A high-throughput pipeline for scalable kit-free RNA extraction

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Virology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Commercial RNA extraction kits are vital for molecular diagnostics but vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
• Over-reliance on these kits can limit testing capacity during public health emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt a TRIzol-based RNA extraction protocol for high-throughput, semi-automated, and kit-free use.
• To validate the method's scalability and diagnostic accuracy for infectious disease detection.

Main Methods:

• Miniaturization and automation of a TRIzol-based RNA extraction protocol.
• Validation using RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 detection.

Main Results:

• The semi-automated, kit-free workflow demonstrated scalability without compromising diagnostic sensitivity or accuracy.
• The method proved effective for high-volume RNA acquisition.

Conclusions:

• This versatile, cost-effective RNA extraction approach provides a robust alternative to commercial kits.
• It enhances preparedness for infectious disease diagnostics and other molecular applications.