When it comes to nucleic acid purification (NAP) there are a plethora of options available in the market with over 100 commercial kits to choose from. These kits utilise various approaches and technologies, catering to both broad and niche applications, such as low input viral RNA.
In addition to commercial kits, users can also create their own "home brew" protocols that can be perfectly adequate for many applications and save costs compared to more sophisticated kits that use magnetic beads or silica-based spin columns.
Don't be deterred by claims from "experts" about PCR inhibitors that may affect your PCR results. It's important to test for yourself and determine the reality of PCR inhibitors in your specific workflow and application, just like a scientist would. AMPED PCR mix is known to be tolerant of many inhibitors that are often believed to hinder PCR reactions.
Sometimes, simply diluting your lysate may enable a properly functioning PCR without the need to add additional expenses to your NAP protocol. Troubleshooting and optimising your protocol can be key to overcoming challenges.
While there may be exceptions where a more robust NAP protocol is necessary, it is highly recommended to determine this based on independent reviews, such as the one published in MATER METHODS 2013;3:191. AMPED recommends referring to the respected and scholarly independent quality of Labome Methods reviews.
For a deeper understanding, check out the link provided at the end of this article for more information. To assist with a functional comparison of different kits, we suggest creating a comparison table based on cost per microlitre (ul), rather than cost per reaction, similar to how PCR reagents are compared.
Considerations for your NAP/PCR workflow may include the consistency of yields needed, fair normalisation of kit prices, the need for automation, and the required level of purification. Evaluating these factors will help you make informed decisions for your specific research needs.
In conclusion, with the abundance of options available for DNA extraction methods, it's important to critically evaluate and optimise your protocols based on your specific requirements and applications. AMPED recommends utilising independent reviews and cost-normalised comparisons to make informed decisions for your research.
LABOME METHOD - DNA EXTRACTION & PURIFICATION