Virus RNA/DNA Kit

Our Virus RNA/DNA Kit is optimized for fast, simple and effective isolation of viral nucleic acids (e.g. SARS-CoV-2) from various starting materials (swabs, tissue, biopsies, cell culture supernatants, serum, plasma, cell-free fluids). Our column-based kit is easy to use and very safe, as it does not contain toxic reagents such as phenol, DTT or ß-mercaptoethanol. After lysis of the starting material, the isolated RNA/DNA is bound to a silica column using a carrier RNA and can be highly purified in just 25 minutes. The RNA/DNA obtained is suitable for downstream applications such as PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR.

Fast isolation - Only 25 min
Easy handling - Column-based isolation
Wide range of applications - Swabs, tissue, biopsies, cell culture supernatants, serum, plasma, cell-free liquids
Good throughput - Serum, plasma and other cell-free liquids (200 - 400 µl),
                                 Cell culture supernatants (up to 400 µl),
                                 Tissue samples and biopsies (up to max. 20 mg)
High safety - No toxic phenol, DTT or ß-mercaptoethanol

Viruses can be classified into two main groups. The first is RNA viruses, whose genome consists of ribonucleic acid (RNA), and the second is DNA viruses, whose genome is in the form of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The genome is surrounded by a viral envelope, but since viruses have no metabolic apparatus of their own, they are dependent on host cells to reproduce. During a viral infection, the virus attaches itself to a host cell and injects its genome into the cell's interior. The infected cell replicates the viral genome and new virus particles are created or newly formed viruses are released or the viral genome is incorporated into the cell's genetic material.

Human cells infected by RNA viruses have no mechanism for RNA repair. This increases the mutation rate as a result of synthesis errors. During the replication of viral RNA, a change occurs at approximately every ten thousandth base, so that new virus mutants are constantly being created. By expressing altered surface proteins, some viruses can thus escape the human immune system.

Quantification of viral RNA

For fast and reliable quantification of isolated viral RNA, we recommend our UNG Virus RNA Detection Kit (One Tube RT-QPCR Mix, reverse transcription with subsequent probe-based quantitative PCR).