MAG SEED PRO

High-yield, high-purity DNA extraction from seeds with streamlined automation or manual workflows.

Product Description

The Mag Seed Pro Genomic DNA Extraction Kit isolates high-quality DNA from a wide variety of seed types, delivering excellent yields and purity for reliable downstream applications. The extraction method is based on the selective binding of DNA molecules to magnetic beads under specific buffer conditions, followed by separation and purification using a magnetic field – a process known as solid phase extraction.

Use MAG SEED PRO With

Applications and Benefits

  • Reliable extraction from diverse seed types
  • Compatible with PCR, qPCR, sequencing, and genotyping
  • Flexible protocols for automation or manual use

MagC 9600 and 385

  • High Purity, consistent DNA yields
  • Hands-off, walk-away automation
  • Excellent Value and scalability

About

The Mag Seed Pro kit is optimised for seeds of all sizes and types:

  • Common seeds (e.g., rice, wheat, barley, Arabidopsis): a single seed is typically sufficient.
  • Large seeds (e.g., maize, bean, coconut): only a small chip (20–30 mg) from the endosperm or cotyledon is required.
  • Very small seeds (e.g., grasses, cabbage): multiple seeds (5–10) may need to be pooled to ensure sufficient DNA yield.

 

Removing seed coats (e.g., melon, cotton) before extraction is strongly recommended, as they can contain ‌polysaccharides, polyphenols, or contaminants‌ that inhibit downstream applications.

 

Kit components (7 reagents):

  • Lysis Buffer: disrupts cells, inactivates nucleases
  • Proteinase K: degrades proteins
  • Binding Buffer: enables DNA adsorption to beads
  • Mag Beads: silica-coated particles for DNA binding
  • Wash Buffers 1 & 2: remove salts, proteins, and metabolites
  • Elution Buffer: releases purified DNA

 

Available in three kit sizes:

The Mag Seed Pro Kit is offered in Small, Medium, and Large versions, each using the same optimized protocol but differing in total DNA yield. As a general guide, the Small Kit yields about 0.5 µg, the Medium Kit yields 1–1.5 µg, and the Large Kit yields a minimum of 2 µg of purified DNA (actual yields vary by seed type and quality). Choose the version that best matches your downstream application and desired DNA output.

FAQ:

Do I need a MagC 9600 or MagC 384 instrument?

No. The kit can be used with the MagC 9600 Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System (or similar platforms) following the step-by-step Automated Extraction Protocol provided, or with the Manual Protocol for bench-scale applications.

How should I store seed samples if they cannot be processed immediately?

For short-term storage, keep at 4 °C, protected from light. For long-term preservation, freeze at –20 °C or below.

How should seed samples be prepared before extraction?

Two common pretreatments:

  1. Pulverize seeds with a hammer, then grind using steel or zirconia beads.
  2. Pre-soak seeds in water to soften rigid tissues (e.g., seed coats, endosperms), then grind with steel or zirconia beads in a Turbo Grinder or similar.

What is the maximum sample size per well?

Up to 50 mg seed tissue under the standard protocol.

What is the principle behind the magnetic bead DNA extraction kit?

DNA binds selectively to magnetic beads under specific buffer conditions. A magnetic field is then applied to isolate and purify DNA (solid-phase extraction).

What is the recommended starting amount of seed material?

Typically 20 mg of seed tissue (after removing the seed coat).

  • Common seeds (e.g., rice, wheat, barley, Arabidopsis): one seed is often sufficient.
  • Large seeds (e.g., maize, bean, coconut): use only a 20–30 mg chip from the endosperm or cotyledon.
  • Very small seeds (e.g., grasses, cabbage): pool 5–10 seeds from the same line to obtain sufficient DNA.
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MEET OUR TEAM

Steve AsquithManaging Director
Steve began his career in the Genetics Division of GlaxoSmithKline, as part of the team establishing GSK’s high-throughput core genotyping laboratory. Steve joined KBioscience when it was first founded in 2002 and was a key driver in taking the company from a small start-up to a multi-national service laboratory, quickly growing the company’s revenue to over $7.5M p.a. Following the acquisition of Kbioscience by LGC in 2011, Steve was appointed Global Director of Operations for LGC Genomics, responsible for over 100 staff in Europe and N. America, successfully elevating the genotyping products and service business. Steve held a crucial leadership role until he left in 2016. In 2017 Steve joined forces with John Holme to create 3CR Bioscience, a new company with a mission to deliver outstanding, customer-focused genotyping products with innovation and affordability at its core.
Dr. John HolmeTechnical Director

John joined KBioscience shortly after it was founded, in 2003, and became Head of Technical Development, building the company’s genotyping and DNA extraction product portfolio and service delivery until 2011 when it was acquired by LGC. Post-acquisition, John was appointed Head of Technical Group for LGC Genomics, in charge of all Research & Development and Technical Support activities for the company. In this role John continued to build on the high-quality products and services provided to the companies growing customer base.

During the 19 years John has worked in commercial R&D, he has co-invented numerous highly successful products including PACE®, ProbeSure, KASP™, KlearKall, KlearGene, KlearAmp and KlearTaq™, creating breakthrough offerings in genotyping and extraction and generating huge revenues for the companies he has worked in. In 2017, he joined forces with Steve Asquith and started 3CR Bioscience. John is dedicated to developing outstanding, innovative genotyping products and providing the very best technical support to customers globally.

Dr. Nisha JainOperations Director

Nisha has been innovating since the start of her career at Geneform Technologies developing Iso-thermal Genotyping Technologies. Nisha joined KBioscience in 2008, as Senior R&D Scientist and key account Technical Support Scientist, developing KASP and Klearkall performance and coinventing two further versions of KASP.

Nisha has more than 15 years’ experience working in molecular biology and genotyping technologies, with extensive experience in the areas of R&D, Quality Assurance and Customer Technical Support. She has technically assisted many giants of the industry with their protocol development and troubleshooting and continues to deliver high-quality support and guidance. In 2018, Nisha joined 3CR Bioscience as Operations Director where she continues to develop PACE and ProbeSure for an increasing range of applications, and to grow 3CR Bioscience’s new product pipeline. Nisha is dedicated to developing outstanding, innovative genotyping products and providing the very best technical support to customers globally.

Nazma SaffinGeneral Manager
For 20 years Nazma Saffin has worked and gained extensive expertise within the genotyping sector. Working at Kbioscience and then LGC, she has held operational leadership posts responsible for manufacturing and laboratory services. With experience of ISO 9001 implementation, production scale up and LEAN operations, Nazma has successfully led highly profitable production departments. Joining 3CR Bioscience in 2022, Nazma is committed to delivering operational excellence.
Greig PollandAutomation and Support Manager

Greig is a hands-on automation specialist and team leader with a strong background in laboratory and industrial automation. He has spent over 25 years developing, installing, and supporting automated systems that transformed laboratory workflows. During this time, Greig worked closely with scientists and engineers to tailor automation solutions for genotyping and molecular biology, an experience that sparked his lasting passion for combining technology with practical science.

Since then, Greig has built on that foundation through leadership roles where he leads automation and support operations. He’s known for being approachable, commercially minded, and deeply committed to helping teams and customers get the best from their technology.

Whether managing a complex automation rollout or helping a customer troubleshoot in real time, Greig brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach that keeps people ,not just machines, at the centre of what he does.