Automation of the MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin® 96 RNA Extraction Kit on the ASSIST PLUS Pipetting Robot

  • Automation of the MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin® 96 RNA Extraction Kit on the ASSIST PLUS Pipetting Robot

    High quality RNA obtained when by pairing the MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin 96 RNA Kit with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot

    MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin® 96 nucleic acid extraction and purification kits are known to yield high quality and abundant nucleic acids. The 96 well silica membrane plate format used in the NucleoSpin 96 RNA kit is convenient for extracting RNA from cell cultures or tissues in high throughput laboratories, but the many pipetting steps required for manual processing of samples are tiring for users, and introduce the possibility of pipetting errors at each step. Performing the assay on the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot eliminates this possibility, and reduces the strain of repetitive pipetting by providing semi-automated sample extraction. The processing of 96 samples with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot is possible in less than 1 hour.

  • Table of contents

    MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin® 96 nucleic acid extraction and purification kits are known to yield high quality and abundant nucleic acids. The 96 well silica membrane plate format used in the NucleoSpin 96 RNA kit is convenient for extracting RNA from cell cultures or tissues in high throughput laboratories, but the many pipetting steps required for manual processing of samples are tiring for users, and introduce the possibility of pipetting errors at each step. Performing the assay on the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot eliminates this possibility, and reduces the strain of repetitive pipetting by providing semi-automated sample extraction. The processing of 96 samples with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot is possible in less than 1 hour.

Key benefits

  • 96 samples can be extracted per run. If extraction of fewer samples is desired, programs may be modified. The ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot is equipped with a 12 channel VIAFLO electronic pipette, making the process even faster.
  • An external plate shaker and MACHEREY-NAGEL Vacuum Manifold are placed directly on the deck of the ASSIST PLUS. This eliminates the need to transport plates from the liquid handler to these instruments and back.
  • Manual interventions are limited to operating the on and off button of the shaker and vacuum, changing the reagent reservoir, and placing the elution plate in the vacuum manifold. Instructions for these interventions are provided on the pipette’s bright screen, ensuring that the user does not lose track of the process.
  • Benefits of the MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin 96 RNA kit over other kits include the addition of a DNA digestion step to ensure that the eluted RNA is free from DNA contamination, and the inclusion of a specially designed wash plate inserted into the manifold beneath the binding plate. This wash plate prevents cross contamination of samples during the vacuuming steps.

Overview: How to automate the MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin 96 RNA Kit

In this protocol, the pipetting steps of the MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin 96 RNA kit are automated on the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot. With the NucleoSpin 96 RNA kit RNA can be isolated from cells or tissues (up to 2*106 cells or 30 mg tissue). All liquids are transferred automatically, with manual interventions only needed for turning the shaker and vacuum on and off, loading reagent reservoir 2, and preparing the elution plate.

The ASSIST PLUS operates a 12 channel VIAFLO 1250 μl electronic pipette with 1250 μl Sterile, Filter GRIPTIPS®.

Before beginning, RNase-free rDNase is reconstituted (see MACHEREY-NAGEL protocol), rDNase reaction mixture is prepared, and ethanol (96-100 %) is added to the wash buffers RA3 and RA4.

Experimental set-up

  • Deck Position A: 8 row reagent reservoir holding kit buffers.
  • Deck Position B: 96 well U-bottom, square, deep well plate placed on the INHECO Teleshake.
  • Deck Position C: NucleoVac 96 Vacuum Manifold with RNA Binding Plate and waste capture plate.

IMPORTANT: Align the vacuum manifold before each run (see Appendix).

Downloads: App note and protocols for the NucleoSpin 96 RNA Extraction Kit with the ASSIST PLUS Pipetting Robot

Here you can download the complete protocols and reports used in this application and use them on your ASSIST PLUS. The protocol can be customized with the VIALAB software.

ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot with an 8 row reagent reservoir, a 96 well plate on the Teleshake and MACHEREY NAGEL NucleoVac 96 Vacuum Manifold.
Figure 1: General set-up of ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot for the RNA isolation program.

Step-by-step procedure 

For the initial set-up, assemble the manifold as described in Figure 2, with the NucleoSpin 96 RNA Binding Filter Plate on top of the manifold and the Wash Plate in the manifold.

Overview of the steps:

  1. Reagent transfer
  2. Lysis of cells
  3. Binding
  4. Desalting the silica membrane
  5. Digestion of DNA
  6. Washing
  7. Drying
  8. Elution
MACHEREY NAGEL NucleoVac 96 Vacuum Manifold set-up, first with the wash plate and then with the binding plate.
Figure 2: Vacuum manifold set-up for steps 3-7. Insert the 'MTP/MULTI-96 PLATE' spacers, waste container and the MN Wash Plate in the manifold. Place the manifold lid on top of the manifold base, and then place the NucleoSpin 96 RNA Binding Plate on top.

