New England Biolabs (NEB) has released its newest loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) products: the WarmStart Multi-Purpose LAMP/RT-LAMP 2X Master Mix (with UDG) and the WarmStart Fluorescent LAMP/RT-LAMP Kit (with UDG), which combines the master mix and LAMP fluorescent dye in one convenient kit. The new master mix and kit enable researchers to perform rapid, high-throughput detection of targeted segments of DNA or RNA using a variety of amplification detection methods.
A cost-efficient alternative to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, LAMP amplifies a target sequence of DNA or RNA without the need to oscillate temperature. It has been widely used as a research tool in remote locations and point-of-care settings, where access to sophisticated equipment is limited. With the introduction of a pH indicator, colorimetric LAMP has enabled the quick and easy visual detection of multiple diseases, including malaria, dengue, and COVID-19. As interest in LAMP has grown, the use of different detection methods, such as real-time fluorescence and non-pH based colorimetric readouts, has increased. Additionally, as LAMP generates large quantities of DNA in as little as 30 minutes, the need to prevent carryover contamination between reactions is paramount.
“As our portfolio of LAMP-based tools continues to evolve, we wanted to take into consideration the needs of researchers in centralized facilities, like core labs, where a high volume of testing is performed,” says Steven Chiu, product marketing manager, DNA Amplification at NEB. “This led us to develop the WarmStart multi-purpose master mix and fluorescent LAMP/RT-LAMP kit, which offer the added benefit of carryover contamination prevention. Now with the ability to support an array of detection methods, from simple visual readout to real-time fluorescence, we’re able to provide solutions to meet the needs of researchers across the full spectrum of uses, from point-of-care facilities to core labs.”
The WarmStart Multi-Purpose LAMP/RT-LAMP 2X Master Mix, which is included in the kit, features a blend of Bst 2.0 WarmStart DNA Polymerase and WarmStart RTx Reverse Transcriptase, and includes UDG and dUTP to prevent carryover contamination. The master mix can be used with multiple detection methods — such as non-pH-based colorimetric detection (e.g., hydroxynaphthol blue) or turbidity — while working with highly buffered or acidic samples. The WarmStart Fluorescent LAMP/RT-LAMP Kit pairs the master mix with LAMP fluorescent dye and supports real-time detection of LAMP reactions.
To learn more, visit NEB.
