The Inland Echo

By Barbara Lindheim

ZyGEM Corp. Ltd., a provider of innovative enzyme-based products for DNA extraction and other life sciences applications, today announced the availability of a new application note documenting that its forensicGEM Saliva DNA extraction kit is capable of producing high yields of high-quality, ready-to-analyze DNA from buccal swab samples compatible with high-throughput PCR processing. This capability addresses an important unmet need–it allows quick and reliable forensic DNA extraction that requires minimal handling. The forensicGEM Saliva kit uses a single closed-tube system that reduces extraction time and cost while protecting the sample from contamination. The kit is designed for high-throughput processing either manually or it can be easily adapted for automation with most off-the-shelf systems.

“The data in this forensicGEM Saliva application note generated by experienced crime lab scientists provide important validation of the utility of our forensicGEM kits for forensic applications,” said Paul Kinnon, CEO of ZyGEM. “The data show that the kits easily and rapidly extract DNA from buccal swab samples in a single-step process, in contrast to other methods that often require multiple steps that increase the time and cost of extraction while raising the risk of contamination. The speed, ease-of-use and ease-of-automation afforded by our forensicGEM Saliva kit allows for rapid preparation of DNA for forensic profiling without significant investment of time or hardware. We believe these important advantages make the forensicGEM Saliva kit especially valuable for both forensic casework and high volume DNA profiling.”

In the application note, forensic scientists at the Crime Laboratory of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department describe their experience using ZyGEM’s forensicGEM Saliva kit to extract DNA for forensic analysis from 20 saliva samples with known profiles that were collected on buccal swabs. After performing the extractions, they examined the quantity of extracted DNA to ensure a sufficient amount was obtained and then assessed the quality of amplification and genetic profile of each sample. Results showed that in just 20 minutes, forensicGEM Saliva’s single closed-tube process efficiently extracted sufficient amounts of high-quality DNA for PCR amplification. Results also showed that the forensicGEM Saliva kit does not cause sample degradation, contamination, inhibition or other problems that could affect amplification or subsequent analysis.

The forensicGEM Saliva kit is compatible with all PCR detection and amplification reagents. The stability of the forensicGEM reagents allows convenient storage of the kit at 4 degrees Celsius, reducing preparation time and increasing ease of use.

ZyGEM offers a growing number of application notes for its forensicGEM, prepGEM and livestockGEM families of kits. ZyGEM application notes are available online.

ZyGEM’s proprietary technology uses a thermophilic enzyme to extract DNA from samples using a single closed-tube system. ZyGEM’s approach significantly 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. ZyGEM’s technology has been validated for use in highly regulated applications, including forensic analysis.

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