System and method for target material retrieval from microwells

A method for retrieval and processing of material from a sample, the method comprising:

• coupling a first magnet to an adaptor of a separation subsystem, the first magnet supported by a pipette interface, wherein the adaptor comprises an internal cavity comprising first and second regions, wherein the second region includes a vent to atmosphere;
• establishing fluid communication between the first region of the adaptor and a capture region of a capture substrate containing material derived from the sample, wherein the capture region comprises a plurality of high-aspect ratio wells, and wherein target material is retained at individual wells of the capture region;
• applying a magnetic force to contents of the capture substrate, through the adaptor, by way of the first magnet, thereby transferring a volume of target material from the capture substrate to the adaptor;
• with the separation subsystem comprising a gantry, displacing the adaptor from the capture substrate;
• transporting the adaptor, with the volume of target material, into a separation reservoir of a process container;
• performing a washing operation, within the separation reservoir, thereby separating non-target material from the volume of target material;
• and
• transferring the volume of target material from the separation reservoir to another substrate.