QIAcube Connect – RNA/DNA Extraction Instrument

For fully automated, spin-column-based nucleic acid extraction that you can manage from outside the lab using QIAsphere

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QIAcube Connect System FUL-2

Cat. No. / ID: 9002873

Instrument and service agreement package: robotic workstation for automated purification of DNA, RNA or proteins using QIAGEN spin column kits; includes installation, application training, Full Agreement for two years with a two business day response time and two inspection service visits.

Product

QIAcube Connect

QIAcube Connect System PRV-1

QIAcube Connect System FUL-2

QIAcube Connect System FUL-3

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QIAcube Connect is designed to perform fully automated purification of nucleic acids and proteins in molecular biology applications. The system is intended for use by professional users trained in molecular biological techniques and the operation of QIAcube Connect.

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Features

Automates over 80 QIAGEN kits with over 140 standard protocols for DNA, RNA and protein sample processing
Optional protocol customization expands the use to over 3000 protocols
Get reproducible results with less hands-on time
Monitor runs remotely, for quick response times, through the QIAsphere App

Product Details

QIAcube Connect lets you automate your manual spin-column-based sample preparation kits right out of the box and purify up to 12 samples in a single run.

To work even faster, get kits specifically designed for use with QIAcube Connect. These come with spin columns and tubes already loaded onto the rotor, so you don't have to put them in yourself:

QIAcube Connect operates in conjunction with QIAcube Connect Accessories.

For QIAcube resources, visit the QIAcube (classic) resource page.

Performance

The plug-and-play QIAcube Connect simplifies purification by automating QIAGEN spin-column kits. No change of chemistry is needed, so startup is fast, results are immediate, and performance is comparable to the manual procedure.

Principle

QIAcube Connect includes a centrifuge, heated shaker, pipetting system and robotic gripper (see " The QIAcube Connect worktable"). These let the QIAcube Connect fully automate more than 80 QIAGEN spin column kits.

UV light decontamination

QIAcube Connect decontaminates your full worktable with built-in UV light (see " The QIAcube Connect UV light") to prevent carryover between samples (see " Genomic DNA (gDNA) barely detectable after UV light exposure").

Remote connectivity with QIAsphere

QIAcube Connect is QIAsphere-ready. QIAsphere gives full connectivity so you can step out of the lab to ponder on your research while keeping an eye on your instrument run status.

Stay alert to important instrument events with QIAsphere's push notifications. You can even check maintenance status and manage run reports from anywhere, at anytime. Increase the efficiency and productivity of your lab. Learn more about QIAsphere.

Barcode scanner

Track samples and sample prep kit information throughout the process, using the handheld barcode scanner that comes with the kit.

Illuminated worktable

Light inside the instrument makes it easier for you to load your samples and perform your experiments.

Protocols for various sample types

QIAcube Connect has a variety of pre-installed protocols for purification of RNA, genomic DNA, plasmid DNA, viral nucleic acids and proteins, plus DNA and RNA cleanup. All standard protocols in the expanding range can also be downloaded free of charge. Customized protocols can also be requested.

See figures

The QIAcube Connect worktable

The QIAcube Connect UV light

Genomic DNA (gDNA) barely detectable after UV light exposure

Procedure

QIAcube Connect isolates highly pure nucleic acids or proteins using a spin-column-based lyse, bind, wash and elute procedure (see '' Automated QIAprep Mini Standard procedure'').

Unparalleled ease-of-use

A large touchscreen (see figure '' The QIAcube Connect touchscreen'') simplifies protocol selection. Clear on-screen messages guide you through worktable setup. You are unlikely to make mistakes because the labware and accessories fit onto the worktable only in the correct orientation. In addition, a fully automated load check helps to ensure that samples, reagents and labware are loaded correctly.

Dedicated kits for DNA and RNA preps

Dedicated QIAcube Connect kits further simplify automated spin-preps for purification of RNA, genomic DNA and viral RNA. Rotor-adapters that come with the kits are pre-loaded with spin columns and elution tubes, so they are ready to use right out of the box. And then, to lessen the risk of errors even more, tubes required for the manual procedure are not included in kits dedicated for use with QIAcube Connect.

