Automated Nucleic Acid Purification Support—Getting Started

RNase A digestion is optional, but we highly recommend doing it. We recommend using PureLink RNase A (20 mg/mL) (Cat. No. 12091021).

Yes, we have protocols for using the MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra 2.0 Kit (Cat. No. A36570) to isolate DNA from cells and tissue, but they require purchase of an additional Cell and Tissue Extraction Buffer. The kit and buffer can be purchased together as Cat. No. A45721 or the Cell and Tissue Extraction Buffer can be purchased as a stand alone item (Cat. No. A45469 or A45470).

Yes, we have protocols for using the MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra 2.0 Kit (Cat. No. A36570) to isolate genomic DNA from these sample types, but they require purchase of an additional Cell and Tissue Extraction Buffer. The kit and buffer can be purchased together as Cat. No. A45721 or the Cell and Tissue Extraction Buffer can be purchased as a stand alone item (Cat. No. A45469 or A45470).

The suggested workflow for bone marrow aspirates is as follows:
- Use only up to 200 µL of bone marrow aspirate
- Centrifuge at 200 x g for 10 mins
- Remove the supernatant (leaving about 50 µL of aspirate with the loose pellet) and resuspend the cell pellet in 400 µL of Cell and Tissue Extraction Buffer
- From this point, follow the protocol for isolation of DNA from buffy coat samples

The suggested workflow for 1-2.0 x 10E6 PBMCs is as follows:
- Centrifuge at 500-800 x g for 10 mins
- Remove the supernatant (leaving the cell pellet) an resuspend the cell pellet in 400 L of Cell and Tissue Extraction Buffer
- From this point, follow the protocol for isolation of DNA from cultured cell samples

Please use this link for a comparison of the two systems.

The scripts are downloadable from our website.

The MagMAX™ Express-96 plates, deep well plates (squared wells), and PCR plates (skirted) can be used with the instrument. Each plate type has an optimized MagMAX™ Express-96 head and tips. Of the three plates, the MagMAX™ Express-96 plate can be used with all three kinds of magnets. The volume of the deep well plates has to be a minimum of 2.2 mL (2.0 mL capped) with squared wells.

Yes. Both deep well plates and MagMAX™ Express-96 plates can be used during the same run. Therefore, it is possible to start the processing by using larger volumes (in a deep well plate) and elute the purified sample to a smaller volume (in a MagMAX™ Express96 plate).

We offer a complete MagMAX™ Express-96 system called the MagMAX™ Express-96 Magnetic Particle Processor for the purification and processing of proteins, DNA, RNA, and cells in a 96-well format. The processor handles particles automatically according to the preloaded purification protocols.

The MagMAX™ Express 96 magnets are made of material that is very stable. The magnetic field will not get weaker. However, extreme mechanical force or heating can cause damage to the magnets. Note: It is very important to keep the MagMAX™ Express-96 heads away from each other and other magnets at all times. Clashing of the magnets together can cause serious damage to the magnets.

The MagMAX™ Express-96 system should not be kept in close proximity to magnetic tapes, computer discs, or other magnetic storage systems, such as credit cards, as these can be damaged by the strong magnetic field of the MagMAX™ Express-96 heads. Do not hold the MagMAX™ Express-96 heads close to a PC display, since this may cause damage to the display. Do not use metal tools when handling MagMAX™ Express-96 heads.

Warning: This product contains very strong permanent magnets. People wearing a pacemaker or metallic prosthesis should not use this product. A pacemaker or prosthesis may be affected or damaged if it comes in close contact with a strong magnetic field.

The heating block is located inside the instrument and can be used automatically during the protocol. Both MagMAX™ Express-96 plates and PCR plates (skirted) can be heated using specially designed, interchangeable heating blocks. Any number of heating steps can be added to the protocol. During the protocol, when the protocol enters the heating step, the plate is automatically moved to the dedicated heating position for heating. After the heating step, the protocol continues automatically to the next step.

Note: No cooling steps can be added.

The heating block warms up about 10°C per minute, so it will take about 6 minutes.

