Zygem has announced the availability of an application note documenting that its Prepgem Bacteria DNA extraction kit can produce quality, ready-to-analyse DNA from a broad range of bacterial species.
Current DNA extraction methods typically require the use of different enzymes for each type of bacteria tested.
The Prepgem Bacteria kit also uses a single closed-tube system that reduces extraction time and cost while protecting the sample from contamination and making the kit adaptable for automation.
Data in the application note confirms that the kit can extract DNA from bacterial species in samples containing multiple and unknown species.
This is due to the kit's combination of enzymes that become active at different temperatures, providing the capability for multiple reactions in a single processing run.
Data in the application note also demonstrates that Prepgem Bacteria can process low-volume samples containing low numbers of cells, allowing researchers to extract DNA directly from these samples without first having to conduct a concentration step, thereby simplifying and speeding up the procedure.
'The speed and ease-of-use afforded by our Prepgem Bacteria kit allows for rapid DNA-based detection and monitoring of different bacteria strains efficiently and reproducibly, without significant investment of time or hardware,' said Paul Kinnon, chief executive of Zygem.
Also in the application note, Zygem researchers describe their experiences using Prepgem Bacteria to extract DNA from a single sample of mixed bacteria containing Gram positive, Gram negative and polysaccharide-secreting bacterial species that would typically require separate extraction procedures.
The Prepgem kit extracted PCR-ready DNA from this diverse sample with a single temperature-controlled reaction using its combination of thermophilic enzymes and a buffer with agents that enhance cell lysis.
Results showed that Prepgem Bacteria's simple, two-step reaction in a single closed tube efficiently extracted high-quality DNA from diverse bacteria sample types, greatly reducing the risk of contamination and providing a method that is adaptable for automation.
Zygem researchers also successfully extracted quality PCR-ready DNA from low-volume samples using Prepgem Bacteria kits, without the need for the concentration step that is often required before extracting DNA from small samples.
This simplifies and speeds up the procedure while also reducing the possibility of sample contamination during the concentration process.
The Prepgem Bacteria kit is compatible with all PCR detection and amplification reagents, and the stability of the Prepgem reagents allows convenient storage at 4C, reducing preparation time and increasing ease of use.
Zygem offers a growing number of application notes for its Prepgem, Forensicgem and Livestockgem kits.
The application notes can be accessed on the company's website.
Zygem's technology uses a thermophilic enzyme to extract DNA from samples using a single closed-tube system.
This approach reduces the time and cost of DNA extractions while simplifying laboratory workflow, minimising error, reducing the risk of contamination, ensuring sample integrity and facilitating extractions from trace samples.
It is adaptable for use with most off-the-shelf laboratory automation systems.
The technology can be specifically formulated for use with a wide range of different sample types without the need for further purification.
The technology has been validated for use in highly regulated applications, including forensic analysis.
