QuickGene-Auto12SⅡ & 96prep

QuickGene-Auto12SⅡ & 96prep: Advanced Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction Systems by Kurabo

Kurabo Industries presents two state-of-the-art automated nucleic acid extraction systems designed to meet the diverse needs of modern molecular biology laboratories: the QuickGene-Auto12SⅡ and the QuickGene-96prep. Both systems leverage Kurabo's proprietary ultra-thin porous membrane technology to deliver high-purity, high-yield DNA and RNA with minimal sample damage, making them ideal for clinical research, biobanking, and contract research organizations (CROs).

QuickGene-Auto12SⅡ: Mid-Throughput Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction

The QuickGene-Auto12SⅡ is an upgraded version of the popular Auto12S system, offering enhanced features and improved user experience. This compact, benchtop instrument can process 1-12 samples simultaneously, making it perfect for research laboratories and clinical testing centers that handle moderate sample volumes. Key features include a modern touchscreen interface, drawer-style loading for easy operation, clog detection for quality assurance, and optional barcode management for sample tracking. The system is fully compatible with Auto12S consumables, allowing existing users to upgrade seamlessly without replacing their reagent inventory.

With processing times as short as 25 minutes for blood DNA and 30 minutes for tissue DNA, the Auto12SⅡ significantly accelerates laboratory workflows. The system supports a wide range of sample types including blood, tissue, cells, plants, viruses, FFPE (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded) samples, saliva, and stool. By simply switching the specific isolation kit, users can extract DNA, RNA, or miRNA from various sources, making this a truly versatile platform. The built-in heater unit enables efficient processing of challenging samples like FFPE, which require high-temperature lysis.

QuickGene-96prep: High-Throughput 96-Well Blood DNA Extraction System

For laboratories requiring high-throughput capabilities, the QuickGene-96prep offers an automated solution that processes 96 blood samples simultaneously in standard ANSI/SBS format plates. This system is currently deployed at the Japanese Red Cross Society, processing approximately 40,000 blood samples annually for DNA screening purposes—a testament to its reliability and performance in demanding, high-volume environments.

The 96prep system consists of two modular units that can be used independently or in combination:

• Blood Dispensing Unit: Automatically pierces blood collection tubes and dispenses 0.2 mL aliquots into a 96-well reaction plate in approximately 30 minutes. This piercing mechanism enhances throughput while minimizing contamination risks.
• Nucleic Acid Isolation Unit: Performs fully automated DNA extraction using the same chemistry as Kurabo's proven DB-S kit series. The process takes approximately 90 minutes and includes built-in barcode readers for sample tracking, ensuring traceability throughout the workflow.

Reference data demonstrates the exceptional quality of DNA extracted by the 96prep system. From 0.2 mL of human whole blood, the system consistently yields 6-7 μg of DNA with A260/280 ratios around 1.9 and A260/230 ratios around 1.9, indicating high purity free from protein and salt contamination. Even after processing 138 samples from Donor A and 132 samples from Donor B, the system maintained excellent reproducibility with minimal batch-to-batch variation.

Core Technology: Ultra-Thin Porous Membrane

At the heart of both QuickGene systems is Kurabo's patented ultra-thin porous membrane technology. Unlike magnetic bead-based methods or traditional spin columns, this unique membrane allows sample solutions to pass through at low pressure, significantly reducing shear forces that can damage nucleic acids. The result is consistently high recovery rates, excellent purity, and intact nucleic acids suitable for demanding downstream applications such as PCR, qPCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and gene expression analysis.

The filter-based design eliminates the risk of artificial carriers (such as magnetic beads) being introduced into the final eluate, which could interfere with sensitive downstream analyses. This is particularly important for applications like NGS library preparation, where even trace contaminants can affect sequencing quality and data interpretation.

Fully Automated Workflow

Both QuickGene systems feature fully automated workflows from sample input to nucleic acid collection, operated through intuitive touchscreen interfaces. This automation dramatically reduces hands-on time, minimizes human error, and standardizes protocols across users and batches. The centrifuge-free design further simplifies operations by eliminating the need for additional equipment and reducing consumable costs associated with centrifuge tubes.

Pre-filled Cartridge System

QuickGene systems utilize pre-filled reagent cartridges (strips) that contain all necessary reagents for a single run. These sealed cartridges offer several advantages: they eliminate tedious reagent preparation steps, prevent cross-contamination between samples or runs, ensure batch-to-batch consistency, and extend reagent shelf life. The modular design allows users to quickly switch between different sample types by simply changing the cartridge, maximizing instrument versatility.

Comprehensive Sample Type Support

The QuickGene-Auto12SⅡ currently supports the following applications through dedicated isolation kits:

• DNA extraction: Blood (AS-DB), Tissue/Cells/Plants (AS-DT), FFPE (AS-DF)
• RNA extraction: Blood (AS-RB), Tissue (AS-RT), Cells/Viruses/Plants (AS-RC, AS-RCV), FFPE (AS-RF)
• miRNA extraction: Plasma/Serum (AS-miR)

While the QuickGene-96prep currently focuses on blood DNA extraction (using the DB-HTS kit), Kurabo plans to gradually expand support to other sample types including FFPE, saliva, swab fluids, and cultured cells. This roadmap ensures that the platform will continue to meet evolving research needs.

Proven Track Record

Kurabo's QuickGene technology has an extensive history of successful applications. The whole blood DNA extraction kit alone has been used for over 4.5 million samples worldwide in research, clinical studies, and DNA banking applications. In Japan, QuickGene systems have processed more than 1.1 million samples for HLA typing—a demanding application that requires high-quality, amplifiable DNA. The 96prep system's deployment at the Japanese Red Cross Society, where it processes 40,000 samples annually, further validates its robustness and suitability for mission-critical, high-throughput operations.

Target Markets and Applications

The QuickGene-Auto12SⅡ is ideally suited for:

• Research laboratories requiring flexible, mid-throughput nucleic acid extraction
• Clinical testing centers performing diagnostic assays
• Small to medium-sized biobanks
• Laboratories working with diverse sample types and requiring protocol versatility
• Facilities upgrading from manual extraction methods or older automated systems

The QuickGene-96prep targets:

• Large-scale biobanks requiring high-throughput blood DNA extraction
• Contract Research Organizations (CROs) conducting clinical trials
• Blood screening centers and blood banks
• Genetic typing laboratories (HLA, paternity testing)
• Epidemiological studies involving large cohorts
• Population genomics research programs

Choosing Between Auto12SⅡ and 96prep

Selection between these two systems depends primarily on throughput requirements and sample diversity:

• Choose Auto12SⅡ if you: Process fewer than 12 samples daily, work with multiple sample types (blood, tissue, FFPE, etc.), have limited laboratory space, or are upgrading from existing Auto12S systems.
• Choose 96prep if you: Process 96 or more samples daily, primarily work with blood samples, require high-throughput screening capabilities, or need strict sample tracking and traceability for regulatory compliance.

Quality Assurance and Support

Kurabo provides comprehensive support for QuickGene systems, including installation, training, and ongoing technical assistance. The company's commitment to quality is reflected in the consistent performance data, extensive validation studies, and real-world deployment in demanding applications like blood bank screening. Both systems are designed for long-term reliability with minimal maintenance requirements, ensuring low total cost of ownership.

For laboratories seeking to modernize their nucleic acid extraction workflows with proven, automated solutions, the QuickGene-Auto12SⅡ and 96prep represent excellent choices backed by decades of Kurabo's expertise in membrane technology and laboratory automation.