Plates and combs for automated purification systems: how can workflow security be ensured and cross-contamination avoided?

Key consumables for magnetic bead extraction platforms, plates and combs (tip combs) ensure clean transfer, efficient wash steps and reproducible elutions. Manufactured from low-binding polypropylene (PP) in SBS 24- or 96-well formats, they protect the magnets, limit cross-contamination and withstand chaotropic agents (such as guanidinium). Available sterile and DNase/RNase-free, they safeguard your high-throughput workflows in genomics, microbiology or quality control.

What types of plates and combs are available for automated purification systems?

Two product families define the category: tip combs for purification instruments and plates. Tip combs slide onto the magnetic rods of the instrument to capture/release magnetic beads without direct contact with the magnets. They reduce carryover, improve mixing and secure the binding, wash and elution steps. Plates, in SBS format, are available in 96-well (0.8–2.2 mL) for high throughput and 24-well for larger volumes. Low-binding PP to proteins/nucleic acids ensures compatibility with ethanol, isopropanol, detergents and chaotropic agents.

Selection criteria: instrument compatibility (24/96 format, height), purification chemistry (binding/wash volumes), material quality (DNase/RNase-free, endotoxins), sterility, skirt stiffness for robotics, and traceability (batch, sterilisation). For performance, check well alignment, flatness and dimensional tolerances that determine tip-comb immersion and yield reproducibility.

Type	Principle	Applications
Tip combs	Protect the magnets, capture/release magnetic beads	Binding steps, successive washes, multi-well transfers
96-well deepwell plates	Low binding, V/U-bottoms, 0.8–2.2 mL volumes	High-throughput DNA/RNA purifications, microbiology, virology
Elution plates	Low volume, PCR/qPCR compatible	Collection of nucleic acids ready for downstream analyses

In which application areas are plates and tip combs used with automated purification systems?

• Life sciences: DNA/RNA extraction for PCR/qPCR, NGS, biobanking.
• Pharmaceuticals: raw material QC, bioprocess monitoring, viral detection.
• Agri-food: pathogens (Salmonella, Listeria), traceability, GMOs.
• Environment: water/soil metagenomics, eDNA surveillance.
• Cosmetics and chemicals: batch microbiological QC.
• Hospitals/diagnostics (excluding regulated in vitro diagnostics): sample preparation for R&D and internal validations.

Key benefits: robust throughput, reproducible yields, reduced cross-contamination, and seamless integration on 24/96-well platforms.

Available plate and comb types

Frequently asked questions about plates and tip combs for automated purification systems

Can a tip comb or a plate be reused?
No, these are single-use consumables. Reuse greatly increases the risk of contamination and can compromise performance.

Are the materials compatible with chaotropic agents?
Yes, PP withstands guanidinium salts, alcohols and the common detergents used during purification steps.

How can cross-contamination be minimised?
Use the correct tip combs, DNase/RNase-free plates, proper sealing, and follow the programmed immersion depths.

Do I need sterile plates?
Recommended for sensitive samples or QC workflows. Otherwise, non-sterile DNase/RNase-free plates are often sufficient for genomics R&D.

Are the plates autoclavable?
Some PP plates tolerate autoclaving, but this may warp the plate.

How do I check instrument compatibility?
Verify SBS footprint, plate height/skirt profile, 24/96-well format, and the automation manufacturer recommendations.