miRNeasy Mini Kit (50)

A spin-column-based workflow from QIAGEN enables purification of total RNA, including microRNA, from animal tissues and cells. The kit handles up to 50 mg of tissue (100 mg for adipose tissue) or up to 1 × 10⁷ cells and is also suitable for difficult-to-lyse tissues and small samples. The procedure combines phenol/guanidine-based lysis using QIAzol Lysis Reagent — a monophasic solution of phenol and guanidine thiocyanate designed to inactivate RNases and remove most cellular DNA and proteins — with silica-membrane-based purification on RNeasy Mini spin columns.

Total RNA, including small RNAs down to approximately 18 nucleotides, is captured in a single fraction, though an miRNA-enriched fraction and a total RNA (>200 nt) fraction can also be obtained separately when the kit is combined with the RNeasy MinElute Cleanup Kit. RNA is eluted using 30–50 µl of RNase-free water per the protocol and is ready for downstream applications including PCR, qPCR, real-time RT-PCR, and microarray analysis.

The kit supports manual processing by centrifugation or vacuum, and purification of 1–12 samples can be automated on the QIAcube Connect. When stored dry at room temperature (15–25°C), the kit remains stable for at least 9 months if not otherwise stated on the label; QIAzol Lysis Reagent may also be stored at 2–8°C.