In today’s fast-evolving scientific landscape, the demand for accurate, high-throughput molecular testing in South Africa has never been greater. From food safety testing and water quality analysis to veterinary diagnostics and environmental monitoring, reliable DNA and RNA extraction is the foundation of modern laboratory science.
At Envirocare Laboratory, we are proud to introduce a major technological advancement that is redefining this foundation, the Chemagic™ 360 automated nucleic acid extraction system.
This investment is not only a step forward for our laboratory, but for the industry as a whole. Envirocare is currently one of a few private laboratories in South Africa to own and operate this advanced extraction platform, placing us at the forefront of molecular diagnostics, PCR testing services, and laboratory innovation.
What Makes the Chemagic™ 360 a Breakthrough in DNA and RNA Extraction?
The Chemagic™ 360 is a fully automated nucleic acid extraction system designed to deliver high yields of ultra-pure DNA and RNA across a wide range of sample types.
Unlike conventional extraction methods, which often rely heavily on manual handling and liquid transfer steps, the Chemagic™ 360 uses patented magnetic bead technology to streamline and standardise the entire process.
This results in:
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Higher purity nucleic acids
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Improved consistency between samples
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Reduced contamination risk
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Enhanced performance in downstream applications such as PCR and qPCR testing
The system is specifically designed to meet the needs of laboratories requiring high-throughput molecular testing without compromising on quality.
Advanced Magnetic Bead Technology: How It Works
At the core of the Chemagic™ 360 is a highly efficient magnetic separation process.
Instead of transferring liquids between steps (which increases contamination risk), the system transfers magnetic beads that bind to nucleic acids.
Here’s how the process works:
1. Binding
Magnetic beads selectively bind to DNA or RNA present in the sample.
2. Magnetic Separation
Magnetised rods collect the beads, forming pellets that are physically moved between solutions.
3. Washing
Beads are transferred through multiple wash buffers to remove impurities such as proteins, inhibitors, and contaminants.
4. Elution
Purified nucleic acids are released into a final solution, ready for downstream applications.
A key advantage of this approach is that only the beads move, not the liquid, which significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination between samples.
Additionally, the system enables the isolation of long DNA fragments (up to 200 kb), supporting advanced genomic applications.
High Throughput Meets Flexibility
One of the standout features of the Chemagic™ 360 is its ability to process a wide range of sample volumes and batch sizes.
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Sample volumes: 10 µl to 10 ml
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Throughput capacity: 1 to 96 samples per run
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Processing time: As little as ~30–55 minutes depending on sample type
This flexibility allows Envirocare to support both:
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High-volume routine testing
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Specialised, large-volume extractions
The system’s modular rod head configurations (12, 24, and 96) enable tailored workflows depending on the application, ensuring efficiency across different industries.
Broad Sample Compatibility for Real-World Applications
The Chemagic™ 360 is designed to handle an exceptionally wide variety of sample types, making it ideal for diverse industries in South Africa.
Supported sample materials include:
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Blood and plasma
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Saliva and swabs
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Tissue and FFPE samples
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Urine and stool
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Environmental and water samples
This versatility is particularly valuable for:
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Food safety testing laboratories
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Water testing laboratories
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Veterinary and agricultural diagnostics
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Environmental monitoring programmes
Proven Performance and Yield
The Chemagic™ 360 is engineered to deliver consistently high yields of nucleic acids, even across varying sample volumes.
For example:
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DNA yields from blood can reach 20–40 µg per ml depending on sample input
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Saliva extraction workflows have demonstrated reliable DNA recovery across thousands of samples
Importantly, the system maintains linear scalability, meaning higher input volumes result in proportionally higher yields, without the drop-off often seen in traditional extraction methods.
This level of performance is critical for laboratories requiring high sensitivity in pathogen detection and molecular analysis.
Automation, Traceability and Laboratory Efficiency
Beyond extraction performance, the Chemagic™ 360 significantly enhances laboratory workflow efficiency.
Key automation features include:
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Barcode-based sample tracking for full traceability
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LIMS-compatible data integration
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Pre-installed and standardised protocols
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Real-time monitoring of run status and progress
The optional Dispenser Unit further improves efficiency by:
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Automating buffer dispensing
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Reducing manual pipetting
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Minimising hands-on time
Together, these features support ISO-aligned laboratory practices, improved data integrity, and streamlined operations.
Supporting PCR Testing and Pathogen Detection Workflows
The Chemagic™ 360 is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly into PCR-based testing workflows.
A typical molecular workflow includes:
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Sample collection
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DNA/RNA extraction (Chemagic™ 360)
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PCR or qPCR analysis for pathogen detection
This makes the system ideal for:
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Avian Influenza monitoring
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Salmonella and Listeria detection
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Waterborne pathogen testing
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Veterinary disease surveillance
By improving extraction quality, the system enhances the accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability of PCR test results.
Why This Matters for South African Industry
Industries across South Africa face increasing pressure to meet regulatory compliance, biosecurity standards, and quality assurance requirements.
The Chemagic™ 360 enables Envirocare Laboratory to deliver:
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Faster turnaround times for laboratory testing
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Greater confidence in food safety and water quality results
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Improved detection of low-level pathogens
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Scalable testing solutions for large operations
For sectors such as agriculture, food production, and environmental management, this translates into:
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Reduced risk
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Better decision-making
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Stronger compliance with national regulations
A Unique Advantage: Only at Envirocare Laboratory
Envirocare’s investment in the Chemagic™ 360 is not just about keeping up with global trends, it’s about leading the way in molecular testing in South Africa.
As the one of a few laboratories in the country with this technology, we offer our clients:
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Access to world-class DNA and RNA extraction technology
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Enhanced PCR testing services and molecular diagnostics
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A competitive edge in quality assurance and compliance
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Confidence in results backed by advanced automation
The Future of Laboratory Testing
As industries continue to demand faster, more reliable, and more scalable testing solutions, advanced platforms like the Chemagic™ 360 will play a critical role in shaping the future of laboratory science.
At Envirocare Laboratory, we remain committed to:
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Investing in cutting-edge technology
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Supporting clients with industry-leading testing services
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Driving innovation in molecular diagnostics in South Africa
Partner with Envirocare Laboratory
Whether you require:
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Food safety testing
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Water analysis and environmental monitoring
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Veterinary diagnostics
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PCR and molecular testing services
Envirocare Laboratory is your trusted partner.
Experience the next generation of DNA and RNA extraction, exclusively at Envirocare Laboratory.
References
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PerkinElmer / Revvity. Chemagic™ 360 Instrument Product Brochure.
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PerkinElmer / Revvity. Chemagic™ 360 RUO User Manual.
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PerkinElmer / Revvity. Chemagic™ 360 Performance Data – DNA Yield Studies.
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PerkinElmer / Revvity. Application Notes: Saliva and Blood DNA Extraction Workflows.
