Investigator STAR Lyse&Prep Kit

For automated purification of DNA from forensic samples using open DNA extraction platforms

S_5041_AT_InvestigatorSTAR_s

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Investigator STAR Lyse&Prep Kit (400)

Cat. No. / ID:   931447

For 400 preps from casework and reference samples: Buffer ATL, Buffer QSL3, Buffer QSW1, Buffer QSW2, Bead Suspension G, Buffer ATE, Proteinase K, Carrier RNA, Q-Card
The Investigator STAR Lyse&Prep Kit is intended for molecular biology applications in forensic, human identity, and paternity testing. This product is not intended for diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease.

✓ 24/7 automatic processing of online orders

✓ Knowledgeable and professional Product & Technical Support

✓ Fast and reliable (re)-ordering

Features

  • Purification from forensic and human identity samples
  • Compatible with third party open DNA extraction platforms
  • Efficient yields from trace casework samples
  • Designed for efficient and safe use in high-throughput laboratories
  • Contains all reagents for lysis, binding, washing and elution of samples

Product Details

The Investigator STAR Lyse&Prep Kit enables automated purification of genomic DNA from forensic samples using open DNA extraction platforms from third party supplier such as Hamilton, TECAN, or others. The kit format is specially designed for high-throughput applications accelerating the laboratory workflow and producing high quantities of high-quality DNA for downstream processing. The Investigator STAR Lyse&Prep Kit meets ISO 18385 requirements.

Performance

The Investigator STAR Lyse&Prep Kit enables highly efficient purification of DNA from forensic casework samples in a high-throughput setup. The kit includes sufficient reagents for 400 samples and includes multiple bottles of buffers and enzymes measured to enable utilization of one bottle per sample prep batch of up to 96 samples. This ensures efficient use of reagents and minimal storage of opened reagents, reducing any risk of contamination. Input volumes can be adjusted to accommodate a larger lysis volume for larger samples and use of the Investigator Lyse&Spin Basket Kit.

Principle

The Investigator STAR Lyse&Prep Kit reproducibly automate purification of genomic DNA, encountered in forensic and human identity applications. The purification procedure is efficient, and purified DNA performs well in downstream analyses, such as quantitative PCR and STR analysis. It is designed to ensure safe and reproducible handling of precious samples, and comprises 4 steps: lyse, bind, wash and elute.
Since the type of samples that can be processed using the Investigator STAR Lyse&Prep Kit can vary greatly, there is also a variety of different pretreatments, optimized for specific sample types. Samples are lysed under denaturing conditions, in the presence of proteinase K and Buffer ATL, in total volumes of either 300 µl (intended for routine use) or 500 µl (facilitating the use of the Investigator Lyse&Spin Basket Kit and also processing of larger samples).
Magnetic-particle technology combines the speed and efficiency of silica-based DNA purification with the convenient handling of magnetic particles, in a format designed specifically for open DNA extraction platforms. DNA is isolated from lysates in one step through its binding to the silica surface of the particles in the presence of a chaotropic salt. The particles are separated from the lysates using a magnet. The DNA is then efficiently washed and eluted in modified TE buffer (Buffer ATE).

Applications

The high-quality DNA obtained using the Investigator STAR Lyse&Prep Kit is suitable for direct use in forensic and human identity testing for applications, such as:

  • Genotyping, including fingerprinting and paternity analysis
  • DNA purification from trace samples (e.g., crime-scene)
  • Routine analysis of reference samples

Supporting data and figures

Specifications

FeaturesSpecifications
ApplicationsSTR analysis, (real-time) PCR
Sample typeWide range of forensic and human-identity sample materials
TechnologyMagnetic-particle technology
Input volume300 or 500 µl lysate

Resources

Safety Data Sheets (1)
Quick-Start Protocols (1)
Technical Information (2)
Quality initiatives for human identity testing and forensics 
Kit Handbooks (1)
Certificates of Analysis (1)

FAQ

What is the composition of the binding buffer?
The binding buffer is a mixture of QSL3 and QSW2. If using the 300 µL protocol, the ratio is 50:50 to make a total volume of 720 µL per sample. If using the 500 µL protocol, the ratio is 60:40 QSW2 to QSL3, respectively, up to 800 µL per sample.
FAQ ID - 4020
Can I use DNA-free water to elute my samples rather than the ATE buffer?
Yes, it’s possible, but best results are achieved using the supplied ATE buffer.
FAQ ID - 4022
Why is there difference in temperature for the wash steps between the manual and automated methods?
Automation has the convenience of temperature adjustment as part of the programmed steps. For added convenience while performing the method manually, the temperature does not need to be adjusted between the various protocol steps. The temperature during wash steps has no impact on the performance.
FAQ ID - 4024
After the air-drying steps, I can still see liquid. Should I continue to dry my samples?
Yes, the air-dry step is necessary to ensure that any residual ethanol from the QSW2 buffer evaporates away prior to continuing. Ethanol carry-over into the sample eluate is inhibitory to downstream PCR applications. Prior to the incubation step, ensure all liquid is removed using a pipette; you may need to aspirate more than once. Be careful not to disturb the magnetic beads.
FAQ ID - 4023
Can I make the binding buffer in advance?
For best results, prepare the binding buffer immediately before use. Gently mix the two reagents together in a suitable tube (e.g., a 50 mL conical tube) and gently mix by inverting 3–4 times. Do not shake vigorously as this can lead to excessive bubbling.
FAQ ID - 4021