Device can be operated safely with one hand and allows researchers to excise DNA or RNA bands and transfer them in less than ten seconds in a reproducible fashion
LabGadget announces the launch of its first product, X-tracta, describing it as an innovative disposable device that simplifies one of the most frustrating tasks performed by molecular biologists.
In research laboratories across the world molecular biologists run thousands of agarose and polyacrylamide gels with a view to separating, extracting and purifying DNA, RNA or protein samples to aid research that will provide vital clues in the quest for new drug treatments and knowledge about disease processes.
Over 21 million DNA extractions are performed every year and excising the small bands of DNA or RNA has traditionally been achieved with a scalpel or razor blade and then transferred with forceps.
In addition to being time-consuming, the use of blades causes significant sample loss and poor recovery and reproducibility, as well as prolonged exposure of the scientists to harmful UV radiation.
The use of razor blades also presents significant health and safety issues with numerous costly injuries occurring to laboratory workers every year.
The X-tracta can be operated safely with one hand and allows researchers to excise DNA or RNA bands and transfer them in less than ten seconds in a reproducible fashion while saving time, eliminating sample contamination and minimising UV exposure.
Field tests in leading pharmaceutical research laboratories showed that X-tracta can excise 600 DNA bands per hour compared to 100 for existing methods.
Successful transfer was achieved in over 95% of experiments, says LabGadget.
