QIAsprint modular system: Automated DNA extraction from tissue and cells

The QIAsprint workflow for genomic DNA isolation from tissue and cells is a modular magnetic-bead-based system for high-throughput DNA purification using the QIAsprint Connect system. The workflow combines modular workflow design with magnetic-bead technology, enabling fully automated processing without manual interaction.

The workflow consists of dedicated modules that can be flexibly combined or exchanged depending on sample type and workflow requirements. For genomic DNA isolation from tissue and cells, we recommend the following modules:

QIAsprint DNA Tissue/Cells PrepSet (384): Designed for efficient pretreatment of tissue and cell samples. This module provides Buffer ATL for cell lysis and Proteinase K for protein digestion prior to automated purification.

QIAsprint Essential Kit C (384): Supplies the magnetic beads and wash buffer required for DNA purification. Magnetic-bead technology enables efficient binding, washing and elution to obtain high-quality genomic DNA.

All modules are optimized for automated processing of up to 384 samples on the QIAsprint Connect, enabling scalable high-throughput DNA purification with no manual intervention during run.

The QIAsprint DNA Tissue/Cells workflow delivers DNA yields comparable to or higher than those obtained with other leading magnetic-bead-based purification systems. This performance is consistent even with challenging sample types as fibrous tissues or fatty (see Comparative analyses of DNA yield from tissue and cells).

The QIAsprint DNA Tissue/Cells workflow enables efficient purification of genomic DNA from various biological materials compared to leading magnetic-bead-based purification systems. The purified DNA provides reliable quality suitable for downstream analyses such as qPCR and dPCR (see Comparative analyses of qPCR amplification for DNA extracted from tissue and dPCR amplification of DNA extracted from tissue samples).

The QIAsprint DNA Tissue/Cells workflow uses a modular approach to enable efficient and flexible DNA purification on the QIAsprint Connect. Sample pretreatment is performed using the QIAsprint DNA Tissue/Cells PrepSet (384), in which Buffer ATL and Proteinase K digestion enable complete lysis, even of tough tissue types. The QIAsprint Essential Kit C (384) then provides the magnetic beads and buffers required for the automated bind, wash and elute steps on the instrument. During processing, DNA binds to the magnetic beads, contaminants are efficiently washed away, and high-quality DNA is eluted for downstream analysis.

For other samples types or input material, the flexibility of the QIAsprint modular workflow allows users to combine the QIAsprint DNA Tissue/Cells PrepSet with other compatible Essential Kits. In addition to combining different modules, nearly all buffers and reagents used within the system are available as standalone items, providing additional customization options for specialized workflows (see QIAsprint sets and consumables finder).

In the QIAsprint DNA Tissue/Cells workflow, samples undergo straightforward pretreatment and an automated purification process. Cell pellets are first homogenized, while tissue samples are disrupted and homogenized in Buffer ATL. Proteinase K is then added, and samples are incubated to achieve complete enzymatic digestion and efficient lysis (see  QIAsprint DNA tissue/cells workflow).

Following incubation, the lysates are transferred to the prep plate and combined with MagG Bead Suspension in a binding master mix to enable efficient DNA binding. Wash plates and the elution plate are prepared according to the protocol and placed into the plate hotels. All plates and hotels are then loaded onto the QIAsprint Connect, and the appropriate protocol is selected. The instrument performs fully automated magnetic-bead-based bind, wash and elute steps. 

DNA purified with the QIAsprint DNA Tissue/Cells workflow is highly suitable for RT-PCR, digital PCR (dPCR) or next-generation sequencing (NGS) as well as long-read sequencing applications (depending on the disruption and lysis method).