PISCATAWAY, N.J., April 10, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Amersham Biosciences, the life sciences business of Amersham plc (LSE:AHM) (NYSE:AHM) (OSE:AHM), today announced the launch of GenomiPhi(TM) DNA Amplification Kit to simplify the DNA preparation process and enable high-quality DNA to be prepared from limited biological material. This innovative method has been validated with positive feedback from researchers worldwide for use in cancer research, population genetics, environmental studies, plant genomics, and molecular cloning.
The simple isothermal method employed by GenomiPhi DNA Amplification Kit allows microgram quantities of DNA to be produced overnight from nanogram amounts of starting material. With only one protocol needed for different types of starting material, total hands-on time required by users is just 20 minutes. The isothermal amplification technique utilized by GenomiPhi DNA Amplification Kit also eliminates the need for a thermocycler, which simplifies the customer's workflow. This method offers an advantage over traditional matrix-based purification columns for genomic DNA preparation where the DNA yield depends on sufficient starting quantities of high quality source material.
The source material for GenomiPhi DNA Amplification Kit can be purified DNA or lysed cells from whole blood, buccal swabs, cell-blotted paper, plant tissue and microorganisms. The amplified DNA preserves original single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) information and can be used in various applications including SNP genotyping and short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and library construction.
The GenomiPhi method employs the biochemical properties of Phi29 DNA polymerase, a highly processive enzyme with excellent strand displacement activity and high fidelity, in combination with random-sequence hexamer primers to amplify DNA in an isothermal process. This is the only Phi 29 DNA polymerase-based product that can be sold for nucleic acid research use under applicable patents.
"When source material is in limited supply, it is vital that sufficient amounts of high-quality genomic DNA content is achieved simply and cost effectively," said Andy Bertera, Vice President Genomics Product Management at Amersham Biosciences. "Compared to traditional genomic DNA isolation and purification methods, where DNA yield depends on the quantity and quality of the starting material, plus different protocols, GenomiPhi DNA Amplification Kit is a straightforward process for preparing DNA."
Amersham Biosciences, the life sciences business of Amersham plc (LSE: NYSE: OSE: AHM), is a world leader in developing and providing integrated systems and solutions for disease research, drug development and manufacture. Our systems are used to uncover the function of genes and proteins, for the discovery and development of drugs and for the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals. The customers for Amersham Biosciences' products and technology are pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and research and academic institutions, principally in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. More information about Amersham Biosciences is available at www.amershambiosciences.com
Amersham Biosciences-enabling molecular medicine