Preparation of Silica Coarse from Indonesian Kaolin and Bentonite as Matrices for RNA Extraction

The COVID-19 pandemic due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently sweeping the entire world. This virus can spread easily and quickly, and one method to detect it is the RT-PCR method. One of the important steps of RT-PCR is the extraction of RNA. RNA extraction has been carried out using modified silica from Indonesian natural minerals: Kaolin Bangka Belitung and Bentonite from Pacitan. Before use, kaolin and bentonite were purified with different treatments to obtain extracted silica from kaolin and montmorillonite (MMT) fraction and Na-MMT from bentonite, which were subsequently made into silica coarse and then solidified into an extraction column (SPE column) and discs. Modified column (SPE column) and disc were then put into the vial of a commercial RNA extraction kit. Through FTIR, XRD, and SEM-EDX characterization, the formation of MMT, Na-MMT, purified kaolin, and extracted silica were confirmed. The SPE column and the disc that had been made were then evaluated based on the performance test prior to the RNA extraction process. Samples with positive RNA were tested to measure the CT values, RNA concentrations, and PCR processes. The results of this research showed only 2 silica matrices (SC-K and SC-MMT) were detected to have sufficient amount of RNA. Thus, further indication of the physical and chemical interaction between RNA and the modified silica coarse are crucial in order to understand the mechanism of RNA extraction.