Maxwell® RSC Instrument
Automated DNA or RNA Extraction with Integrated Quantification
- High-quality nucleic acid purification with minimal steps and less hands-on time
- Integrated Quantus™ Fluorometer for sample quantification
- Intuitive software and touch screen interface
Catalog Number:
Size
Catalog Number: AS4500
Extract High-Quality Nucleic Acids with Less Hands-On Time
The Maxwell® RSC Instrument is a compact, automated nucleic acid purification platform that processes up to 16 samples simultaneously. Using prefilled cartridges and preprogrammed methods, the Maxwell® RSC offers consistent, reliable DNA or RNA extraction in 25–60 minutes, depending upon sample type. The intuitive graphical interface makes the instrument easy to use, and the integrated Quantus™ Fluorometer lets you collect purification and quantification data in one report.

Focus On the Work You Want To Do
There never seems to be enough time to do what you need to in the lab. Watch these researchers explain how they rely on the Maxwell® Instruments to save time on DNA and RNA extraction so they can focus on what matters to them.
Francis Crick Institute Case Study:
Benchtop Automated Nucleic Acid Purification


It saves me in total about 40 minutes per 12 samples, and I do 4 runs per day, so that is almost half a day.
Yan Tsou, Laboratory Research Scientist
Anthony Nolan Research Institute Case Study:
Long-Read Next-Generation Sequencing Workflow


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
No Drips, Plugs or Sample Loss with a Paramagnetic Particle Mover
The Maxwell® RSC DNA or RNA extraction methods start with cartridges prefilled with purification reagents and paramagnetic particles, ready for your samples. After sample addition, the Maxwell® RSC moves the paramagnetic particles and associated nucleic acids through multiple steps ultimately yielding highly pure RNA or DNA in 30–100µl.
Because the Maxwell® RSC is a magnetic particle mover, not a liquid handler, it offers advantages over other automated systems. There is minimal risk of cross-contamination because no liquid handling or splashing happens during sample processing. With no clogs and fewer breakdowns, there are fewer disruptions to your workflow.

Easy-to-Use Interface Simplifies Your RNA or DNA Extraction Workflow

Touch the screen to start the process
The intuitive touch screen interface lets you easily set up your DNA or RNA extraction run. And the advanced administrator functions let you control required sample information and report archiving options.

Prepare the sample cartridges
Place prepared cartridges in the Maxwell® RSC. Press “Start” to purify 1–16 samples using the selected kit’s preprogrammed method. New kit methods are easy to install to expand your instrument capabilities.

Quantitate your purified sample
Complete your nucleic acid purification workflow with highly sensitive and specific fluorescence-based nucleic acid quantification using the Quantus™ Fluorometer with a simple add-and-read format, and receive all your sample data in one report. Easily archive your run reports and export the data for your lab notebook.
Find the Maxwell® RSC 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
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.
*Application notes referenced here are For Research Use Only. Not for Use in Diagnostic Procedures.
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.
Instrument Standard Components


A. Maxwell® RSC Instrument
B. Tablet PC preloaded with Maxwell® RSC Application Software
C. USB Cable - Maxwell® RSC Instrument to Tablet PC
D. Power Cable for Maxwell® RSC Instrument
E. Power Cords for Tablet PC
F. Maxwell® RSC/CSC Deck Tray
G. Quantus™ Fluorometer and accessories
H. Tablet PC Holder
I. USB cable - Maxwell® RSC Instrument to Quantus™ Fluorometer
UV Bulb (installed)
Quick Start Guide
Setup Guide
Integrated Quantus™ Fluorometer for quantitation
Following nucleic acid purification with the Maxwell® RSC, you can quickly and easily quantitate your sample using the included Quantus™ Fluorometer.
The Quantus™ Fluorometer is a dual-channel fluorometer that provides highly sensitive fluorescent detection in a compact, simple-to-use instrument. When used with the preprogrammed settings for Promega QuantiFluor® Dye Systems (QuantiFluor® dsDNA, RNA and ssDNA Systems), the Quantus™ Fluorometer can quickly quantitate nucleic acids. The sensitivity and broad dynamic range of the Quantus™ Fluorometer and QuantiFluor® Dyes allow you to complement your absorbance-based methods and quantify your target molecule over a wider range of concentrations.

