Kurabo AUTO12S Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System
| Brand | Kurabo |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | AUTO12S |
| Automation Level | Dedicated Fully Automated |
| Sample Throughput per Run | 1–12 samples |
| Sample Volume Range | 20–200 µL |
| Processing Time per Batch | 20–40 minutes |
| Membrane Thickness | 80 µm |
| Elution Volume | Adjustable (50–200 µL) |
| DNA Fragment Size Range | 175 bp – 97 kb |
| Purity (A260/A280) | >1.7 |
| Integrated UV Decontamination | Yes |
| On-board Thermal Lysis | Yes |
| Footprint | Benchtop, Compact Design |
Overview
The Kurabo AUTO12S Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System is a benchtop, fully integrated platform engineered for high-fidelity isolation of genomic DNA, plasmid DNA, and viral nucleic acids from diverse biological matrices—including whole blood, buffy coat, cultured cells, tissue homogenates, and swab eluates. Unlike magnetic bead- or centrifugation-dependent systems, the AUTO12S employs Kurabo’s proprietary porous membrane technology—featuring an ultra-thin 80 µm asymmetric polymer membrane—to achieve solid-phase binding under controlled positive-pressure fluidics. This pressure-driven, column-free architecture eliminates reliance on external centrifuges, magnets, or vacuum manifolds, reducing mechanical variability and enhancing inter-run reproducibility. The system operates on a three-step, closed-tube protocol: pressure-mediated binding (lysis + binding), sequential buffer washes under regulated flow, and low-volume thermal-elution—all executed autonomously within a single disposable cartridge. Its design conforms to core principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), supporting traceable, operator-independent workflows suitable for clinical diagnostics, biobanking, and regulated research environments.
Key Features
- True walk-away automation: Load samples, select pre-validated protocol (e.g., “Whole Blood DNA”, “Tissue gDNA”, “Viral RNA”), and initiate—no manual transfers or timing interventions required.
- Benchtop footprint (W320 × D420 × H380 mm): Designed for space-constrained labs; integrates seamlessly into biosafety cabinets or laminar flow hoods without requiring dedicated infrastructure.
- Integrated UV-C decontamination cycle (254 nm, 15-min exposure): Automatically activates between runs to inactivate residual nucleic acids and reduce carryover risk—validated per ISO 15195:2018 for molecular diagnostic equipment.
- On-board thermal lysis module (up to 95°C, programmable ramping): Enables proteinase K–assisted or chaotropic salt–based lysis directly within the cartridge, minimizing sample handling and degradation.
- Pressure-controlled fluidics with real-time monitoring: Ensures consistent flow rates across all 12 channels; detects clogs, air bubbles, or insufficient reagent volume and halts execution with logged error codes.
- Disposable, pre-packed cartridges: Each contains lyophilized reagents, membrane, and elution tube—eliminating pipetting errors, lot-to-lot variability, and cross-contamination between runs.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AUTO12S supports extraction from human and non-human vertebrate samples compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 and CLIA requirements for nucleic acid testing. Validated input matrices include EDTA/K2EDTA anticoagulated whole blood (200 µL), FFPE tissue sections (≤20 mg), buccal swabs (in 500 µL transport medium), and nasopharyngeal swab eluates. Extracted DNA demonstrates A260/A280 ratios >1.7 and A260/A230 >1.8, meeting minimum purity thresholds defined in USP for molecular assay inputs. All consumables are manufactured under ISO 13485-certified conditions, and the instrument’s firmware supports audit trail generation (user ID, timestamp, protocol version, error logs) aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements for electronic records.
Software & Data Management
The AUTO12S is operated via a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface running embedded Linux OS. Pre-installed protocols are version-controlled and locked against unauthorized modification; custom protocols may be imported via USB under administrator credentials. All run data—including start/end time, temperature profiles, pressure curves, and QC flags—are exported as CSV or PDF reports with digital signatures. Optional integration with LIMS via HL7 v2.5 or RESTful API enables automated sample ID ingestion and result pushback—supporting end-to-end chain-of-custody documentation required in CAP-accredited laboratories.
Applications
- High-integrity gDNA isolation for next-generation sequencing library preparation (Illumina, PacBio, Oxford Nanopore).
- Routine extraction for qPCR-based infectious disease screening (HBV, HCV, SARS-CoV-2) in clinical microbiology labs.
- Biobank-compliant processing of longitudinal blood/tissue cohorts under ISO 20387:2018 biobanking standards.
- Forensic casework where inhibitor removal and fragment integrity (>97 kb) are critical for STR and SNP profiling.
- Regulatory submissions requiring full process validation: IQ/OQ/PQ documentation templates available upon request.
FAQ
Does the AUTO12S require external centrifugation or magnetic separation modules?
No. It uses pressure-driven solid-phase extraction through Kurabo’s proprietary 80 µm porous membrane—eliminating dependence on ancillary hardware.
Can I adjust elution volume and temperature independently per protocol?
Yes. Elution volume is configurable from 50 µL to 200 µL; elution temperature ranges from 45°C to 85°C with ramp rate control.
Is the system compatible with third-party reagents or open cartridges?
No. Only Kurabo-certified, pre-packaged disposable cartridges are supported to ensure performance consistency and regulatory compliance.
How is data integrity maintained during power interruption?
The system features non-volatile memory that preserves run state and logs; recovery resumes from last validated step upon reboot.
What validation support is provided for laboratory accreditation?
Kurabo supplies IQ/OQ protocols, traceable calibration certificates, and a complete technical file compliant with IEC 62304 for medical device software lifecycle management.
