What is total RNA?
Total RNA is all the RNA in a cell/sample, including transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), and micro RNA (miRNA or microRNA). Starting with high-quality, pure, and intact total RNA is critical for many experiments (e.g., RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, array analysis, northern blots, nuclease protection assays, and RNA-seq). Choosing the RNA isolation kit that best fits your research workflow begins with selecting the purification method to use on your samples. Common RNA extraction methods include organic reagent lysis, magnetic bead separation, and silica column filtration, which are discussed
Selection guide: Which total RNA extraction kit meets your needs?
| Best for | Gold standard for highly pure, intact RNA | High-quality RNA in less than 30 minutes | High-quality RNA in less than 20 minutes | High-throughput purification of RNA and DNA | No-purification system for qPCR results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | TRIzol reagents | RiboPure kits | PureLink kits | MagMAX kits | Cells to CT kits |
| Isolation method | Organic extraction | Organic extraction and silica column | Silica column | Magnetic beads | Chemical lysis and enzymes |
| Prep time | ~1 hr | <30 minutes | 20 minutes | ~45 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Compatible sample types | Most sample types, particularly more difficult to lyse | Tissues, cells, blood, bacteria, yeast | Cells and tissues | Tissues, cells, blood, serum/plasma, urine, plants | Cells |
| Amount of starting material | 100 mg of tissue or 107 cells (requires 1 mL reagent) | 5–100 mg of tissue or 0.1–20 x 106 cultured cells | Up to 200 mg tissue or 5 x 106 to 1 x 108 cells | Up to 100 mg tissue or 5 x 106 cells | 1–100,000 cells |
| Reverse transcription reagents included | ✓ | ||||
| qPCR master mix included | ✓ | ||||
| High throughput compatible | ✓ | ✓ (plate format available) | ✓ | ✓ |
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Comparing total RNA purification kits
Serving the need to isolate total RNA from a variety of sample types and to different purity levels, there are several Invitrogen total RNA extraction kit options. Different purification methods vary for sample type, as well as the types of downstream experiments in which the total RNA will be used.
Organic total RNA extraction and purification kits
Organic solvents for RNA extraction offer proven performance (used in thousands of peer-reviewed studies), a simple method requiring no extra devices, and good value for the laboratory.
TRIzol reagents are monophasic solutions containing phenol and guanidine thiocyanate that offer:
- Broadest sample type compatibility
- Robust method
- Excellent performance for difficult samples (e.g., high-lipid tissue) and scalable sample input
RiboPure kits are designed for rapid purification of high-quality RNA from tissue samples or cultured cells. The kit combines TRIzol reagent with glass-fiber filter purification to yield pure RNA, free of residual proteins and lipids.
- Ideal for the most stringent downstream applications
- Handles problematic samples with ease—also available for yeast cells and human and mouse blood cells
- Fast and easy procedure
Magnetic bead RNA purification kits
Magnetic particles offer solution-phase binding and washing kinetics to facilitate RNA purification and improved sample handling, including automation, ideal for higher throughput processing.
MagMAX mirVana Total RNA Isolation Kit utilizes magnetic beads to purify high yields of total RNA using silica-magnetic particle technology. MagMAX magnetic bead kits offer:
- Flexible and scalable throughput
- Automation-friendly design
- Better removal of inhibitors and low elution volume resulting in more concentrated RNA
Silica column for RNA extraction
Silica membrane filter columns allow fast and easy RNA extraction resulting in pure total RNA that can be used in most applications. Silica columns employ an easy bind-wash-elute process for the extraction of RNA that is cost-efficient.
Invitrogen PureLink purification columns offer:
- A fast and easy method suitable for most downstream uses
- Wide sample type compatibility
- Familiar spin column format commonly used for low-medium throughput
Learn about PureLink purification columns
Nucleic Acid Purification and Analysis Support Center
Find tips, troubleshooting help, and resources for your nucleic acid purification & analysis applications.
- 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.