Application
Nucleic Acid Extraction
Nucleic acid extraction and purification are crucial processes in molecular biology, enabling the isolation of DNA or RNA from various biological samples for research, diagnostics, and biotechnology.
The quality of extracted nucleic acids is vital for reliable downstream analyses like quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and sequencing (e.g. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)), among many others.
A variety of compatible extraction kits from multiple suppliers offer standardized methods for nucleic acid isolation, utilizing silica membrane, magnetic bead, or magnetic disc-based technologies.
Reproducible and efficient extraction is required to set a solid basis and enable high-quality molecular studies.
How Hamilton Supports Your Nucleic Acid Extraction Workflows
Hamilton offers dedicated workstations for automated sample lysis and nucleic acid purification across a range of extraction techniques. The AutoLys STAR uses dedicated consumables and centrifugation for secure lysis and separation. The Genomic STARlet automates silica membrane-based purification. For magnetic bead-based workflows, NIMBUS Presto, MagEx STARlet, and MagEx STAR enable high-throughput extraction. Hamilton also supports extraction of high molecular weight DNA (HMW: 50–250 kbp) with NIMBUS Presto and ultra-high molecular weight DNA (UHMW: 250 kbp to ≥1 Mbp) with the Long String STAR V. All systems can automate leading third-party kits through trusted partnerships. Hamilton’s configurable platforms can integrate magnets, vacuum stations, positive pressure (MPE2), or centrifuges to meet custom needs. Complementing this, Hamilton's automated storage systems ensure secure, traceable management of primary samples and purified extracts.
Explore our Nucleic Acid Extraction Solutions and Applications in Detail
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The Hamilton Microlab Prep is an affordable liquid handler perfect for automating workflows. This entry-level liquid handler supports automated PCR setup and serial dilution.
The Hamilton Microlab STAR is a reliable and versatile automated liquid handling platform. With advanced features like multi-probe heads, pipetting technologies, and VENUS software, this premier liquid handling system fits your laboratory needs. Revolutionize your workflows with the STAR today!
Hamilton STAR V, a cutting-edge liquid handling robot, unites Microlab STAR flexibility with Microlab VANTAGE high-performance capabilities to boost efficiency. The Microlab STAR V offers speed, precision, and technology for automated liquid handling. Upgrade your lab—explore the Microlab STAR V!
Hamilton VANTAGE 2.0 is a cutting-edge liquid handling system with automated precision. Optimize workflows with the VANTAGE robot, all while boosting performance, safeguarding samples, and maximizing walk-away time. Discover the Hamilton VANTAGE liquid handler for your current & future needs.
The Hamilton Microlab STAR is a reliable and versatile automated liquid handling platform. With advanced features like multi-probe heads, pipetting technologies, and VENUS software, this premier liquid handling system fits your laboratory needs. Revolutionize your workflows with the STAR today!
Hamilton STAR V, a cutting-edge liquid handling robot, unites Microlab STAR flexibility with Microlab VANTAGE high-performance capabilities to boost efficiency. The Microlab STAR V offers speed, precision, and technology for automated liquid handling. Upgrade your lab—explore the Microlab STAR V!
Ambient, +4°C, -20°C Sample Storage
Verso
Hamilton Verso is a modular compound management system for automated storage at temperatures from ambient to minus 20°C for high-throughput applications. This compound and sample storage system can easily be configured to meet your needs.
Ambient, +4°C, -20°C Sample Storage
Verso Q-Series
Verso Q-Series automated freezer storage systems allow you to spend less time managing your samples. Verso Q20, Verso Q50, and Verso Q75 automated ambient to minus 20°C freezers feature large storage capacities in extremely compact footprints.
-80°C Sample Storage
SAM HD Pro
The SAM HD Pro lab freezer is your solution for high-density storage with a small footprint. This compact lab freezer is capable of ultra-low temperatures down to minus 80°C to ensure sample integrity. The SAM HD Pro sample freezer makes automated storage quick and easy.
