Zymo Research

<h2>What Are Zymo Research Buffers?</h2>
Zymo Research buffers are formulation-specific reagents used at defined steps &mdash; lysis, binding, wash, and elution &mdash; in Zymo-Spin column-based purification protocols for DNA, RNA, and bisulfite-converted DNA. Each buffer is optimized for a specific kit family: DNA Wash Buffer concentrate (requires ethanol addition before use) removes salts and contaminants before elution from Zymo-Spin silica columns; DNA Elution Buffer (10 mM Tris, pH 8.5, 0.1 mM EDTA) releases purified DNA from the matrix; RNA Wash Buffer supports RNA extraction kits including Quick-RNA and Direct-zol lines; M-Elution Buffer is designed for eluting bisulfite-converted DNA in EZ DNA Methylation kits. Researchers typically order these separately when a single buffer component runs out before the rest of the kit, or when scaling up a protocol beyond the volume included.
TL;DR: Order Zymo buffers individually to replenish a specific step in your existing Zymo workflow without replacing the full kit.
<h2>How to Choose Zymo Research Buffers</h2>
<h3>Match the buffer to your kit family</h3>
Every Zymo buffer is paired to a specific kit line. DNA Wash Buffer and DNA/RNA Wash Buffer concentrate are used in DNA Clean &amp; Concentrator, Quick-DNA, and Zymoclean Gel DNA Recovery kits. RNA Wash Buffer pairs with Quick-RNA kits. ZymoBIOMICS DNA Wash Buffer 1 and Wash Buffer 2 are specific to the ZymoBIOMICS microbiomics line. Substituting a buffer from a different kit family can compromise yield or purity.
<h3>Confirm ethanol addition requirements before use</h3>
Several Zymo wash buffer concentrates require addition of 96-100% ethanol to the bottle before first use &mdash; the label states the exact volume. DNA Wash Buffer concentrate, DNA/RNA Wash Buffer concentrate, and Urine DNA Wash Buffer concentrate all require this step. Pre-made (non-concentrate) versions such as RNA Wash Buffer are supplied ready to use.
<h3>Select the right volume for your throughput</h3>
Zymo buffers are available in sizes from 6 ml (single-experiment replenishment) up to 500 ml (Buffer P1 Red, for high-volume plasmid prep labs). For labs processing more than 50 samples per week, ordering the largest available size reduces per-sample cost and the frequency of reordering.
<h3>Choose elution buffer chemistry based on downstream application</h3>
DNA Elution Buffer (10 mM Tris pH 8.5, 0.1 mM EDTA) is the standard for most PCR and sequencing applications. For applications sensitive to EDTA &mdash; such as some restriction enzyme digests or direct use with divalent cation-dependent enzymes &mdash; eluting in molecular-grade water or a Tris-only buffer is preferable. M-Elution Buffer is specifically formulated for bisulfite-converted DNA and should not be substituted with standard elution buffer in methylation workflows.
<h3>Verify research-use-only status</h3>
