Magnetic bead technology is one of the emerging strategies for extracting RNA and genomic, plasmid and mitochondrial DNA. The technique consists in separating nucleic acids from complex mixtures by complementary hybridization.

Purification methods based on magnetic beads/particles also use a binding / washing / elution process like other solid phase extraction methods. However, instead of using centrifugation or centrifugation columns to remove the aqueous phase in contact with the silica matrix, methods using magnetic beads or functionalized particles with silica surfaces allow selective binding of DNA in the presence of high salt concentrations. The DNA bound to a magnetic bead can be easily separated from the aqueous phase with a magnet, allowing rapid sample processing and fine control of solution volumes. Magnetic bead-based methods are ideal for high throughput automation and processing, as they eliminate the need for centrifugation and other time-consuming steps.