Hamilton and Zymo Research develop automated solution for COVID-19 sample processing

Automated workflow optimized to extract pure DNA/RNA from the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2

4 May 2020
Diane Li
Assistant Editor

Hamilton Company and Zymo Research Corporation have announced that the MagEx STARlet assay ready workstation is now available pre-scripted with the Quick-DNA/RNA™ Viral MagBead Kit protocol to extract pure DNA/RNA from the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The jointly developed automated solution offers significant advantages compared to manual processing of samples via traditional time-consuming methods such as spin columns.

As time is of the essence, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, both Companies note that their facilities are operating at full speed, and the products may be rapidly delivered to labs in need. With a pre-programmed and pre-configured workstation and streamlined magnetic bead-based protocol, users can quickly, and effectively assimilate the system and scale their sample extraction and purification steps – up to 96 samples in 1-2 hours – without disruptive lag time.

Zymo Research’s Quick-DNA/RNA™ Viral MagBead Kit extracts and purifies viral DNA and RNA from plasma, serum, urine, cell culture media, blood, saliva, cellular suspensions, swabs, fecal, and biopsy samples. The highly pure nucleic acids may be used in any downstream application, including next generation sequencing (NGS), hybridization-based and RT/qPCR detection.

The MagEx STARlet assay ready workstation based on Hamilton’s Microlab® STAR™ automated liquid handler, contains all tools necessary to process samples without manual intervention. By doing so, human-based pipetting errors and variability are eliminated, risk of biohazard exposure is significantly reduced, and users are free to focus on critical, high-value tasks while the system operates unattended. Hamilton’s patented CO-RE® (Compressed O-Ring Expansion) technology creates an air-tight seal between the pipetting mandrel and Hamilton’s specialized CO-RE tips during liquid handling steps to support highly accurate and consistent results. This also provides gentle tip ejection to significantly reduce the risk of biohazard exposure and cross-contamination.

Want more of the latest science news straight to your inbox? Become a member of SelectScience for free today>>

Quick-DNA™ HMW MagBead Kit

Zymo Research

The Quick-DNA™ HMW MagBead Kit is the easiest method for high molecular weight total DNA extraction (e.g., genomic, mitochondrial, viral) from any biological fluid, cell culture, solid tissue, or environmental sample. Innovative reagents and Zymo Research’s unique system allow for a simple Bind, Wash, & Elute procedure that is unmatched in providing ultra-pure and high yield DNA of > 150 kb size. Isolated DNA is ready for immediate use in sensitive downstream applications including long read (Oxford Nanopore™) and NGS sequencing, qPCR, arrays, and methylation analysis. The Quick-DNA™ HMW MagBead Kit facilitates rapid and efficient purification of high molecular weight DNA from any sample by combining enzymatic and chemical extraction regimens. Features: High Molecular Weight DNA: Extract high molecular weight DNA up to 150 kb from any sample Ultra-Pure: Highest DNA yield and purity equipped with RNA removal technology Third-Generation Sequencing Ready: Optimized for long read sequencing (including Oxford Nanopure™ and PacBio SMRT sequencing™) 

(16)

Links

Tags