Broad-spectrum DNA and RNA nuclease for removing extracellular nucleic acid contaminants

Overview

Varigen Biosciences produces a broad-spectrum nuclease designed to rapidly degrade extracellular DNA and RNA contaminants from crude biological samples. The enzyme simplifies sample preparation by eliminating the need for specialized equipment or complex workflows. Users simply add a small amount of the nuclease, incubate for under 30 minutes, and then heat-lyse their microbes to release intracellular DNA or RNA for detection. This approach reduces background contamination, improves sensitivity of downstream molecular assays, and streamlines laboratory protocols across a range of research and industrial applications.

Technical specifications

• Broad-spectrum activity: Efficiently degrades both DNA and RNA substrates in crude sample matrices
• Rapid kinetics: Complete nuclease activity achieved in less than 30 minutes of incubation
• Simple workflow: Add, incubate, and heat-lyse; no specialized instruments or extraction columns required
• Current stability profile: The existing enzyme formulation is stable under standard handling conditions
• Future development: Planned mutagenesis to introduce a thermolabile phenotype, enabling easier enzyme denaturation via a simple temperature shift after contaminant digestion

Technology readiness level

The nuclease is currently in use at Varigen Biosciences for purifying recombinant enzymes produced in E. coli, demonstrating functional validation in a real-world bioprocessing context. The product is stable and operational in its current form. Ongoing development aims to enhance thermolability through targeted mutation, which would further improve workflow convenience by allowing users to inactivate the enzyme with a temperature shift rather than additional purification steps.