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AutoMate Express Nucleic Acid Extraction System
Adapting a rapid, accurate testing method for detecting contaminants is a key step in enabling in-process testing. The results from those tests can then be used as part of downstream process characterization to make fact-based, go/no-go forward processing decisions.
The AutoMate Express Nucleic Acid Extraction System is an easy-to-use benchtop instrument that enables hands-free automation of the nucleic acid extraction process for contaminant testing. The instrument uses the established PrepSEQ nucleic acid extraction chemistry for quantitative recovery of DNA and RNA from diverse sample types, including cell culture, raw material (i.e., serum), and in-process downstream purification samples such as column purification or bulk drug substance (BDS) samples.
Key system features
- Time-saving, cost-effective DNA extraction for mycoplasma, MMV, and vesivirus
- Quantitative and reproducible recovery of DNA from complex samples
- Out-of-the-box automation with prefilled PrepSEQ Express cartridges and ready-to-run protocols
- Closed system minimizes the risk of contamination
- Ideal for in-process testing of contaminants
Simultaneous extraction of mycoplasma, MMV, and vesivirus nucleic acids from a single sample
Explore this app note to discover a simplified workflow for simultaneous nucleic acid extraction of mycoplasma, MMV, and vesivirus. This approach, using AutoMate Express with PrepSEQ Express, improves speed, accuracy, and contamination monitoring in bioproduction.
A strong fit for automated nucleic acid extration
AutoMate Express is a strong fit for labs that want a simplified, cartridge-based automated extraction workflow for contamination testing.
- Mycoplasma sample preparation
- MMV sample preparation
- Vesivirus sample preparation
How the Automate Express System works
AutoMate Express System uses PrepSEQ Express kits with prefilled cartridges and workflow plastics to automate nucleic acid extraction steps in a closed system.
The workflow is designed to simplify setup, reduce manual handling, and support reproducible extraction from contaminant testing samples.
Workflow steps:
- Load samples and PrepSEQ Express cartridges
- Start the preprogrammed extraction protocol
- The system performs extraction steps automatically
- Eluted nucleic acids are ready for downstream analysis
Why choose the Automate Express System?
Closed cartridge-based workflow
Sealed PrepSEQ Express cartridges help simplify reagent handling and support a contained extraction workflow.
Walkaway automation
Automated extraction helps reduce hands-on time compared with manual workflows.
Defined contaminant testing workflows
AutoMate Express is especially relevant for mycoplasma, MMV, and vesivirus sample preparation workflows using PrepSEQ Express chemistry.
Compact lab integration
The benchtop system can fit into existing lab workflows where space, simplicity, and ease of operation are important.
Three-in-one extraction of cell culture contaminants
The AutoMate Express platform can be used to perform nucleic acid extraction of the common contaminants for mammalian cell culture manufacturing, i.e., mycoplasmas, MMV, and vesiviruses. Flexible protocols are available to isolate DNA and RNA from a single organism, or a 3-in-1 surveillance panel protocol can simultaneously extract mycoplasma, MMV, and vesivirus nucleic acid from a single sample. Figures 1 and 2 demonstrate recovery of DNA from spikes of DNA or of cells/viruses of mycoplasmas and MMV into typical cell culture matrices, extracted using the AutoMate Express system.
Figure 1. DNA recovery from spikes of DNA into various media. Detection of (A) mycoplasma DNA and (B) MMV DNA spiked into PBS (blue), fetal calf serum (black), CHO medium (gray), and conditioned CHO medium (brown). For each matrix, a recovery control (RC) was used to assess extraction efficiency.
Figure 2. DNA recovery from cell culture matrices. Detection of DNA from (A) M. arginini and (B) MMV spiked into PBS (blue), fetal calf serum (black), CHO medium (gray), and CHO conditioned medium (brown). For each plate, control reactions were run with 500, 1,000, and 2,000 copies of the mycoplasma discriminatory positive control or MMV positive control in the real-time PCR assay.
Closed system with walk-away automation
The AutoMate Express platform automatically performs the steps for efficient nucleic acid extraction from contaminants in a closed system. The system uses PrepSEQ Express kits that contain sealed cartridges with extraction reagents, plastics including tips, and sample, lysis, and elution tubes. The workflow (Figure 3) has been designed for hands-free operation enabling reproducible extraction efficiencies and reduced time-to-results. The small footprint of the instrument enables easy integration into an existing lab setup. Up to 13 samples can be processed in under an hour, and the eluates from the extraction can be used directly in real-time PCR-Seq analytics assays.
Figure 3. One-hour workflow for the AutoMate Express system.
Compare with KingFisher Systems
AutoMate Express and KingFisher systems support different automation needs.
Choose AutoMate Express when you want a closed, cartridge-based workflow using PrepSEQ Express chemistry.
Consider KingFisher systems when you need plate-based magnetic bead automation, higher throughput, or scalable PrepSEQ workflows.
Related workflows
- Mycoplasma detection sample preparation
- MMV detection sample preparation
- Vesivirus detection sample preparation
Ordering Information
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Resources
Residual DNA quantitation
Contaminant detection
Additional bioprocessing resources
Bioprocessing resources
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.