Description:

The Maxwell 16 AS3000 is a self-contained paramagnetic-particle extractor that liberates nucleic acids from up to sixteen blood, tissue or FFPE samples without pumps or syringes. Cartridges pre-loaded with lysis and wash buffers drop into a swing-out deck; an internal magnetic rod moves particles through successive wells, eliminating pipette cross-talk and clogs. Run scripts on the SD card select SEV (300-400 µL) or LEV (50-100 µL) elution formats, delivering PCR-ready DNA/RNA in 30–45 minutes. A UV decontamination lamp and HEPA fan guard against carry-over, while an RS-232 port exports run logs to LIMS. At 12.8 × 17.3 × 12.9 in and 41.7 lb the stainless chassis fits under a hood yet processes sixteen samples unattended, freeing technologists for downstream work.

Economic Advantage:

Personal “mini-automation” bridges the gap between manual spin columns and $100 k liquid handlers. One Maxwell run saves nearly an hour of hands-on time versus columns and uses 70 % less plastic, cutting plastics spend and bio-waste fees. Because the magnetic head—not liquids—moves, there are no consumable tips or pump seals to replace, driving five-year operating cost down to about one-third that of benchtop liquid handlers.