Compositions and method for storage of nucleic acid from bodily fluids

Abstract

The present invention provides an aqueous composition comprising SDS, Cyclohexanediamine tetraacetate, Tris-HCl and proteinase K for the extraction of nucleic acid from a sample of bodily fluid, such a saliva, wherein the extracted nucleic acid is stable for at least fourteen days at room temperature The composition permits direct use of the extracted and stored DNA in an amplification reaction without further processing.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The field of the invention generally relates to compositions and methods for isolation and storage of nucleic acids from bodily fluids, such as saliva, for detection of nucleotide sequences. More specifically, the invention relates to compositions and methods that do not require a separate step for extraction of nucleic acids prior to use in nucleic acid amplification reactions.BACKGROUND[0002]Molecular-based techniques involving the amplification of nucleic acids are increasingly being used in forensics, law enforcement, the military, human medicine, veterinary medicine, and research. In forensic, military and mass disaster situations, for example, DNA samples are now routinely taken from living persons thought to be relatives of unidentified victims of accident or foul play, to aid in identification of the dead. Military personnel or other individuals who expect to encounter hazardous situations where their lives may be at risk may wish to store DNA sam...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, a limitation of PCR is that DNA source materials typically contain a variety of inhibitors, such as pigments, proteins, saccharides and / or other impurities that interfere with the amplification reaction.

However, purification procedures often involve multiple steps that can be time-consuming and expensive.

However, the use of blood as a source of DNA has many disadvantages.

Furthermore, it is an invasive procedure, which frequently causes a degree of distress and pain to the donor.

However, a finger prick is still an invasive procedure and haeme derived from haemoglobin in red blood cells can inhibit some types of DNA analysis.

Once collected, the time that useable DNA can be recovered is relatively short.

Forensic use is typically limited to victim or suspect identification, using the small amounts of DNA from saliva that may recovered at a crime scene or from the back of a postage stamp.

Estimates of the quantity of DNA recovered were based upon light absorption at 260 nm, a procedure known to be an unreliable method since other common biological macromolecules, such as RNA, have essentially the same ultraviolet light absorption spectrum.

The authors commented that the amount of DNA available for amplification in crude saliva may not account for all of the DNA present in saliva samples, where a quantity of the total DNA may still reside within buccal cells or be too degraded to permit target amplification.

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