Automated nucleic acid extractors are advanced experimental devices that play a crucial role in multiple fields.

I. Medical Diagnosis

1. Infectious Disease Detection
   • Virus Detection
     During the COVID – 19 pandemic, automated nucleic acid extractors were pivotal in rapidly detecting the nucleic acid of the novel coronavirus (SARS – CoV – 2). They can efficiently extract viral nucleic acids from a large number of patient samples such as nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum, and blood, providing high – quality templates for subsequent detection methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Besides the novel coronavirus, for the detection of many other viruses including influenza virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), etc., automated nucleic acid extractors can accelerate the sample processing, enabling more timely and accurate diagnosis.
   • Bacteria Detection
     When detecting bacterial infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis (caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and septicemia (infection by various bacteria), automated nucleic acid extractors can extract the DNA or RNA of bacteria from patient samples like sputum, blood, and tissues. These nucleic acids can be used for gene sequencing to identify the type of bacteria and drug – resistant genes, assisting doctors in choosing the most effective antibiotics for treatment.
   • Parasite Detection
     For parasitic diseases like malaria (infection by Plasmodium) and schistosomiasis (infection by Schistosoma), automated nucleic acid extractors can extract the nucleic acids of parasites from samples such as blood and feces. Nucleic acid detection techniques can more sensitively detect parasites, especially in samples with low parasite loads, which is conducive to early diagnosis and timely treatment.
2. Genetic Disease Diagnosis
   DNA is extracted from samples such as amniotic fluid, chorionic villi, and peripheral blood of fetuses or patients for the diagnosis of genetic diseases. For example, in the prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome (trisomy 21), automated nucleic acid extractors can quickly and accurately extract DNA from samples obtained through amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. Subsequently, chromosomal karyotype analysis or genetic testing can be carried out to determine whether the fetus has the genetic disease. For single – gene genetic diseases like thalassemia and cystic fibrosis, gene sequencing and other analyses can be performed after DNA extraction to identify the mutation sites of disease – causing genes, providing a basis for genetic counseling and disease management.
3. Tumor Diagnosis and Monitoring
   • Early Diagnosis
     Tumor – related nucleic acid markers such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and microRNA (miRNA) exist in the blood, tissues, or body fluids of tumor patients. Automated nucleic acid extractors can extract nucleic acids from these samples to detect abnormal changes in tumor – related genes, such as mutations and methylation. For example, in the early diagnosis of various cancers including lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer, gene detection by extracting ctDNA from the blood can detect early signs of tumors, providing an opportunity for timely treatment.
   • Treatment Monitoring
     During the treatment of tumors (such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy), automated nucleic acid extractors can regularly extract nucleic acids from patient samples. By detecting the changes in nucleic acid markers, the treatment effect can be monitored. If the content of nucleic acid markers decreases, it indicates that the treatment is effective. Conversely, if the marker content increases or new mutations occur, it may suggest tumor recurrence or drug resistance, and the treatment plan needs to be adjusted.

II. Forensic Identification

1. Individual Identification
   At crime scenes, forensic scientists can collect evidence from biological samples such as bloodstains, hairs, saliva, and semen. Automated nucleic acid extractors can rapidly extract high – quality DNA from these samples. Then, through DNA typing techniques (such as short tandem repeat (STR) analysis), the extracted DNA can be compared with the known samples of suspects or victims to determine their identities. This technology plays a key role in solving criminal cases and identifying the victims of disasters.
2. Paternity Testing
   DNA is extracted from samples such as oral swabs and blood of parents and children. Automated nucleic acid extractors can ensure the quality and efficiency of DNA extraction. After extraction, the DNA undergoes genetic typing and comparison, and the paternity index is calculated to accurately determine the parent – child relationship, providing a scientific basis for judicial cases and family disputes.

III. Food Safety Testing

1. Genetically Modified Food Detection
   It is used to extract the nucleic acids in genetically modified foods. By detecting specific genetically modified elements (such as promoters, terminators, and target genes), it can be determined whether the food is genetically modified and the content of its genetically modified components. Automated nucleic acid extractors can rapidly process a large number of food samples, such as grains, vegetables, and meats, ensuring the timeliness and accuracy of detection, and safeguarding consumers’ right to know and food safety.
2. Food – borne Pathogen Detection
   Nucleic acids of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites are extracted from food or food processing environment samples (such as meat, vegetables, and the surface of processing workshops) to detect the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and norovirus. This helps prevent the spread of food – borne diseases and protects public health.

IV. Environmental Monitoring

1. Microbial Monitoring
   In environmental microbiology research, automated nucleic acid extractors can extract the nucleic acids of microorganisms from environmental samples such as soil, water, and air, for analyzing the diversity, community structure, and functional genes of microorganisms. For example, in water environment monitoring, by extracting the nucleic acids of microorganisms in water, the types and quantity changes of microorganisms in water can be understood, the water quality can be evaluated, and water pollution can be monitored.
2. Bioremediation Monitoring
   During the bioremediation of some polluted sites, automated nucleic acid extractors can extract the nucleic acids of microorganisms involved in the remediation process to monitor their gene expression and metabolic activity, and to evaluate the effect of bioremediation. For example, in the bioremediation of oil – contaminated soil, the nucleic acid changes of microorganisms that degrade oil are monitored to determine whether the bioremediation is proceeding effectively.