PDQeX forensicGEM Sperm
Extracts DNA from sperm cells, semen samples, and vaginal swabs.
Produces single-stranded DNA validated for use with STR, PCR, and qPCR.
Each extraction kit contains forensicGEM Sperm, Acrosolv, and ORANGE+ buffer.
Overview:
MicroGEM’s forensicGEM™ Sperm lysis kit uses a novel cocktail of temperature-controlled enzymes to rapidly degrade sperm heads and digest the remaining tissue and nucleases in the sample. Our temperature-controlled DNA extraction process allows for lysis without purification and uses no reducing agents, such as DTT, that inhibit qPCR and STR analysis. As a result, DNA yields are maintained, processing time is quick, and opportunities for contamination are minimized making this the perfect approach for differential extractions and y-screening.
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Simplified, hands-off workflow provides STR, PCR, and qPCR-ready DNA in 15 minutes
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Sperm can be extracted in very small volumes and with very few sperm present because there is no loss of DNA to purification steps
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Reduced handling protects the integrity of the sample
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Single-tube processing is compatible with your existing thermal cyclers, making it easy to automate for quick DNA extractions.
Sperm cells are a difficult type of cell to lyse, often requiring qPCR and STR-inhibiting chemicals such as SDS, mercaptoethanol and DTT, to lyse sperm cells. These chemicals are toxic to downstream processes and must be removed via purification steps. These steps are time-consuming and result in a loss of DNA. It is not possible to work with very small numbers of cells since DNA is lost at every step.
The forensicGEM™ Sperm kit uses a unique mixture of thermophilic and mesophilic enzymes with no purification steps required. At low temperatures, mesophilic cell wall degrading enzymes rapidly degrade sperm heads. The 75° step then activates a thermophilic proteinase that lyses the cells, kills nucleases and strips the DNA of nucleosomes. A final 95°C step deactivates the thermophilic proteinase, producing single-stranded DNA perfect for qPCR and STR amplification.