In molecular diagnostics, nucleic acid extraction is the foundation of reliable results. Among all critical reagents, Proteinase K plays a central role in ensuring efficient and intact DNA recovery.
Proteinase K, a robust serine protease derived from Candida species, is widely used to digest proteins and release nucleic acids from complex biological samples. By breaking down histones and other structural proteins, it enables gentle yet effective DNA extraction—avoiding the damage often caused by harsh physical disruption.
The Hidden Challenge: Background Contamination
In pathogen detection workflows, especially those involving clinical samples, contamination can significantly impact accuracy.
Residual host DNA, nucleases, or microbial background from reagents—particularly Proteinase K—can:
- Interfere with downstream qPCR or NGS analysis
- Reduce sensitivity in low-abundance pathogen detection
- Lead to false positives or inconsistent results
This makes low-residue, high-purity Proteinase K essential for modern molecular diagnostics.
Yeasen Low-DNA Proteinase K Solution (Cat#10410)
Yeasen has developed a next-generation Proteinase K solution with stringent quality control across raw materials, production processes, and environmental conditions—ensuring ultra-low contamination levels.
Key Features
- Ultra-low microbial background – minimizes interference in pathogen detection
- Low nuclease contamination – protects DNA integrity
- High specific activity – improved digestion efficiency
- Broad pH tolerance (7.0–12.0) – flexible across workflows
- Stable enzyme activity at room temperature
Performance Highlights
1. Stability
Maintains >90% relative activity after 1 year at 25°C
Figure 1. Stability at 25°C
2. Optimal Conditions
Peak activity at 65°C (pH 8.0)
Active across a wide pH range (7.0–12.0)
Figure 2. Optimal temperature Range
Figure 3. Optimal pH Range
3. Background Contamination Testing
Applied in nucleic acid extraction across 6 sample types. Followed by NGS library prep and sequencing 45 common clinical pathogens showed extremely low detection signals, confirming minimal background interference
Figure 4. Background DNA Residue Assessment
NGS analysis demonstrates extremely low background microbial signals across 45 common pathogens, confirming minimal DNA contamination.
4. Superior Purity & Activity
Highest specific activity (984 U/mL) among tested products
Minimal DNase/RNase contamination, ensuring DNA integrity
|
Supplier |
Specific Activity (U/mL) |
DNase Status |
RNase Status |
Nickase Status |
|
Supplier A |
820 |
Pass (ND*) |
Pass (ND*) |
Not Detected |
|
Supplier B |
738 |
Pass (ND*) |
Slight Contamination |
Slight Contamination |
|
Supplier C |
918 |
Pass (ND*) |
Slight Contamination |
Severe Contamination |
|
Supplier D |
768 |
Pass (ND*) |
Pass (ND*) |
Trace Level |
|
Supplier E |
924 |
Pass (ND*) |
Pass (ND*) |
Trace Level |
|
Supplier F |
632 |
Pass (ND*) |
Slight Contamination |
Severe Contamination |
|
Yeasen-10410ES |
984 |
Pass (ND*) |
Pass (ND*) |
Trace Level |