Norgen Biotek Corp., an innovative Canadian biotechnology company focusing principally on advancing powerful tools for nucleic acid and protein purification, today announced the expansion of its nucleic acid line of products by launching four new kits: Urine DNA Isolation Kit, Low-Copy Plasmid MiniPrep Kit, BAC DNA MiniPrep Kit, and Bacterial Genomic DNA Isolation Kit. Norgen now offers nearly two dozen kits for genomics and proteomics research applications. 
In particular, the Urine DNA Isolation Kit provides a fast, reliable and simple procedure for isolating DNA from urine. The kit is designed for the rapid processing of small volumes of urine, yet is sensitive enough to yield sufficient DNA for PCR amplifications. PCR amplification of urine DNA can be used in genetic analysis including genotyping based on the detection of short tandem repeats (STRs), and the detection of biomarkers characterized by single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In a demonstration of the kit’s performance, a urine sample was identified as originating from a male donor by PCR detection of a Y-chromosome specific sequence using as little as 25 microliters of urine. 

“Our mission is to bring to market innovative products that are useful to researchers in the fields of cancer, metabolic disorders and infectious diseases. We are pleased to offer our Urine DNA Isolation Kit as an alternative to the current lengthy purification procedures,” said Dr. Yousef Haj-Ahmad, President & CEO of Norgen Biotek.