QIAsprint modular system: Automated plant DNA and RNA isolation

The QIAsprint modular system for DNA/RNA extraction from plants is designed for high-throughput nucleic acid isolation using magnetic bead purification. The modular system enables fully automated processing on the QIAsprint Connect instrument without manual intervention after run start, including an optional fully automated onboard lysis step.

The kit consists of dedicated modules that can be combined or exchanged depending on sample type and workflow requirements.

For genomic DNA isolation from plant cells and tissues, we recommend the following modules:

QIAsprint DNA/RNA Plant PrepSet (384): Designed for efficient pretreatment and lysis of plant samples.

QIAsprint Essential Kit A (384): Provides the beads and wash buffers required for DNA/RNA purification, ensuring high yield, reproducibility and recovery of high-quality nucleic acids.

For inhibitor-rich plant samples, the QIAsprint PowerExtract IRT PrepSet can be combined with Essential Kit A (384) to reduce co-purified inhibitors (see  QIAsprint DNA Plant workflow). 

All modules are optimized for fully automated processing of up to 384 samples on the QIAsprint Connect, enabling minimal hands-on time and reproducible performance.

The QIAsprint DNA/RNA Plant workflow application delivers high DNA yield across various plant tissues, including leaves and seeds (see  DNA yield from various plant tissues).

In qPCR analysis targeting the chloroplastic rbcL gene, DNA extracted with QIAsprint DNA/RNA Plant PrepSet showed comparable or lower Ct values than the MagMAX Plant DNA Isolation Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific) (see  qPCR comparison of QIAsprint DNA/RNA Plant PrepSet and MagMAX Plant DNA Isolation Kit). For inhibitor-rich samples, the QIAsprint PowerExtract IRT PrepSet showed no detectable PCR inhibition based on ΔCt analysis, including challenging materials such as faba beans, whereas inhibition was observed with the comparator kit (see  PCR inhibition assessment between QIAsprint PowerExtract IRT PrepSet and MagMAX Plant DNA Isolation Kit).

The QIAsprint modular system for DNA/RNA extraction from plants enables automated high-throughput purification of total DNA, including genomic, chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA and RNA from plant material such as leaves and seeds. Magnetic particle technology enables purification of high-quality nucleic acids free of proteins, nucleases and other contaminants. The purified nucleic acids are ready for use in sensitive downstream applications such as amplification and other enzymatic reactions. For purification of DNA from inhibitor-rich plants or plant-associated bacteria and fungi, the QIAsprint PowerExtract IRT PrepSet is available for use.

If the workflow needs to be adapted for other sample types or input materials, the flexibility of the QIAsprint modular kit allows the combination of the QIAsprint Plant DNA/RNA PrepSet with other compatible Essential Kits.

In addition, most buffers and reagents used within the workflow are available as standalone components, enabling further customization for specialized applications (see QIAsprint sets and consumables finder).

Fresh, frozen or lyophilized plant material, up to 50 mg per sample, is mechanically homogenized (e.g., TissueLyser III). The homogenate is resuspended in lysis buffer, mixed and clarified by brief centrifugation.

For inhibitor-rich samples, an optional Inhibitor Removal Technology (IRT) buffer step can be included after lysis to reduce co-purified inhibitory substances.

Cleared lysates are transferred to the QIAsprint Prep Plate Insert (32) (cat. no. 582226). Wash and elution plates are prepared according to the protocol and loaded onto the QIAsprint Connect. The system then performs fully automated magnetic bead-based binding, washing, drying and elution. Purified DNA is eluted in water or low-salt buffer and is ready for downstream applications such as PCR and other enzymatic reactions.

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