TissueRuptor II

QIAGEN has tested use of the TissueRuptor II in combination with proven QIAGEN sample preparation kits. Sample disruption with the TissueRuptor II ensures maximal yields of nucleic acids and proteins that perform well in downstream applications such as PCR, western blotting and enzyme assays (see figures " Successful purification of phosphoprotein " and " High performance results in PCR"). For most tissues, disruption and homogenization using the TissueRuptor II gives comparable results to traditional rotor–stator homogenization (see figure " Pure RNA with high RIN values"). Effective disruption of tissue samples using the TissueRuptor II allows reproducible purification of high-quality DNA and RNA using QIAGEN nucleic acid purification kits (see figures " Pure RNA with high RIN values," " Reproducible purification of high-quality genomic DNA" and "Efficient disruption and homogenization of animal tissues").

Genotyping, gene expression and proteomics applications demand effective disruption of biological samples to ensure high yields of DNA, RNA and protein. The TissueRuptor II system delivers thorough and rapid disruption of samples to fully release biomolecules, and also simultaneously homogenizes samples to facilitate subsequent purification procedures using QIAGEN kits (see table).

The TissueRuptor II is an integral part of QIAGEN's complete solution for sample management — from sample collection to purification and analysis of DNA, RNA and protein. Optimized protocols integrate sample disruption with biomolecule purification, enabling a streamlined, efficient workflow. In addition, a range of automated solutions allow purification and analysis of biomolecules at low to high throughputs.

QIAGEN also provides RNAprotect Tissue Reagent (to stabilize RNA) and Allprotect Tissue Reagent (to stabilize DNA, RNA and protein). Tissues collected in these reagents can also be easily disrupted with the TissueRuptor II.

The TissueRuptor II is a portable device with a TissueRuptor Disposable Probe. The blade of the probe rotates at a high speed, causing simultaneous disruption and homogenization of a sample through a combination of turbulence and mechanical shearing. Samples that can be processed include human, animal and plant tissues (for plant tissues that are more difficult to disrupt, the TissueLyser II is recommended). Disruption at full speed for as little as 30 seconds is usually sufficient to release nucleic acids or proteins from starting material.

After disruption of a sample, the TissueRuptor Disposable Probe can be discarded, and a new probe can be used to disrupt the next sample. Time is saved and cross-contamination is avoided, as there is no need to clean and reuse the same probe. In addition, the TissueRuptor Disposable Probe is transparent, which allows visual monitoring of the sample disruption process.

The TissueRuptor II enables efficient disruption and homogenization of human, plant and animal samples, including clotted blood. Purification of RNA, DNA, total nucleic acids or protein can then be performed using QIAGEN kits.