BioTek Introduces Full Microplate Washing for Magnetic Bead-based Assays

BioTek Instruments continues to expand its gold-standard ELx405 Microplate Washer product line with the introduction of the ELx405 Magnetic Bead Washer. Developed in conjunction with leaders in genotyping, gene expression and protein assays that are built upon Luminex Corporation's xMAP platform, the ELx405 Magnetic Bead Washer offers high-strength biomagnetic separation in both 384-well and 96-well microplates.

Rapid separation of micrometer- and nanometer-scale magnetic beads is now possible in full microplate format for faster wash cycles, and a high-energy neodymium iron boron magnet provides superior retention for rapid and uniform separation in each microplate well. Additionally, the specialized magnet may be removed to accommodate other microplate-based assay protocols.

The ELx405 Magnetic Bead Washer incorporates many of the same features as the market-leading ELx405 Microplate Washer. The patented Dual-Action manifold provides independent control of aspiration and dispense tubes, and Ultrasonic Advantage reduces or eliminates clogged manifold tubes for improved consistency. Optional automatic buffer switching of up to four wash buffers is available, and the instrument may be controlled via the instrument's keypad or Liquid Handling Control PC software. For unattended operation and increased throughput up to standard 50 microplates, the ELx405 Magnetic Bead Washer may be integrated with BioTek's BioStack Microplate Stacker.