Single Closed-Tube System Extracts DNA for Diagnostic Purposes

A thermophilic enzyme extracts DNA from samples using a single closed-tube system. The DNA can be used for diagnostic purposes.

The new technology reduces the time and cost of DNA extractions while simplifying laboratory workflow, minimizing error, reducing the risk of contamination, ensuring sample integrity, and facilitating extractions from trace samples. It is easily adaptable for use with virtually all 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 nucleic acid extraction technique was developed by ZyGEM Corp. (Hamilton, New Zealand). The company has entered into an agreement with Rubicon Genomics, Inc. (Ann Arbor, MI; USA) to incorporate the technology into Rubicon's preanalytical platform products designed to improve the performance of DNA and RNA analytical instruments. The agreement, which will initially focus on diagnostic single-cell whole genome amplification kits, has the potential to be expanded to include products for broader diagnostic applications.

Rubicon has developed PicoPlex kits, which integrate ZyGEM's DNA extraction technology into a new method to accurately amplify single genomes in a reproducible manner. The product targets the preimplantation genetic diagnostics and cancer diagnostics markets, which require rapid, reproducible amplification to profile patient genotypes, karyotypes, and mutations. PicoPlex enables reference labs to begin quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), microarray, or sequencing analysis in less than three hours after collecting patient cells.

In addition, the United States Patent Office issued an allowance for ZyGEM's patent application covering the thermophilic enzymes that are the core component of the company's nucleic acid extraction technology.

Related Links:
ZyGEM Corp.
Rubicon Genomics, Inc.