Kurabo QuickGene-810 Automated Nucleic Acid Purification System

Overview

The Kurabo QuickGene-810 is a benchtop, fully automated nucleic acid purification system engineered for precision, reproducibility, and operational efficiency in molecular biology laboratories. It employs a proprietary hydrophilic porous membrane technology—distinct from conventional silica-gel or glass-fiber matrices—to isolate DNA and RNA via pressure-driven filtration rather than centrifugation or magnetic bead separation. The membrane’s ultra-thin architecture (80 µm thickness—1/12.5 that of standard glass fiber membranes) and high surface area (20× greater than equivalent glass fiber media) enable rapid, selective nucleic acid binding under low-pressure conditions. This physical adsorption mechanism eliminates the need for high-speed centrifugation, reducing mechanical stress on nucleic acids and minimizing shearing—particularly critical for intact RNA and high-molecular-weight genomic DNA. The system executes three sequential pressure-regulated phases—binding, washing, and elution—within a single, sealed cartridge, ensuring closed-tube processing and minimizing cross-contamination risk. Designed for routine clinical diagnostics, biobanking, and high-throughput research workflows, the QuickGene-810 delivers consistent yield and purity without user intervention beyond sample loading and protocol selection.

Key Features

• Fully automated, walk-away operation with pre-programmed protocols for blood, tissue, cultured cells, plasmids, and whole blood-derived RNA
• Compact footprint (450 × 330 × 400 mm) and lightweight design (21 kg), suitable for standard laboratory benches and BSL-2 cabinets
• Low-pressure membrane-based purification—no centrifuge, no magnets, no vacuum manifolds required
• Integrated pressure control system enabling precise regulation across binding (low pressure), wash (moderate pressure), and elution (optimized pulse pressure) stages
• Single-use, sterile, pre-packed cartridges with integrated reagent reservoirs—eliminating manual pipetting and reagent preparation errors
• Onboard barcode reader for traceable cartridge lot tracking and audit-ready workflow logging

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The QuickGene-810 supports diverse primary sample types including whole blood (EDTA/K2EDTA), buffy coat, cultured mammalian cells, fresh/frozen tissue homogenates, and bacterial pellets. All protocols are validated per ISO 15189 and CLSI EP12-A2 guidelines for analytical sensitivity and specificity. The system complies with GLP/GMP documentation requirements through built-in electronic logbooks, user access controls, and timestamped event records—including cartridge lot numbers, run start/end times, pressure profiles, and error flags. While not FDA 510(k)-cleared as an IVD device, its performance data align with USP recommendations for nucleic acid extraction validation in QC environments. All consumables meet ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity standards and are certified RNase/DNase-free.

Software & Data Management

The embedded Windows-based control software (v3.2+) provides intuitive touchscreen operation, protocol library management, and real-time monitoring of pressure curves and cycle progression. Each run generates a PDF report containing sample IDs, protocol version, elapsed time, pressure metrics, and pass/fail status per step. Audit trail functionality meets 21 CFR Part 11 requirements: all user actions are digitally signed, non-erasable, and include operator ID, timestamp, and reason-for-change fields. Raw data files (CSV and XML) are exportable via USB or network share for LIMS integration. Software updates are delivered via secure HTTPS channel with SHA-256 signature verification.

Applications

• Pre-analytical processing for qPCR, digital PCR, and NGS library preparation—especially where input material is limited or degradation-prone (e.g., FFPE RNA, cfDNA)
• Routine extraction in clinical microbiology labs supporting pathogen detection assays (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, CMV)
• Biomarker discovery workflows requiring parallel processing of matched tumor-normal tissue pairs
• Biobank sample harmonization—standardized DNA/RNA isolation across longitudinal cohorts to reduce batch effects
• Quality control of plasmid preps prior to transfection or in vitro transcription

FAQ

What sample types are validated for use with the QuickGene-810?

Whole blood (up to 200 µL), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), cultured adherent and suspension cells, fresh/frozen soft tissues (≤5 mg), bacterial pellets, and plasmid minipreps.
Does the system require external vacuum or centrifuge equipment?

No. All fluid handling—including lysis, binding, washing, and elution—is driven by internal pneumatic pressure control; no ancillary instruments are needed.
How is data integrity ensured during regulatory audits?

Through 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, immutable audit trails, role-based user permissions, and encrypted local storage of all run metadata and pressure logs.
Are reagents supplied exclusively by Kurabo?

Yes. All kits—including DNA Blood Kit, DNA Tissue Kit, RNA Cell/Tissue Kit, and Plasmid Mini Kit—are manufactured and quality-controlled by Kurabo under ISO 13485 certification.
What is the typical A260/A280 ratio for DNA extracted from whole blood?

≥1.75 (n = 48, tested using Thermo Scientific NanoDrop One); RNA extracts consistently achieve A260/A280 ≥1.82 and A260/A230 ≥2.0 when processed from cultured cells.