What is Spin Column DNA Extraction Kit for FFPE Samples?
A Spin Column DNA Extraction Kit for FFPE (Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded) samples is a specialized laboratory tool designed to isolate DNA from preserved tissue specimens. FFPE samples are commonly used in medical research and diagnostics because they allow long-term storage of biological materials, but the fixation process can make DNA extraction challenging. This kit uses a spin column method, where samples are processed through a series of steps involving centrifugation to separate and purify DNA efficiently. It is essential for applications like cancer research, genetic studies, and historical sample analysis, enabling scientists to retrieve high-quality DNA from archived tissues.
The kit typically includes reagents and columns that work together to break down the paraffin and formalin, releasing DNA while minimizing degradation. This process is crucial for ensuring that the extracted DNA is suitable for downstream techniques such as PCR or sequencing, providing reliable results even from old or difficult samples.
Technical Specifications
| Model | Method | Sample | Format | Workflow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-FFPE-20R | Spin Column | FFPE Tissue | 20R | Manual |
| C-FFPE-50R | Spin Column | FFPE Tissue | 50R | Manual |
| C-FFPE-100R | Spin Column | FFPE Tissue | 100R | Manual |
| C-FFPE-200R | Spin Column | FFPE Tissue | 200R | Manual |
| C-FFPE-8R | Spin Column | FFPE Tissue | 8R | Semi-automated or Fully Automated |
| C-FFPE-24R | Spin Column | FFPE Tissue | 24R | Semi-automated or Fully Automated |
| C-FFPE-48R | Spin Column | FFPE Tissue | 48R | Semi-automated or Fully Automated |
| C-FFPE-72R | Spin Column | FFPE Tissue | 72R | Semi-automated or Fully Automated |
| C-FFPE-96R | Spin Column | FFPE Tissue | 96R | Semi-automated or Fully Automated |
Working Principle
The principle behind the Spin Column DNA Extraction Kit for FFPE samples revolves on the use of silica-based membrane technology in a centrifugal system. First, the FFPE sample is deparaffinized and digested using specific buffers to break down formalin-induced cross-links and release DNA. The lysate is then applied to a spin column containing a silica membrane that binds DNA under high-salt conditions. Through centrifugation, impurities like proteins and salts are washed away, while the DNA remains attached to the membrane.
Finally, a low-salt elution buffer is used to release the purified DNA from the column, resulting in a clean sample ready for analysis. This method leverages the affinity of DNA for silica in the presence of chaotropic salts, ensuring efficient separation and purification without the need for hazardous chemicals like phenol-chloroform, making it safe and user-friendly.
Performance
The performance of the Spin Column DNA Extraction Kit for FFPE samples is evaluated based on its ability to yield high-purity DNA with minimal contaminants. These kits are optimized to handle the tough nature of FFPE tissues, which often have cross-linked proteins and damaged DNA due to the fixation process. Users can expect consistent results with good DNA integrity, making it ideal for sensitive applications like mutation detection or gene expression analysis. The spin column technology ensures rapid processing, often completing extraction in under two hours, and provides high recovery rates even from small or degraded samples.
Performance metrics include DNA concentration, purity ratios (e.g., A260/A280), and compatibility with various molecular biology techniques. This kit is designed to outperform traditional methods by reducing hands-on time and increasing reproducibility, which is vital for laboratories handling large batches of FFPE samples in clinical or research settings.
Application
The Spin Column DNA Extraction Kit for FFPE samples is widely used in biomedical research, clinical diagnostics, and forensic science. In research, it enables the study of genetic mutations, biomarker discovery, and retrospective analyses of archived patient tissues, such as those from cancer biopsies. Clinically, it supports genetic testing for diseases, helping in personalized medicine by providing DNA from FFPE blocks for PCR-based assays. In forensics, it can extract DNA from historical or preserved evidence, aiding in cold case investigations.
Additionally, this kit finds applications in veterinary medicine and agricultural research, where FFPE samples of animal or plant tissues are analyzed for genetic traits or pathogens. Its versatility makes it a cornerstone in laboratories that need to work with fixed samples, ensuring that valuable genetic information is not lost due to preservation methods.
Core Features and Advantages
The core features of the Spin Column DNA Extraction Kit for FFPE samples include its high efficiency in dealing with challenging samples, user-friendly protocol, and scalability for high-throughput processing. Advantages include the ability to extract DNA from heavily fixed tissues with minimal degradation, thanks to optimized buffers that reverse cross-linking. The kit is designed for reliability, offering consistent yields and purity that meet the demands of modern molecular biology applications.
Another key advantage is its compatibility with automated systems, reducing manual labor and potential contamination. The spin column format ensures quick and straightforward operation, making it accessible even to labs with limited expertise. Overall, this kit provides a cost-effective solution for obtaining quality DNA from FFPE samples, supporting advancements in research and diagnostics.