automatic nucleic acid extraction

The automatic nucleic acid extraction instrument is an automated device widely used in fields such as molecular biology and medical testing. Here is a detailed introduction:

Working principle

• Magnetic bead method: This is the most commonly used principle at present. The instrument utilizes the specific adsorption of nucleic acids by magnetic beads in specific buffer solutions. Under the control of a magnetic field, the separation of nucleic acids from other impurities is achieved. First, the sample is mixed with the lysis buffer to release the nucleic acids. Then, magnetic beads are added, and the magnetic beads combine with the nucleic acids to form a complex. Through magnetic field adsorption of the magnetic beads, impurities are removed, and finally, the nucleic acids are eluted from the magnetic beads with an elution buffer to obtain pure nucleic acids.
• Column extraction method: After the sample is lysed, the nucleic acids bind to adsorption materials such as silica gel membranes. Through centrifugation or negative pressure and other means, the liquid passes through the adsorption column, impurities are removed, and finally, the nucleic acids are eluted with an elution buffer.

Instrument structure

• Robotic arm and liquid handling system: It is used to accurately aspirate and transfer liquids such as samples and reagents, ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of liquid dispensing.
• Magnetic separation module: It generates a magnetic field to achieve the adsorption and separation of magnetic beads and usually consists of electromagnets or permanent magnets.
• Heating and cooling module: It can precisely control the temperature of the reaction system to meet the temperature requirements of different experimental steps, such as lysis and elution.
• Control system: It is the “brain” of the instrument. It controls the entire extraction process through preset programs, including the order of liquid dispensing, incubation time, temperature control, magnetic bead adsorption and other operations. Meanwhile, it has a human-machine interaction interface, which is convenient for users to set parameters and view the running status.

Characteristics

• High degree of automation: It can automatically complete a series of complex extraction steps such as sample lysis, nucleic acid adsorption, washing, and elution, greatly reducing the manual operation time and workload and improving work efficiency.
• High extraction efficiency: It can quickly and efficiently extract high-quality nucleic acids from various samples, such as blood, tissue, cells, swabs, etc., and is applicable to the extraction of different types of nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA.
• Stable extraction quality: Through precise temperature control, liquid dispensing volume control and magnetic bead adsorption technology, it ensures that the quality and yield of the nucleic acids extracted each time are highly consistent and stable, providing reliable samples for subsequent experiments.
• Good safety: It adopts a fully enclosed system design, reducing the direct contact between operators and biological samples and harmful reagents, reducing the risk of infection. Meanwhile, it has complete safety protection measures, such as preventing liquid splashing and leakage protection.

Application fields

• Clinical diagnosis: It plays an important role in early disease diagnosis, pathogen detection, genetic disease screening and other aspects, such as nucleic acid detection of the novel coronavirus and tumor gene detection.
• Scientific research field: It is widely used in basic research such as gene expression analysis, gene cloning and sequencing, providing high-quality nucleic acid samples for scientific researchers and accelerating the research process.
• Forensic identification: It is used for forensic material identification work such as individual identification and paternity testing. Through the extraction and analysis of nucleic acids, the kinship or identity information between individuals is determined.

Precautions

• Sample processing: The methods of sample collection, preservation and pretreatment will affect the effect of nucleic acid extraction. It is necessary to operate in strict accordance with the requirements to avoid sample degradation or contamination.
• Reagent selection: High-quality nucleic acid extraction reagents that are compatible with the instrument should be used to ensure the stability and effectiveness of the reagents.
• Instrument maintenance: The instrument should be regularly cleaned, calibrated and maintained. The performance of key components such as the liquid handling system and magnetic separation module should be checked to ensure the normal operation of the instrument.
• Quality control: During the use process, quality control tests should be carried out regularly. For example, standards or samples with known concentrations are used for extraction to verify the extraction effect and the accuracy of the instrument.