Research Fellow The Francis Crick Institute London, England, United Kingdom
Abstract: bitomiX has developed magmiX, an automated magnetic module capable of accelerating manual magnetic bead separation for biomedical research and diagnostics. Our module is the first device on the market capable of delivering ‘dynamic magnetic field inversion’ in 16 samples in parallel. This unique mode of action allows hands-free bead dispersion and makes all bead manipulation faster, more reproducible and less labour intensive. Furthermore, magmiX minimises the use of pipette tips and reduces beads loss, thereby increasing assay sensitivity. Magnetic beads are extensively used for purifying biomolecules and are an essential tool in many laboratory protocols: immuno-precipitations, NGS library generation, nucleic acid clean-up, diagnostic tests etc. Current protocols use tube racks embedded with magnets to attract beads to the side of a sample tube. However this static magnet setup is problematic, when homogenous mixing of the beads in a solution needs to be achieved. Traditionally, researchers remove the tubes manually one-by-one and resuspend the beads using a pipette or flip the tubes to detach beads. This is very laborious, time-consuming, limits experimental throughput and decreases inter-sample and inter-user reproducibility. Ultimately, highly trained staff are carrying out redundant tasks.
magmiX improves mixing and protocol efficiency by automatically moving magnets in and out of position to prompt movement of the beads from one side of a sample tube to the other. All samples are mixed in parallel as opposed to sequentially, allowing for higher reproducibility, while reducing bead loss and pipette tip usage (3% and 37.5% respectively). Additionally, beads may be suspended in solution via rapid cycling/alteration of the magnets, a feature we call ‘suspend mode’. magmiX, unlike competitors, is compatible with multichannel pipettes thereby further reducing the hands-on time by up to 80%, which also allows researchers to process more samples without compromising on output quality. magmiX was developed at the Francis Crick institute, a leading global hub for biomedical research. Our IP-protected innovation has received multiple translational awards (idea-to-innovation award 2017, iCURE cohort 38). magmiX amongst other products will be marketed by our start-up company: bitomiX.com.
Scan and Win! Complete as many scavenger hunt questions as possible. You will find scavenger hunt QR Codes to scan on participating posters. Each participating poster in the exhibit hall will have a QR code next to it. For virtual participants, look for the scavenger hunt icon for participating posters.
SLAS Events
Instructions
Each poster participating in the scavenger hunt will have a SCAVENGER HUNT QR code. When that QR code is scanned using the SLAS2022 app, question about the poster will appear. You must answer the question correctly to collect points. BE SURE TO EXPLORE THE POSTER BEFORE SCANNING THE CODE! SLAS will award three prizes to the participants with the most points.
1st Prize - Comp Reg + Hotel/Airfare to SLAS2023 in San Diego
2nd Prize - $50 Starbucks Gift Card
3Rd Prize - $25 AMEX Gift Card
Keep an eye on the leader boards to see who’s at the TOP. Winners will be announced after SLAS2022.
Each participating poster in the exhibit hall will have a QR code next to it. For virtual participants, look for the scavenger hunt icon for participating posters.