1. Reagent transfer

Transfer the previously prepared reagents.

Transfer the prepared reagents into two INTEGRA 8 row reagent reservoirs according to Figure 3.

Reservoir 1

  • Row A: 15 ml buffer RA1
  • Row B: 15 ml buffer RA4
  • Row C and D: 25 ml buffer RA3
  • Row E: 10 ml rDNase
  • Row F and G: 25 ml buffer RA2

Reservoir 2

  • Row A: 15 ml buffer RA1
  • Row B: 15 ml buffer RA4
  • Row C and D: 25 ml buffer RA3
  • Row E: 10 ml rDNase
  • Row F and G: 25 ml buffer RA2
Graphical representation of the 8 row reagent reservoirs with the different buffers used for MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin 96 RNA isolation with the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot.
Figure 3: Preparation of two 8 row reagent reservoirs for MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin 96 RNA extraction of cell culture on the ASSIST PLUS.

2. Lysis of cells

Lyse the cells by adding a solution containing chaotropic salt.

Place the 8 row reagent reservoir 1 with the buffers on Position A, the Teleshake with the samples on Position B, and the vacuum manifold on Position C (Figure 4). Select and run the 'MN RNA CELL' VIALAB program. The ASSIST PLUS starts the program by transferring 130 µl of lysis buffer onto the plate holding samples. Turn on the shaker when indicated by the pipette and resuspend the cells by shaking at 1000 rpm. After a 4 minute delay, the pipette notifies the user to stop the shaker.

Tip:

  • An air gap is introduced at the end of every dispense step to eliminate droplet build-up after the liquid dispense. Non-contact dispensing – avoiding the use of tip touch – prevents the risk of cross contamination. This post-dispense step ensures the accuracy of each dispense when using Repeat Dispense mode.
Graphical representation of the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot deck set-up with reservoir containing the buffers, Teleshake with 96 deep well plate and MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoVac 96 Vacuum Manifold with binding plate.
Figure 4: The initial deck set-up of the ASSIST PLUS for MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin 96 RNA isolation of cells.  Position A: Reservoir 1 containing the previously prepared buffers. Position B: INHECO Teleshake with 96 deep well plate holding samples. Position C: NucleoVac 96 Vacuum Manifold holding the binding plate.

3. Binding

Bind the RNA to the silica membrane.

After the cell lysis step, the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot transfers 130 µl of buffer RA4 from row B of the reservoir to each well of the lysis plate.

IMPORTANT: Buffers RA1 and RA4 must be used in the same volume ratio.

The program automatically continues with the mixing step and the pipette transfers the crude lysate onto the NucleoSpin 96 RNA binding plate placed on the vacuum manifold. The pipette informs the user when to turn the vacuum pump on. Apply a vacuum of -0.2 bar and release it when all the lysate is bound to the silica membrane in the RNA binding plate, as indicated on the pipette.

Tip:

  • The user is guided for each manual intervention by instructions appearing on the bright screen of INTEGRA’s VIAFLO electronic pipette, ensuring that the operator does not lose track of which program step is in progress. The user should press RUN to continue the program after each intervention.

4. Desalting the silica membrane

Desalt the silica membrane by adding the washing buffer.

The ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot transfers 500 µl of buffer RA3 from row C and D of the reservoir and instructs the user to switch on the vacuum pump. Apply a vacuum of -0.2 bar and release it after a 3 minute delay as indicated on the pipette.

5. Digestion of DNA

Avoid possible DNA contamination by directly applying rDNase onto the membrane.

The contaminating DNA that binds to the silica membrane needs to be removed. To achieve this, 95 µl of rDNase reaction mixture is transferred by ASSIST PLUS from row E of the reservoir directly above the silica membrane of each well. A 15 minute delay is preset in the program as an incubation period.

Tip:

  • In this step, it is crucial to cover the silica membrane completely, so that the rDNase can come into contact with the entire silica membrane. This is achieved by optimizing the dispense speed and tip travel.

6. Washing

Wash the silica membrane in three steps.

The ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot adds 500 µl of buffer RA2 to each well (Figure 5). Apply a vacuum of -0.2 bar for 1 minute. In the meantime, the pipette instructs the user to exchange reservoir 1 for reservoir 2. After this, release the vacuum. The ASSIST PLUS transfers 800 µl of buffer RA3 to each well for a second wash step. Using the same parameters as before, apply the vacuum, release it, and allow the pipette to transfer 500 µl of buffer RA4 to each well for the third wash step. Apply the same vacuum as before for 1 minute, then release it.