We strongly recommend that you keep the specified volumes within the defined limits to avoid spillover of the reagents.

Mixing with the tip comb is designed to occur below the liquid surface. This prevents aerosols and splashing from occurring when using the MagMAX™ Express instrument.

There are two rows of 12 magnetic heads each, and 2 plates for loading.

Deep well plates are recommended. Use a deep well configuration for larger sample inputs (up to 400 μL).

No, unfortunately not.

Yes, you can use 0.1 mM EDTA as an alternative (though beads may pellet slower).

This table shows the reagents shared among different MagMAX™ kits:

*Fill volumes may differ from kit to kit; however, the same composition is used.

The MagMAX™ Magnetic Particle Processor can capture small RNAs if you adjust the binding solution and Wash Solution 1 to 50% isopropranol. The Wash Solution 2 and Elution Solution remain the same. You can expect highest miRNA recovery with the modified protocol for Cat. No. AM1839.

Cat. No. AM1836 is a good choice, with Cat. No. AM1835 as an alternative.

Yes, carrier RNA can be ordered separately. The Cat. No. is 4382878.

Yes, adjust the binding solution and wash solution 1 to 50% isopropanol to precipitate small RNAs. However, we have not yet tested yield with this protocol modification.

Yes, the Applied Biosystems™ MagMAX™ mirVana Total RNA Isolation Kit (Cat. No. A27828) will isolate both small and large RNAs from a variety of samples (serum, plasma, blood, tissue, cells, urine).

It is a personal preference as to which magnetic stand to purchase. Cat. No. AM10027 can be easier if using a pipettor for liquid handling, as beads clump to the side, Cat. No. AM10050 if using a robotic liquid handler, as beads clump in a ring.

Yes, all MagMAX™ kits can be used with the KingFisher™ Flex Magnetic Particle Processor.

No, the 96 well standard and 96 Deep Well heads are not interchangeable. However, the same tip combs can be used for both instruments.

Yes, the MagMAX Express-96 instrument is compatible with the BindIt software. A serial port-to-USB converter is required to connect the MagMAX Express-96 instrument to the computer.

If you are using BindIt software v3.3.1.7 you can use it to run existing .kf2 files. You will not be able to edit the .kf2 files in v3.3.1.7.

If you are using BindIt software v4.0 or later, you cannot run or edit existing .kf2 files. To get around this, you can convert the .kf2 files to the BindIt (.bdz) file format and then edit the .bdz file in the BindIt software. Please see this application note for instructions on how to convert the .kf2 files. If you have already converted your .kf2 files to .bdz files, or you plan to convert your .kf2 file to .bdz files, we recommend using BindIt software v4.0 or higher.

The MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra Kit is optimized to isolate genomic DNA (gDNA) from a variety of samples, such as whole blood, buccal cells, saliva, urine, blood cards, mouth rinse, and tissue.

Yes, you can combine the two elution buffers prior to eluting the DNA; instead of having the instrument pause, requiring you to add DNA Elution Buffer 2, press ‘start’ on the instrument - just be sure to combine them directly before adding to the elution plate and before putting the plate on the KingFisher instrument (you do not want them to sit as a mix for too long). For example, if you wish to elute in 50 µL of buffer, you can mix 25 µL of DNA Elution Buffer 1 and 25 µL of DNA Elution Buffer 2, then add the total 50 µL into a well and run the protocol as you normally would.

RNase A treatment is not critical for this workflow. RNA that might be present in the samples is likely to be degraded in the course of the experiment and should not interfere with downstream applications. For those sample types that might potentially have some RNA carryover, we have included the RNase A as part of the Bead mix as a precaution.

DNA Elution Buffer 1 is at a basic pH to help maximize release of the gDNA from the magnetic beads and has to be neutralized by DNA Elution Buffer 2.

We recommend using one of the following types of buccal swabs with foam tips:

- Puritan PurFlock Ultra Flocked Swabs (Fisher Scientific, Cat. No. 22-025-192)
- Puritan HydraFlock Swabs, standard tip (Puritan, Cat. No. 25-3306-H )
- Sterile Foam Tipped Swabs (Puritan, Cat. No. 25-1506 1PF)
- 4N6FLOQSwabs, regular tip (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cat. No. 4473979)

Note: Please do not use cotton swabs, as they may contain PCR inhibitors.

