Nucleic Acid Purification: A Review of the KingFisher Line

Nucleic acid purification is one of the first steps of experimental workflows. Through this process, researchers and/or biobankers transform biological specimens into usable samples suitable in both substance and quality for downstream analytical applications. For most labs, three factors contribute to adequate purification: flexibility, efficiency and quality assurance. In a recent application note, the team at Thermo Scientific highlighted these performance criteria in the KingFisher family of instruments.¹

When it comes to flexibility, the key issues are which sample materials and applications can be supported by the system in question. In the case of KingFisher technology, appropriate sample types include cell culture, tissue, serum, blood, bacteria and plant matter—over a wide range of sample input volumes. Downstream, the instruments effectively meet flexibility requirements for nearly limitless applications. Automated magnetic bead applications suitable for protein biology include biomarker immunoprecipitation (magnetic protein A/G), affinity purification (NHS-activated magnetic beads), biotin-pull down assay (magnetic streptavidin beads), fusion protein purification (magnetic glutathione beads) and phosphopeptide enrichment for mass spectrometry (magnetic titanium dioxide beads). Other automated applications include white blood cell or cancer cell isolation and bacterial cell separation.

The system’s efficiency, based on advanced magnetic particle technology, can produce up to 96 samples every 15 minutes, depending on the platform and application. Users can employ BindIt software to create new workflows or customize preexisting protocols, streamlining instrument functionality.

Table: KingFisher family performance features¹

Instrument	Samples/run	Processing volume
KingFisher Flex	high throughput, up to 96	up to 5 mL
KingFisher Duo	mid throughput, up to 24 in two sequential protocols	up to 5 mL
KingFisher mL	economical, up to 15	50 to 1,000 µL
KingFisher	original, up to 24	20 to 200 µL

For additional efficiency, the manufacturer offers sample processing equipment (e.g., Finnpipette kits) and consumables specifically suitable for use with the KingFisher line that also enhance yield and quality. Of course, a good deal of the efficiency gains with this line are a result of automation via push-button operation plus ancillary automated options like the Multidrop Combi dispenser. The construction of the magnetic beads themselves (high surface area, uniform size and good suspension stability) also contributes to automated efficiency.

Finally, the technology promises enhanced performance, generating nucleic acid samples free of proteins, nucleases and other impurities. This matters because the highest-quality samples produce the clearest results via downstream analysis. From a biobanking perspective, high-quality purified samples streamline the experimental process for researchers.

In sum, the team at Thermo Scientific offers the KingFisher line as particularly suitable for enabling laboratories and biobanks to meet their end goals: flexible, efficient nucleic acid purification with optimal quality yield for varied downstream use. This positions the instrumentation as a partner in the production of clean, high-quality samples that empower the achievement of research ends.

Reference

1. Thermo Scientific (2014) “Application note: Thermo Scientific KingFisher family nucleic acid purification system.”