Encapsulation of purified RNA

Referencing and receiving samples

The platform can receive either biological materials or already purified RNA. Samples are referenced in the LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) prior to their arrival on the service platform, where they are labelled with a unique code generated by the LIMS (barcode label). Other referencing options are possible, such as labeling by the customer before sending samples.

The biological sample transport procedure and the storage temperature upon reception are defined with the customer, in accordance with the biosafety and biosecurity rules (see the service regulations, available on request).

RNA extraction and purification

The biological materials are extracted according to a method agreed with the client, automated or manual method, depending on the case. For more details on extractions offers and biological materials supported, see Extractions.

It is strongly advised to stabilize the RNA in biological material at the time of sampling in order to maximize the quality of the RNA (Blood collected in Paxgene tubes for example).

RNA quality control

All RNA samples extracted by the platform undergo a quality control to determine the quantity and quality of the extracted RNA. For purified RNA sent by the client, this service is optional and flexible.

Routinely, the quantity and quality of each RNA sample are determined by two measures:

• Measurement of absorbance by UV spectrophotometry between 220 and 320nm (spectrum) and determination of OD ratios A260/A280, A260/A230
• Measurement of RNA integrity on microfluidic chip (Agilent Bioanalyzer or Perkin Elmer LabChip type).

The combination of these analyzes makes it possible to know if the RNA is in sufficient quantity to satisfy the demand, if it is pure enough and of good quality. The volumes to be aliquoted per capsule are calculated by default as a function of the concentration obtained by spectrophotometric measurement.

RNA aliquoting

This fully automated operation makes it possible to distribute each sample of RNA according to the quantity or volume of RNA per capsule and / or the number of minicapsules requested by the client.
A stabilizing solution is added to the RNA solutions before aliquoting.

During this operation, the barcode of each RNA sample is associated with the Datamatrix codes of the corresponding minicapsules and the information is automatically recorded in the LIMS.

RNA desiccation

During this step, the samples undergo a primary vacuum dehydration in an evapo-concentrator where the various drying parameters (pressure drop, chamber temperature) are controlled.

RNA encapsulation

After the primary desiccation step, the RNA cases as well as the caps are introduced into an environment ensuring a controlled (anoxic, anhydrous) and inert (argon, helium) atmosphere.

Under this atmosphere, protected from deterioration factors, the case and the cap of each minicapsule are assembled and sealed by pulsed laser YAG welding for a rigorous seal, without temperature rise.

Each minicapsule undergoes after welding, a systematic tightness check performed by a leak detector (helium detection by mass spectrometry), to ensure a tight seal. In case of leakage, the sample is re-encapsulated.

Delivery of minicapsules

The minicapsules are delivered on their storage racks to the address specified by the customer or stored, on customer behalf, on the platform. Matching data between customer IDs and minicapsule 2D codes (and quality control data where applicable) are also exported from the LIMS database and provided upon delivery.