Buccal swabs can be shipped at 25 degrees C or below. Exposure of the swabs to high temperatures (over 30 degrees C) during shipment has been associated with poor performance in the workflow. To prevent degradation, ensure that buccal swabs are completely dry before shipment. Place the swabs in a paper envelope for storage after collection - paper envelopes are permeable and allow the swabs to dry effectively.

We recommend transferring the lysate to a new MagMAX Express-96 Deep Well Plate (Cat. No. 4388476). This option eliminates contamination risks and saves time. To transfer lysates, set a multi-channel micropipetor to ˜300 µL and transfer one row at a time. Each well should contain 200-250 µL after transfer.

Heparin is not recommended as an anti-coagulant since it can cause inhibition of PCR reactions. Instead, we strongly recommend collecting blood samples in EDTA or sodium citrate.

On rare occasions, the sample may turn cloudy after adding the Multi-Sample DNA Lysis Buffer. The sample will clear up when isopropanol is added. This will not have any impact on the yield or quality of the DNA.

We have optimized protocols for extracting DNA from buccal swabs, whole blood, blood cards (Whatman FTA), oral rinse, saliva, and urine samples. In addition, the kit can be used to process vaginal microbiota samples (e.g., ThinPrep, Surepath) for gDNA extraction from yeast, bacteria (Gram positive/negative), viruses, and protozoa with the addition of additional enzymatic steps.

Yields from hemolytic plasma, lipemic plasma, or other compromised samples types vary greatly from donor to donor. We recommend processing these types of samples using the manual protocol.

Levels of cell-free DNA in circulation can range from 1 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL of plasma or serum depending on the donor. For samples containing low levels of cell-free DNA, we recommend increasing the starting sample volume.

The MagMAX Cell-Free DNA Isolation Kit has been designed to isolate cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, serum, and urine samples.

No, the MagMAX Cell-Free DNA Isolation Kit contains the Dynabeads MyOne SILANE magnetic beads. For this reason we recommend using the DynaMag magnets (Cat. Nos. 12302D, 12321D).

For NGS applications, we recommend using K2EDTA tubes. For other applications, Streck Cell-Free DNA Blood Collection Tubes can also be used.

NGS, qPCR, and ddPCR are all compatible with the MagMAX Cell-Free Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit. The kit is specifically designed for Ion Torrent liquid biopsy panels (Oncomine Lung Cell-Free Total Nucleic Acid Research Assay, Cat. No. A35864) that require cell-free DNA as well as cell-free RNA. The minimum yield requirement for these NGS panels is 2 ng/µL, which is why the protocol includes a rebinding step that allows for lower elution volume (15 µL) and yields a more concentrated nucleic acid.

No, Proteinase K treatment is required to lyse the exosomes, which contain most of the cell-free RNA in plasma samples; it also degrades proteins.

Yes, the MagMAX Cell-Free Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit does isolate miRNA.

The Qubit Fluorometer cannot discriminate between cell-free DNA and gRNA, so running an Agilent High Sensitivity DNA analysis chip is highly recommended.

cfRNA concentrations in plasma are low, and the conformation/length is not compatible with the dye in the Qubit RNA HS assay. We recommend using an m1 TaqMan assay with an appropriate amplicon length to detect cfRNA, such as Hs_99999905_m1 GAPDH (122 bases), Hs99999903_m1 ACTB 171 bases or another m1 assay target that is appropriate for your sample. The m1 designation indicates that the probe spans an exon-exon boundary ensuring that signal is only generated from a template with correctly spliced exons. The assay will not detect signal from the cfDNA that is also present in the eluate. We recommend using SuperScript VILO Master Mix (Cat. No. 11755050) for the RT step and the reaction volume for this step can be scaled down to 10 µL total, using 2 µL of purified cfNA input. We recommend performing the qPCR reaction according to the protocol for TaqMan Universal Master Mix II, no UNG (Cat. No. 4440040), with sample input up to 10% of the total reaction volume.

