New England Biolabs Releases the NEBNext Microbiome DNA Enrichment Kit

IPSWICH, Mass., May 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- New England Biolabs (NEB) announces the release of the NEBNext^® Microbiome DNA Enrichment Kit, which uses a novel method to separate microbial DNA from host DNA, thereby reducing the high cost of sequencing microbiome DNA to a more practical level.

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Microbiome samples are commonly dominated by host DNA (up to 99%). This complicates the genetic analyses of these samples, particularly total microbiome DNA sequencing studies. Since only a small percentage of sequencing reads pertain to the microbes of interest, obtaining sufficient sequence coverage of the microbiome DNA can become cost-prohibitive or even technically infeasible.

The NEBNext Microbiome DNA Enrichment Kit utilizes the MBD2-Fc protein, which binds to CpG-methylated DNA (including human genomic DNA) with very high specificity. The MDB2-Fc protein is attached to Protein A-coated magnetic beads, enabling quick and easy removal of the contaminating host DNA in about 30 minutes.  The microbial DNA-enriched sample is then ready to be processed for multiple downstream applications, including next generation sequencing, qPCR and endpoint PCR. 

"Although microbiome whole genome sequencing provides more information than other methods, such as 16S analysis, this method has proven difficult for many samples, due to the presence of contaminating host genomic DNA," says Fiona Stewart, Product Marketing Manager, Next Generation Sequencing at NEB.  "The NEBNext Microbiome DNA Enrichment Kit makes it possible to substantially enrich samples for non-host, microbial DNA, while retaining microbial diversity, thereby improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of downstream analyses."

For more information, visit www.neb.com/microbiome

About New England Biolabs
Established in the mid 1970's, New England Biolabs, Inc. is the industry leader in the discovery and production of enzymes for molecular biology applications and now offers the largest selection of recombinant and native enzymes for genomic research. NEB continues to expand its product offerings into areas related to PCR, gene expression, library preparation for next generation sequencing, cellular analysis, epigenetics and RNA analysis. Additionally, NEB is focused on strengthening alliances that enable new technologies to reach key market sectors. New England Biolabs is a privately held company, headquartered in Ipswich, MA, and has extensive worldwide distribution through a network of exclusive distributors, agents and seven subsidiaries located in Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore and the UK. For more information about New England Biolabs visit www.neb.com.

SOURCE New England Biolabs