Forensic Scientists at Kansas City Crime Lab Release Validation Report Confirming Zygem’s forensicGEM(R) Kit is a Reliable, Rapid Method for Extracting DNA From Saliva

SOLANA BEACH, Calif. and HAMILTON, New Zealand — ZyGEM Corp. Ltd., a provider of innovative enzyme-based products for DNA extraction and other life sciences applications, today announced the availability of a new application note documenting that its forensicGEM(®) Saliva DNA extraction kit is capable of producing high yields of high-quality, ready-to-analyze DNA from buccal swab samples compatible with high-throughput PCR processing. This capability addresses an important unmet need–it allows quick and reliable forensic DNA extraction that requires minimal handling. The forensicGEM(®) Saliva kit uses a single closed-tube system that reduces extraction time and cost while protecting the sample from contamination. The kit is designed for high-throughput processing either manually or it can be easily adapted for automation with most off-the-shelf systems.

“The data in this forensicGEM(®) Saliva application note generated by experienced crime lab scientists provide important validation of the utility of our forensicGEM(®) kits for forensic applications,” said Paul Kinnon, CEO of ZyGEM. “The data show that the kits easily and rapidly extract DNA from buccal swab samples in a single-step process, in contrast to other methods that often require multiple steps that increase the time and cost of extraction while raising the risk of contamination. The speed, ease-of-use and ease-of-automation afforded by our forensicGEM(®) Saliva kit allows for rapid preparation of DNA for forensic profiling without significant investment of time or hardware. We believe these important advantages make the forensicGEM(®) Saliva kit especially valuable for both forensic casework and high volume DNA profiling.”

In the application note, forensic scientists at the Crime Laboratory of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department describe their experience using ZyGEM’s forensicGEM(®) Saliva kit to extract DNA for forensic analysis from 20 saliva samples with known profiles that were collected on buccal swabs. After performing the extractions, they examined the quantity of extracted DNA to ensure a sufficient amount was obtained and then assessed the quality of amplification and genetic profile of each sample. Results showed that in just 20 minutes, forensicGEM(®) Saliva’s single closed-tube process efficiently extracted sufficient amounts of high-quality DNA for PCR amplification. Results also showed that the forensicGEM(®) Saliva kit does not cause sample degradation, contamination, inhibition or other problems that could affect amplification or subsequent analysis.

The forensicGEM(®) Saliva kit is compatible with all PCR detection and amplification reagents. The stability of the forensicGEM(®) reagents allows convenient storage of the kit at 4 degrees Celsius, reducing preparation time and increasing ease of use.

ZyGEM offers a growing number of application notes for its forensicGEM(®),prepGEM(®)and livestockGEM(®) families of kits. ZyGEM application notes can be accessed at www.zygem.com/Products/Products-Pubs.html.

ZyGEM’s proprietary technology uses a thermophilic enzyme to extract DNA from samples using a single closed-tube system. ZyGEM’s approach significantly reduces the time and cost of DNA extractions while simplifying laboratory workflow, minimizing error, reducing the risk of contamination, ensuring sample integrity and facilitating extractions from trace samples. It is easily adaptable for use with virtually all off-the-shelf laboratory automation systems. The technology can be specifically formulated for use with a wide range of different sample types without the need for further purification. ZyGEM’s technology has been validated for use in highly regulated applications, including forensic analysis. For more information on ZyGEM’s families of DNA extraction kits, visit www.zygem.com/Products/Products-Ovw.html or email [email protected].

About ZyGEM’s forensicGEM(®) Kits

forensicGEM(®)kits have been formulated for high-throughput DNA extraction from crime scene and other sample sources, providing PCR-ready, forensic grade DNA for 96 samples in just 20 minutes. The one-tube forensicGEM(®)process is simple to use and easy to automate with current robotic platforms, making it ideal for database testing as well as case work samples. All reagents are rigorously quality controlled to test for efficacy and for the absence of human DNA. forensicGEM(®)kits are validated for forensic analysis.

About ZyGEM Corporation

ZyGEM Corporation Limited is a rapidly growing biotechnology company with a range of innovative enzyme-based products and technologies based on the company’s exclusive collection of microorganisms from extreme environments. ZyGEM’s technology has significant competitive advantages over existing methods and has potential applications in a number of sizeable global markets. ZyGEM currently produces DNA extraction and detection products, molecular biology enzymes and individual enzymes and diagnostics, serving life sciences customers in basic research, forensics, clinical diagnostics and agriculture. ZyGEM has facilities in New Zealand and the U.S.A. For more information, visit www.ZyGEM.com.