Time-Saving PCR Buffer Eliminates Post-Amplification Steps

A unique ploymerase chain reaction (PCR) buffer has been developed that enables samples to be loaded directly onto an agarose gel after thermal cycling, thus reducing the number of pipetting and reagent-handling steps in PCR testing protocols.

Called ReddyMix PCR Buffer, the product was developed by Thermo Fisher Scientific (Epsom, UK), and is specially formulated with a red tracker dye and precipitant in the reaction buffer. Utilization of mixes containing this buffer allows laboratories to avoid having to buy and utilize separate loading dyes when loading PCR products on to agarose gels for electrophoresis and subsequent visualization, thus saving both time and money.

The red dye in ReddyMix migrates between bromophenol blue and xylene cyanol at approximately 300 bp, depending on the agarose concentration. Since the additives are contained in the reaction buffer rather than in the enzyme preparation, the red dye and precipitant are present at optimal concentrations in the final mix. This contrasts favorably with products that contain dye and precipitant in the enzyme formulation, as these tend to sink slowly and erratically into test plate wells, producing dye fronts that are hard to see.

By reducing pipetting and reagent-handling steps in the PCR process, use of ReddyMix reduces contamination risks and enhances testing reproducibility. This means that standard tests can be set up for purposes such as screening or teaching, enabling users to be confident that results will be consistent every time.

ReddyMix has no adverse effect on the outcome of PCR, and yields are exactly the same as would be achieved with standard polymerase products. Use of the product does not interfere with downstream applications.


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