"Detecting SYBR green usually requires an expensive phosphor imaging system, but we have found the GeneGenius is a good alternative to this as the sensitivity is similar"
Syngene reports that its GeneGenius imaging system is being used at a highly respected UK university as an inexpensive method of locating and analysing polymorphisms in SYBR green stained microbial DNA.
Researchers at the unnamed university are using the GeneGenius to find mutations in genomic DNA isolated from environmentally important microorganisms.
The genomic DNA is used to produce nested PCR fragments, which are run on TTGE (temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis) gels and stained with SYBR green.
A lecturer at the university stated: "The search for mutations in microorganisms is helping us to identify species, delineate population structure and monitor genetic diversity.
"We use TTGE gels and SYBR green staining as it allows us to detect even single-base changes in the small amounts of DNA we have to work with.
"Detecting SYBR green usually requires an expensive phosphor imaging system, but we have found the GeneGenius is a good alternative to this as the sensitivity is similar.
"The major advantages of using the GeneGenius are that it is much less expensive and it produces small image files that are easy to store," added the lecturer.
Laura Sullivan, Syngene's divisional manager, commented: "For detection and analysis of DNA stained with a range of different dyes the GeneGenius, we believe, is currently the best system on the market.
"We are excited that this research at one of the UK's leading universities proves a GeneGenius can analyse a difficult to detect dye, as it will give other molecular biologists the confidence to put the true imaging capabilities of this exceptional system to the test."
