Workflow of automated nucleic acid extraction workstation

The workflow of an automated nucleic acid extraction workstation typically involves a series of highly automated and precisely controlled steps to ensure efficient and accurate extraction of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) from biological samples. This article will next take a typical automated nucleic acid extraction workstation as an example to demonstrate its workflow:

1. Sample preparation and loading

1>Sample collection: First, biological samples containing target nucleic acids need to be collected, such as blood, tissue, cells, throat swabs, nasal swabs, etc.

2>Sample processing: Perform necessary preprocessing on the sample, such as cutting, adding samples, dehydration, etc., to ensure that the sample is suitable for subsequent nucleic acid extraction.

3>Sample loading: Load the processed samples into the sample slot or adapter of the automated nucleic acid extraction workstation.

2. Automate the extraction process

1>Cell lysis: The automated robotic arm or equipment in the workstation will add cell lysis solution and lyse the cells through physical or chemical methods (such as ultrasound, heating, etc.) to release nucleic acids.

2>Nucleic acid purification: Use specific chemical reagents and adsorption materials to separate nucleic acids from other impurities in the cell lysate. This typically involves multiple washing and centrifugation steps to remove proteins, salts, and other non-nucleic acid materials.

3> Nucleic acid recovery: Use nuclease-free water or other appropriate solutions to elute the purified nucleic acid from the adsorbent material and collect it into a collection tube or plate.

3. Post-extraction processing

1>Quality control: Perform quality control testing on the extracted nucleic acid, such as using a spectrophotometer or fluorescence analyzer to measure the concentration and purity of the nucleic acid.

2>Save and record: Store the extracted nucleic acid under appropriate conditions (such as low temperature), and record relevant experimental information, such as sample number, extraction time, nucleic acid concentration, etc.

4. Equipment cleaning and maintenance

1> Equipment cleaning: After each experiment, the automated nucleic acid extraction workstation should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to ensure the hygiene of the equipment and the accuracy of the next experiment.

2>Equipment maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain various components of the equipment, such as robotic arms, motors, sensors, etc., to ensure the normal operation of the equipment and extend its service life.

5. Precautions

1>During the entire work process, it is necessary to strictly abide by the laboratory's biosafety regulations and operating procedures to prevent cross-contamination and experimental accidents.

2>The specific workflow of the automated nucleic acid extraction workstation may vary depending on different brands and models of equipment. Therefore, you need to carefully read the operation manual and instructions of the equipment before use, and operate according to the requirements.

6. Sample equipment workflow (taking a certain brand as an example)

(Note: The following examples are for reference only, and the specific workflow may vary depending on the device model)

1>Start-up preparation: Turn on the power of the device and wait for the device self-test to be completed.

2>Software settings: Open the running software of the device on the computer and set the experimental parameters and procedures.

3>Sample loading: Put the processed sample into the sample slot of the device.

4>Start the program: Click the "Start" button, and the device automatically executes the preset extraction program.

5>Extraction process: The equipment automatically completes steps such as cell lysis, nucleic acid purification, and nucleic acid recovery.

6>Result viewing: After the extraction is completed, the extraction results, such as nucleic acid concentration and purity, can be viewed on the software.

7>Equipment cleaning: Clean and disinfect according to the requirements of the equipment instructions.

The above describes in detail the working process of the automated nucleic acid extraction workstation, aiming to provide you with a clear and practical reference when exploring and selecting the automated nucleic acid extraction workstation that best suits your laboratory needs. We hope that this information will help you to ensure that your scientific research work is more efficient and accurate. If you have other questions that need to be answered, you can contact the customer service staff of our official platform.