All Zymo Research buffers sold through MBP are for research use only (RUO). They are not cleared for in vitro diagnostic use. For clinical or diagnostic laboratory applications, confirm regulatory status with your institutional compliance officer before use.
<h2>Compare Zymo Buffer Types</h2>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Buffer Type</th>
<th>Primary Application</th>
<th>Kit Family</th>
<th>Format Available</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DNA Wash Buffer (concentrate)</td>
<td>Salt removal before DNA elution</td>
<td>DNA Clean &amp; Concentrator, Quick-DNA</td>
<td>6 ml &ndash; 200 ml</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DNA/RNA Wash Buffer (concentrate)</td>
<td>Salt removal for dual DNA/RNA preps</td>
<td>Quick-DNA/RNA kits</td>
<td>6 ml &ndash; 200 ml</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DNA Elution Buffer (10 mM Tris pH 8.5, 0.1 mM EDTA)</td>
<td>DNA release from silica column</td>
<td>All Zymo DNA purification</td>
<td>16 ml &ndash; available sizes vary</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RNA Wash Buffer</td>
<td>RNA purification wash step</td>
<td>Quick-RNA kits</td>
<td>Ready-to-use</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>M-Elution Buffer</td>
<td>Elution of bisulfite-converted DNA</td>
<td>EZ DNA Methylation kit families</td>
<td>Small volume</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ZymoBIOMICS DNA Wash Buffer 2</td>
<td>Metagenomic/microbiomic DNA cleanup</td>
<td>ZymoBIOMICS DNA kits</td>
<td>Sold separately</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Buffer P1 Red</td>
<td>Alkaline lysis resuspension (plasmid prep)</td>
<td>Zyppy Plasmid Miniprep</td>
<td>10 ml &ndash; 500 ml</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
Zymo wash buffer concentrates are supplied at a defined fold-concentration (commonly 4x or 6x) and require ethanol addition to reach working strength &mdash; the exact ratio is printed on the bottle and in the kit protocol. Elution buffer volumes for Zymo-Spin columns typically range from 6 to 100 &micro;l per elution; larger elution volumes improve total yield at the cost of DNA concentration. For DNA elution from Zymo-Spin columns, the protocol recommends a minimum 1-minute contact time between elution buffer and the silica matrix to maximize recovery of fragments 10 kb and above. As of 2025, Zymo Research tests all buffer lots for performance consistency, with integrity guaranteed for up to one year from purchase date.
Browse the full <a href="https://www.notion.so/reagents">Zymo Research reagents collection at MBP</a> for kits and columns that use these buffers, or visit our <a href="https://www.notion.so/reagents/buffers">reagent buffers category</a> for non-Zymo buffer options including ABM and other brands. For volume orders or purchase orders, use the <a href="https://www.notion.so/quickorder">Quick Order</a> tool or <a href="https://www.notion.so/contact-us">contact us</a> directly &mdash; MBP is a registered vendor for institutional procurement systems.
Last updated: June 2025
&nbsp;

