Magnetic separations work by means of the affinity on the surface of magnetic particles. A suspension of magnetic particles is mixed with a preparation of the target molecule. Once the target has bound to the affinity group, a magnet is used to separate the target-bound particles from the solution. The unbound material can then be washed away from the particles. Depending on the application, the target molecules can then, if necessary, be detached from the magnetic particles.

Magnetic particle technology offers the advantages of speed and simplicity. When compared with separation methods such as centrifugation and vacuum extraction it is more economical, and far more gentle on the sample.

The Bio-Nobile technology for magnetic bioseparation allows researchers to benefit from the wide range of surface chemistries and particle materials available today. A cornerstone of this technology is the ability to move magnetic particles directly from one stage of the assay to the next using PickPen® magnetic tools. Both 1-magnet and 8-magnet versions of PickPen are available, and Bio-Nobile also supplies a range of optimized QuickPick™ kits for nucleic acid and protein purification applications.