In beads-based extraction, addition of a mixture containing magnetic beads commonly made of iron ions binds to plasmid DNA, separating them from unwanted compounds by a magnetic rod or stand.  The plasmid-bound beads are then released by removal of the magnetic field and extracted in an elution solution for down-stream experiments such as transformation or restriction digestion. This form of miniprep can also be automated, which increases the conveniency while reducing mechanical error.