Patent ID: 8609430

Claim:
A method of processing a sample comprising a biopolymer, the method comprising: a) providing a sample comprising at least one magnetically responsive particle comprising at least one captured first component comprising a biopolymer; b) providing at least one sample processing unit, comprising: at least one container configured to contain said at least one sample; at least one magnet that generates, or is configured to generate, at least one magnetic field, which magnet is in a substantially fixed position relative to said container; at least one conveyance mechanism configured to convey said container between at least a first and a second position, wherein at least said first position is within magnetic communication with said magnet when said magnet generates said magnetic field; and, at least one rotational mechanism operably connected to said container, which rotational mechanism is configured to rotate said container around a central longitudinal axis of said container when said container is in at least said second position; and c) adding said sample to said container when said container is in said second position; d) moving said container into said first position using said conveyance mechanism such that said magnetic field generated by said magnet causes said at least one magnetically responsive particle to move and/or be retained proximal to a surface of said container; and e) removing at least one second component from said container, thereby processing said sample.