QIAcube
For fully automated sample prep using QIAGEN spin-column kits
Features
- Automation of trusted QIAGEN spin-column kits
- Elimination of manual processing steps
- Purification of DNA, RNA, or proteins
- More free time with affordable automated processing
- Standardized results and increased productivity
Product Details
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.QIAcube operates in conjunction with QIAcube Accessories.
Performance
Highly pure plasmid DNA
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”).
High-quality genomic DNA
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”).
Efficient purification of viral nucleic acids
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 |
Pure, high performance RNA
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”).
High-quality proteins
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.
Efficient cleanup of DNA fragments
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”).
See figures
Principle
The QIAcube enables continued use of well-established QIAGEN spin-column kits and eliminates the need for tedious manual steps. The innovative QIAcube controls integrated components including a centrifuge, heated shaker, pipetting system, and robotic gripper. This enables the QIAcube to fully automate more than 40 QIAGEN spin-column kits.
The QIAcube is preinstalled with a variety of protocols for purification of RNA, genomic DNA, plasmid DNA, viral nucleic acids, and proteins, plus DNA and RNA cleanup. All standard protocols in the expanding range can also be downloaded free of charge. In addition, customized protocols tailored to meet your specific application demands can also be requested.
The QIAcube is preinstalled with a variety of protocols for purification of RNA, genomic DNA, plasmid DNA, viral nucleic acids, and proteins, plus DNA and RNA cleanup. All standard protocols in the expanding range can also be downloaded free of charge. In addition, customized protocols tailored to meet your specific application demands can also be requested.
Procedure
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.
Unparalleled ease of use
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.
New dedicated kits for DNA and RNA preps
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.
See figures
Applications
The QIAcube is highly suitable for academic research laboratories as well as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomedical research laboratories performing applications, such as:
- Sequencing/sequencing analysis
- Gene expression analysis
- Genotyping
- Proteomics
Supporting data and figures
High recovery of PCR products.
PCR products (2 µg in a volume of 100 µl) were purified using the QIAquick PCR Purification Kit with the manual procedure or automated on the QIAcube. Percentage recovery was determined spectrophotometrically. Recovery of PCR products using the QIAcube was comparable to the manual procedure.
Specifications
| 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) |
Resources
Safety Data Sheets (1)
FAQ
What applications are offered on the QIAcube?
3327 - How often should the o-ring for the pipettor tip-adapter be changed on the QIAcube?
Where can I find the ordering information for QIAcube accessories such as Shaker Rack plugs, Rack labeling strips, Reagent bottle rack, 30mL Reagent bottles, Rotor Adapter holder, Rotor adapters, Sample tubes CB, Sample tubes RB and Spin column adapter rings?
Can the QIAcube heater/shaker be used independently from protocol runs?
Are run reports and/or log files available on the QIAcube?
3328 - Can the Sample Tubes CB and the Sample Tubes RB be used interchangeably?
Can the QIAcube centrifuge be used independently from protocol runs?
Is it necessary to place the lids of the elution tube and column into the slots of the rotor adapter during processing on the QIAcube?
How can I decontaminate my QIAsymphony SP / AS system?
Are there any specific cleaning solutions recommended for the QIAcube?
3324 - Do you have a protocol for the QIAprep Spin M13 Kit on the QIAcube?
What is the maximum number of samples for the QIAcube variant of the PAXgene Blood miRNA protocol for a single run?
How can I get software updates for the QIAcube?
Can purification columns from other suppliers be processed on the QIAcube?
Can I program my own protocols for the QIAcube?
Can the QIAcube be connected to a laboratory information management system?
3326 - Which QIAcube standard protocol might be suitable to extract RNA from saliva or from a buccal cell pellet?
What dedicated QIAcube Kits are available?
3325 - What are the catalog numbers for the packing materials for the QIAcube?
What are the dimensions and weight of the QIAcube?
What sample tubes can I use on my QIAsymphony SP system?
How can I decontaminate the QIAcube system?
Can the QIAcube rotor and/or buckets be removed for cleaning?
Can QIAcube protocol runs be interrupted, and subsequently be continued to completion?
Do I need to buy special kits for the QIAcube?
Can the QIAcube rotor adapters be autoclaved?
3323 - Do you have a protocol for the AllPrep DNA/RNA/Protein Mini Kit on the QIAcube?
Do I need to discard partially used QIAcube tip racks?
Do the samples require pretreatment before starting the manual protocol or before loading onto the QIAcube instrument?