Extract total RNA, mRNA, sequence-specific RNA, microRNA or viral RNA

RNA reactions being pipetted into multiple 8-strip PCR tubes

RNA extraction kits and reagents help labs to isolate, purify, and select for total RNA, transcriptome RNA, mRNA, microRNA and other small RNAs, and sequence-specific RNA. Our comprehensive products provide research scientists with the quality and performance they need. Our full suite of products is backed by scientists and engineers and is designed for RNA isolation and purification from a wide range of different sample types, throughputs, and input quantities.

DNA & RNA Learning Center RNA extraction by sample type

Types of RNA

Types of RNA used for research include total RNA, mRNA, sequence-specific RNA, microRNA, and viral RNA. Researchers requiring testing of more than RNA from the sample can opt to use RNA/DNA or RNA/protein kits.

RNA extraction by RNA type

RNA extraction kits can further get categorized based on the type of RNA being studied. Products include RNA extractions kits for total RNA, mRNA, sequence-specific RNA, microRNA and other small RNAs, viral RNA, RNA/DNA, and RNA/protein kits.


Sequence-specific RNA extraction

Sequence-specific RNA include low-abundance cDNA from libraries, mutated sequences, infectious agents, and microsatellites. Target a specific RNA sequence and isolate only those RNA molecules directly from crude lysates or other biological fluids using magnetic bead technology.

Dynabeads Streptavidin are ideal for numerous applications, including protein purification, nucleic acid purification, protein interaction studies, immunoprecipitation, immunoassays, phage display, biopanning, drug screening, and cell isolation.

Dynabeads Streptavidin binds to highly specific biotinylated antibodies or ligands.

  • Compatible with mass spectrometry (MS)
  • Low non-specific binding
  • For samples high in soluble IgGs
  • Recombinant Ab lacking the Fc region


Sequence-specific RNA extraction kit selection guide

FeatureFour beads in one kit, identify best for your applicationBest solution for viscous samplesHigh surface area for maximum enrichment
Dynabeads StreptavidinTrial kitM-270MyOne C1
Bead size1 µm x 2, 2.8 µm x 22.8 µm1 µm
Biotinylated Ig (µg/mg beads)up to 20up to 20up to 20
Binding capacity (free biotin)650–2,500 pmoles/mg beads650–1,350 pmoles/mg beads2,500 pmoles/mg beads
Pack size4 x 1 mL2 or 10 mL2 or 10 mL
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miRNA and small RNA isolation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) help modulate gene expression. Along with several other classes of small noncoding RNAs (e.g., snRNA, snoRNA, and piRNA), they have tremendous impact on a variety of biological processes.

While most traditional RNA isolation methods are not very efficient at recovering these smaller RNAs, several kits developed by our RNA experts offer quantitative recovery of small RNAs from a variety of sample types.

Which microRNA and small RNA isolation kit is right for you?

Feature30 min isolation from most samplesRecover all RNAs as well as proteinsHigh-throughput isolation of total RNA enriched for small RNAsComplete kit, sample-to-qPCR from cells
KitmirVana miRNA Isolation Kit (with or without phenol)mirVana Paris RNA and Native Protein Purification KitMagMAX mirVana Total RNA Isolation KitTaqMan MicroRNA Cells-to-CT Kit
Prep time20 minutes30 minutes<1 hour10 minutes
Sample typesMost sample typesMost sample typesSerum/Plasma, whole blood, fresh/frozen tissue, cells, urineCells
Isolation methodOrganic extraction and silica columnOrganic extraction and silica columnMagnetic beadsChemical lysis
Reverse transcription reagents includedNoNoNoYes (TaqMan MicroRNA Reverse Transcription Kit)
qPCR master mix includedNoNoNoYes (TaqMan)
Kit size40 preps40 preps96 preps100 reactions
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Viral RNA extraction

Viral analysis of biological (animal, insect, plant, fungal, bacterial) and environmental (water, air, food) samples is increasingly conducted using molecular testing strategies that require viral RNA or DNA from the samples being tested. Purification of viral RNA poses unique challenges for getting good recovery and detection sensitivity. Thermo Fisher Scientific RNA experts have developed RNA purification products that are optimized to provide maximum viral RNA yield, purity, and integrity from a broad range of sample types in several format options.

Which viral RNA extraction kit is right for you?

ProductFormatPrep timeDownstream applications
RT-qPCRNorthern blot
Dynabeads SILANE Viral NA KitMagnetic beads, automation compatible~1 hr 
MagMAX Viral RNA Isolation KitMagnetic beads45 min
MagMAX-96 AI⁄ND Viral RNA Isolation KitMagnetic beads, 96-well processing, automation compatible1 hr
MagMAX-96 Viral RNA Isolation KitMagnetic beads, 96-well processing, automation compatible45 min
PureLink Pro 96 Viral RNA⁄DNA Purification KitSilica filter, 96-well processing, automation compatible30 min
PureLink Viral RNA⁄DNA Mini KitSilica filter45 min


Total nucleic acid/protein extraction

Research sometimes requires testing of more than just RNA from each sample. For example, researchers may want to compare the effects of genetic variations on gene expression, or to evaluate both protein and cognate mRNA levels. To serve this need, some purification products are designed to extract both RNA and DNA, or both RNA and protein from samples. Kits with these capabilities allow users to get more out of their samples while employing one kit to streamline the process.

ProductMagMAX Total Nucleic Acid Isolation KitmirVana PARIS KitPARIS KitRecoverAll Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit for FFPE
IsolatesRNA, DNATotal RNA, transcriptome RNA, siRNA, protein (native), snRNA, microRNATotal RNA, protein (native)
*This kit also permits separation of nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions
Genomic DNA, total RNA, microRNA
Prep time1 hr30 min20 min45 min
Kit size100 preps40 preps50 preps40 preps
Resources
  • Protocol Videos—Videos to help you isolate nucleic acids using a variety of techniques.
  • DNA & RNA Selection Guide—Find the right purification products.
  • Videos—View our library of DNA & RNA purification and analysis videos.
  • Application Notes—Explore our application notes from scientists sharing data for isolation products

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.