Benchtop Automated DNA/RNA Extraction from Diverse Sample Types
Obtain high-quality nucleic acids with little hands-on effort using Maxwell® instruments and magnetic bead-based purification kits. Available for both In Vitro Diagnostic Use (IVD) and Research Use Only (RUO). With 20 years of experience, Maxwell® is here to empower you and your laboratory.
20 Years of Reliable Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction
Discover the Maxwell® benchtop instruments and reagent kits, trusted by scientists worldwide.
Over the past two decades, Maxwell® instruments and reagents have been trusted by scientists like you to simplify workflows, deliver reliable results, and empower discovery. We’re committed to continuous innovation with same robust and consistent performance so you can stay focused on results that move your research forward.
- Consistently extract high-quality DNA/RNA from multiple sample types
- Obtain purified nucleic acids that are ready for a variety of downstream applications (e.g., NGS, qPCR, dPCR, etc.)
- Minimize user error with cartridge-based purification kits and intuitive preprogrammed methods
- Save hands-on time with easy load-and-go methods
- Process 1–16 or 1–48 samples at once to seamlessly adapt to your throughput needs
- Maximize use of your lab space with a compact and efficient design
What we liked about Maxwell was its simplicity.
Laboratory Manager at University of Oxford

Consistently Extract Ultrapure Nucleic Acids
Spend less effort troubleshooting unsuccessful extractions.
Maxwell® instruments use cartridge-based Paramagnetic Particle Moving Technology to simplify DNA/RNA extraction, prevent sample cross-contamination and improve sample-to-sample consistency.
Want to see a Maxwell® instrument in action?
(Virtual or on-site options available)
Maximize Efficiency and Consistency with Automation
Automating nucleic acid extraction reduces hands-on time and minimizes the risk of human error, ensuring greater consistency in your results. With walk-away automation, your team can save time, increase efficiency, and focus on other critical lab tasks. To learn more about best practices and key considerations, visit our Lab Automation Resource Center.
Compare Maxwell® Instrument Features
All Maxwell® Instruments include UV-light decontamination and tablet PC.
![]() Maxwell® RSC |
![]() Maxwell® RSC 48 |
![]() Maxwell® CSC |
![]() Maxwell® CSC 48 |
![]() Maxwell® FSC |
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Application | Research Use Only | Research Use Only |
IVD and Research Use Software Modes Manufactured under cGMP and compliant with relevant IVD medical device regulations, including EU-IVDR and US IVD regulations |
IVD and Research Use Software Modes Manufactured under cGMP and compliant with relevant IVD medical device regulations, including EU-IVDR and US IVD regulations |
Forensic Use Only |
Catalog Number | AS4500 | AS8500 | AS6000 | AS8000 | AS4600 |
Throughput | Up to 16 Samples | Up to 48 Samples | Up to 16 Samples | Up to 48 Samples | Up to 16 Samples |
Compatible with Quantus™ Fluorometer* (for quantification) |
Yes (Included with instrument) | Yes | Yes (Research Use Mode) | Yes (Research Use Mode) | Yes |
Bar Code Reader | Optional | Included | Included | Included | Included |
UV-Light (for decontamination) | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Vision System** | Not Available | Included | Not Available | Included | Not Available |
Compatible with Maxprep® Liquid Handler* | Yes | Yes | Yes (Research Use Mode) | Yes (Research Use Mode) | Yes |
Please Enquire View Product Details |
Please Enquire View Product Details |
Please Enquire View Product Details |
Please Enquire View Product Details |
Please Enquire View Product Details |
*For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
**The Vision System is an integrated feature that reduces the possibility of user errors when setting up an extraction run. This includes checking for cartridge positions, removal of cartridge foil seals, presence of plungers and elution tubes, etc.
Compare Maxwell® Instrument Features
All Maxwell® Instruments include UV-light decontamination and tablet PC.
![]() Maxwell® RSC |
![]() Maxwell® RSC 48 |
![]() Maxwell® FSC |
|
---|---|---|---|
Application | Research Use Only | Research Use Only |
Forensic Use Only |
Catalog Number | AS4500 | AS8500 | AS4600 |
Throughput | Up to 16 Samples | Up to 48 Samples | Up to 16 Samples |
Quantus™ Fluorometer* (for quantification) |
Included | Optional | Yes |
Bar Code Reader | Optional | Included | Included |
UV-Light (for decontamination) | Included | Included | Included |
Vision System** | Not Available | Included | Not Available |
Compatible with Maxprep® Liquid Handler | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Please Enquire View Product Details |
Please Enquire View Product Details |
Please Enquire View Product Details |
*For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
**The Vision System is an integrated feature that reduces the possibility of user errors when setting up an extraction run. This includes checking for cartridge positions, removal of cartridge foil seals, presence of plungers and elution tubes, etc.
Find the Maxwell® Kit for Your Sample Type
Explore our top recommended Maxwell® kits for automating your nucleic acid extraction workflows.
Maxwell® CSC Kits
High-quality nucleic acid extraction from a wide variety of sample types for diagnostic and clinical research applications. cGMP-manufactured and compliant with relevant IVD medical device regulations, including Regulation (EU) 2017/746 on In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices (IVDR) and US IVD regulations. Intended for In Vitro Diagnostic Use. Available in certain countries only.

