Isothermal Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotyping and Direct PCR from Whole Blood Using a Novel Whole-Blood Lysis Buffer

Abstract

Cell lysis and subsequent release of genomic DNA is an ongoing dilemma for molecular biological techniques. In most cases, technologies such as PCR and other amplification techniques require DNA extraction and purification steps. The Smart Amplification Process Version 2 (SmartAmp2) is an isothermal and integrated amplification technology that eliminates the need for time-consuming sample preparation for the rapid detection of nucleic acids, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), mutations, and other targets. In addition, DNA amplification directly from whole blood is beneficial and lessens the risk of cross-contamination. Traditional SmartAmp2 assays entail two steps and require an alkali pretreatment step at 98 degrees C prior to the 60 degrees C run. To make SmartAmp2 truly isothermal and to simplify DNA amplification, we hereby introduce the SmartAmp Isothermal Lysis Buffer (SIL-B), a newly developed chaotropic lysis buffer that enables the simultaneous recovery and denaturation of genomic material directly from whole blood at a uniform 60 degrees C. The improved method for isolating nucleic acids from whole blood is a critical milestone in making SmartAmp2 truly isothermal from start to finish at one temperature, increasing its potential to be routinely used in field point-of-care testing. Furthermore, pretreatment with SIL-B enables the PCR amplification of genomic material directly from whole blood.