Promega Maxwell modular automated nucleic acid preparation system

Promega has developed a modular automated liquid handling and purification system for its Maxwell nucleic acid preparation, which is said to offer labs more compared to large all-in-one instruments. The configurable system works with existing Promega Maxwell RSC instruments with a software upgrade and introduces additional components.

The Maxprep Liquid Handler provides automation for sample preparation of the Maxwell RSC cartridges and trays as well as post-extraction sample preparation for fluorescent quantitation, sample normalisation and a variety of PCR reaction set-ups. The Maxwell RSC 48 Instrument works with convenient, individual prefilled cartridges to process any number of samples from one to 48 without the risk of wasting reagents.

Promega Portal Software allows Maxwell RSC and Maxprep instruments to work together to transfer sample tracking information from one device to the next to build a complete nucleic acid preparation workflow. Data can also be imported into a laboratory information management system (LIMS). Individual instrument modules working together as part of a system provide a number of benefits compared to complete all-in-one workflow systems.

The system offers flexibility and scalability that matches laboratories’ changing throughput requirements and budgetary constraints, allowing them to start with a modular workflow to address current sample processing needs and grow the system as needed. It also has functional redundancy, which ensures laboratory workflow is never disrupted, and efficiency that makes smart use of lab space, with compact modules that can be positioned where space permits.

The Maxwell RSC 48 and Maxprep Liquid Handler are supplied with preprogrammed methods that allow for the system to be used by anyone in the lab, regardless of prior instrumentation experience.