QIAGEN's new QIAsafe DNA blood products launched

Biomatrica, Inc. and QIAGEN announce the launch of QIAGEN's new QIAsafe DNA Blood Products, the first dry blood storage available on a matrix based on Biomatrica's innovative SampleMatrix(R) technology.

The QIAsafe DNA Blood Products add to QIAGEN's portfolio of solutions for the biological sample management chain. Biomatrica's SampleMatrix technology significantly simplifies transport and storage of blood samples at room temperature by forming protective seals around DNA.

"With the increasing energy and environmental cost associated with cold storage of biological samples, it is critical for biobanks, research institutions and biotechnology companies to identify alternative storage solutions," said Judy Muller-Cohn, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Biomatrica. "The SampleMatrix technology employed in the QIAsafe DNA Blood Tubes and Plates allow for safe, long term preservation of DNA in blood samples at room temperature. Recovery of the sample is by simple hydration, followed by purification of DNA for use in downstream applications."

The current standard for storage of biological samples is either at minus 20 degrees C or minus 80 degrees C. It is costly for biobanks to not only keep these samples cold, but also to house the refrigerators and freezers in their laboratories. New methods are being sought to allow storage at room temperature, thus reducing costs as well as being environmentally friendly, but also maintaining high integrity and yield of DNA. QIAGEN launched QIAsafe DNA Blood to provide easy transport and storage of whole blood at room temperature and high yield of DNA extracted from the sample.

"This is a unique product for researchers in molecular diagnostics, biomedical research and Pharma that rely on biobanking," said Marie McCluskey, global product manager at QIAGEN. "Traditional room temperature storage of blood samples via paper methods can result in relatively low yields of DNA. The QIAsafe DNA Blood products allow for storage of blood samples on a matrix, which results in significantly higher yields when compared to conventional long-term room temperature storage methods."

QIAsafe DNA Blood is the result of an established strategic partnership between the two companies entered into in May 2007. The agreement provides QIAGEN with the rights to marketing and distribution of QIAsafe DNA and QIAsafe DNA Blood products manufactured by Biomatrica using the SampleMatrix room temperature DNA storage technology.

SampleMatrix is based on extremophile biology in which organisms are able to survive long-term in a state of anhydrobiosis (life without water) and later be revived by rehydration. Extremophiles such as tardigrades, also known as water bears, and brine shrimp are able to protect their DNA, RNA, proteins, membranes and cellular systems in a dried state for extended periods of time. Biomatrica's technology mimics the natural molecular mechanisms used by these organisms. The technology works by forming a thermo-stable barrier during the drying process to protect samples from degradation during storage at room temperature.

Source: http://www.biomatrica.com