The collaboration aims to develop simplified sample processing solutions for biothreat agents.
Both the organizations will develop new solutions for efficient extraction of DNA and other nucleic acids for the detection of biothreat agents and other pathogens from a variety of sample matrices, including buffer, serum, whole blood and swabs.
The CRADA effort is believed to leverage Zygem’s proprietary technology for the extraction of DNA and other nucleic acids from diverse samples using thermophilic enzymes produced by extremophile organisms.
Zygem’s enzyme technologies will be evaluated and optimized to provide sample processing capabilities for the detection of a variety of biothreat agents and for use in challenging environments.
ZyGEM currently markets products based on a similar approach.