Important Notes about Viral DNA and RNA Purification
Copurification of Viral Nucleic Acid and Carrier RNA:
Viral nucleic acid and carrier RNA are purified in parallel. Depending on the input sample, viral nucleic acid yield may be relatively low and is often too low to be determined spectrophotometrically or fluorometrically. RT-qPCR/qPCR is recommended to determine viral RNA and DNA yields.
Carrier RNA may account for much of the purified nucleic acid and its recovery can be quantified spectrophotometrically.
To remove unwanted DNA or RNA from a purified sample, further treatment with the appropriate nuclease is required (not supplied).
This optimized viral nucleic acid extraction procedure employs a sample lysis step followed by a simple bind-wash-elute process. Manual and automated workflows allow samples to be processed in microfuge tubes or 96-well plates. Perform all steps at room temperature unless directed otherwise.
Samples are lysed using Proteinase K and a user-prepared lysis buffer/bead mixture containing lysis buffer, carrier RNA, isopropanol (user supplied), and magnetic beads. The buffer conditions, and thorough mixing, promote binding of extracted nucleic acid onto silica-coated beads.
The superparamagnetic properties of the silica-coated beads result in a fast magnetic response, contributing to ease of handling during use. Recommended bead collection times are listed for the relevant protocol steps; however, bead collection times may vary depending on the sample type and magnet used.
Following the binding of viral nucleic acid onto silica-coated beads, beads are subjected to washes with mixing to remove residual contaminants, including proteins and salts. Two user-prepared wash buffers are utilized in three wash steps. Users prepare Viral DNA/RNA Wash Buffer for the first wash step, and 80% ethanol for the second and third wash steps. Recommended wash volumes vary and are listed in each protocol.
A thermal mixer or vortex mixer can be used to mix bead washes in microcentrifuge tubes. For bead washes in deep well plates, a thermal mixer or plate shaker can be used. Using KingFisher Flex automation, the magnetic head and tip comb are utilized for mixing.
Following a third wash step, the magnetic beads are air dried. Recommended bead drying times are listed in the protocol. The drying time can be extended if any visible droplets of liquid remain, or if the beads appear wet; however, overdrying of beads is not recommended as yield may be reduced.
Nucleic acid is eluted from dried beads in a heated elution step. Nuclease-free water is added to the beads and samples are incubated at 65°C with mixing. Beads are then collected on a magnet, and the eluate is carefully transferred to a new tube or plate, without disturbing the beads. Purified nucleic acid can be stored on ice for short-term storage or at –80°C for long-term storage.
Considerations for Maximizing Viral RNA Recovery:
Viral DNA and RNA are copurified using this optimized viral nucleic acid extraction protocol. To maximize viral RNA recovery, keep the following principles in mind:
Successful RNA extraction and purification are greatly influenced by the type of sample and the user’s ability to maintain RNA integrity during sample collection, storage, and processing.
RNases are stable and difficult to inactivate, therefore, care must be taken when handling samples during and after preparation of RNA. Plasticware and glassware in direct contact with RNA-containing samples should be RNase-free. Gloves should be worn at all times when handling samples and kit components. Frequent glove changes are encouraged. Bench and equipment surfaces should be
clean and can be decontaminated before work using commercially available cleaners such as RNaseZAP™.
Elution with nuclease-free water is standard, but for samples that will be stored for use later, EDTA can be added to 0.1–1.0 mM to limit degradation due to magnesium-requiring nucleases. Alternatively, elution with slightly alkaline TE can be employed.
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles of purified RNA. Aliquots should be made consistent with downstream needs.
Important Notes Before You Begin Manual Isolation of Viral DNA/RNA in Microfuge Tubes (1.5 or 2.0 ml):