Solid Phase Reversible Immobilization (SPRI) is a technique applied in high-performance isolation, purification, and cleanup procedures. The process uses SPRI magnetic beads by selectively binding nucleic acids (involving RNA and DNA) found in all organisms. Researchers discovered SPRI in 1995 at the Whitehouse Institute for the isolation of PCR products. Specifically, the experiment focused on purifying PCR amplified colonies in...

Digitonin (C56H92O29) is a steroidal, monodesmosidic saponin (a toxic chemical with a plant-based origin) derived from the foxglove plant species, Lady’s Glove; Digitalis pupurea. The compound appears as a white or off-white powder under room temperature, and scientists often apply it as a biological detergent due to its capacity to water-solubilize lipids.  The compound naturally occurs as a non-ionic surfactant...

Boric acid (H3BO3), also known as hydrogen borate or boracic acid, is a weak monobasic Lewis acid of boron. Researchers may increase the acidity of boric acid through complexation reactions with polyols like sorbitol or lactitol. The compound has multiple purposes, such as applications for molecular biology in buffer preparations. German chemist Wilhelm Homberg discovered man-made boric acid crystals in...

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus was discovered in China in December 2019. Since then, more than two million people have died from COVID, including over 400,000 in the U.S. alone. COVID-19 rapid testing has become crucial because even in the absence of symptoms, people need to know if they're at risk of spreading the virus. People who test positive via a COVID-19 rapid test...

Cibacron Blue 3GA is a textile dye or ligand frequently used as a medium for affinity chromatography experiments, specifically for the purification of enzymes. The ligand appears as a blue powder under room temperature settings. Scientists and researchers commonly choose the compound for its affordability, ease of immobilization, high resistance against biological and chemical degradation, and high protein-binding capacity of...

Scientists and researchers turn to cloned DNA for various breakthrough studies as they provide multiple genetic copies and DNA segments suitable for wide-scale tests. In vitro mutagenesis is one useful application of cloned DNA, where researchers create a mutation in one segment of the target DNA. The cloned DNA is then transferred into a cell or organism and studied, which provides...

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, used to amplify or “copy” small segments of DNA, is highly sensitive - and that’s a good thing. PCR is a widely used and inexpensive technique used in medical diagnostics, forensic analysis of DNA, and genomic research. Unfortunately, this sensitivity leaves PCR vulnerable to nucleic acid contamination: even trace amounts of DNA can be...

Understanding PMSF PMSF (phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride) is an irreversible serine protease inhibitor used in various research and lab settings. The compound has a white powdery appearance at room temperature, with a melting point between 90-95°C. It functions by inhibiting serine proteases such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, and thrombin, and cysteine proteases like papain. The process involves the deactivation of enzymes that contain...

A trend in modern scientific research over the past decade is using smaller & smaller methods of studying targets, like molecules. Independent, smaller devices, and less expensive methods allow more access for researchers across the board, regardless of their space and budget. One such analytical method is the creation of artificial nanopore sensors for research using nanopore electrochemistry. Capturing reactions...

Amphotericin B for Viral Disease Research Amphotericin B is an antibiotic that has been used for over fifty years as an aggressive and effective antifungal treatment.  It battles serious fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis with ease.  Often called by its brand name, Fungizone, this antibiotic is effective in saving lives and has been relied upon for decades because pathogens have...