The MagMAX CORE Nucleic Acid Purification Kit offers pre-mixed, room-temperature reagents, which greatly improve product handling and storage. Specifically, the CORE kit decreases processing times by having pre-mixed washes that do not require the addition of alcohol, a single protocol adapted on multiple KingFisher magnetic particle processors, and a complete protocol that addresses 14 unique sample types.

You can find the .bdz files located within the Documents section of the MagMAX CORE product page under "Product Literature".

No. All buffers arrive pre-mixed with alcohol.

The MagMAX CORE Mechanical Lysis Module is optimized for isolating nucleic acid from difficult to-lyse targets such as mycobacterium (specifically Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis and tuberculosis), spores, and complex samples used for microbiome testing.

The size of the bead tubes that come with these two kits is different, but the bead beating settings are the same. The Mechanical Lysis Module contains a workflow for up to 5 g of feces in addition to the standard 0.3 g protocol.

The only difference is that the MagMAX CORE Mechanical Lysis Module & Glass Microbeads Bundle with CORE Chemistry (Cat. No. A37488) contains glass microbeads, whereas the other kit (Cat. No. A37487) does not. The beads are also available as a standalone item (Cat. No. A37489) and aid in the homogenization of completely desiccated fecal or environmental samples. These glass microbeads are added to the desiccated sample together with some deionized water, vortexed, and incubated for about 10 minutes prior to the bead beating step.

Table 1 of the manual lists all the different plants we have tested with the kit and the approximate DNA yields to expect.

You can find the .bdz files on the product page.

If higher DNA concentration is needed, the elution volume can be reduced to 50 µL when using the KingFisher Flex instrument. However, we have not tested this and the script may have to be changed accordingly.

PVP adsorbs polyphenols, removing them from the final eluate. DTT, a reducing agent, protects the DNA from degradation by preventing the oxidation of polyphenols. We generally recommend adding PVP for woody, lignified, or polyphenol samples (branches, twigs, needles, and wax-coated leaves). DTT can be helpful when working with seeds. Some seeds (e.g., seeds with a pesticide coat) do benefit from addition of PVP to Lysis Buffer A. If DTT supplementation to Lysis Buffer A was already attempted and has not helped, try again with PVP instead.

Both kits use different magnetic beads and different buffers. Both kits can be used with stabilized and fresh saliva samples, but if you are exclusively working with saliva samples, we recommend using the MagMAX Saliva gDNA Isolation Kit. This kit has a faster and more optimized workflow for isolating genomic DNA from saliva samples.

You can use 50-500 µL of saliva in a 96-well plate. We also have protocols for processing 1 mL and 2 mL of saliva in a 24-well plate.

Wash II Solution is 80% ethanol and we do not offer it as a stand-alone item. It must be purchased separately from a different vendor.

No, the same protocols are used for fresh and stabilized saliva.

This is not recommended. Switching the elution solution will impact the maximum yield and may impact binding bead carry-over into the eluate.

Unfortunately, we cannot give out the exact formulation, but it is similar to low TE (10 mM Tris base, 0.1 mM EDTA) and is compatible with microarray, PCR, and NGS downstream applications.

Yes, we offer the following kit components as stand-alone items to accommodate custom workflows or reagent volumes that have been optimized for your specific automation needs:
MagMAX Saliva gDNA Binding Beads: Cat. No. A39061
MagMAX Saliva gDNA Wash I Solution: Cat. No. A39062
MagMAX Saliva gDNA Lysis/Binding Solution: Cat. No. A39063
MagMAX Saliva gDNA Elution Solution: Cat. No. A39064

No, this kit is specialized for freshly collected saliva and stabilized saliva samples only.

Yes you can, but the gDNA yields will be very low.

This kit was developed for fast and efficient isolation of inhibitor-free microbial DNA/RNA from human stool, swabs (fecal, skin, buccal), samples in viral transport media (VTM), and body fluids (urine, saliva). It has also been confirmed to perform well with stool samples from other mammals, reptiles, fish, bird, and other samples like soil, bacterial cultures, and yeast cultures.

