Figure 1: The principle of magnetic beads for nucleic acid isolation. challenges in DNA extraction and clean-up I've mentioned here, and suit a range of applications, including all the sample types I've described, when used with appropriate buffers. Their binding capacity and tight size distribution deliver highly reliable results while being easy to use without centrifugation. To bead or not to bead for DNA extraction Magnetic beads provide an excellent alternative to traditional isolation and clean-up methods due to their versatility and ease of use. They don't require additional centrifugation of a potentially already agitated sample, improving the likelihood of recovering larger fragments, and can be scaled up to have a higher binding capacity than columns. Our genomics experts aim to support you in all your workflows. Review our magnetic bead product range or check out our other genomics blogs to find out more about optimizing your workflows. For support in any aspect of your application, contact our Scientific Support team or your local Cytiva representative. Using magnetic beads is straightforward, needing no hazardous solvents, and releasing the DNA or RNA is just a matter of adjusting the buffer properties (Figure 1). This simplicity also makes magnetic beads well suited to automation in high-throughput applications. About the author Chike Ejiofor is a senior field application specialist in the genomics and diagnostic solutions business at Cytiva. Cytiva's SeraSil-Mag silica coated magnetic beads are an appropriate example. They help address several 19https://www.cytivalifesciences.com/shop/molecular-biology/purification/magnetic-beads https://www.cytivalifesciences.com/shop/molecular-biology/purification/magnetic-beads https://www.cytivalifesciences.com/shop/molecular-biology/purification/magnetic-beads https://www.cytivalifesciences.com/news-center#?appa=b6964ebc-f4b8-4dec-9cd0-30c7e238f707 https://www.cytivalifesciences.com/support/contact-us https://www.cytivalifesciences.com/shop/molecular-biology/purification/magnetic-beads/serasil-mag-silica-coated-superparamagnetic-beads-p-10820