FTA Cards in Molecular Biology: Advancements in Sample Stability and Processing

Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) is a recently developed technology that reduces the critical steps in nucleic acid extraction and allows convenient long-term storage of biological specimens. This review focuses on sample stability, processing efficiency and downstream molecular analysis. It highlights the benefits, limitations and future perspectives of integrating FTA cards into diverse fields. FTA cards are chemically treated cellulose matrices designed to lyse cells, inactivate contaminants and stabilize nucleic acids for long-term storage. Their various formats provide flexibility for different sample types and molecular applications while maintaining sample integrity and simplifying downstream analyses.