Hair mtDNA isolation kit
Product Overview:
Over the past several decades, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has become an important tool in forensic analysis. Even a few hairs left at a crime scene contain enough mtDNA for extraction. Unlike the hair root, the hair shaft does not contain nuclear DNA but does contain abundant mtDNA. While nuclear DNA exists in only two copies per cell, mtDNA is present in hundreds to thousands of copies, making it much easier to recover.
Because mtDNA is maternally inherited, all maternal relatives share the same profile, meaning a single family member can often provide a reference sample for comparison with crime scene evidence.
The Hair Mitochondrial DNA Isolation Kit provides a fast, reliable, and simple procedure for extracting mtDNA from hair shafts. The method is based on spin column chromatography, which allows DNA to be purified away from proteins and other cellular components. The resulting DNA is compatible with all downstream applications, including PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Yields vary depending on the input amount of hair used.
Purification Technology:
The kit employs spin column chromatography for selective DNA binding and purification. The process is straightforward and efficient:
- Hair shafts are incubated with DTT, Proteinase K, and lysis additives at 55 °C for 30 minutes.
- Undigested material is removed by centrifugation.
- The supernatant is mixed with isopropanol and lysis buffer, then applied to a DNA-binding spin column.
- Proteins and contaminants are washed away, while DNA binds to the column.
- Purified mitochondrial DNA (and genomic DNA, if roots are included) is eluted and ready for downstream analysis.
Key Features:
- Optimized for mtDNA isolation from hair shafts
- Recovers mtDNA even from rootless hair
- Produces DNA suitable for PCR, sequencing, and forensic profiling
- Reliable spin column purification no phenol or chloroform
- Typical preparation time under one hour
Applications:
- Forensic casework and crime scene investigation
- Maternal lineage testing
- Mitochondrial genome sequencing
- PCR-based assays and NGS