RNeasy Plus Mini Kit (50)

A QIAGEN total RNA purification kit designed for animal cells and easy-to-lyse animal tissues, combining silica-membrane spin column technology with integrated genomic DNA removal via gDNA Eliminator columns. The kit delivers total RNA greater than 200 nucleotides and enriches for mRNA by excluding most RNAs under 200 nucleotides, such as rRNAs and tRNAs. Processing is manual by centrifugation, completing in 25 minutes per preparation, with elution in 30–50 µl water.

Up to 10⁷ cells or 30 mg tissue can be processed per prep, yielding up to 100 µg total RNA from a single extraction. Samples are lysed and homogenized in guanidine-isothiocyanate–containing Buffer RLT Plus, which immediately inactivates RNases; the lysate is then passed through a gDNA Eliminator spin column that selectively removes genomic DNA before RNA binds to the silica membrane. The protocol can be automated on the QIAcube Connect, and samples may be stabilized with RNAprotect Tissue Reagent or Allprotect Tissue Reagent prior to disruption using a TissueRuptor II or TissueLyser II or LT system.

Purified RNA is suited to sensitive downstream applications including RNA-seq, quantitative real-time RT-PCR, end-point RT-PCR, Northern dot and slot blotting, and microarray analysis. The kit is supplied with Buffer RLT Plus, Buffer RW1, Buffer RPE concentrate, and RNase-Free Water, and should be stored dry at room temperature (15–25°C), where it remains stable for at least 9 months. Buffer RLT Plus contains guanidine thiocyanate and Buffer RW1 contains flammable ethanol; the kit is intended for research use only.