Molecular Biology, its Clinical Applications, and NATtrol™ Products Range

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Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that transfers genetic information in humans and almost all other organisms. Its formulation allows the transfer of genes to an organism’s descendants. Scientists can research and manipulate organisms at a molecular level using DNA.

Therefore, the molecular biology approach and applications are at the leading edge for advanced scientific research. Its usage during the COVID-19 pandemic has shown positive results.

What is molecular biology?

Molecular biology is defined as the study of living organisms at a molecular level. These molecules are responsible for controlling them and making them up. Traditional biology focuses on studying living organisms and their behaviour within the surroundings (a “top-down” approach).

Molecular biology understands the living body by analysing the elements that build them (a “bottom-up” method). Although advanced technology permits scientists to carry on more research in molecular biology, both techniques are significant.

Molecular biology is the study of the chemistry of molecules associated with living organisms. It is considered as a functional branch of biochemistry. The nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and proteins are specifically essential in molecular biology. These components are built using the genetic information contained in the molecules.

Biomolecules, namely lipids and carbohydrates, can also be considered to study their interaction with proteins and nucleic acids. Cell biology is dissimilar to the field of molecular biology. It majorly includes cellular structures (organelles), molecular pathways inside cells, and cell life cycles.

Molecular Diagnostics

Molecular biology concentrates on detecting RNA or DNA fragments for a specific cell, virus, bacterium, or protein. The three significant steps included in molecular diagnostics are

• Extraction of genetic material (nucleic acids) from the patient sample

• Amplification of genetic sequences

• Detection of similar genetic sequences

Clinical applications of Molecular Biology

Molecular biology tests are carried out on clinical samples, and results are collected within a short time. Its uses include:

• Detection of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and yeast)

• Instructing and personalising treatment decisions, Example – treatment for cancer patients

• Demonstrating how human cells react to an infectious disease

• Identification of antibiotic resistance mechanisms

• Determining the quantity of virus present in the blood, Example – HIV

• Keeping track of the effectiveness of treatment

Molecular biology techniques have renewed many traditional methods in the virology laboratory. Moreover, the molecular techniques offer an inexpensive and quick analysis of aetiology and susceptibility.

NATtrol™ products

NATtrol™ products are ready to use, and have several important features, including the following:

· Liquid format, refrigerator stable

· Purified, intact organisms

· Open systems can be used across many molecular platforms

· Full process controls to monitor extraction and amplification process

· Available in single analyte or multiplex format

· Traceable to available WHO standards

SARS-CoV2:

N Gene Recombinant:

SKU: 0831042

CT Range: 22-25

NATtrol™ SARS-CoV2 (recombinant) is a filtered product. The whole bacterial cells consist of synthetic SARS-CoV2 N gene sequence. The cells are formulated with chemical modifications for providing them non-infectious and refrigerator stability. Each vial consists of 1.0 mL of NATtrol™ SARS-CoV2 (recombinant) in a purified protein matrix.

E/ORF1ab Recombinant:

SKU: 0831043

CT Range: 22-25

NATtrol™ SARS-CoV2 (E/ORF1ab recombinant) is a filtered product. The whole bacterial cells consist of synthetic SARS-CoV2 sequence. The cells are formulated with chemical modifications for providing them non-infectious and refrigerator stability. Each vial consists of 1.0 mL of NATtrol™ SARS-CoV2 (E/ORF1ab recombinant) present in a purified protein matrix.

SARS-Related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) External Run Controls:

NATSARS(CoV2) and SARS-Related Coronavirus 2 (SARS(CoV2) Negative Control:

SKU: NATSARS(CoV2)-ERC and NATSARS(CoV2)-NEG

NATtrol™ SARS-CoV2 External Run Controls are developed using purified, human A549 cells (Negative control) and intact viral particles (Positive control). The cells are formulated with chemical modifications for providing them non-infectious and refrigerator stability. Each control pack consists of 6 x 0.5 mL of NATtrol™ SARS-CoV2 or A549 cells. These controls are present in a proprietary matrix.

NATSARS(CoV2)-ERC has a target concentration of 50,000 cp/ml*

· Based on in-house RT-PCR assay targeting the N gene region.

SARS-Related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) Stock:

SKU: NATSARS(CoV2)-ST

NATtrol™ SARS-CoV2 Stock is developed using purified and whole virus particles. The cells are formulated with chemical modifications for providing them non-infectious and refrigerator stability. Each vial consists of 1.0 mL of NATtrol™ SARS-CoV2 present in a proprietary matrix.

Other Coronavirus Controls:

Coronavirus 229E Stock (Qualitative) (1 mL):

SKU: NATCoV(229E)-ST

Strain: 229E

CT Range: 22-25

NATtrol™ Coronavirus 229E (NATCoV(229E)-ST) is a filtered product. The virus particles are formulated with purified intact and chemical modifications to provide non-infectious and refrigerator stability. Each vial consists of 1.0 mL of Coronavirus NATtrol™. NATCoV(229E)-ST is made available in a purified protein matrix simulating a real clinical sample structure.

Coronavirus NL63 Stock (Qualitative) (1 mL):

SKU: NATCoV(NL63)-ST

Strain: NL63

CT Range: 22-25

NATtrol™ Coronavirus NL63 (NATCoV(NL63)-ST) is a filtered product. The whole virus particles are formulated with chemical modifications to provide non-infectious and refrigerator stability. Each vial consists of 1.0 mL of Coronavirus NATtrol™. NATCV(NL63)-ST is made available in a purified protein matrix simulating a real clinical sample structure.

Coronavirus OC43 Stock (Qualitative) (1 mL):

SKU: NATCoV(OC43)-ST

Strain: OC43

CT Range: 22-25

NATtrol™ Coronavirus OC43 Stock (NATCoV(OC43)-ST) is a filtered product. The whole virus particles are formulated with chemical modifications to provide non-infectious and refrigerator stability. Each vial consists of 1.0 mL of Coronavirus NATtrol™. NATCoV(OC43)-ST is made available in a purified protein matrix simulating a real clinical sample structure.

NATtrol™ controls are available in a quantitative and qualitative format and are an open system, for use across various molecular platforms. There is also a wide range of controls and panel that have been developed in collaboration with specific platform manufacturers. These controls and panels have been developed, tested, and QC released on the specific platforms, and target concentration levels optimised for these systems.

For a full list of these platforms and controls visit our Molecular webpage.