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How to Solve Nucleic Acid Contamination

Only PCR analysis in combination with DNA degradation assays show the true decontamination potential of a reagent.

by AppliChem
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Problem 1. Incomplete degradation of DNA: Advanced experiments in gene technology demonstrate that even small amounts of free DNA molecules are sufficient to cause infections, recombination or biological transformation. The complete decontamination of equipment and surfaces from DNA molecules is important for biological containment and safety, as well as preventing artifacts in PCR amplification experiments. Commercially available DNA decontamination reagents DO NOT destroy DNA molecules efficiently, despite their corrosive or even toxic properties.

Problem 2. Corrosion: Elimination of nucleic acids depends on the use of corrosive and toxic substances that cause irreversible damage on surfaces of costly equipment.

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Problem 3. Autoclaving does NOT fully destroy nucleic acids: PCR analysis demonstrates that even after autoclaving, larger DNA fragments can be identified, especially when nucleic acids are protected by protein envelopes (e.g. viruses) or within microorganism cell walls (e.g. bacteria). Nucleic acids from viruses and bacteria are not properly inactivated by simply autoclaving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solution 1: DNA-ExitusPlus™ uses a unique nucleic acid decontamination technology, based on chemical rather than enzymatic activity. Therefore, its effects on fragmentation are totally independent of the size and sequence of the DNA fragments.

PCR analysis shows that, after treatment with DNA-ExitusPlus™, no amplifiable DNA templates are present, proving there was a highly efficient degradation of DNA molecules. Only by using PCR analysis in combination with a sensitive DNA degradation test can one be sure that the DNA is NOT merely modified or masked.

Spraying DNA-ExitusPlus™ on lab surfaces will ensure complete decontamination. Moreover, the reaction time for DNA-ExitusPlus™ corresponds to the drying time after spraying on a surface (10 - 20 minutes).

Solution 2: DNA-ExitusPlus™ shows no metal corrosion, when compared to conventional decontaminants. DNAExitusPlus ™ therefore offers a gentle and environmentally safe alternative that degrades and removes all DNA molecules with high efficiency without being toxic nor corrosive.

Solution 3: Autoclave-ExitusPlus™, an ExitusPlus™-based powder mixture, can be used as an additive for the decontamination of liquid waste. Due to its chemical composition, Autoclave- ExitusPlus™ is not heat-sensitive and does not contain volatile or harmful ingredients.

Autoclave-ExitusPlus™ leads to an efficient degradation of bacterial DNA, while under standard autoclave conditions, there is always undegraded/partially degraded DNA.

Summary: Only PCR analysis in combination with DNA degradation assays show the true decontamination potential of a reagent. In addition, the use of autoclaving to eliminate DNA from microorganisms requires Autoclave-ExitusPlus™ for complete removal of viral and bacterial nucleic acids.

DNA-ExitusPlus™ has outstanding and unique characteristics:

  1. Its catalytic and cooperative effects cause a very rapid non-enzymatic, nonsequence- specific degradation of DNA and  RNA molecules.
  2. All components of DNA-ExitusPlus™ are readily biodegradable and not harmful or toxic to humans.
  3. No aggressive mineral acids or alkaline substances are used. Equipment and materials are not damaged or corroded even after prolonged incubation periods.
  4. Viral and bacterial nucleic acids are completely destroyed.

For further information visit: www.applichem.us