What is Magnetic Beads DNA Extraction Kit for FFPE Samples?
A Magnetic Beads DNA Extraction Kit for FFPE (Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded) samples is a specialized tool used in molecular biology to isolate DNA from preserved tissue samples. These samples are commonly stored for long periods in medical and research settings, such as in pathology archives, but the fixation process can make DNA extraction challenging. This kit utilizes magnetic beads coated with silica to bind DNA, allowing for efficient purification without the need for hazardous chemicals like phenol or chloroform. It is designed to handle the cross-linked and fragmented nature of DNA in FFPE samples, providing a reliable method for obtaining high-quality genetic material for downstream applications like sequencing or PCR.
The kit is user-friendly and scalable, making it suitable for various laboratory environments, from academic research to clinical diagnostics. By leveraging magnetic separation technology, it minimizes manual handling and reduces the risk of contamination, ensuring consistent results. This approach is particularly valuable for retrospective studies where historical FFPE samples are analyzed to understand disease progression or genetic mutations over time.

Technical Specifications
Model | Method | Sample | Format | Workflow |
---|---|---|---|---|
M-FFPE-20R | Magnetic Beads | FFPE Tissue | 20R | Manual |
M-FFPE-50R | Magnetic Beads | FFPE Tissue | 50R | Manual |
M-FFPE-100R | Magnetic Beads | FFPE Tissue | 100R | Manual |
M-FFPE-200R | Magnetic Beads | FFPE Tissue | 200R | Manual |
M-FFPE-8R | Magnetic Beads | FFPE Tissue | 8R | Semi-automated or Fully Automated |
M-FFPE-24R | Magnetic Beads | FFPE Tissue | 24R | Semi-automated or Fully Automated |
M-FFPE-48R | Magnetic Beads | FFPE Tissue | 48R | Semi-automated or Fully Automated |
M-FFPE-72R | Magnetic Beads | FFPE Tissue | 72R | Semi-automated or Fully Automated |
M-FFPE-96R | Magnetic Beads | FFPE Tissue | 96R | Semi-automated or Fully Automated |
Working Principle
The principle behind the Magnetic Beads DNA Extraction Kit for FFPE samples involves the use of silica-coated magnetic beads that selectively bind to DNA under specific buffer conditions. First, the FFPE sample is deparaffinized and digested to release DNA from the fixed tissue. Then, in the presence of a binding buffer, DNA adsorbs to the surface of the magnetic beads due to electrostatic interactions. By applying a magnetic field, the beads with bound DNA are separated from other cellular debris and impurities.
Subsequent washing steps remove proteins, salts, and other contaminants, leaving pure DNA attached to the beads. Finally, the DNA is eluted in a low-salt buffer or water, ready for use in downstream applications. This method capitalizes on the high affinity of silica for DNA in chaotropic conditions, providing a clean and efficient extraction process that minimizes damage to the fragile DNA often found in FFPE samples.
Performance
The performance of the Magnetic Beads DNA Extraction Kit for FFPE samples is characterized by its high yield and purity of extracted DNA, even from heavily degraded or old samples. In typical applications, it can recover DNA with minimal protein or inhibitor contamination, which is crucial for sensitive molecular techniques like next-generation sequencing. The kit's efficiency is often validated through metrics such as absorbance ratios (e.g., A260/A280 around 1.8-2.0), indicating pure DNA suitable for amplification and analysis.
Compared to traditional methods, this kit offers faster processing times, often completing extraction in under two hours, and requires less starting material, which is beneficial when working with limited or precious samples. Its reproducibility across multiple batches ensures that researchers can trust the results for large-scale studies, making it a preferred choice in fields like oncology and genetics where FFPE samples are routinely used.
Application
The Magnetic Beads DNA Extraction Kit for FFPE samples finds widespread application in clinical and research settings, particularly in cancer research, where archived tissue samples are analyzed for genetic alterations. It is used in diagnostic laboratories for mutation detection, biomarker studies, and personalized medicine approaches, enabling the extraction of DNA from biopsies stored for years. Additionally, it supports forensic investigations by allowing DNA analysis from old or preserved evidence, and in agricultural or environmental studies where historical samples are examined.
This kit is also employed in infectious disease research, helping to extract DNA from pathogens in fixed samples, and in veterinary medicine for genetic testing of animal tissues. Its versatility makes it essential for any scenario involving long-term sample preservation, ensuring that valuable genetic information is not lost due to degradation over time.
Core Features and Advantages
The core features of this kit include its high specificity for DNA binding, reducing co-purification of inhibitors that could interfere with molecular assays. It offers scalability from small to high-throughput workflows, with options for manual or automated processing using magnetic stands or robots. The kit is designed to be safe and environmentally friendly, avoiding toxic solvents, and it includes optimized buffers for FFPE samples to enhance DNA recovery from cross-linked materials.
Advantages over other methods include faster processing times, typically under two hours, and higher consistency in yields, which is critical for reproducible research. The magnetic bead technology reduces hands-on time and lowers the risk of sample loss or contamination, making it ideal for laboratories with varying levels of expertise. Additionally, the kit often comes with clear protocols and support for validation, ensuring reliable performance in diverse applications.