OVERVIEW OF RNA EXTRACTION KITS
Zymo Research's RNA extraction kits use robust technologies to ensure high yields of pure RNA, free of contaminants and inhibitors. The RNA extraction kits are designed for specific applications, whether that be total RNA purification including small RNAs, separate fractions of RNA, or RNA in the same sample. Pure RNA from RNA extraction kits is suitable for downstream applications such as Next-Gen Sequencing, RT-PCR, and hybridization.
All of Zymo Research's RNA extraction kits feature a novel binding buffer and innovative column technology. This binds total RNA including small or micro RNAs from any sample while eliminating contamination for DNA-free RNA.
Sample stabilization after collection is crucial to recover high-quality, total RNA. Many of Zymo Research's RNA extraction kits include DNA/RNA Shield™, a stabilization solution for nucleic acids in any biological sample. RNA is susceptible to degradation, so having a reagent that stabilizes the sample during RNA extraction is especially important. DNA/RNA Shield™ preserves the genetic integrity of samples at ambient temperatures. The reagent also completely inactivates infectious agents and is compatible with most of Zymo Research's RNA extraction kits.
WHAT ARE RNA EXTRACTION KITS USED FOR?
Zymo Research offers a variety of RNA extraction kits to isolate high-quality RNA from various sample types. RNA is susceptible to degradation, so it’s important to use efficient sample preparation protocols to eliminate all contamination during RNA extraction. Zymo Research's wide array of RNA extraction kits are equipped with efficient protocols. The RNA extraction kits are also available in various formats to fit most sample types and platforms.
The RNA extraction kits are categorized by sample types, formats, and downstream applications. Features such as CE-IVD, high-throughput, low input, microbiomics, and Proteinase K are available in the RNA extraction kits. Researchers can use RNA extraction kits to isolate RNA from sample types including fresh or frozen cells and tissues, FFPE tissues, whole blood, plasma, serum, urine, yeast, bacteria, and plant tissue. The RNA extraction kits produce highly concentrated, DNA-free RNA, suitable for downstream applications such as RT-PCR, hybridization, and sequencing.
WHY IS RNA EXTRACTION NECESSARY?
RNA extraction kits obtain pure RNA from various sample types for downstream applications, such as RT-PCR, hybridization, and sequencing. RNA extraction aims to isolate total RNA from any sample type. However, RNA is chemically unstable in comparison to DNA, making the RNA extraction process more difficult. RNA extraction presents various challenges, including degradation of RNA, low yield and/or purity, and contamination. For instance, the presence of DNA can skew the RNA quantification, leading to falsely high results.
High-quality total RNA can be recovered from any sample type if the right protocol is followed. The delicate nature of RNA requires immediate stabilization in order to prevent inaccuracies or skewing of results during downstream analysis.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLUMN-BASED AND MAGNETIC BEAD-BASED KITS?
There are two options available when selecting RNA extraction kits, column-based or magnetic-bead based. Both formats of RNA extraction kits are designed to suit different input amounts and throughputs. Deciding between the two RNA extraction kits is based on preference and downstream application, as both technologies produce high-quality RNA.
Column-based RNA extraction kits employ a unique Zymo-Spin™-column technology that can be used in a microcentrifuge for purifying high-quality RNA. The RNA is then free of inhibitors and ready for downstream applications. The column-based RNA extraction kits can yield 10 µg, 50 µg, 100 µg, or 1 mg RNA.
Magnetic bead-based RNA extraction kits offer a high-throughput and automatable method for purifying nucleic acids. These kits use magnetic binding beads to provide a simple and reliable method for isolating total RNA. This method provides high-throughput, magnetic bead-based purification of high-quality RNA in any sample. The sample types include cells, solid tissue, biological liquids, environmental samples, swabs, and samples in DNA/RNA Shield™.