Automated RNA Extraction and Purification for Multiplexed Pathogen Detection
Pathogen detection has become an extremely important part of our nation?s defense in this post 9/11 world where the threat of bioterrorist attacks are a grim reality. When a biological attack takes place, response time is critical. The faster the biothreat is assessed, the faster countermeasures can be put in place to protect the health of the general public. Today some of the most widely used methods for detecting pathogens are either time consuming or not reliable [1]. Therefore, a method that can detect multiple pathogens that is inherently reliable, rapid, automated and field portable is needed. To that end, we are developing automated fluidics systems for the recovery, cleanup, and direct labeling of community RNA from suspect environmental samples. The advantage of using RNA for detection is that there are multiple copies of mRNA in a cell, whereas there are normally only one or two copies of DNA [2]. Because there are multiple copies of mRNA in a cell for highly expressed genes, no amplification of the genetic material may be necessary, and thus rapid and direct detection of only a few cells may be possible [3]. This report outlines the development of both manual and automated methods for the extraction and purification of mRNA. The methods were evaluated using cell lysates from Escherichia coli 25922 (nonpathogenic), Salmonella typhimurium (pathogenic), and Shigella spp (pathogenic). Automated RNA purification was achieved using a custom sequential injection fluidics system consisting of a syringe pump, a multi-port valve and a magnetic capture cell. mRNA was captured using silica coated superparamagnetic beads that were trapped in the tubing by a rare earth magnet. RNA was detected by gel electrophoresis and/or by hybridization of the RNA to microarrays. The versatility of the fluidics systems and the ability to automate these systems allows for quick and easy processing of samples and eliminates the need for an experienced operator.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 887022
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-42407; 400904030; TRN: US200617%%437
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Undergraduate Research, Vol. V(2005)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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