Considering that stool and soil are the most challenging sample types in terms of homogenization and depletion of inhibitors, the kit should work well for most other sample types that researchers might be processing in the lab.

The kit utilizes a combination of chemical and mechanical (bead beating) lysis strategies, which enables efficient lysis and DNA/RNA recovery from even the most challenging microbial species.

The MagMAX Microbiome Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit is based on a newly developed buffer system, allowing elimination of the vast majority of diverse inhibitors of enzymatic reactions, even from the most challenging samples such as stool and soil. In very rare instances, if some inhibitors still remain within the purified DNA/RNA, the sample can be diluted 10-20X prior to downstream PCR or other reactions.

For DNA only: Add 10 µL of RNase A (Cat. No. AM2270, AM2271) in each of the Wash 1 and Wash 2 plates.

For RNA only: DNA-free DNA Removal Kit (Cat. No. AM1906) can be used with purified total nucleic acid.

For the 96-deep well plate format: 200-400 µL sample volume input (200 µL for whole blood
For the 24-deep well plate format: 500-2,000 µL sample volume input (1,000 µL for whole blood)

For fecal samples, the complete workflow takes 50 min and for all other sample types, it takes 70 min.

The MagMAX Microbiome Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit is available in two throughput formats: with bead tubes for low throughput and with bead plates for high throughput (96 samples at a time).

The following downstream analysis are compatible with the MagMAX Microbiome Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit: PCR, qPCR, qRT-PCR, OpenArray analysis, microarray analysis, and next-generation sequencing.

Here are the different bead-beating options that can be used:

- Omni Bead Ruptor 96: 30 Hz for 2 min
- Mini Bead Beater 96: 2 min
- Bead Bug: 30 sec is enough but for higher yields, use for 4 min at 4 m/s
- Plate Shaker (Vortex with plate adapter): 5 min at 2,000 rpm
- Vortex with 24 tube adapter: 10 min at 2,500 rom

The MagMAX Viral/Pathogen and MagMAX Viral/Pathogen Ultra nucleic acid isolation kits are compatible with all KingFisher instruments (Flex, Duo Prime, and Presto) and can also be used for manual processing in 96-well plates.

Human biofluid samples (e.g., blood, serum, plasma, urine, CSF, lavage, saliva), samples stored in transport media (e.g., BD Universal Viral Transport (UVT) Media), and bacteriophage culture are compatible with the MagMAX Viral/Pathogen Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit.

(-)ssRNA virus, (+)ssRNA virus, ssDNA virus, dsDNA virus, and Gram negative bacteria are compatible with the MagMAX Viral/Pathogen Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit.

With the MagMAX Viral/Pathogen Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit, nucleic acid has been successfully detected from as low as 50 viral copies in the starting sample.

The following downstream analysis are compatible with the MagMAX Microbiome Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit: PCR, qPCR, qRT-PCR, OpenArray analysis, microarray analysis, and next-generation sequencing.

It takes <40 min from sample to extracted nucleic acid for up to 96 samples.

Human biofluid samples (e.g., blood, serum, plasma, urine, CSF, lavage, saliva), samples stored in transport media (e.g., BD Universal Viral Transport (UVT) Media), and bacteriophage culture are compatible with the MagMAX Viral/Pathogen Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit.

Multiple targets each of (-)ssRNA virus, (+)ssRNA virus, ssDNA virus, dsDNA virus, Gram negative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria, yeast, yeast-like fungi, and fungi have been tested with the MagMAX Viral/Pathogen Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit.

With the MagMAX Viral/Pathogen Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit, nucleic acid has been successfully detected from as low as 1000 cfu of bacteria and yeast/fungi in the starting sample.

With the MagMAX Viral/Pathogen Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit, nucleic acid has been successfully detected from as low as 50 viral copies in the starting sample.

It takes <60 min on instrument time from sample to extracted nucleic acid for up to 96 samples.