Graphical representation of the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot deck set-up with reservoir containing the buffers and MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoVac 96 Vacuum Manifold with binding plate.
Figure 5: Deck set-up for the second and third wash steps. The 8 row reagent reservoir in Position A is filled with buffer RA3 in rows A to C, with buffer RA4 in rows D and E and with elution buffer in row F. In Position C, the wells in pink indicate the presence of RNA samples bound onto the silica membrane of the NucleoSpin 96 RNA binding plate.

7. Drying

Dry the RNA binding plate.

Following the final wash step with buffer RA4, remove the RNA binding plate from the vacuum manifold. Tap the plate on a clean paper towel to remove the residual ethanol-containing wash buffer at the bottom. Remove the wash plate and waste plate from the vacuum manifold. Set the vacuum to -0.6 bar. Insert the binding plate into the manifold lid, close the manifold and run the vacuum for 12 minutes in order to thoroughly dry the plate. Press RUN to activate the timer. An audible beep will occur at the end of the incubation period. Release the vacuum at this point.

8. Elution

Elute the RNA.

Remove the lid of the vacuum manifold and insert the U-bottom elution plate. Replace the lid of the manifold with the binding plate (Figure 6). Set the vacuum to -0.5 bar. Press RUN to activate the automated addition of elution buffer to the binding plate. Follow the prompt on the screen to incubate the plate for 3 minutes, followed by application of vacuum to release the RNA from the binding plate onto the elution plate.

After elution, discard the binding plate and take out the elution plate. The elution plate can either be directly used for downstream applications, or stored at -70 °C.

Tip:

  • The elution buffer volume may be customized to meet the needs of individual users.
 MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoVac 96 Vacuum Manifold set-up, first with the elution plate and then with the binding plate.
Figure 6: Vacuum manifold set-up for the elution step. The U-bottom elution plate is inserted onto the 'MTP/MULTI-96 PLATE' spacers inside the manifold base. The NucleoSpin 96 RNA Binding Plate with the RNA samples is placed on top of the manifold.

Results

To evaluate the above-described protocol, RNA was extracted from the same samples using both the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot and a handheld pipette (Figure 7). Overall, the RNA yield was found to be higher with the ASSIST PLUS than if processed manually. RNA purity with the ASSIST PLUS was comparable to the manual process but, the standard deviation was smaller.

Column diagram comparing RNA yield and purity values of samples processed manually and on the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot.
Figure 7: High quality RNA obtained from tissue samples (approx. 10 mg per sample). a) yield and b) purity were determined by UV spectroscopy. N = 8 for each column.

The high RIN scores of the eight HeLa cell replicates (Figure 8) indicate an excellent RNA integrity and high consistency.

High RNA integrity values of eight different RNA samples isolated with MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin 96 RNA processed on the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot.
Figure 8: a) High RNA integrity number (RIN) obtained from 8 replicates of HeLa cells (106), b) electropherogram showing one example of RIN from HeLa cells (106).  

Remark

For RNA isolation from the tissues, the validated VIALAB program (MN RNA TISSUE) and the report (MN RNA TISSUE Report) are also available for download.

Conclusion

  • Automation of the MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin 96 RNA kit can be easily achieved on the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot using a 12 channel VIAFLO electronic pipette.
  • The MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin 96 RNA Kit yields high quality RNA, and automation of the protocol eliminates the possibility of inconsistent pipetting or user-induced errors. The ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot never gets tired and, consequently, eliminates variability in results obtained by different operators.
  • Users may customize any step in the program using INTEGRA’s free VIALAB software, or with support from INTEGRA’s representatives.
  • Thanks to its compact footprint, the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot can be easily placed in laminar flow cabinets to protect samples from any contamination.

Appendix: Performing the initial deck set-up

Check that the cable of the Teleshake (Position B) is not interfering with the movement of the ASSIST PLUS tower. Also, make sure that the outlet of the vacuum manifold (Position C) is positioned towards the user, so that the tower of the ASSIST PLUS can move freely along the X-axis (Figure 1).

The proper positioning of the Teleshake cable and the outlet of the vacuum manifold is highlighted.
Figure 1: Positioning of the Teleshake cable and the outlet of the vacuum manifold.

Place the vacuum manifold on the ASSIST PLUS deck next to the waste bin. After adjusting the position of the manifold the first time, its recommended to mark its position on the deck (see example in Figure 2). Thereafter, simply align the vacuum manifold with the marks placed on the ASSIST PLUS.

The marks of the vacuum manifold positioning are shown.
Figure 2: Alignment of the vacuum manifold on the deck in Position C. Adding marks on the deck helps to reposition the manifold whenever needed.