-80°C Sample Storage
BiOS
BiOS is Hamilton’s premier minus 80°C freezer for medium- and large-capacity storage. This ultra-low temperature freezer maintains the integrity of your biological sample storage throughout automation. With customizable size and capacity, this minus 80°C freezer can be scaled to fit your storage needs.
Lab Syringes
Gastight Syringes
The solution for dispensing both gases and heterogeneous liquids. Hamilton Gastight syringes are equipped with a precision-machined PTFE plunger tip to create a leak-free seal.
Common Kits and Available Hamilton Methods
Good to Know About Nucleic Acid Extraction Workflows
This section provides a selection of additional resources related to the application described on this page. It includes helpful articles, videos, and blogs that offer deeper insights into the topic.
Useful Links
External resources not written by Hamilton but valuable for understanding the topic, such as industry guidelines, explanatory videos, or relevant tools.
The links below describe the most widely used nucleic acid purification technologies for which Hamilton offers dedicated automation solutions.
| Basic Molecular Biology: Nucleic Acid Extraction – Column-Based Extraction | Watch Video |
| Basic Molecular Biology: Nucleic Acid Extraction – Magnetic Bead-Based Extraction | Watch Video |
| Nanobind + SRE sample prep kits - PacBio | Visit Website |
| Sample Preparation Kits for DNA Isolation | Bionano | Visit Website |
Solutions for the Top 3 Challenges for Nucleic Acid Extraction Workflows
Cross-Contamination
Challenge: Inadequate laboratory practices lead to contamination.
Solution: The use of Hamilton automated systems minimizes hands-on interaction, thereby reducing the risk of sample contamination. Moreover, Hamilton pipetting channels feature advanced technologies such as CO-RE for gentle gripping and tip ejection, ensuring precise liquid handling.
Reproducibility
Challenge: Manual nucleic acid extraction is highly operator-dependent, resulting in variability in
DNA and RNA yield and quality.
Solution: Automation of nucleic acid extraction workflows reduces these fluctuations in quality due to a standardized and traceable process. With Hamilton's reliable purification solutions, you can ensure the integrity of every sample.
Throughput
Challenge: The demand to process more samples in less time represents a major burden for laboratories, which can quickly overextend manual capacities. This is especially true when having to provide quick turnaround times in high-urgency scenarios.
Solution: Hamilton automation relieves that burden by enabling high-throughput extraction at the desired scale.
What Are the Steps for Nucleic Acid Extraction?
Solid phase nucleic acid extraction and purification methods using silica-membranes or magnetic particles are well suited for automation. These extraction methods share a similar fundamental process. First, the samples are homogenized and cell walls or cell membranes are destroyed by physical or chemical forces (e.g., via detergents or enzymes).
Next, the nucleic acids are separated from the rest of the cell components by binding to the solid matrix under defined chemical conditions. Impurities are washed away, and high-purity nucleic acids are eluted by changing the chemical conditions. The concentration and purity of the samples are subsequently measured using different fluorescence- or absorbance-based techniques.
Where Is Nucleic Acid Extraction Used?
Nucleic acid extraction is an essential technology with great impact in different industries including healthcare, pharmaceutics, agriculture, environmental science, forensics, and beyond. In healthcare, DNA and RNA purification and downstream analysis contribute significantly towards making accurate diagnoses for an array of diseases such as cancer, infectious, or hereditary diseases.
In the field of pharmaceutics, molecular biology techniques using purified nucleic acids are crucial for drug and vaccine development, as well as advancements in gene therapy. In agriculture and environmental sciences, detection and identification of microbes for biodiversity studies or to identify contaminated products is essential. Furthermore, genomic DNA analysis is commonly used for forensic cases, but also for paternity testing and archeological studies.
Nucleic Acid Extraction Case Studies and Application Notes
Other Nucleic Acid Extraction Resources
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
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