Yielding quality viral RNA by using two different chemistries: a comparative performance study

Abstract

Purity and integrity are two important criteria for any RNA extraction process to qualify the RNA for meaningful gene expression analysis. This study compares four commercially available RNA extraction kits using silica membrane and magnetic bead separation methods. The performance was evaluated in terms of both quantity (total RNA amount in μg/μl) and purity (260/280 ratio). The concentration and purity of each kit was significantly different from those of the others (p < 0.001). Although quantity obtained from Mag MAX is comparatively lower than QIAGEN, the quality is comparable as evident from real-time PCR performance. This study suggests that there are practical differences between these RNA extraction kits that should be taken into account while isolating RNA required for gene expression analysis.

Method summary

This study compares two chemistries being used for RNA extraction methods: two kits use spin column, and two kits use magnetic bead-based separation. The purity and integrity were further confirmed through real-time PCR. The significance in terms of difference and extent of variation was statistically analyzed.

Graphical abstract