The QIAamp DNA Micro Kit simplifies DNA isolation from small samples with a fast spin-column procedure (see flowchart " QIAamp DNA Micro procedure"). The QIAamp DNA Micro Kit uses well-established technology for purification of genomic and mitochondrial DNA from small sample volumes or sizes (e.g., 1–100 µl whole blood, blood cards of ~3 mm diameter, urine or <10 mg tissue or laser microdissected tissue). Fresh or frozen blood, tissue and dried blood spots can be purified in 30 minutes and eluted in 20–100 µl. The QIAamp DNA Micro Kit can also be automated on the QIAcube Connect.
Optimized buffers and enzymes in the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit lyse samples, stabilize nucleic acids and enhance selective DNA adsorption to the QIAamp membrane. Alcohol is added and lysates loaded onto the QIAamp spin column. Wash buffers are used to remove impurities and pure, ready-to-use DNA is then eluted in water or low-salt buffer.
No mechanical homogenization is necessary as the tissues are lysed enzymatically. The convenient spin-column procedure means that hands-on preparation time is only 20 minutes (lysis times differ according to the sample source). Samples can be processed using either a microcentrifuge or, if blood or other body fluids are being processed, using the QIAvac 24 Plus. In addition, the rigorous lysis procedure employed makes the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit ideal for purification of genomic DNA from bacteria or parasites. To further reduce hands-on time, genomic DNA purification may be automated on the QIAcube. The QIAamp DNA Accessory Set A provides the additional buffers and reagents needed for isolation of genomic, mitochondrial, bacterial, parasite or viral DNA using the QIAcube with 12 x QIAamp DNA Mini Kits (50).
Vacuum processing
Blood or other body fluids can be processed by vacuum, instead of centrifugation, for greater speed and convenience in DNA purification. QIAamp Mini spin columns are accommodated on the QIAvac 24 Plus manifold using VacValves and VacConnectors. VacValves should be used if sample flow rates differ significantly, to ensure consistent vacuum. Disposable VacConnectors are used to avoid any cross-contamination. Use of VacConnectors also allows these QIAamp spin procedures to be performed on QIAvac 6S with QIAvac Luer Adapters.
Automated DNA isolation on the QIAcube Connect
The dedicated QIAamp DNA Mini QIAcube Kit is designed with preloaded spin columns and elution tubes in rotor adapters for QIAcube instruments, eliminating the risk of errors due to incorrect loading of rotor adapters. The dedicated kit is tailored to QIAcube requirements, reducing waste.
A simple protocol (lyse, bind, wash and elute) and an automated protocol on the QIAcube Connect requires minimal user interaction. The award-winning QIAcube Connect uses advanced technology to process QIAGEN spin columns, enabling seamless integration of automated, low-throughput sample prep into laboratory workflows. All steps in the purification procedure are fully automated — up to 12 samples can be processed per run. The QIAcube Connect and the dedicated QIAamp DNA Mini QIAcube Kit provide a winning combination for fast, easy and convenient DNA purification.