Zymo Buffers

MSDS

ZymoBIOMICS™ MagWash 1 (100 ml)

D4302-3-100 by Zymo Research is ZymoBIOMICS™ MagWash 1, a certified low-bioburden washing reagent supplied in 100 ml for use as the first wash step in ZymoBIOMICS DNA MagBead Kit (D4308) protocols. Its low-bioburden certification minimizes background microbial contamination in low-abundance microbiome samples.

Manufacturer

Shipping Condition

Storage Condition

ZymoBIOMICS™ MagWash 2 (200 ml)

D4302-4-200 by Zymo Research — ZymoBIOMICS™ MagWash 2 (200 ml), a certified low-bioburden wash buffer for the ZymoBIOMICS DNA MagBead Kits (D4308). Minimizes microbial background contamination in low-biomass microbiome samples. Room temperature storage. For 16S rRNA, metagenomics, and magnetic bead extraction workflows.

<h2>What are microbiome standards and controls?</h2>
&nbsp;
Microbiome standards and controls are defined reference materials, ranging from a single microbial DNA standard to a complex mock community containing multiple known bacterial, fungal, or archaeal species at defined relative abundances, used to validate that an extraction, library preparation, and sequencing pipeline is performing as expected. Running a standard alongside real samples provides a specific, customized control for confirming reproducibility and enables meaningful comparison of results generated in different laboratories or at different times.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will discover:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
ZymoBIOMICS&trade; Community Standards: Mock communities tested for reproducibility with specific microbial ratios to assess taxonomic profiling and ensure accuracy across sequencing platforms.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Log-Distributed DNA Standards: Customized genomic blends created to assess the limit of detection (LOD) and linear dynamic range for identifying rare taxa.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Microbial Spike-in Controls: Internal standards with high and low loads for precise cell quantification and normalization of data across various matrices in simultaneous processing.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Site-Targeted Reference Materials: Specialized standards for gut, oral, and fecal analysis, employing TruMatrix&trade; technology to replicate authentic spatial transcriptomics environments.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
High Molecular Weight (HMW) DNA: Ultra-pure, elongated templates designed explicitly to standardize long-read sequencing systems and verify assembly efficacy.
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>How to choose microbiome standards and controls</h2>
&nbsp;
Match standard complexity to your validation goal
A single-species microbial DNA or inactivated bacteria standard is sufficient for confirming basic assay sensitivity or specificity, while a multi-species mock community standard with defined relative abundances is needed to evaluate extraction and amplification bias across an entire workflow.
Use a standard to benchmark a new extraction or library prep protocol
Running a known mock community through a new or modified extraction and library preparation protocol, then comparing the resulting sequencing output against the standard's defined composition, reveals whether the new protocol introduces meaningful bias compared with an established method.
Confirm whether your standard supports both DNA-based and RNA-based workflows
Some standards are formulated specifically for DNA-based 16S or shotgun metagenomic workflows, while others, or specific lots, are validated for RNA extraction and metatranscriptomic workflows as well, a distinction worth checking against your specific application.
Include a standard when comparing results across different laboratories
Because microbiome sequencing results can be sensitive to differences in extraction method, primer choice, and sequencing platform between labs, including the same reference standard across collaborating sites supports more reliable comparison of results generated independently.
Confirm standard storage and stability before long-term use
Microbial community standards typically have documented stability windows and storage temperature requirements, and confirming these align with your intended use timeline helps avoid degraded standard material producing misleading validation results.
&nbsp;
<h2>Specifications context</h2>
&nbsp;
Individual microbial DNA and inactivated bacteria standards add value specifically by providing a specific, customized control, supporting both microbiomics and metagenomics workflows by increasing reproducibility and allowing reliable comparison of results from different laboratories. As of 2026, defined mock community standards remain a standard tool for benchmarking new extraction or library preparation protocols against established methods before adopting a new workflow for real sample processing.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Reach out to the expert team at MBP Inc.</a> now to obtain a quote for the appropriate microbial standards for your lab.

Microbial Standards & Controls

DataSheet

Protocol

ZymoBIOMICS™ Microbial Community Standard (10 Preps.)

D6300 by Zymo Research is the ZymoBIOMICS™ Microbial Community Standard (10 preps, 0.75 ml each), containing 8 fully inactivated bacteria and 2 yeasts at ~1.4 × 1010 cells/ml with cross-validated theoretical composition and <0.01% foreign microbial DNA. Use it to benchmark 16S, ITS, and shotgun metagenomics workflows, or to detect bias in DNA isolation protocols. Store at -80°C. MBP is a registered vendor for Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Vanderbilt University, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Eurofins, and many other institutes across the USA.

Purity

Sample Source

Sample Storage

ZymoBIOMICS™ Microbial Community Standard II (Log Distribution) (750 µl)

The ZymoBIOMICS™ Microbial Community Standard II (D6310) by Zymo Research is a 750 µl (10 × 75 µl) whole-cell mock community with log-distributed abundance spanning 10 organisms across six orders of magnitude — 89.1% L. monocytogenes down to 0.000089% S. aureus (~100 cells/prep). Composition independently verified; &lt;0.01% foreign microbial DNA. For detection-limit benchmarking in 16S/metagenomics workflows.

Applicable For

Processing Volume

Yield

ZymoBIOMICS™ Oral Microbiome Standard (750 µl)

D6332 by Zymo Research — ZymoBIOMICS Oral Microbiome Standard; 12 inactivated bacterial strains; ~1.3 × 10⁹ cells/mL in DNA/RNA Shield™; &lt;0.01% foreign DNA; 10 preps × 750 µL; positive control for 16S and NGS microbiome workflows.

