MicroGEM
Rapid Single-Tube DNA Extractions for Simplified Workflows

The ability to extract DNA and RNA quickly and efficiently plays a critical role in almost all biological research, with applications ranging from medical diagnosis to genetic engineering.

Traditionally, extracting DNA and RNA is a labor-intensive process, using Proteinase K and sodium dodecyl sulfate, among other reagents, to separate nucleic acids from proteins, membranes, and other cellular materials. Subsequently, these extraneous substances need to be removed, creating a cascade of wash steps and making the extraction process complex, error-prone, and vulnerable to contamination. With an aim to solve these challenges and simplify the entire process of DNA and RNA extraction, UK-based startup MicroGEM—experts in enzymatic discovery and reagent development— came to the fore with a ground-breaking temperature-driven enzymatic extraction approach.

MicroGEM’s transformative approach is based on a unique portfolio of novel enzymes. The single-tube system brings together powerful proteinases and mesophilic cell wall degrading enzymes from extremophiles—organisms that thrive in extreme environments—that are then used to lyse cells, destroy nucleases, digest proteins, and release nucleic acids with no loss of DNA or RNA. This simplified workflow uses no harsh chemicals or additional wash steps, and reduces risks for contamination and error - all in minutes, not hours.

LeRoy Blake, chief commercial officer at MicroGEM, explains that a team of scientists explored the Ross Sea region of Antarctica to collect more than 2000 extremophiles. One discovery—a unique thermophilic proteinase that is inactive at low temperatures but becomes active and inactive at specific high temperatures— formed the basis of MicroGEM’s temperature-driven reagents.

Today, what makes MicroGEM’s approach distinct is that the whole extraction process can be automated in a single tube, using standard laboratory equipment or MicroGEM’s PDQeX Nucleic Acid Extractor. The PDQeX offers additional benefits with its innovative extractor cartridge, incorporating a heat-burstable valve and purification matrix to produce either single-stranded or double-stranded DNA, a perfect solution when working with inhibitory samples or performing next-gen sequencing.

“We are changing the way people think about sample preparation and nucleic acid extractions,” comments Blake. The novel approach produces high-quality nucleic acids in minutes while eliminating the overuse of plastic and harsh chemicals when compared to traditional methods. Significantly, there is no loss of DNA or RNA using the single-tube approach, making it an important tool when working with single cells or low cell volumes. Additionally, the single-tube approach reduces the risks of contamination and also lowers the cost of sample preparation.

In one instance, Blake mentions how MicroGEM’s research collaborators performed early diagnosis of the Cassava Mosaic Virus (CMV) in Cassava plants using the PDQeX. Cassava plants are a staple for millions of people in Africa. The rising incidence of CMV destroying the crops poses a major challenge for African crop producers. Conventionally, the plant samples were sent overseas to test for viruses, and it took 2-3 weeks, and sometimes even a month for results to arrive. To address this problem, the researchers used MicroGEM’s PDQeX and the collaborator’s nanopore sequencing device to gather samples from the farms and identify the presence of cassava virus. The whole process can now be done in real-time, generating quick results using battery-operated devices. This achievement has opened the path for rapid and accurate pathogen identification in Africa, enabling immediate corrective action to prevent crop failure.

Blake states that similar breakthroughs using MicroGEM’s technologies are being demonstrated in many different areas of human and animal health, along with environmental management, conservation, and human identification. MicroGEM’s vision—to democratize molecular biology through the integration of sample preparation with advanced microfluidics—is successfully bringing together rapid extraction processes with cutting-edge technologies. “Using our devices, anyone, whether they are a researcher or a layman, can carry out molecular assays anywhere; in the field or laboratory,” concludes Blake.

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