See figures

Automated QIAprep Mini standard procedure

The QIAcube Connect touchscreen

Applications

QIAcube Connect is highly suitable for academic research laboratories as well as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomedical research laboratories performing applications, such as:

Sequencing/sequencing analysis
Gene expression analysis
Genotyping
Proteomics
Microbiome research
Human identification and forensics (Learn more about the automated differential wash protocol)

Services

Have your throughput demands increased? Do you want to expand your application range or further streamline workflows? Do you need to manage more complex samples? Do you need improved connectivity?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then QIAGEN’s trade-in/trade-up program is just right for you!

QIAGEN makes it easy to keep up to speed with the latest automation and sample processing technologies. Simply exchange an old instrument for a new one. Improve your efficiency by trading in a competitor instrument or trading up with an older QIAGEN instrument.

Learn more about trade-in/trade-up opportunities.

Supporting data and figures

The QIAcube Connect UV light

The QIAcube Connect instrument comes with a built-in UV light source that enables full worktable decontamination, and prevents any sample carryover.

Specifications

Features	Specifications
Technical data	Power: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 650 VA Mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed 10% of nominal supply voltages. Note: The apparent power can exceed 650 VA for up to 2 seconds during the centrifuge acceleration and can reach an approximate value of 1000 VA.; Fuse: 2x T6.3A L 250V; Overvoltage category: II
Operating temperature	18 to 28ºC (64.4 to 82.4ºF)
Relative humidity	15–75% (non-condensing)
Place of operation	For indoor use only
Pollution level	2
Environmental class	3K2 (IEC 60721-3-3)
Storage conditions	Temperature: 15ºC to 30ºC (59ºF to 86ºF) in manufacturer’s package; Relative humidity: Max. 75% (non-condensing); Environmental class: 1K2 (IEC 60721-3-1)
Instrument dimensions	Dimensions (hood closed): width 65 cm (25.6 in.), height 58 cm (22.8 in.), depth 62 cm (24.4 in.); Dimensions (hood open): width 65 cm (25.6 in.), height 86 cm (34 in.), depth 62 cm (24.4 in.); Mass: QIAcube Connect: 71.5 kg (157.6 lb.), Accessories: 3 kg (6.6 lb.)
Centrifuge	10,640 rpm maximum, 12,000 x g maximum, swing-out rotor maximum 45°, 12 rotor positions
Shaker	Speed 100–2000 rpm, amplitude 2 mm, heating range of ambient temperature to 70°C (158°F), ramp-up time of <5 minutes from ambient temperature to 55°C (±3°C). Difference in the temperature detected by the internal sensor and the temperature of the sample liquid is approximately –2°C.
Pipetting system	Syringe size 1 ml, pipetting range 5–900 µl
Table capacity	Up to 12 samples per run
Touchscreen	10.4” TFT Touchscreen, active area 211.2 x 158.4 mm, resolution 800*600 SVGA
Data output	USB stick: USB2.0; Compatible OS: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP (SP3 or later); Mac OS x 10,1 or later; Operating temperature range: 0ºC to 35ºC; Operating humidity range: 10 to 90% (with no condensation); Storage temperature range: –20ºC to 60ºC (–4ºF to 140ºF); Storage humidity range: 10 to 90% (with no condensation); Formatting: FAT32
UV lamp	Wavelength: 278nm; Optical power: 200-300mW
Special feature	Handheld scanner; Scan pattern: Area Image (838 x 640-pixel array); Motion tolerance: Up to 610 cm/s (240 in/s) for 13 mil UPC at optimal focus; Symbol contrast: 20% minimum reflectance difference; Decode capability: Reads standard 1D, PDF, 2D, Postal and OCR symbology
Software	QIAGEN protocols are pre-installed on the QIAcube Connect.
Altitude	Up to 2000 m (6500 ft)
Transportation conditions	–25°C to 60°C (–13°F to 140°F) in manufacturer's package; Max. 75% relative humidity (non-condensing); Environmenal class: 2K2 (IEC 60721-3-2)

This protocol has been adapted to allow the user to replace the epithelial transfer and sperm pellet wash steps with an automated protocol using the QIAcube Connect.

For details on the software changes, please refer to the Software Release Note and "Important Note: QIAcube Connect Software Version 1.3 Update" on this page.

For more information on the software changes and the installation process, please refer to the Software Release Note on this page.

The QIAcube Connect System and 21 CFR Part 11 Regulations

FAQ

For an up-to-date list of available protocols, visit QIAcube Standard Protocols.

