LGC Genomics and Covaris, Inc. Announce FFPE DNA Extraction Partnership

WOBURN, Mass., June 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- LGC Genomics and Covaris, Inc. announced they are partnering to develop an innovative solution for the high-throughput extraction of Nucleic Acids from Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) tissue samples.

Covaris recently introduced a kit for high-yield DNA extraction from FFPE tissue samples.  Covaris' patented Adaptive Focused Acoustic™ (AFA) Technology is used to emulsify and separate the paraffin, while simultaneously re-hydrating the tissue sample in an aqueous solution within a few minutes.  Covaris Focused-ultrasonicators enable the purely mechanical processing of the samples, eliminating the need for organic solvents in the extraction process.  DNA is efficiently extracted from FFPE samples with greater yield when compared to other commercially available solutions.  It results in a simplified workflow, which improves reproducibility, reduces hands on time, and ensures the seamless integration with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and other analytical applications.

LGC Genomics has a long standing expertise in providing DNA extraction solutions, including a range of extraction technologies and the development of kits and systems optimized for specific applications.  LGC Genomics' current product offerings include, sbeadex® magnetic microparticles and Kleargene spin plates for automated extraction of high quality DNA.

Building on the strengths of both companies, LGC Genomics and Covaris will integrate LGC Genomics' DNA purification solution with Covaris FFPE extraction workflow.  This collaboration will offer a complete solution, from FFPE tissue to high quality DNA, suitable for high throughput applications with the ability to process thousands of FFPE samples per week.

FFPE is a widely used method for archiving tissue specimens; especially clinical samples.  These archived samples are a rich resource for studying gene variations or gene expression profile changes, and have the promise of empowering advancements to clinical diagnostics and personalized medicine.  However, extraction of DNA or RNA from FFPE tissue has traditionally been a challenge as it requires removing the paraffin, rehydrating the sample, and reversing the formaldehyde cross-links - resulting in low yields and poor quality of nucleic acid samples.  Additionally, the traditional extraction processes require the use of hazardous or difficult-to-handle solvents causing barriers to automation and higher throughput processing.  Covaris CEO, Jim Laugharn, commented, "This collaboration will provide a solution to overcome traditional short-comings and barriers.  We will improve the extraction workflow and provide higher quality samples and higher quality results in a high throughput environment."  Giulio Cerroni, LGC Genomics Managing Director added, "We are delighted to be working with Covaris to develop this application together.  Linking our Sbeadex and Kleargene technologies with the Covaris technology will provide our customers in both pathology and research laboratories with a complete solution that will enable them to process FFPE samples significantly more efficiently, whilst also providing high yields, reproducibly."  

SOURCE Covaris, Inc.