FastGene® Gel/PCR Extraction Kit: High-Yield DNA Recovery
The FastGene® Gel/PCR Extraction Kit offers a streamlined, two-in-one solution for the purification of DNA from agarose gels and PCR reactions. Designed for researchers demanding high yields and consistency, this kit addresses the common challenges of DNA loss during purification, particularly with very small or very large fragments. By consolidating gel extraction and PCR clean-up into a single kit, it simplifies laboratory inventory while ensuring samples are ready for sensitive downstream applications such as sequencing, ligation, and transformation.
Utilising advanced silica membrane technology, the FastGene® system uses a selective binding mechanism to separate DNA from contaminants. The optimised buffer system allows DNA to bind efficiently to the spin column matrix while impurities like primers (<25 bp), nucleotides, enzymes, and agarose are washed away. Pure DNA is then eluted in a low-salt buffer (Tris-HCl, pH 8.5) or water. The kit supports a broad fragment size range from 50 bp to 10 kbp and achieves recovery rates up to 90% for PCR products.
Key Benefits:
- High Recovery Rates: Consistently retrieves up to 90% of PCR products and 70-80% of DNA from agarose gels.
- 2-in-1 Versatility: A single, cost-effective kit handles both gel extraction and PCR purification workflows.
- Broad Fragment Range: Efficiently purifies DNA fragments from 50 bp up to 10 kbp, ensuring no loss of valuable genetic material.
- Low Elution Volume: Capable of eluting in as little as 20 µL, resulting in highly concentrated DNA suitable for demanding applications.
- Inclusive Package: Every kit includes complimentary FastGene® Agarose Gel Band Cutters for precision excision and Midori Green Advance DNA Stain for safe visualisation.
Technical Insights
Streamlined Protocol
The FastGene® workflow utilises a simple bind-wash-elute procedure that can be completed in approximately 20 minutes.
Figure 1: High Recovery Efficiency
The FastGene® Gel/PCR Extraction Kit demonstrates superior recovery rates compared to competitor kits. PCR fragments of 300 bp were purified from 40 µL of a PCR stock solution. 5 µL of eluted DNA were analysed on a 1.5% TAE agarose gel, showing up to 90% recovery.
Figure 2: Superior Extraction of Small Fragments
Recovery of small DNA fragments is often challenging, yet FastGene® maintains high yields. 10 µL of a PCR stock solution with a 100 bp amplicon were applied on a TBE agarose gel and purified. Lane 1: Unpurified PCR fragment; Lanes 2-4: Competitor M; Lanes 5-7: FastGene® Gel/PCR Extraction Kit.
Figure 3: Extraction of Large DNA Fragments (>1 kb)
Background: Recovering DNA fragments larger than 1 kb is frequently problematic, often leading to significant sample loss. In this application, the FastGene® kit was used to isolate two DNA bands derived from a restriction digestion of a 6.9 kb plasmid.
Method: The plasmid was digested and analysed via agarose gel electrophoresis (0.7% agarose, 1x TAE buffer). Target fragments were excised, transferred to a 1.5 mL tube, and purified using the FastGene® protocol. 100 ng of the purified DNA was then re-analysed on a gel.
Conclusion: Both fragments demonstrated excellent recovery rates. The results highlight fast preparation, easy handling, and unproblematic performance in downstream applications for large fragments.
Optimised Workflow Accessories
To further enhance your gel purification workflow, we recommend using these complementary products:
| Midori Green Advance DNA Stain
A safe, non-carcinogenic alternative to Ethidium Bromide that provides high sensitivity for visualizing DNA bands.
|
FastGene® Gel Band Cutters
Disposable tools designed to easily excise DNA bands from agarose gels, reducing gel damage and sample contamination.
|
Specifications
- Technology: Silica membrane spin column
- Binding Capacity: 10 µg
- Typical Recovery: 70-80% (Gel Extraction), 80-90% (PCR Clean-up)
- Fragment Size Range: 50 bp – 10 kbp
- Minimum Elution Volume: 20 µL
- Max Sample Volume: 300 mg (Gel) or 100 µL (PCR)
- Processing Time: ~20 minutes
- Primer Removal: Effectively removes primers < 25 bp
- Storage: Room temperature (15-25°C)