Biosafety

Impurity level

Reference genomes and 16S&18S rRNA genes

Relative-abundance deviation in average

Storage solution

Total cell concentration

<h2>What Are Spin-Column Total RNA Kits?</h2>
&nbsp;
Spin-column total RNA kits are the most widely used format for manual RNA purification in molecular biology laboratories. The technology relies on silica membrane chemistry: under chaotropic (guanidinium-based) lysis conditions, RNA adsorbs selectively to the silica membrane of the column; sequential ethanol-based wash steps remove proteins, salts, and gDNA fragments; and a low-ionic-strength buffer or RNase-free water then releases the purified RNA. Standard mini-format kits accept cell or tissue lysate from inputs of 1x10^4-1x10^7 cells or 5-100 mg tissue, bind up to 100 ug RNA, and complete the protocol in 15-30 minutes. The eluted RNA is suitable for RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, RNA sequencing, Northern blot, and hybridization without additional cleanup.&nbsp;Spin-column RNA kits are the default choice for 1-24 samples per run in any lab that does not require automated magnetic-bead processing.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Quick-RNA Microprep and Miniprep Kits for low-volume elution and highly concentrated recovery, providing ultra-clean and phenol-free transcript isolation
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Direct-zol&trade; RNA Kits to bypass tedious phase separation steps, allowing researchers to pump TRIzol-lysed samples directly into spin-columns&nbsp;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Direct-zol&trade; DNA/RNA Parallel Modules are engineered for the non-destructive, simultaneous isolation of DNA and RNA fractions.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
ZymoBIOMICS&trade; RNA Mini Kits for uniform microbial profiling featuring host-zeroing lysis mechanics
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Quick-RNA&trade; Midiprep Assemblies to capture larger quantities of high-purity total transcripts efficiently, tailored for bulk processing&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>How to Choose Spin-Column Total RNA Kits</h2>
&nbsp;
Column Binding Capacity and Elution Volume
Mini-format columns bind up to 100 ug total RNA and elute in 10-100 uL. For samples with very low RNA content (needle biopsies, laser-capture microdissection sections, small cell numbers &lt;=10^4), choose micro-format columns with 8-12 uL minimum elution volume to maximize concentration. Eluting in &lt;30 uL with high RNA concentration increases sensitivity in downstream RT-qPCR.
Small RNA Retention
This is the most important differentiator between kit brands. Kits using Zymo-Spin column technology with proprietary binding buffers retain miRNA and small RNA species &gt;=17 nt in the total RNA fraction. Competing kits using standard high-ethanol wash chemistry typically lose RNA &lt;200 nt in the wash steps. If your workflow includes small RNA profiling, miRNA RT-qPCR, or small RNA-seq, verify that the kit retains &gt;=17 nt RNA before purchasing.
On-Column DNase Treatment
Included RNase-free DNase I that degrades gDNA on the column during the wash stage eliminates the need for post-elution DNase treatment. This matters for RT-qPCR with primers spanning a small intron, or for RNA-seq where even trace gDNA contamination generates false mapping reads. DNase-treated RNA typically passes a no-RT PCR control at Ct &gt;35.
Sample Type: Cells vs Tissue
Cell lysis buffer volumes and homogenization requirements differ by sample type. Cultured cells lyse directly in lysis buffer with vortexing; tissue samples require homogenization to disrupt cell structure before contact with the lysis buffer. For fibrous tissues (muscle, heart), use a bead-mill homogenizer or rotor-stator; for soft tissues (liver, brain), a disposable pestle or needle shearing is sufficient. Some kits include TissueLyser-compatible bead tubes or QIAshredder-equivalent homogenizer columns.
&nbsp;
<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
&nbsp;
Spin-column total RNA purity targets: A260/A280 ratio 1.8-2.1; A260/A230 ratio &gt;1.8. RNA integrity number (RIN) from fresh cultured cells or snap-frozen tissue is routinely 8-10 with validated kits. Zymo Research Quick-RNA Mini and Miniprep kits are among the most cited spin-column RNA isolation kits in published RT-PCR and RNA-seq methods; ABM RNA extraction kits offer validated protocols for bacteria, yeast, and fungi not covered by many standard cell/tissue kits. All kits supplied by MBP are Research Use Only (RUO).
<section class="mbp-contact-cta">
&nbsp;
MBP's specialist team can help match kit chemistry, format, and throughput to your sample type and downstream application.&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the MBP team</a> for personalized guidance.
</section>

Spin-column

Optimized Lysis Protocol

ZymoBIOMICS™ RNA Mini Kit (50 Preps.)

