Kolplast Group advances research into new KolplaGene
The biological preservative kept the RNA samples intact for 30 days at room temperature
One of the biggest challenges in the world of laboratories is the preservation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) for molecular biology analysis. In this sense, delaying the degradation of biological samples is essential for subsequent analysis. However, RNA stabilization is particularly critical, even in vitro.
The differences between RNA and DNA are subtle, but they make the latter more stable than the former. While intact DNA chains can be found in fossils, the RNA structure is formed by single strands, which are less stable, more flexible and can form weak internal bonds.
At a glance, RNA is made up of a single strand. Its sugar is ribose and one of its pyrimidine bases (single ring) is different from that of DNA because it has Uracil instead of Thymine. Meanwhile, DNA has a double strand and is inherently more stable. And it is these structural variations that are behind the differences in stability and longevity when it comes to preserving nucleic acids.
KolplaGene
And it was with this challenge in mind that the Kolplast, with its well-known visionary profile, has advanced in the research of new RNA stabilization technologies aimed at genetic and molecular analysis for use in in vitro diagnostics, especially in raising the standard of its new biological preservative, the KolplaGene.
The solution had already proved effective in preserving DNA at room temperature for 30 days. And new developments have made it even more precise when it comes to RNA stabilization, based on tests carried out using solid scientific methodology.
The aim of the tests was to assess the stability of the RNA at room temperature and, for this purpose, aliquots of SARS-CoV-2 from patients who had contracted COVID-19 were used. The positive samples, previously tested by RT-PCR, were incubated at room temperature for different periods: 7, 15 and 30 days. They were then tested for the reverse transcriptase amplification protocol (RT-PCR) without extraction and with extraction.
Using the SeeGene automated system for both RNA extraction and purification, followed by the RT-PCR stage, the test indicated that all the samples were considered “conclusive” and detected as positive by the thermal cycler software. In other words, the samples remained intact at room temperature for 30 days, demonstrating that the KolplaGene solution maintains the viability of various biological assays and reagents over the long term.
With the results, the Group’s new product Kolplast is on its way to being considered the gold standard in the storage of biological samples, necessary for future analytical or research purposes, giving more security and reliability to information.