Extended Stability of Restriction Enzymes at Ambient Temperatures. (September 2000)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clark, Jason; Harrison, Jennifer C.; Mdegela, Robinson H.; March, John B.
• Is Part Of: Biotechniques. Volume 29:Number 3(2000)
• Page Start: 536
• Page End: 542
• Publication Date: 2000-09
• Subjects: Biology, Experimental -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Biology, Experimental; Medical technology; Molecular biology; Clinical Laboratory Techniques -- Periodicals; Research -- Periodicals; Medical Laboratory Science -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 570
• DOI: 10.2144/00293st06
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0736-6205

Abstract

The stability of restriction enzymes as supplied by manufacturers without any modification has been examined. No reduction in activity was observed for three enzymes ( Hin dIII, Eco RI and Tsp 509I) held at ambient temperature or 4°C for the period of study (12 months), while activity was observed for up to 12 weeks after storage at 37°C, which was considerably better than following desiccation with trehalose, a recognized preservation technique. A larger trial of 23 different restriction enzymes held at room temperature for one week showed that all enzymes retained significant activity. As a practical demonstration of the usefulness of this finding, enzymes were posted to Africa by conventional mail (cost $1 US) and shown to retain activity upon arrival after three weeks in transit (compared to a cost of $1000 US by cold-chain transportation). Supplying enzymes to third-world markets should now be possible by removing the necessity for cold-chain transport. After arrival, enzymes can simply be stored in a standard domestic refrigerator.