ZymoBIOMICS RNA Mini Kit R2001 by Zymo Research isolates total RNA (≥17 nt) from microbiome and environmental samples in 50 preps using ZR BashingBead mechanical lysis. Accepts soil, feces, plant material, biofilms, water, and swabs; 100 µg max binding, A260/A280 &gt;1.8. All components room-temperature stable.

Equipment

Size Range

ZymoBIOMICS™ Spike-in Control II (Low Microbial Load)

The ZymoBIOMICS™ Spike-in Control II (Low Microbial Load). Whole-cell spike-in control with 3 bacterial strains (10³–10⁵ cells by Zymo Research is log distribution): Truepera radiovictrix, Imtechella halotolerans, Allobacillus halotolerans. Foreign microbial DNA <0.01%. Preserved in DNA/RNA Shield™. Store at −80°C. Available in 25 preps (D6321) and 250 preps (D6321-10).

Impurity Level

Source

Storage Solution

Characterization

Concentration

Stability

Total DNA Content

Total RNA Content

Total Cell Concentration

Relative-abundance Deviation

Reference Genomes

ZymoBIOMICS™ Spike-in Control II (Low Microbial Load) (25 Preps.)

ZymoBIOMICS™ Spike-in Control II (Low Microbial Load) (250 Preps.)

<h2>What are microbial and environmental DNA isolation kits?</h2>
&nbsp;
Microbial and environmental DNA isolation kits purify DNA from soil, sediment, freshwater, marine water, feces, and other complex environmental matrices using lysis and purification chemistry designed to remove humic acids, metal compounds, and other inhibitors that interfere with PCR and sequencing, supporting 16S/18S rRNA amplicon profiling and shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Related entities include "kitome" and "splashome" contamination controls, alpha diversity and microbial community composition analysis, and compatibility with both short-read (Illumina) and long-read (Oxford Nanopore) sequencing platforms. Choose a kit validated for your specific sample matrix (soil, sediment, water, or feces), since benchmarking studies consistently show kit performance varies by matrix rather than one kit being universally best.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Spin-column fungal and bacterial kits for rapid DNA purification using rapid silica-membrane technology&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Parallel extraction of soil, fecal, and environmental samples using high-throughput 96-well microplates&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Automated&nbsp; purification of complex microbial and environmental specimens using Magnetic bead isolation systems</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Scalable microprep and midiprep columns tailored for concentrated low-volume elution demands and diverse sample inputs</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>How to choose a microbial and environmental DNA isolation kit</h2>
&nbsp;
Matrix-specific kit performance
Benchmarking studies comparing multiple commercial kits across sediment, water, soil, oyster gut microbiome, and mammalian feces have found that the best-performing kit varies by matrix - kits ranked highly for sediment did not necessarily perform best for water or host-associated samples. Rather than assuming a single "universal" kit, match your kit choice to published benchmarking results for your primary sample type where available.
Inhibitor removal for downstream PCR and sequencing
