Opentrons Magnetic Block

Overview

The Opentrons Magnetic Block is an unpowered, 96-well magnetic separator exclusively for Opentrons Flex. It uses high-strength neodymium magnets to pull magnetic beads to the side of wells, enabling supernatant removal for DNA/RNA purification, protein cleanup, immunoprecipitation, and other bead-based separation protocols.

Core value: Automate magnetic bead-based purification workflows without manual plate transfers. Combine gripper-based plate movement with magnetic separation for fully automated DNA extraction, PCR cleanup, and bead-based assays.

Platform: Opentrons Flex only (not compatible with OT-2)

When to Use

Use the Magnetic Block skill when:

• Performing DNA/RNA extraction with magnetic beads
• PCR product cleanup (AMPure, SPRIselect beads)
• Magnetic bead-based library preparation (NGS)
• Protein purification or immunoprecipitation with magnetic beads
• Cell sorting or enrichment with magnetic particles
• Any protocol requiring magnetic bead separation