The Quantus™ Fluorometer is equipped with two fluorescence channels for nucleic acid and protein quantitation:
Blue fluorescence channel:
Excitation 495nm shortpass (wavelengths up to 495nm), emission 510–580nm.
Red fluorescence channel:
Excitation 640nm shortpass (wavelengths up to 640nm), emission 660–720nm.
Quantitate Even Low-Level DNA SamplesAccurately
The sensitivity and broad dynamic range of the Quantus™ Fluorometer and QuantiFluor® Dyes allow you to complement your absorbance-based methods and quantify your target molecule over a wider range of concentrations.
Accessories Available Separately
Additional deck trays, plungers and an optional bar code reader are available for purchase separately.
Protocols
Complete Protocol
Instrument Specifications
Processing Time | 25–60 minutes |
Number of Samples | Up to 16 |
Weight | 24.2lb (11kg) |
Dimensions | 13W × 13.6D × 11.8H inches (330.2 × 345.2 × 299.7mm) |
Power Requirements | 100–240VAC, 50/60Hz, 2.5A |
Fuse | 250VAC, 2.5A, low breaking capacity, time-lag fuse (AC250V, T2.5AL, 5 × 20mm) |
UV Bulb | Average lifetime approximately 6,000 hours, length 135.9mm, diameter 16mm, 4W, 0.17A current, 29V, spectral peak F 253.7, UV output 0.9W |
Specifications
Catalog Number:
SDS
Search for SDSCertificate of Analysis
Use Restrictions
For Research Use Only. Not for Use in Diagnostic Procedures.Storage Conditions
U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,721,947 and 7,891,549, European Pat. No. 2033144 and Japanese Pat. Nos. 5519276 and 5654519.
Services & Support
One Call Supports It All

One Call Supports It All
We can support you with:
- Virtual and on-site consultations
- Data analyses
- Summary reports
Maintenance

Maintenance
If you want regular servicing and maintenance, we've got you covered. In addition to standard maintenance contracts, we also offer extended service packages to keep your instrument running smoothly beyond the warranty period.
Minimal Downtime

Minimal Downtime
To ensure minimal downtime, we offer:
- Field Support
- Loaner Programs
- Service Packages
- IQ and OQ Packages
Warranty Service Options
Warranty Benefit | Standard | Premier |
---|---|---|
Period | 1 Year | 1 Year |
Parts and Labor | Yes | Yes |
Field Support* | No, available for purchase separately | Yes, 1–2 business days |
Loan Instrument** | Yes, 5–7 business days | Yes, 1–2 business days |
Annual Preventive Maintenance | No, available for purchase separately | Yes, includes one preventive maintenance service |
Service Agreement Options
Service Agreement Benefit | Standard | Premier |
---|---|---|
Period | 1-, 2-, or 3-year service agreements (renewable) | 1-, 2-, or 3-year service agreements (renewable) |
Parts and Labor | Yes | Yes |
Field Support* | No, available for purchase separately | Yes, 2 business days |
Loan Instrument** | Yes, 5–7 business days | Yes, 1–2 business days |
Annual Preventive Maintenance | No, available for purchase separately | Yes, once every 12 months |
*May not be available in all countries; service response time may vary by geographical locations.
**The response time is calculated from when Technical Services determines a loaner instrument to be necessary following triage of the initial incident.
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.

*Application notes referenced here are For Research Use Only. Not for Use in Diagnostic Procedures.
Resources
Articles
- Establishment of preanalytical conditions for microRNA profile analysis of clinical plasma samples
- Modified Protocol for Extracting RNA-free Plant DNA
- Comparing Two Automated Methods for Viral Total Nucleic Acid Purification
- DNA Extraction from Fungi Environmental Field Samples
- Maxwell® RSC Blood DNA and RNA Purification Kits: A Comparison to QIAcube® Methods
- Maxwell® RSC simplyRNA Tissue Kit: A Comparison to the QIAcube® Method
- Maxwell® RSC DNA and RNA FFPE Kits: A Comparison to QIAcube® Methods
- miRNA Purification from Plant Tissues: Corn, Soybean and Arabidopsis
Software and Firmware
Other Resources
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Safe, automated DNA purification from food and feed samples.
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In combination with the Maxwell® RSC Instrument, the kit purifies high-quality total RNA with an enhanced miRNA enrichment.
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Maxwell® RSC Rapid ccfDNA Kit
Automated solution for fast, high-quality ccfDNA purification from plasma.
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