For fully automated sample prep using QIAGEN spin-column kits
The innovative QIAcube uses advanced technology to process QIAGEN spin columns, enabling seamless integration of automated, low-throughput sample prep into the laboratory workflow. No change of purification chemistry is required, assuring fast startup and immediate results. All steps in the purification procedure are fully automated — up to 12 samples can be processed per run.
Explore the virtual demo to learn more about QIAcube.The QIAcube together with the QIAprep Spin Miniprep Kit enables fully automated purification of up to 20 µg molecular biology grade plasmid DNA. The fully automated purification procedure — including lysis — provides yields of plasmid DNA comparable to the manual procedure (see figure “ DNA yields comparable to the manual procedure”). Purified DNA is suitable for use in routine molecular biology applications, such as fluorescent sequencing, cloning, or transfection of robust cells (see figure “ Reliable sequencing results”).
Using the QIAamp DNA Blood Kit, the QIAcube enables purification of reproducible yields of highly pure genomic DNA (see figure “ Reproducible DNA yields”). DNA purified using the QIAcube performs well in sensitive PCR even when large amounts of eluate are used, demonstrating the high purity of the DNA (see figure “ High PCR performance”).
The QIAcube together with the QIAamp MinElute Virus Spin Kit enables efficient purification of viral nucleic acids. To evaluate the risk of sample-to-sample carryover during and between runs, the QIAamp MinElute Virus Spin procedure was subjected to rigorous testing using an alternating checkerboard setup of negative and highly positive plasma samples (1 x 108 IU/ml of a typical DNA virus). All of the highly positive samples were detected. All negative samples, in the checkerboard runs and the all-negative runs were unresponsive (see table “No sample carryover detected”).
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Run 1 | 19.5 | X | 19.4 | X | 18.8 | X | X | 19.0 | X | 19.1 | X | 19.8 |
| Run 2 | X | 19.1 | X | 18.9 | X | 18.8 | 18.7 | X | 19.2 | X | 18.9 | X |
| Run 3 | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Together with the QIAcube, the RNeasy Mini Kit enables efficient automated purification of total RNA from animal cells, demonstrated by consistent RNA yields (see figure “ Consistent yields of RNA”). The quality of RNA purified using the QIAcube is comparable to the manual procedure (see figure “ Comparison of automated and manual RNA purification”).
The QIAcube and Ni-NTA Spin Kit provide reliable purification of highly pure 6xHis-tagged proteins (see figure “ Highly reproducible protein purification”). Purified proteins are suitable for many applications, including functional investigations, crystallization pre-studies for determination of three-dimensional structure, assays involving protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions, and immunization to produce antibodies.
The QIAcube makes DNA cleanup easier than ever. Proven QIAquick technology together with optimized protocols enables direct purification of double- or single-stranded DNA fragments, from 100 bp to 10 kb. Primers, nucleotides, enzymes, and other impurities are efficiently removed and recovery of DNA is comparable to the manual procedure (see figure “ High recovery of PCR products”).
The QIAcube enables purification of highly pure nucleic acids or proteins using a simple lyse, bind, wash, elute procedure ( see flowchart). Over 40 QIAGEN spin-column kits can be automated on the QIAcube.
The QIAcube takes ease of use to a new level. No external PC is required, saving valuable laboratory space. An integrated touch screen simplifies protocol selection, and clear on-screen messages guide the user through worktable setup. For increased ease of use and high process safety, labware and accessories fit onto the worktable only in the correct orientation. In addition, a fully automated load check helps to ensure that samples, reagents, and labware are correctly loaded.
Dedicated QIAcube Kits further simplify automated spin preps on the QIAcube and increase convenience. Kits are currently available for purification of RNA, genomic DNA, and viral RNA. Rotor-adapters supplied with the kits are preloaded with spin columns and elution tubes, delivering greater convenience and time savings. Furthermore, ease of use is increased and user errors minimized. Waste is reduced as the content of the dedicated kits is tailored to purification on the QIAcube and tubes required for the manual procedure are not included.
The QIAcube is highly suitable for academic research laboratories as well as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomedical research laboratories performing applications, such as:
| Features | Specifications |
| Centrifuge | 12,000 x g maximum, swing-out rotor with 12 positions, maximum 45° |
| Humidity | Relative humidity of 10-75% (noncondensing) |
| Protocols/main application on this instrument | DNA purification, RNA purification, protein purification |
| Overvoltage category | II |
| Power | 100-120 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 650 VA (North America and Japan), 220-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 650 VA (Europe), mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed 10% of nominal supply voltages |
| Place of operation | For indoor use only |
| Storage temperature | 15°C to 30°C in manufacturer's package |
| Kits designed for this instrument | Most QIAGEN manual kits (e.g., QIAamp, QIAquick, QIAprep) |
| Shaker | Speed 100-2000 rpm, amplitude 2 mm, heating range of room temperature to 70°C, ramp-up time of <5 min from room temperature to 55°C (+/-)3°C) |
| Technology | Depends on kit used |
| Instrument dimensions | 650 x 620 x 570 mm |
| Operating temperature | 18-28°C |
| Samples per run (throughput) | 1–12 samples per run |
| Pipetting system | Syringe size 1 ml, pipetting range 5-900 µl |
| Processing | Automated |
| Pollution level | 2 |
| Technical data of the instrument | 70.5 kg |
| Software | QIAGEN protocols are preinstalled on the QIAcube or can be downloaded at www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube |
| Touchscreen | Transmissive TFT, 64 x 86 x 65 mm, white LED backlight, high brightness |
| Transportation temperature | -25°C to 50°C in manufacturer's package |
| Altitude | Up to 2000 m (6500 ft) |