Click here for a virtual demonstration on how the QIAcube operates.

FAQ ID -1403

Yes. The heated shaker on the QIAcube Connect can be operated independently if the QIAcube is not performing a protocol run. For instructions on how to operate the shaker, refer to the QIAcube Connect User Manual, chapter 5 "Operating Procedures", section 5.9 "Independent heater/shaker operation".

The shaker can be used to heat and shake samples simultaneously, shake samples without heating, or heat samples without shaking.

FAQ ID -1422

Download new protocols from Protocol Files section under the Resources on the QIAcube Connect webpage.
Use the USB flash drive that was shipped with the QIAcube Connect to transfer the protocol files to the instrument. Create a new folder on the USB flash drive with the name "Protocol_Upload" and copy the new protocol zip file(s) to this directory. Do not unzip the files. Make sure to use the correct directory; otherwise, the QIAcube Connect will not find the protocols.
Note: Do not rename or modify the protocol files. Otherwise, they cannot be used.
Connect the USB flash drive to the QIAcube Connect using one of the USB ports at the left of the touchscreen.
Select the Configuration icon on the QIAcube Connect screen.
Select the Protocols tab.
Select Copy from USB.
A message is displayed indicating how many protocols are found on the USB flash drive. Press Yes to start uploading.
All protocol zip file(s) in the "Protocol_Upload" folder will be installed.
Note: Already installed protocols will not be overwritten. If you attempt to re-install an existing protocol, a message will appear indicating that not all protocols could be copied.
Wait until the transfer is complete. A message is displayed when the transfer is complete.
Remove the USB flash drive and power OFF the QIAcube Connect.
Wait a few seconds and then power ON the QIAcube Connect. To use the new protocols, log in again.
To transfer all installed protocols to the USB flash drive, press Copy to USB.

FAQ ID -1421

Yes. At the end of each protocol run on the QIAcube, a report file is generated that contains important information such as number of samples, liquid volumes measured during the load check, and run time. A log file is also generated that contains information about instrument actions, such as movement of the robotic arm.

Report files can be automatically transferred from your QIAcube Connect using the QIAsphere Export Tool. For this, just connect your QIAcube Connect to QIAsphere. More information can be found on the QIAsphere webpage.

FAQ ID -1412

You can stop a QIAcube protocol if there is an emergency by pressing Stop Run. To confirm that you want to stop the protocol run, press Yes. To cancel the "Stop Run" command, press No.

Note: If a protocol run is stopped, the run cannot be restarted. The samples must be processed manually. The last protocol step performed by the QIAcube will be displayed on the touchscreen. For more information, refer to the QIAcube Connect User Manual.

FAQ ID -1423

Yes, this is absolutely necessary. If the lids are not securely fixed in the rotor adapter slots during processing on the QIAcube, they will become detached from the elution tubes and columns during centrifugation and will collect at the bottom of the centrifuge chamber.

FAQ ID -1415

The following disinfectants and detergents are recommended for cleaning the QIAcube:

Mikrozid® Liquid (Schülke & Mayr GmbH) — ethanol-based disinfectant for spraying onto surfaces (consists of 25 g ethanol and 35 g 1-propanol per 100 g Mikrozid Liquid)
RBS®-35 Detergent Concentrate (Pierce Chemical Co.) — anionic and nonionic surfactant based detergent for cleaning the touch screen and worktable door
RNaseZap® (Ambion) — for complete removal of RNase contamination from glass and plastic surfaces
0.1 M NaOH — for cleaning the worktable and racks to remove RNase contamination (alternative to RNaseZap)
Note: Alcohol is not recommended for cleaning of the door.

Europe

Lysetol® AF (Gigsept® Instru AF) (Schülke & Mayr GmbH) — disinfectant for submerging worktable items (consists of 14 g cocospropylene-diamine-guanidine diacetate, 35 g phenoxypropanols, and 2.5 g benzalkonium chloride per 100 g Lysetol AF, with anticorrosion components, fragrance, and 15–30% nonionic surfactants).

USA

DECON-QUAT® 100 (Veltek Associates, Inc.) — quaternary ammonium salt based disinfectant concentrate for submerging worktable items (contains 5% alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride and 5% alkyldimethylethylbenzylammonium chloride).

Note: If you want to use disinfectants different from those recommended, ensure that their compositions are similar to those described above.

