The kit was specifically designed for use on the QIAsymphony SP, which is a sample preparation instrument that is part of the modular QIAsymphony RGQ system. The automated protocol allows the isolation of bacterial DNA from primary enrichment cultures of food, animal feed, and environmental samples. Bacteria concentrated by filtration can also be used as a starting material. The protocol is based on proven magnetic-particle technology that allows the isolation of DNA from both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
The DNA extraction technology of the QIAsymphony SP instrument combines the speed and efficiency of silica-based nucleic acid purification with the convenient handling of magnetic particles. The protocol involves a short thermal lysis procedure that includes an inhibitor removal step. This is followed by a highly effective and streamlined process of binding, washing, and elution, using silica-based magnetic particles in combination with optimized buffers. The isolated DNA is ready for use in downstream applications, such as real-time PCR-based pathogen detection.
A complete, automated workflow is possible on the QIAsymphony RGQ, as the eluates containing the purified pathogen DNA can be automatically transferred to the assay setup module (QIAsymphony AS). These assay plates can then be transferred to the Rotor-Gene Q thermal cycler for real-time PCR and data analysis.