To check the position of the well plate on top of the vacuum manifold, attach the tips to the pipette manually. Use the touch panel keys to move the pipetting arm of the ASSIST PLUS and to control the tip position. First, select ‘ASSIST PLUS’ from the main menu of the pipette followed by ‘VIALAB Programs’ and ‘MN RNA CELL’. After this, go to ‘Height Adjust’, select ‘7 Transfer’ and then choose ‘Height 1/1’ under ‘Target’ using the left arrow. Confirm selection by pressing the start key on the ASSIST PLUS. The ASSIST PLUS then moves to the chosen wells. Check the position of the vacuum manifold. The pipette tips should always be in the middle of the wells. If necessary, manually adjust the position of the vacuum manifold on the deck. Press the ‘back’ button on the pipette to exit the ‘Height adjust’ menu and discard the tips manually. Continue with the protocol set-up.

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Instruments and accessories

ASSIST PLUS, Pipetting Robot VIAFLO 12 channel, 1250 µl, electronic pipette Communication module for INTEGRA electronic pipettes GRIPTIPS®, 1250 µl, Sterile, Filter (for automation systems) 8 Row Polypropylene Reservoirs (6372) INHECO: Teleshake MACHEREY‑NAGEL: NucleoSpin 96 Plasmid, 96‑well kit for plasmid DNA MACHEREY‑NAGEL: NucleoVac 96 Vacuum Manifold VACUUBRAND: Vacuum Pump

ASSIST PLUS, Pipetting Robot

INTEGRA has developed the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot to streamline routine pipetting tasks at an affordable price. Using INTEGRA electronic multichannel pipettes, the system:

  • automates pipetting tasks,
  • eliminates physical strain and
  • ensures superior reproducibility and
  • error free pipetting.

Part No. 4505

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ASSIST PLUS Pipetting Robot

VIAFLO 12 channel, 1250 µl, electronic pipette

The Touch Wheel is a quick and ergonomic way to modify pipetting parameters. Instead of repeatedly pushing buttons or twisting fingers to modify volumes, you simply slide your finger over the wheel.

The full color screen provides full text menus (in multiple languages) and displays pipetting protocols without abbreviations, making VIAFLO pipettes particularly easy to understand and intuitive to use.

Part No. 4634

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INTEGRA’s range of VIAFLO electronic pipettes.

Communication module for INTEGRA electronic pipettes

For pairing INTEGRA electronic pipettes with the ASSIST PLUS.

Part-Nr. 4221

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GRIPTIPS®, 1250 µl, Sterile, Filter (for automation systems)

GRIPTIPS® pipette tips perfectly match the multi-lobe tip fitting, snapping firmly on during loading. This guarantees a perfect seal on every tip, preventing them from loosening, leaking or completely falling off. All tips are precisely aligned horizontally, enabling accurate touch-offs, even when pipetting with 384 tips.

Part No. 6445

Learn more about GRIPTIPS® pipette tips for Benchtop Pipetting Systems
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8 Row Polypropylene Reservoirs (6372)

The polypropylene design improves the reservoirs chemical compatibility and also allows the reservoirs to be autoclaved.

  • Reagent reservoirs for 96 well plates
  • Pyramid bottom
  • Each row holds 32 ml

Part No. 6372

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8 Row Reagent Reservoirs Blocks, Non-Sterile, Sterile

INHECO: Teleshake

The Teleshake and Teleshake 1536 have a very compact and low-profile design with a height of only 39 and 56mm, respectively. The small footprint makes them ideal for integration into automation platforms. Plates with up to 384 wells can be used on the Teleshake while the Teleshake 1536 is ideal for plates with 384 up to 1536 wells that need higher shaking frequency.

Note: if you want to place the INHECO Teleshake on the ASSIST PLUS, please purchase the Teleshake SBS Adapter as well (PN: 128152).

3800047: Teleshake 230 V (EU)

3800048: Teleshake: 115 V (US)

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INHECO Teleshake

MACHEREY‑NAGEL: NucleoSpin 96 Plasmid, 96‑well kit for plasmid DNA

Rapid Mini preparation of plasmid DNA in proven 96‑well format.

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NucleoSpin 96 Plasmid, 96‑well kit for plasmid DNA

MACHEREY‑NAGEL: NucleoVac 96 Vacuum Manifold

Vacuum manifold consists of manifold base and lid, a spacer set, and two waste containers.

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NucleoVac 96 Vacuum Manifold

VACUUBRAND: Vacuum Pump

Chemistry-design diaphragm pumps are an excellent solution for continuous, oil-free pumping of corrosive gases and vapors.

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Customer’s voice

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