RNeasy PowerSoil Total RNA Sample (2)

This soil RNA isolation kit from QIAGEN is designed for extracting total RNA from organisms found in soil samples. It uses a bead-beating lysis approach with silica carbide beads in 15 ml tubes, combined with phenol:chloroform:isoamyl alcohol for thorough disruption of microorganisms and neutralization of RNases.

The kit incorporates Inhibitor Removal Technology® to consistently remove humic substances, fulvic acids, and other RT-PCR inhibitors commonly present in environmental samples. Diverse soil types — including compost, manure, and estuary sediment — have been successfully processed with this system to yield intact, amplifiable RNA. Cleared lysates are precipitated and applied to anion-exchange gravity flow columns, with RNA eluted in a high-salt buffer and recovered into RNase-free water.

Purified RNA is suitable for sensitive downstream applications, including qualitative and quantitative RT-PCR analysis, RT-qPCR, and RNA sequencing workflows. The protocol uses up to 2 grams of soil per preparation and requires a centrifuge capable of spinning 15 ml tubes at 2500 x g, along with a vortex for bead-beating.