Prevent Nucleic Acid Degradation Before Extraction
The Importance of Sample Collection & Preservation
It is imperative to maintain sample integrity at the time of collection as improper preservation can affect the quality of downstream purification. Moreover, unprotected samples may undergo compositional changes and bias due to nucleic acid degradation, cellular growth/decay, and issues related to the logistics of collection.
Simplified Preservation and Purification
To address this problem, Zymo Research has linked the sample collection, protection and nucleic acid purification workflow with a single preservation reagent, DNA/RNA ShieldTM. DNA/RNA Shield stabilizes nucleic acids without the need for cold storage (-80 °C), protecting samples even at ambient temperatures for up to 30 days. This eliminates the need for costly storage conditions and specialized sample collection procedures, while maintaining a preserved snapshot of the DNA/RNA profile even through multiple freeze thaw cycles. This reagent drastically streamlines the process of sample collection and nucleic acid purification. It is compatible with all Zymo Research purification kits, and unlike other preservatives such as RNAlater®, does not need to be removed prior to sample processing. Simply add binding reagent to a sample in DNA/RNA Shield and then purify (Figure 1).
DNA/RNA Shield is offered in a variety of collection vessels to best suit the needs of your workflow: Blood Collection Tube, Fecal Collection Tube, Lysis Tube, or Swab & Collection Tube. To try a sample of this streamlined workflow, identify your preferred sample type and click on the desired kit to request one today.
| Sample Type | DNA Kit | RNA Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Cells | Quick-DNA Kits | Quick-RNA Kits |
| Tissue | ||
| Whole Blood, Saliva & Biological Fluids | ||
| Viral Samples | ||
| Fecal, Soil, & Microbial Samples | ZymoBIOMICS® DNA Kits | ZymoBIOMICS® RNA Kits |
Protection from Freeze-thaw
Time, storage temperature, and freeze-thaw cycling all contribute to issues with sample stabilization. However, DNA/RNA Shield provides worry-free protection against these changes. By stabilizing both DNA and RNA even at ambient temperatures, DNA/RNA Shield eliminates the need for costly storage conditions and specialized sample collection procedures. However, samples stored at lower temperatures are also protected from the negative effects of freeze-thaw (Figure 2). Therefore, sample integrity is maintained as a preserved snapshot of the DNA/RNA that reflects the original profile from the initial time of collection regardless of storage conditions.
Stabilization During Storage at Ambient Temperature
Additionally, DNA/RNA Shield lyses cells, inactivates nucleases, and chemically stabilizes the nucleic acids. For example, analysis of DNA and RNA purified from blood stored in DNA/RNA Shield shows there is no change in DNA or RNA levels for up to 30 days storage at ambient temperatures (Figure 3).
Maintenance of Sample Microbial Composition
The effect of DNA/RNA Shield is easily observed by maintaining the microbial composition of a stool sample. Without proper stabilization, high levels of variability and bias are introduced where some species of bacteria outgrow, while others do not. However, when DNA/RNA Shield is added to the sample, the microbial profile is preserved over time and prevents any shifts or bias ( Figure 4). It provides an easy and effective method to stabilize both DNA and RNA over time, at various temperatures, and despite freeze thaw cycles.