FAQ ID -1416

New software or software updates can be accessed via the QIAcube Web Portal at www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube. To access them directly, go to User Support.

FAQ ID -1413

No. The QIAcube is designed for fully automated processing of up to 12 samples using QIAGEN spin-column kits. Do not use spin columns manufactured by other suppliers with the QIAcube. Damage caused by use of other types of spin columns will void the instrument warranty.

See: http://www.qiagen.com/products/catalogpagecontrols/header/qiacube/360/default.aspx for a demonstration on how the QIAcube is used with the RNeasy Mini Kit for automated purification of RNA.

FAQ ID -1406

Protocols for automated DNA extraction from saliva stabilized with the PAXgene Saliva Collector are available for the QIAsymphony DNA Midi Kit with the QIAsymphony SP instrument or the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit with the QIAcube (Classic and Connect).
For manual extraction, supplementary protocols are available for the QIAamp DNA Mini and Gentra Puregene Cell Kits (see resources section).

3821

No. Slightly modified QIAGEN protocols or protocols fully customised to your specific requirements can be requested from QIAGEN. Our dedicated team of specialists has already customised over 5000 protocols.

Go to www.qiagen.com/MyQIAcube and enter the required information. If our application specialists require additional information, they will contact you directly.
You will be notified by email when your customized protocol is ready for download.
Click on the link in the email to access the download page.

FAQ ID -1405

Report files can be automatically transferred from your QIAcube Connect using the QIAsphere Export Tool. For this, just connect your QIAcube Connect to QIAsphere and install the QIAsphere Export Tool on a computer connected to the network. More information can be found on the QIAsphere webpage.

FAQ ID -1411

Dedicated QIAcube kits are the RNeasy Mini QIAcube Kit, QIAamp DNA Mini QIAcube Kit , the QIAamp DNA Blood Mini QIAcube Kit, and the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini QIAcube Kit. In addition to these kits are the QIAamp PowerFecal Pro DNA QIAcube Kit, the DNeasy PowerSoil Pro QIAcube Kit using Power technology, and the DNeasy Blood & Tissue QIAcube Kit.

FAQ ID -2337

The QIAcube Connect has the following weight and dimensions:

Weight: 73 kg (160.9 lb.)
Width: 65 cm (25.6 in.)
Depth: 62 cm (24.4 in.)
Height (door closed): 58 cm (22.8 in.)
Height (door open): 86 cm (34 in.)

FAQ ID -1407

Please refer to Section 6.2 "Disinfection" and Section 6.6 "Periodic maintenance" of the QIAcube Connect User Manual.

FAQ ID -1419

Yes, rotor and/or buckets can be removed from the QIAcube for cleaning. For information on how to remove these parts, refer to the QIAcube User Manual.

FAQ ID -1410

You can stop a QIAcube protocol if there is an emergency by pressing “Cancel”. To confirm that you want to stop the protocol run, press “OK”. To cancel the 'stop protocol' command, press “Cancel”.

Note: If a protocol run is stopped, the run cannot be restarted. The samples must be processed manually. The last protocol step performed by the QIAcube will be displayed in the touch screen. For more information, refer to the QIAcube User Manual.

FAQ ID -1414

No. The beauty of the QIAcube Connect is that you can automate your supported manual spin-column workflow flawlessly. The manual kits contain sufficient buffers and reagents to process the number of spin columns provided with the kit.

However, in addition to the purification kit, Rotor Adapters (10 x 24), cat. no 990394, and disposable tips are required:

Filter-Tips, 200 µL (1024), cat no. 990332,
Filter-Tips, 1000 µL (1024), cat no. 990352,
Filter-Tips, 1000 µL wide-bore (1024), cat no. 990452.

To find out which filter-tips are required for a specific application, refer to the corresponding protocol sheet or the instructions on the QIAcube Connect touchscreen. Even easier to use are the dedicated QIAcube kits.

FAQ ID -1402

No. Autoclaving the rotor adapters will cause the plastic to deform and the rotor adapters will no longer fit properly into the centrifuge buckets.

FAQ ID -1409

No. The QIAcube is equipped with an optical sensor, which determines the tip size and the number of tips loaded onto the worktable prior to starting a run.

The QIAcube can use partially used tip racks from previous runs, provided that the racks contain sufficient tips to process the number of samples loaded for the current run.

FAQ ID -1418