There are 4 magnetic head options available for the KingFisher™ Flex Magnetic Particle Processor:

- KingFisher™ Flex head for MagMAX™ Express-96 Deep Well plate

- KingFisher™ Flex head for KingFisher™ 24 Deep Well plate<br/>

- KingFisher™ Flex head for KingFisher™ 96 plate<br/>

- KingFisher™ Flex head for PCR plate, skirted

The consumables for the KingFisher Flex instrument with the 96 Deep Well head are listed below: 

- KingFisher 96 deep-well plate (Cat. No. 95040450)

- KingFisher 96 deep-well plate, sterile (Cat. No. 95040460)

- KingFisher 96 tip comb for deep-well (Cat. No. 97002534)

- KingFisher 96 deep-well tip comb and plate, sterile (Cat. No. 97002820)

- KingFisher 96 microplate (200 μL) (Cat. No. 97002540)

- KingFisher 96 tip comb (Cat. No. 97002524)

- MicroAmp Clear Adhesive Film (optional): (Cat. No. 4306311)

For the KingFisher Flex instrument with the 24 Deep Well head, the following consumables are required:

- KingFisher 24 deep-well plate (Cat. No. 95040470)

- KingFisher 24 deep-well plate, sterile (Cat. No. 95040480)

- KingFisher 24 deep-well tip comb and plate (Cat. No. 97002610)

- KingFisher 24 deep-well tip comb and plate, sterile (Cat. No. 97002620)

No, we strongly recommend that you use the MagMAX™ plates or KingFisher™ plates since they were specifically designed to be used with KingFisher™ Flex tip combs to attain maximal performance. Plates from other manufacturers may not be compatible with the KingFisher™ Flex heating blocks. They may also cause unexpected problems, such as cross-contamination, due to the divergent well volume and bottom height of the plate.

Yes, reaction volumes can be scaled up, and all other volumes (i.e. wash volumes) will have to be increased by the same fold difference. It is generally not recommended to scale up reaction volumes more than 2-fold unless the plate's volume capacity will allow it.

Yes, this can be done by sample splitting. Set the protocol so that the magnet will collect samples from multiple wells before continuing to the next step.  Be sure not to overload.

For nucleic acid extraction, we recommend using our MagMAX™ kits and MagJET kits. Other magnetic beads should work well as long as they are 0.5 to 10 µm in size. However, you will have to write your own KingFisher™ protocols using the Thermo Scientific™ BindIt™ software and validate/optimize the protocol on your own.

BindIt™ software is compatible with Windows™ XP (Professional with Service Pack 3), Windows™ Vista (Service Pack 2), Windows™ 7 (Service Pack 1), and Windows™ 8.

No, manufactured protocols are locked for editing, but they can be renamed using the “save as” function and edited as a new version.

Protocols cannot be transferred back from the KingFisher™ Flex instrument to the computer.  Protocols need to be previously stored in the BindIt™ software to make edits.

KingFisher™ Flex uses a USB port, whereas the MagMAX™ Express- 96 requires a RS-232 port.

The KingFisher™ Flex magnets are made of material that is very stable. The magnetic field will not get weaker. However, extreme mechanical force or heating can cause damage to the magnets.

Caution: It is very important to keep the KingFisher™ Flex heads away from each other and from other magnets at all times. Clashing together of the magnets may cause serious damage to the magnets.

The KingFisher™ Flex magnets are made of material that is very stable. The magnetic field will not get weaker. However, extreme mechanical force or heating can cause damage to the magnets.

Caution: It is very important to keep the KingFisher™ Flex heads away from each other and from other magnets at all times. Clashing together of the magnets may cause serious damage to the magnets.

This can be done by running the Change magnet protocol under the Maintenance menu using the “up” and “down” cursor keys.

Both deep-well plates and KingFisher™ 96 plates can be used during the same run. Therefore, it is possible to start the processing by using larger volumes (in a deep-well plate) and elute the purified sample to a smaller volume (in a KingFisher™ 96 or MagMAX™ 96 plate).

The heating block warms up at the rate of about 10 degrees C per minute, so it will take about 6 minutes.

The transport locks are only necessary when relocating the instrument.

Set up the protocol on the BindIt™ software. After the first 8 plates are done, the instrument will pause and instruct you to switch out the plates.