Environmental samples, especially sediments and soils, contain organic and metal compounds that inhibit PCR amplification if not removed during extraction; kits designed for these matrices integrate inhibitor-removal steps as part of the standard protocol. If your samples have historically produced low PCR amplification efficiency with general-purpose kits, an environmental-matrix-specific kit with built-in inhibitor removal is the first thing to evaluate.
Short-read vs. long-read sequencing compatibility
For long-read metagenomic sequencing, DNA fragment length and integrity from the extraction kit directly affect achievable read lengths, though longer extracted fragments don't always translate consistently into longer sequencing reads - kit choice affects both fragment length and downstream classification rate and reproducibility. If long-read metagenomics is your goal, prioritize kits with published long-read benchmarking data over kits validated only for short-read amplicon work.
Contamination control (kitome/splashome)
Kit-derived contamination ("kitome") and cross-sample contamination during processing ("splashome") can affect microbial community composition results, particularly for low-biomass samples; benchmarking studies evaluate kits specifically for these contamination sources alongside yield and diversity metrics. For low-biomass environmental samples, prioritize kits with documented low kitome contamination in published comparisons.
&nbsp;
<h2>Specifications context</h2>
&nbsp;
The key specs for microbial and environmental DNA isolation are matrix-specific validation (soil vs. sediment vs. water vs. feces), built-in inhibitor removal for PCR-ready output, and fragment length/integrity for long-read sequencing compatibility where relevant. Since benchmarking studies repeatedly show no single kit performs best across all matrices, identifying your primary sample type before selecting a kit is the most impactful decision. Labs running metagenomic surveys across multiple matrices (e.g., soil and water from the same field site) often need separate matrix-optimized kits rather than a single universal kit. The parent <a href="https://mbpinc.net/reagents/molecular-biology/nucleic-acid-extraction-kits/dna-extraction-kits/genomic-dna">genomic DNA extraction kits hub</a>&nbsp;links to related sample-type categories, including&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/reagents/molecular-biology/nucleic-acid-extraction-kits/dna-extraction-kits/genomic-dna/insect">insect genomic DNA kits</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/reagents/molecular-biology/nucleic-acid-extraction-kits/dna-extraction-kits/genomic-dna/plant">plant genomic DNA kits</a>&nbsp;for organism-associated environmental work, and&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/reagents/molecular-biology/nucleic-acid-extraction-kits/dna-extraction-kits/high-molecular-weight-dna">high molecular weight DNA kits</a>&nbsp;for long-read metagenomics requiring larger fragment sizes. For cell-free DNA in environmental water samples (eDNA detection), see&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/reagents/molecular-biology/nucleic-acid-extraction-kits/dna-extraction-kits/cell-free-dna">cell-free DNA kits</a>.&nbsp;
<section class="mbp-contact-cta">
&nbsp;
MBP's specialist team can help match kit chemistry, format, and throughput to your sample type and downstream application.&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the MBP team</a> for personalized guidance.
</section>

