Random mutagenesis is a powerful tool for life science research. AquaMutant can chemically modify nucleobases in vitro and in vivo. By treating biological samples, such as DNA, bacteria, and eukaryotic cells researchers can create mutant libraries. Random mutagenesis is widely used for analyzing wild-type protein function and creating proteins with new or improved functions (e.g., directed protein evolution).

Similar to error-prone PCR-based random mutagenesis, AquaMutant may be used to introduce random mutations limited to defined DNA sequence (e.g., a gene of interest) by treating a corresponding PCR product or restriction fragment in vitro. The treated DNA fragment, with or without further PCR amplification, may subsequently be ligated into a plasmid vector for expression.

However, unlike error-prone PCR-based random mutagenesis, AquaMutant also may be used to introduce random mutations in live cells or model organisms. Such in vivo random mutagenesis has many advantages: it is simple to carry out; it does not require prior genetic knowledge to study a phenotype; it can mutate multiple related genes concurrently and overcome the limitation of in vitro random mutagenesis where the mutation or knockout of a single gene may be compensated by other genes; and it is particularly suited for direct evolution to create mutants with desired properties by multiple rounds of mutation-selection.

Mutant libraries created by applying AquaMutant are useful tools in life science research to investigate biological processes and disease mechanisms, screen for enzymes and antibodies with improved properties, and use directed evolution to generate mutants with desired functionalities and phenotypes.

MoBiTec GmbH (Goettingen, Germany) is a privately held company (founded in 1987) that offers research tools for molecular and cell biology. Products include two- & one-hybrid systems for in vivo detection of molecular interactions, genomic libraries, DNA vectors for cloning and expression, kits for expression and purification of recombinant proteins, cell transfection reagents and cell culture tools, immobilized and soluble enzymes, products for genomics and proteomics research, numerous antibodies and recombinant proteins, superior fluorescence reagents and kits, affinity chromatography products as well as general laboratory equipment. In parallel to its own product lines, MoBiTec distributes products from international companies in Germany. MoBiTec products are distributed worldwide, in Germany from their home office, in other countries by distributors.

MoBiTec GmbH

Arne Schulz

Lotzestr. 22a

37083 Göttingen, Germany