Buffy Coat & Bone Marrow
Serum or Plasma
Buccal Swabs
Stabilized Saliva

Multiple Human Sample Types
If you do not find a protocol for your sample type or other specific sample extraction needs, please contact techserv@promega.com. We can help you find the best method for your needs.
Maxwell® RSC Kits
Nucleic acid extraction kits designed for multiple sample types to support your research needs. For Research Use Only.

Whole Blood
Buffy Coat & Bone Marrow
Serum or Plasma
Stabilized Saliva

Cells
Tissue
FFPE
Plant Tissue
Multiple Human Sample Types
Find the Maxwell® Kit for Your Sample Type

Whole Blood
Buffy Coat & Bone Marrow
Serum or Plasma
Stabilized Saliva

Cells
Tissue
FFPE
Plant Tissue
Multiple Human Sample Types
If you do not find a protocol for your sample type or other specific sample extraction needs, please contact techserv@promega.com. We can help you find the best method for your needs.
Find Protocols Tailored to Your Research Needs
Explore over 130 application notes* showcasing protocols and purification data for a broad range of sample types. Our growing library of application notes expand the flexibility of our kits to support your unique research needs.
Don’t see your sample type listed?
Our application notes are tailored to meet diverse needs. If your sample type is not listed, let us know—we’re here to help!

*Application notes referenced here are For Research Use Only. Not for Use in Diagnostic Procedures.
What Maxwell® Users Are Saying
The automated purification process consistently delivers quality nucleic acid, freeing scientists’ time for other important work.
It saves me in total about 40 minutes per [16] samples, and I do 4 runs per day, so that is almost half a day.

Yan Tsou
Laboratory Research Scientist
Francis Crick Institute
It really is the workhorse of our lab in terms of DNA extraction… allowing us to process multiple samples at once with minimal hands-on time.

Thomas Turner
Senior Post Doctoral Research Scientist
Anthony Nolan Research Institute
Service and Support

One Call Supports It All
Promega supplies both the reagents and the instrument, so one call to Promega answers any questions you may have about assay chemistries and instrument performance.

Ensure Minimal Instrument Downtime
- Field Support and Loaner Programs
- Service Packages
- IQ and OQ Packages

Warranty and Service Agreements
- Backed by a one-year warranty
- Additional warranty and service agreements are available.
- For more information, contact Promega Technical Services
See How A Maxwell® Instrument Works For You
We offer live virtual demos and options for onsite evaluation for any Maxwell® instrument, including time to ask all your questions, totally free.
Contact us to discuss your needs and get your questions answered.

Manual Nucleic Acid Extraction
Discover multifunctional, manual nucleic acid extraction kits—optimized for purifying high-quality DNA or RNA.

Benchtop Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction
Maxwell® instruments simplify and accelerate nucleic acid purification from 1-48 samples per run. Available for RUO and IVD use.

High-Throughput Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction
Scalable DNA and RNA purification kits with free access to elite field support for automation implementation.
View and download our Nucleic Acid Selection Guide