Microbial & Environmental DNA Isolation

D4303/D4309-MSDS

D4307-MSDS

D4303-Protocol

D4303-Optimized Lysis Protocols

ZymoBIOMICS™-96 DNA Kit

The ZymoBIOMICS™-96 DNA Kit by Zymo Research (2 × 96 preps) isolates inhibitor-free microbial DNA from feces (≤100 mg), soil (≤100 mg), cells, biofilms, and water—validated for microbiome and metagenomic analyses. Yields up to 5 µg per sample in ≥20 µl with OneStep PCR Inhibitor Removal. Available as D4303 (with BashingBead Lysis Rack), D4309 (with ZR BashingBead Lysis Tubes), and D4307 (Lysis Matrix Not Included).

Elution Volume

Type

ZymoBIOMICS™-96 DNA Kit (2 x 96 Preps.)(includes ZymoBIOMICS® BashingBead™ Lysis Rack)

ZymoBIOMICS™-96 DNA Kit (2 x 96 Preps.)(includes ZR BashingBead™ Lysis Tubes)

ZymoBIOMICS™-96 DNA Kit (2 x 96 Preps.)(Lysis Matrix Not Included)

<h2 data-section-id="b4wzzk" data-start="0" data-end="47">What is bacterial culture media for cloning?</h2>
&nbsp;
Bacterial culture media for cloning workflows includes LB (Luria-Bertani) broth and agar, the standard general-purpose media for E. coli growth, SOC media used for post-transformation recovery, and Terrific Broth for higher-density culture in plasmid preparation. Pre-made agar plates with antibiotic selection (ampicillin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol, and others matching common selection markers) are used to isolate colonies carrying the desired plasmid. Related entities include antibiotic selection markers matching transformation kit resistance genes, post-transformation recovery time, and plasmid yield scaling with culture volume and media richness.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">ZymoBroth Growth Media for efficient transformation workflows to generate highly competent bacterial cells</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Overexpression Broth (OB) optimized for increasing recombinant protein yields with high-density nutrient media.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expansion Broth (EB) for the faster and more reliable expansion of microbial cultures.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dual Media Sets for integrated growth and induction workflows with the help of combined EB and OB systems</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2 data-section-id="9xi4x5" data-start="919" data-end="971">How to choose bacterial culture media for cloning</h2>
&nbsp;
LB broth/agar vs. Terrific Broth
LB broth and agar are the standard general-purpose media for routine cloning, colony selection, and small-scale plasmid preparation, while Terrific Broth provides higher nutrient density supporting higher bacterial cell density, making it useful when maximizing plasmid yield in larger-scale preparations.
SOC media for post-transformation recovery
SOC media is richer than standard LB and supplemented with glucose and magnesium. It is commonly used for a brief recovery incubation immediately after heat-shock or electroporation transformation, helping transformed cells recover before plating on selective agar. Some transformation protocols specifically recommend SOC rather than LB for this recovery step.
Antibiotic selection matching
Pre-made antibiotic-selective agar plates must match the resistance marker carried by the transformed plasmid, whether ampicillin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol, or another selection marker. Using the wrong antibiotic&mdash;or no antibiotic at all&mdash;will not properly select for plasmid-containing colonies and may allow unwanted bacterial growth.
Liquid vs. agar plate formats and shelf life
Liquid media (broth) is used for post-transformation recovery and culture scale-up, while agar plates are used for colony isolation and selection. Pre-made antibiotic plates have a defined shelf life because antibiotics gradually lose activity over time, making expiration dates particularly important for antibiotics with lower stability.
&nbsp;
<h2 data-section-id="1fljvas" data-start="3523" data-end="3548">Specifications context</h2>
&nbsp;
LB broth and agar are formulated with defined concentrations of tryptone, yeast extract, and sodium chloride, with agar plates commonly supplied in standard Petri dish sizes (for example, 100 mm) and containing antibiotic concentrations matched to common resistance markers, such as 100 &micro;g/mL ampicillin or 50 &micro;g/mL kanamycin. SOC recovery is typically performed as a short incubation, often around one hour at 37&deg;C with shaking, before plating cells on selective agar.&nbsp;
This sub-category is part of MBP's cloning catalog alongside transformation kits and competent cells, the immediately preceding step, and chemicals/reagents for enzyme-based fragment preparation. Labs scaling up plasmid production for lentivirus packaging in immortalization workflows can also review MBP's cell immortalization catalog. MBP's specialist team can help confirm antibiotic concentration and media format requirements for a specific selection marker before order placement.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the expert team</a> at MBP today to request a quote for high-quality culture media.

Culture Media

ZymoBroth

ZymoBroth by Zymo Research: growth medium for highly competent E. coli cell preparation, delivering 5–100× transformation efficiency over standard SOB. Compatible with JM109, HB101, BL21, and other strains. Part of the Mix &amp; Go! Transformation Kit workflow. Room temperature storage. Research use only. Available in 100mL (M3015-100) and 500mL (M3015-500).

Product Storage

ZymoBroth™ (100 ml)

ZymoBroth™ (500 ml)

