Full Text (PDF)
A streamlined method for DNA purification from water samples for microbial detection and quantification is highly desirable for both research and water-quality testing. A number of methods are used, but the fastest methods involve the binding of nucleic acids to silica spin columns. The efficiency of purifying DNA using silica spin columns is not always balanced with the goal of obtaining high-quality DNA from complex samples. In many cases, inhibitors are not removed, negatively affecting downstream applications. The MO BIO Laboratories PowerWater™ DNA Isolation Kit was developed to isolate high-quality, inhibitor-free DNA from diverse water samples.
Lysis OptimizationA number of filter membrane types are used for water research and testing which differ in composition, pore size, and capacity. As a result, lysis efficiency can vary. Cell lysis was optimized for the most commonly used filter membrane types (Figure 1). Optimization included a more robust lysis buffer and use of larger bead tubes containing a novel garnet bead mix. All of these modifications yielded a faster protocol by minimizing vortex time.
Figure 1.
Sample inhibition in the form of suspended solids and dissolved compounds can influence target DNA isolation and detection. Patented Inhibitor Removal Technology™ (IRT™), for the removal of PCR inhibitors, is a key component in the PowerWater™ protocol allowing for better amplification of target DNA.
Column Binding And ElutionBinding DNA to silica membranes relies on chaotropic salts, with some salts facilitating binding better than others. To optimize this step, different formulations were evaluated to identify a solution that provided maximal binding in the smallest possible volume. Efficient binding combined with improved wash buffers and elution into 100 μL volume yielded ready-to-use purified DNA from the most difficult type of water sample (Figure 2).
Figure 2.
The PowerWater™ DNA Isolation Kit has been optimized for maximum yield, purity, and inhibitor removal. The kit can be utilized with a variety of water samples (marine, brackish, fresh, sewage) using common filter membrane types. The easy-to-use protocol can isolate pure DNA from water samples in <25 min.
For further information, visit our web site at www.mobio.com.
