GenTegraRNA-NEO™ for Microsampling Tips

Significance of the Topic

Modern clinical and research workflows demand reliable RNA stabilization methods for microsamples collected outside traditional laboratories. GenTegraRNA-NEO integrates with Mitra VAMS devices to preserve RNA at room temperature, eliminating cold-chain requirements and enabling high-quality downstream analysis.

Objectives and Study Overview

The primary goal is to outline a standardized protocol for applying GenTegraRNA-NEO to Neoteryx Mitra VAMS tips and 96-Autorack samplers. The guide covers rehydration of the dry reagent, treatment of tips, drying techniques, sample collection, RNA extraction, purification, and stability testing.

Methodology

GenTegraRNA-NEO is supplied as a dried matrix in a vial and rehydrated with molecular biology grade water. Treated VAMS tips receive 30 µL of solution by immersion or pipetting. Two sampling formats are supported: 4-sampler Mitra devices and 96-tip Autorack plates. After application, tips are dried under ambient airflow, vacuum chamber, or custom desiccator. Biological specimens (e.g., blood, viral suspensions) are subsequently collected and dried on treated tips, then processed for RNA recovery.

Instrumentation Used

• Vortex mixer and benchtop centrifuge
• Nutating mixer
• Biosafety cabinet or molecular biology hood
• Vacuum chamber or DIY desiccator with vacuum pump and vapor trap
• Standard-height 96-well V-bottom microplate
• Micropipettes and sterile tips
• SpeedVac concentrator (optional)
• Thermo Fisher PureLink RNA purification kit
• GenTegra RNAssure tubes for ambient storage

Main Results and Discussion

RNA yields from treated Mitra tips were quantitatively equivalent to fresh samples as measured by RT-qPCR. Integrity scores (RINe) remained high under elevated temperature and humidity stress. Viral RNA from Yellow Fever and HIV samples was stabilized, with higher detectable viral load compared to untreated tips. These findings confirm that the active protection chemistry preserves RNA quality for sensitive molecular assays.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Room-temperature stability for over 3 years in dry form
• Compatible with decentralized and remote sampling workflows
• No modification of standard Mitra device handling
• Elimination of cold-chain logistics and simplified shipping
• Generation of high-quality RNA for RT-qPCR, sequencing, and other downstream applications

Future Trends and Applications

Integration with automated high-throughput platforms could expand capacity for large-scale studies. Adaptation to additional analytes (e.g., DNA, proteins) and sample matrices is foreseeable. Further optimization of chemical formulations may enhance stability under extreme environmental conditions. Broader adoption in clinical diagnostics, epidemiological surveillance, and field research is anticipated.

Conclusion

GenTegraRNA-NEO applied to Mitra VAMS tips provides a robust, user-friendly solution for stabilizing RNA at ambient temperature. The protocol accommodates multiple sampling formats, streamlines sample handling, and ensures preservation of RNA integrity for critical downstream analyses.

References

No external literature references were provided in the source document.