Zygem Corp Ltd, Solana Beach, Calif, a provider of enzymatic tools for life sciences applications, has introduced its newly extended prepGEM™ and forensicGEM™ range of reagent kits for DNA extraction.
The reagent kits represent an advance in DNA sample preparation for human and animal genotyping and other nucleic acid-based testing and analysis. The products are available in a variety of formats tailored for specific applications and types of samples.
The kits leverage the properties of the company’s thermophilic enzymes to conduct DNA extraction in a single, closed tube. They help to simplify lab workflow, minimize opportunities for sample contamination and error, and make it possible to automate sample processing using most off-the-shelf robotic systems.
“The identification of insects on our export produce is critical as many of our overseas markets will not accept produce if it is contaminated,” said Dr. Richard Newcomb, science leader, Molecular Olfaction at Hort Research, New Zealand. The company has a facility in New Zealand.
Its researchers have been using prepGEM to extract DNA for PCR-based diagnostics of insect species, especially scale insects that are sometimes found on kiwifruit. In a one-step process, insect scale is loaded into multi-well plates and the enzyme is added. After incubation and heat treatment, an aliquot from each well is transferred for PCR identification.
The biotechnology company offers a range of enzyme-based products and technologies based on the company’s collection of microorganisms from extreme environments. It produces DNA extraction and detection products, molecular biology enzymes, and individual enzymes and diagnostics, serving life sciences customers in basic research, forensics, clinical diagnostics, and agriculture.
