Micro IR Vacuum Concentrator increases yields in DNA analysis

By Jenny Sprung, Senior Application Specialist

On October 06, 2011 in Articles

Getting DNA samples ready for analysis can be the most time consuming and critical step for DNA technicians in the Forensic lab. Often in order to produce reliable results, the yield of the DNA needs to be increased. If low yields are a problem, a Micro IR concentrator can very easily help you increase the yields in one easy step.

Many DNA extraction kits or techniques have sample volume limitations. To get your DNA samples ready for these applications, large sample volumes can be reduced or concentrated in the micro IR effectively without the addition of excessive heat or without introducing inert gases over the samples.

The CentriVap micro IR spins samples at a relatively low rpm that applies centrifugal force to contain samples in the tubes while a vacuum is being applied to the chamber increasing evaporation rates.

Ethanol precipitation is a commonly used technique for concentrating and de-salting DNA preparations in aqueous solutions. In order to increase yields when doing an ethanol precipitation, a final ethanol rinse is recommended followed by drying the DNA pellet in a centrifugal concentrator.

The convenient strobe light that is included with the CentriVap micro IR saves time and frustration by making it possible to view the samples and determine sample dryness while they are still spinning and under vacuum. Without the strobe light, the end user would need to check for sample dryness by stopping the concentrator, releasing the vacuum, checking the samples and then restarting the concentrator and vacuum if the samples are not yet dry. With the strobe light, sample dryness can be determined with a quick view. Labconco’s new CentriVap micro IR is an all-in-one evaporator that includes the concentrator, pump, rotor and strobe light.

Even though it is compact and small, it is able to accommodate 24 samples within the same run, to help you keep up with your lab’s backlog. The micro IR is so small that it can be stored when not in use freeing up valuable bench space, or, be carried from one location to another. 

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“DNA Sequencing Troubleshooting Guide” Office of Biotechnology, Iowa State University, May 10, 2007