NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation will use Biomatrica’s SampleMatrix room-temperature storage technology instead of ultra-low temperature freezers to archive its newly collected DNA samples, Biomatrica said yesterday.
SMGF is using pedigree information and DNA samples to develop a genetic family tree. So far it has collected more than 100,000 samples along with corresponding genealogy charts from more than 170 countries.
SampleMatrix forms a thermo-stable barrier around a sample to protect it from degradation during storage at room temperature, Biomatrica said. It functions by mimicking the natural molecular mechanism used by extremophile organisms, such as tardigrades and brine shrimp, which can protect their DNA, RNA, proteins, membranes, and cellular systems and remain in a dried state for extended periods.
"SMGF has an extremely valuable collection of DNAs, and we have been very concerned about the long-term storage and preservation of the collection," Scott Woodward, SMGF executive director, said in a statement.
Financial terms of the agreement were not released.