Biomatrica has announced that the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF) will use Biomatrica's Samplematrix room-temperature storage technology to archive its DNA samples.
SMGF will use the Samplematrix technology in place of ultra-low-temperature freezers for the long-term storage of all newly collected samples.
In addition, SGMF will move its collection of previously archived samples from freezers to room-temperature storage.
The foundation is using pedigree information and DNA samples to develop a genetic family tree.
To date, it has collected more than 100,000 samples along with corresponding genealogy charts containing at least four generations from volunteers in more than 170 countries around the world.
SMGF currently stores all of its archived DNA samples in quadruplicate: one sample at 4C, one sample at -20C and two samples at -80C.
SMGF plans to eliminate -80C frozen storage entirely and replace it with room-temperature storage using Samplematrix technology.
Samplematrix is based on extremophile biology in which organisms are able to survive long term in a state of anhydrobiosis (life without water) and later be revived by rehydration.
Extremophiles such as tardigrades, also known as water bears, and brine shrimp are able protect their DNA, RNA, proteins, membranes and cellular systems in a dried state for extended periods of time.
Biomatrica's technology mimics the natural molecular mechanisms used by these organisms.
The technology works by forming a thermo-stable barrier during the drying process to protect samples from degradation during storage at room temperature.