For functional studies of SARS-CoV-2, such as growth rate and infectivity, live intact virus is required. Viruses can be present in very low concentrations in samples such as cell culture media and wastewater. In order to perform downstream analyses, it is often necessary to purify and concentrate the virus from the sample matrix.
Methods of intact virus purification
Coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 can be easily purified and concentrated into a smaller volume by either precipitation followed by centrifugation, or by using magnetic beads. Each method of virus purification has specific benefits so your choice will depend on your needs.
Virus purification by precipitation
Addition of Invitrogen Virus Precipitation Reagent to a dilute sample results in less-soluble components (i.e., virus) being forced out of solution. The precipitated virus is collected after a brief centrifugation—no ultracentrifugation is required. This virus purification process is simple, well-suited to a large volume of starting material, and requires only about three hours with minimal hands-on time.
Virus purification by magnetic beads
Magnetic bead-based methods involve exposing the virus-containing sample to micron-sized magnetic beads possessing a strong anion exchange surface; after mixing for ten minutes, the virus-bound beads are collected via magnet, washed, and eluted in a small volume to yield concentrated virus. Virus purification by Dynabeads Intact Virus Enrichment magnetic beads is a rapid, convenient, and automatable way to concentrate virus-containing solutions.
Learn more about isolating SARS-CoV-2 from wastewater samples using Dynabeads magnetic beads
Virus concentration kits for SARS-CoV-2 research
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers two products optimized for SARS-CoV-2 virus purification.
Both methods of virus purification are suitable for live or inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus, SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (VLPs), other enveloped viruses and vesicles present in cell culture media, virus transport media, and wastewater samples.
Purified SARS-CoV-2 virus can be used in:
- Functional studies
- Protein analysis (e.g., western blot)
- Nucleic acid research (e.g., RT-qPCR)
Methods of intact virus purification
 Intact Virus Precipitation Reagent (optimized for SARS-CoV-2) |  Dynabeads Intact Virus Enrichment (optimized for SARS-CoV-2) | |
| Benefits |
|
|
| Best for | Large-volume samples |
|
| No. of samples/run | 1–24 (Determined by centrifuge size/capacity) |
|
| Total processing time | ~3 hours (or overnight incubation, if preferred) | 20–30 minutes |
| Automation compatibility | No | Yes |
| Cat. No. | 10720D | 10700D |
Virus purification videos
Virus purification using Invitrogen Intact Virus Precipitation Reagent
Virus purification using Invitrogen Dynabeads Intact Virus Enrichment
KingFisher virus concentration protocols optimized for SARS-CoV-2
Download KingFisher protocols here:
- KingFisher Duo Prime-Dynabeads Intact Virus Enrichment-protocol file (.bdz)
- Kingfisher Flex-Dynabeads Intact Virus Enrichment-protocol file (.bdz)
Ordering information for virus purification products
Customized Dynabeads for OEM supply
Do you need to commercialize an assay or service function based on any of these virus enrichment products? Are you looking to customize a Dynabeads product for your future commercial needs? Browse our custom bead offerings with Dynabeads Plus then tell us how we can help you!
Resources for SARS-CoV-2 purification and testing
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
