Technologies → RNA and DNA extraction

High-quality RNA and DNA extraction service

GLP, GCLP, and ISO-compliant RNA and DNA extraction supporting advanced therapy bioanalysis and biomarker analysis.

Nucleic acid extraction for drug development

An optimized extraction process ensures reduced variability and improved data accuracy.

RNA extraction services

Extracted RNA’s yield, purity, and integrity are crucial for downstream applications such as qPCR and RNA-seq. For low-abundance RNA, such as transgene-expressed mRNA in biodistribution studies, efficient extraction recovery is essential for accurate quantification.

The RNA extraction process varies depending on the RNA type, including short RNA (e.g., siRNA, miRNA), total RNA, or mRNA. The extraction efficiency is influenced by factors such as sample type, extraction method, and test item characteristics, including RNA length, secondary structure, chemical modifications, and whether the RNA is free, encapsulated, or within lipid nanoparticles (LNPs).

We optimize the extraction method to ensure high recovery and quality for your sample type and test item.

DNA extraction services

Extracting viral DNA, such as AAVs, from complex biological matrices like blood, tissues, and biofluids is challenging due to low viral titers. Highly efficient extraction methods are required to ensure accurate quantification of viral genomes in biodistribution and shedding studies.

In biodistribution studies, viral DNA is typically free in the cytosol, whereas in shedding studies, the extraction process must efficiently break open the viral capsid without degrading the DNA.

For downstream applications such as DNA-seq or qPCR SNP/CNV analysis, high-purity, high-integrity genomic DNA is essential, free from inhibitory agents that could interfere with subsequent analysis.

Automated nucleic acid extraction

Our extraction services are scalable, ranging from manual extraction to fully automated solutions integrated with our LIMS system. We operate multiple QIAsymphony platforms, fully automated systems for high-throughput nucleic acid extraction and purification.

QIAsymphony systems are compatible with various tube formats, including PAXgene tubes, 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL Eppendorf tubes, cryotubes, and 96-well plates.

We extract from complex samples to standardized PAXgene tubes

Nucleic acid extraction varies across tissues and biofluids depending on sample characteristics, nucleic acid abundance, and the presence of inhibitors. Fibrous tissues, such as muscle, require more extensive mechanical or enzymatic disruption. Some tissues, like the pancreas, contain high levels of nucleases, making RNA extraction particularly challenging due to rapid degradation. Matrices, such as feces used for shedding assays, are rich in PCR inhibitors, requiring specialized extraction methods.

Extraction from fixed tissues, such as FFPE samples, necessitates optimized deparaffinization and crosslink reversal techniques to recover RNA and DNA with minimal fragmentation.

We employ tissue-specific lysis buffers and protocols, incorporate spike-in controls to monitor extraction efficiency and optimize each extraction based on the sample type and test item.

We handle even the most complex test items

Each test item presents unique challenges in extraction due to differences in RNA size, stability, abundance, modifications, and secondary structures. The extraction of small RNA species, such as miRNA, differs from that of mRNA or total RNA.

Modified siRNAs should not be expected to extract with the same efficiency as unmodified RNA, requiring evaluation of the extraction performance of each modification. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are synthetic and chemically modified, influencing extraction efficiency and downstream analyses.

We perform qPRC and dPCR on short RNA and DNA targets

GLP and GCLP for qPCR and dPCR

We are accredited for Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) by the Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment (SWEDAC) for qPCR, dPCR, and molecular biology. In addition, we are Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) compliant to ensure the safe and reliable analysis of clinical samples.

Custom assay development and analysis

RNA extraction methods and validation

RNA extraction methods vary based on sample type, RNA yield requirements, purity needs, downstream applications, and level of automation. The most commonly used methods include phenol-chloroform extraction, column-based extraction, and magnetic bead-based extraction.

Phenol-chloroform extraction provides high RNA yields, even from challenging samples, but is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and involves toxic reagents such as phenol and chloroform.

Silica-based column extraction uses a membrane where RNA binds in the presence of chaotropic salts, followed by washing and elution. This method is fast, easy to perform, and yields high-purity RNA with minimal contaminants. However, the input RNA amount must be controlled to prevent exceeding the column’s binding capacity. After extraction, qPCR and dPCR applications require testing for genomic DNA (gDNA) contamination.

Magnetic bead-based extraction utilizes silica- or oligonucleotide-coated magnetic beads to selectively bind RNA in the presence of chaotropic salts, with magnetic fields applied for isolation during washing steps. This method is specific, efficient, and easily automated.

Nucleic acid extraction in advanced therapies

Extracting RNA and DNA in gene therapy, RNA vaccines, and RNA therapeutics presents unique challenges due to the nature of the therapeutic molecules, delivery systems, biological matrices, and regulatory requirements. Efficient extraction is crucial for accurate bioanalysis, quality control, and pharmacokinetic studies.

Gene Therapies (AAV, Lentivirus, CRISPR-based therapies): Viral vector titers are typically very low, requiring high-sensitivity extraction. Optimized lysis conditions are needed to release vector genomes without degradation if the therapeutic drug is encapsulated.

RNA Vaccines (LNP-Delivered mRNA): RNA vaccines delivered in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) require efficient disruption of the lipid structure without damaging the RNA. The extraction method must have high sensitivity, as circulating mRNA levels in plasma and serum are often very low. Additionally, chemically modified bases may affect extraction efficiency.

RNA Therapeutics (siRNA, ASOs, mRNA, saRNA, gRNA for CRISPR): Many RNA therapeutics contain chemical modifications influencing extraction efficiency. ASOs and siRNA frequently bind to serum proteins, necessitating optimized extraction methods to separate free and bound RNA. Like RNA vaccines, RNA therapeutics often utilize lipid nanoparticle formulations, requiring specialized LNP disruption techniques for efficient RNA recovery.