The magnetic beads are well suited for small-scale experiments. The high density of the beads allows rapid capture by magnetic devices, while the visibility of the beads ensures reliable collection of all target protein. This allows concentration of low abundance target proteins in samples from milliliter down to microliter scale. The optimized capacity for enrichment or immunoprecipitation means that only small amounts of capturing antibody are required.
The Mag Sepharose beads from GE Healthcare are available in different volume and pack sizes (see website for more details). Other sizes can be made available upon request. When used in conjunction with MagRack 6, a separation tool for handling the beads in microcentrifuge tubes, up to six samples can be processed in parallel. The rack consists of an anodized aluminum housing with a detachable plastic bar containing six neodymium magnets. When the tubes are placed in the rack, the beads are attracted to the magnet facilitating easy removal of the supernatant whilst the beads remain in the tube.