Method for reversible modification of thermostable enzymes

US6183998A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Qiagen GmbH Max-Volmer-Strasse 4 · DE

Inventors

• Igor Ivanov · Markt Indersdorf, DE
• Dirk Löffert · Mülheim an der Ruhr, DE
• Jie Kang · Bonn, DE
• Joachim Ribbe · Düsseldorf, DE
• Kerstin Steinert · Langenfeld, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 31, 1998
• Grant date: Feb 6, 2001
• Expiry date: Oct 31, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12Q1/6848
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for the amplification of a target nucleic acid is disclosed comprising the steps of reacting a nucleic acid with an amplification reaction mixture and a modified thermostable enzyme, wherein said modified thermostable polymerase is prepared by a reaction of a mixture of a thermostable polymerase and a chemical modifying reagent. The chemical modification reagent is an aldehyde, preferably formaldehyde. Essentially complete inactivation of the enzyme at ambient temperatures is achieved, with recovery of enzymatic activity at temperatures above 50.degree. C.