Frequently asked questions about GenTegra™
What is GenTegra™? Is GenTegra™ composed of a filter, beads or paper?
GenTegra™ is not a filter, beads or paper. GenTegra™ is an inert chemical matrix.
The tubes in my GenTegra™ DNA Tubes kit appear to be empty. Where is the GenTegra™ matrix and how can I detect it?
The GenTegra™ matrix is supplied as a transparent coating at the bottom of each GenTegra™ DNA Tube. To confirm that the kit you received contains the GenTegra™ matrix, simply rehydrate one tube with 20µl of Hydration Solution and take an absorbance reading at 230nm to detect the GenTegra matrix.
Can samples stored in low-EDTA TE, water or other buffers be applied to GenTegra™ DNA Tubes?
Yes, water, Qiagen Buffer AE, TE pH 7.5 and pH 8.0 (10mM Tris and 1mM EDTA), and low-EDTA TE pH 8.0 (10mM Tris and 0.1mM EDTA) are all compatible with GenTegra™ DNA Tubes.
What is the maximum concentration of DNA that can be applied to GenTegra™ DNA Tubes?
There is no maximum concentration. However, a maximum mass of 5µg of DNA may be applied. When applying less than 20µl of DNA, add water to a final volume of 20µl to ensure complete mixing of the DNA with the GenTegra™ matrix.
Are there any alternative methods of drying the samples, other than the FastDryer?
The FastDryer is recommended for drying samples. However, you may also use a SpeedVac or leave the tubes open in a biosafety hood. If alternate methods are used, you will need to determine the optimal drying time.
Why is there a minimum recovery volume of 50µl when concentrating DNA?
A 50µl volume is required to rehydrate DNA from all surfaces of the tube during the vortexing step, ensuring complete recovery.
Why is there a maximum recovery concentration of 200ng/µl when recovering or concentrating DNA?
Maximum solubility of DNA in water is achieved when the concentration does not exceed 200ng/µl.
What is the composition of the storage solution after recovery?
After addition of Hydration Solution, your samples will be in the same buffer they were stored in at the time of application.
Will the GenTegra™ matrix affect my DNA quantitation? Do I need to blank the spectrophotometer with the GenTegra™ matrix?
The GenTegra™ matrix absorbs at 230 nm. Thus, it will not interfere with readings at A260 or A280 and blanking with the GenTegra™ matrix is not required.
How should I store my recovered DNA?
We recommend storing recovered DNA at 4°C for short-term use and -20°C for long-term storage. Do not store recovered DNA at ambient temperature.
Can I use the recovered DNA directly for downstream applications?
Purification is not required prior to performing downstream applications. Similar DNA quality is maintained before and after recovery. GenTegra™ DNA does not remove nucleases or other contaminants present in the original sample. When concentrating DNA, please be aware that contaminants will be concentrated along with the DNA.
Can I remove an aliquot of recovered DNA and “redry” the sample?
Yes, if you rehydrated your sample in 20µl, simply rehydrate an unused GenTegra™ DNA Tube in 20µl of hydration solution and add the rehydrated GenTegra™ matrix to your sample to bring the volume up to 20µl. Dry the sample according to the protocol in the GenTegra™ DNA user manual. This ensures that the sample retains the optimal concentration of GenTegra™ matrix. If you rehydrated your sample in a volume other than 20 µl, rehydrate the unused GenTegra™ DNA Tube in the same volume. For best results, redry the sample and discard the rehydrated GenTegra™ matrix within 24 hr of recovery.