The RNA is the genetic material of the virus. The RNA molecules of the virus are protected by a protein envelope. That means when a sample is taken from someone infected with the virus, the first challenge is to “unpack” the virus’s RNA so that it can be analyzed. Our researchers have developed lysis buffer with a specific combination of polar solvents, buffers, salts and other chemicals to achieve this without damaging the RNA molecule itself. The solution is optimized to extract RNA from small amounts of virus. Once the RNA is released from the virus, it must be extracted from the solution using magnetic nanoparticles before it can be analyzed . Our solution is silica-coated iron-oxide nanoparticles with a high affinity to RNA. Once the magnetic nanoparticles have bound to the viral RNA, it can be removed from the solution using a magnet.