Arcis Sample Prep Technology
Arcis sample prep technology is a fast and convenient 2-step protocol for preparation of nucleic acids from a variety of sample types. The nucleic acids are prepared and stabilised in 3 minutes without the need for instrumentation or complicated heating or cooling steps. The DNA and RNA extracted is suitable for direct use in PCR, qPCR and RT-qPCR reactions using standard and fast cycling protocols.
- Simple 2-step process
- No instrumentation required
- Nucleic acids stabilised after 1 minute – DNA shown to be stable in Reagent 1 for up to 90 days
- Shipped and stored at ambient temperature
Step 1
Reagent 1:
Opens up cells and releases nucleic acids in less than 1 minute. At this point the nucleic acids are released and protected by the Arcis solution, but are not in a usable state. DNA in Reagent 1 is stable for up to 90 days at room temperature.
Step 2
Reagent 2:
Binds inhibitors and enhances PCR while also relaxing the DNA into a usable confirmation. At this point the sample should be used immediately, going straight into PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR or sequencing.
Relaxation of DNA
The Arcis Sample Prep system consists of 2-steps. In the first step the sample is combined with a chemical which results in powerful and controlled lysis of cells and tissue. The first step also simultaneously chelates the nucleic acid and stabilises DNA for up to 90 days at room temperature. The critical second step contains a proprietary buffer which removes the nucleic acid chelation and relaxes the DNA/RNA in preparation for PCR or RT-qPCR. The proprietary buffer has also been formulated to mop up any PCR inhibitors that may have been carried over from the first step.
Validation Data
The Arcis Sample Prep kits were compared to market leading kits and evaluated for speed and yield. The Arcis DNA Sample Prep Kits required no instrumentation and took less than three minutes from start to finish. In contrast all the other kits required centrifugation or heating and frequently required a separate lysis step before the protocol. The processing times of the kits ranged from 20 minutes to 4 hours. The total DNA extracted from each kit was assessed using the Qubit System. The P kit yielded the most DNA, but was labour intensive and time consuming kit. The Arcis kit was comparable to the Q kit, however DNA was obtained in 3 minutes compared to 60 minutes for the Q system.