QIAsprint modular system: Automated RNA extraction from tissues and cells

The QIAsprint modular kit system for RNA isolation from tissues and cells uses magnetic particle technology for automated purification of total RNA and miRNA on the QIAsprint Connect system. The workflow supports processing of up to 384 samples and can include automated genomic DNA removal during the purification process. 

The workflow is built from dedicated kit modules that can be combined and exchanged depending on the sample type and protocol requirements. For RNA purification from tissue and cell samples, the following components are used:

• QIAsprint RNA Tissue/Cells PrepSet (384): Provides reagents for sample pretreatment, including Buffer RLT for lysis and RNA stabilization and Proteinase K for enzymatic digestion of proteins
• QIAsprint Essential Kit B (384): Supplies the magnetic particles and wash buffers required for automated bind, wash and elute purification of RNA and miRNA
• Optional: QIAsprint DNA Removal Set (384): Provides DNase and buffers for automated genomic DNA digestion during the purification workflow

These modules are designed for fully automated processing on the QIAsprint Connect, enabling purification of RNA from up to 384 tissue or cell samples using a magnetic bead–based workflow with minimal hands-on time and reproducible performance.

The QIAsprint RNA Tissue/Cells workflow delivers robust RNA performance across a wide range of sample types. Consistently high RNA yields were observed across diverse tissues, including fibrous and fatty samples, as well as cultured cells, confirming reliable recovery across challenging sample types (see  High yields from tissues and cells).

Efficient genomic DNA removal is demonstrated by a large ΔCt between +RT and –RT reactions in RNA purified from rat tissues and Jurkat cells, indicating effective elimination of residual DNA within the QIAsprint intervention-free workflow (see  Efficient genomic DNA removal during RNA extraction). In an internal QIAGEN comparison, QIAsprint shows improved genomic DNA removal compared to workflows requiring manual RNA re-binding, as competitor-processed samples exhibit detectable amplification in –RT control reactions (see  Competitive performance with improved genomic DNA removal).

The QIAsprint RNA Tissue/Cells workflow uses a modular approach for flexible RNA purification on the QIAsprint Connect. The process consists of two main phases and an optional step: sample pretreatment, automated purification and optional genomic DNA removal.

• Sample pretreatment: Sample pretreatment is performed with the QIAsprint RNA Tissue/Cells PrepSet (384). Buffer RLT stabilizes RNA during lysis, whereas Proteinase K enables enzymatic digestion of proteins and efficient lysis of tissue samples, including challenging matrices such as fibrous, fatty or RNase-rich tissues.
• Automated RNA purification: The QIAsprint Essential Kit B (384) provides the magnetic beads and wash buffers required for automated bind–wash–elute processing on the QIAsprint Connect. During purification, RNA binds to the magnetic particles, contaminants are removed during wash steps and purified RNA or miRNA is eluted for downstream analysis.
• Optional genomic DNA removal: For applications requiring DNA-free RNA, the workflow can be extended with the QIAsprint DNA Removal Set (384). This enables on-instrument genomic DNA digestion prior to RNA elution without manual intervention, while improving turnaround compared with competitor workflow (see  RNA tissue/cell processing time overview).

If the workflow needs to be adapted for other sample types or input materials, the modular system allows the QIAsprint RNA Tissue/Cells PrepSet to be combined with other compatible Essential Kits. In addition, nearly all buffers and reagents used within the system are available as standalone items, providing further customization options for specialized workflows (see QIAsprint sets and consumables finder).

In the QIAsprint RNA tissue/cells workflow, samples undergo a straightforward pretreatment and automated RNA extraction process for RNA and miRNA purification from tissue and cells (see  QIAsprint RNA tissue/cells workflow). Cell pellets or cultured cells are first homogenized, while tissue samples are disrupted and homogenized in Buffer RLT to ensure immediate RNA stabilization. A Proteinase K master mix is then added, and samples are incubated for 10 minutes at room temperature to achieve complete enzymatic digestion and efficient lysis (see  QIAsprint RNA tissue/cells workflow).

Following incubation, the lysates are transferred to the prep plate and combined with MagG Bead Suspension and isopropanol to enable magnetic bead RNA isolation. Wash plates, the optional DNase plate 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, either with or without DNase digestion, is selected.

The instrument performs fully automated magnetic bead–based bind, wash and elute steps, enabling automated RNA extraction of up to 384 samples while maintaining consistent RNA and miRNA purification from tissue samples. When the QIAsprint DNA Removal Set (384) is used, the workflow also includes on-instrument DNase digestion to remove residual genomic DNA during purification.

RNA and miRNA purified with the QIAsprint RNA/miRNA Tissue/Cells workflow is highly suitable for RT-PCR, digital PCR (dPCR) or next-generation sequencing (NGS).