate positioning and timing for bead settling.

Beads typically settle in 2–5 minutes on the magnetic block. The exact duration depends on bead size, buffer viscosity, and sample volume. Build this delay into your Flex protocol between plate placement and pipetting to ensure complete magnetic collection.

Magnetic bead separation on Flex supports immunoprecipitation, protein purification, cell sorting, and library preparation. Any workflow requiring bead-based capture and immobilization of target molecules can use the unpowered magnetic block for hands-off, automated separation.

No. The Opentrons Magnetic Block is unpowered; beads collect passively under magnetic force. This simplifies deck integration and reduces equipment costs while automating separation timing and supernatant removal via pipetting.