No, the processing volume refers to the maximum volume that can be held in the 24 Deep Well plates. This incorporates the volume of binding buffers and beads, so when scaling up reaction volumes, it is important to make sure that the total volume does not exceed 5 mL.

Yes, it comes with both the KingFisher Flex 96 KF Heating Block and KingFisher Flex 96 Deep-Well Heating Block.

Yes, it comes with the KingFisher Flex 24 Deep-Well Heating Block.

Yes, here are the catalog numbers for standalone heating blocks:

• Cat. No. 24075420: KingFisher Flex 96 KF Heating Block
•  Cat. No. 24075430: KingFisher Flex 96 Deep-Well Heating Block
• Cat. No. 24075440: KingFisher Flex 24 Deep-Well Heating Block
  

Yes, both the KingFisher Flex 96 KF and 96 Deep-Well heating blocks can be used for the 96 Deep-Well Head, but they are only compatible with certain MagMAX/KingFisher plates.

- The KingFisher Flex 96 KF Heating Block is compatible with both standard plates and Deep-Well plates (Cat. Nos. 97002540, 4388475, 95040460, 4388476).
- The KingFisher Flex Deep-Well Heating Block is only compatible with Deep-Well plates (Cat. Nos. 95040460, 4388476).

We strongly recommend that you maintain the specified volumes within the defined limits to avoid spillover and to help ensure the best performance at the most efficient level.

The reagents provided in each kit are sufficient for 96 preps ranging from 50-400 µL sample input.

Any volume of sample between 50-400 µL can be used in the same run without normalizing sample input volumes or reagent volumes.

We recommend purchasing MagMAX Multi-Sample Ultra 2.0 Elution Solution (Cat. No. A36582) to increase the volume in prefilled plates.

We recommend using both Proteinase K and the enhancer solution for all sample types to ensure maximum DNA yields and prevent binding bead stickiness. When either Proteinase K or enhancer solution is eliminated from the workflow, the beads may clump together which in turn will result in bead carry-over into the final eluate and diminished DNA yield.

Note: Proteinase K and enhancer treatment is especially important for whole blood samples.

One exception we have found is with saliva samples. Some saliva collection tubes contain a stabilization solution that allows the sample to be processed without Proteinase K/enhancer solution. Users must test their collection device for optimal conditions.

Scripts for KingFisher Duo-Ready DNA Ultra 2.0 or KingFisher Flex-Ready DNA Ultra 2.0 prefilled plates can be found on the MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra 2.0 Kit product page, under Product literature.

The KingFisher Duo-Ready DNA Ultra 2.0 and KingFisher Flex-Ready DNA Ultra 2.0 prefilled plates can be used on Presto/Nimbus system, however, optimized scripts must be generated by the end user to accommodate their specific system setups.

No, KingFisher Duo-Ready DNA Ultra 2.0 and KingFisher Flex-Ready DNA Ultra 2.0 prefilled plates are currently supplied as RUO (Research-Use Only) products.

The plates and reagents are shipped at room temperature and we recommend storing them at room temperature.

We do not recommend adding proteinase K and enhancer solution at the same time in a mastermix because the activity of proteinase K may be reduced. If added together, the total yield of DNA will be low.

Yes. We will be adding protocols for all the sample types that were covered by the original MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra kits.

Yes, the iPrep PureLink Total RNA Kit will do this. When prompted on screen, you could select the "No DNase" option. This will result in collection of all nucleic acids present in the sample. However, this kit was not optimized to purify DNA, so there would be preferential binding for RNA over DNA due to the GITC in the lysis/binding buffer.

The iPrep Purification Instrument allows for automated purification of nucleic acids from up to 13 samples (12 samples and 1 positive control). You will need to purchase an iPrep Kit, which contains the sample preparation reagents and reagents, as well as the iPrep Protocol Card, which is preprogrammed with the purification protocol that directs the volume of reagents used and incubation time.

The iPrep Purification Instrument has been discontinued but we still offer iPrep purification kits and pre-programmed iPrep protocol cards to go along with the instrument.