<h2>What are Gel Extraction Kits?</h2>
&nbsp;
Gel extraction kits (gel purification or gel DNA recovery kits) isolate specific DNA fragments from standard and low-melting agarose gels after electrophoresis by dissolving the excised gel band in a chaotropic buffer that melts agarose and conditions DNA to bind a Zymo-Spin followed by washing to remove agarose, gel stains (EtBr, SYBR Safe, GelRed), salts, and proteins, and elution in 30-50 ul. Gel extraction is the primary method for isolating specific DNA fragments from multi-band reactions - PCR amplifications producing non-specific products, restriction digests generating multiple fragments, and vector preparations requiring removal of small insert-incompatible fragments. Use gel extraction instead of direct PCR cleanup whenever the reaction produces more than one visible band and only a specific size is needed downstream; for single-band reactions, PCR cleanup recovers 10-20% more DNA in the same protocol time.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Zymoclean&trade; Gel DNA &amp; RNA Recovery: Innovative spin-column systems created for quick extraction of nucleic acids without any salt or agarose contamination.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
ZR small-RNA&trade; PAGE Recovery: A dedicated method for the accurate isolation of microRNA and small RNA types from polyacrylamide gels, preserving isoform uniqueness.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Large Fragment DNA Recovery: Designed methods for the careful elution of high-molecular-weight DNA, avoiding mechanical shearing for extended-read sequencing.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
High-Throughput &amp; Universal Kits: Adaptable ZR-96 formats and flexible Column-Pure systems designed for standard laboratory cleanup and automated processes.
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>How to Choose a Gel Extraction Kit</h2>
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Fragment Size Range
Standard silica-column gel extraction kits ( Zymo Zymoclean, Thermo Fisher GeneJET) purify 70 bp to 10 kb with &gt;80% recovery for 200 bp-5 kb.&nbsp; For fragments larger than 10 kb requiring size-selective gel purification, use electroelution, agarase digestion of low-melting agarose, or pulse-field gel extraction followed by alcohol precipitation.
Agarose Percentage and Dissolution Protocol
For standard 0.8-2% agarose gels: use 3 volumes of dissolution buffer per 1 volume (weight:volume) of gel slice at 50-60 degrees C for 5-10 minutes. For high-percentage gels (&gt;2%): use 6 volumes of dissolution buffer and extend incubation to 10-15 minutes, or add isopropanol to help dissolve the denser agarose matrix. Incomplete dissolution is the most common cause of low yield and must be verified visually - no visible agarose particles should remain in the dissolved solution before loading the column.
Elution Volume
For cloning applications where insert concentration matters, use the minimum elution volume (30-35 ul) to maximize insert concentration for ligation. For sequencing of gel-purified products, elute in 30-50 ul and measure concentration by Qubit or NanoDrop before use.&nbsp;
UV Exposure Minimization
UV transilluminator exposure damages DNA via pyrimidine dimer formation, reducing downstream PCR amplification and sequencing efficiency. Limit UV exposure to &lt;30 seconds when excising bands; use a long-wavelength (365 nm) UV source instead of short-wavelength (254 nm) to minimize damage. Alternatively, use a blue-light transilluminator (Safe-Imager, Clare Chemical DarkReader) with SYBR Safe or GelRed stain, which causes no photodamage to DNA during band excision.
Column vs. Magnetic Bead Gel Extraction
Standard gel extraction uses spin columns. For 96-well high-throughput gel extraction applications, vacuum-manifold compatible 96-well plate formats (Norgen DNA Gel Extraction Kit 96-well) process multiple samples simultaneously. AMPure XP magnetic beads can perform gel-alternative size selection from solution without the gel step, which avoids UV damage entirely and is preferred in NGS library preparation workflows where fragment size distribution rather than specific band isolation is the goal.
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
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Key benchmarks for gel extraction kits: &gt;=70% recovery for 200 bp-5 kb fragments from 1% TAE agarose gels, A260/A280 &gt;= 1.7 in eluate, no detectable agarose (confirmed by no viscosity increase in eluate), and complete removal of gel stain and EtBr (confirmed by absence of stain fluorescence in eluate). The Zymo Zymoclean Gel DNA Recovery Kit purifies DNA from TAE or TBE gels using Zymo-Spin technology, eluting in as little as 6 ul for highly concentrated DNA in minutes. Gel extraction remains an essential cloning technique at academic molecular biology labs, with blue-light transilluminator-based band excision increasingly replacing UV-based methods to protect DNA integrity during size selection.
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Unleash the genetic capabilities of your samples&mdash;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">reach out to MBP Inc.</a> now to obtain a quote for our gel recovery services.

Gel Extraction Kits

Zymoclean™ Gel DNA Recovery Kit (Capped)

The Zymoclean™ Gel DNA Recovery Kit (Capped) by Zymo Research purifies DNA from TAE/TBE agarose gel slices (50 bp–23 kb) using a capped Zymo-Spin column. Recovers up to 5 µg per column with elution in ≥6 µL and A260/A280 &gt;1.8 purity. Available as D4007 (50 Preps.) and D4008 (200 Preps.).

Zymoclean™ Gel DNA Recovery Kit (50 Preps.)

Zymoclean™ Gel DNA Recovery Kit (200 Preps.)

Zymoclean™ Gel DNA Recovery Kit (Uncapped)

The Zymoclean™ Gel DNA Recovery Kit by Zymo Research recovers DNA from TAE/TBE agarose gels with 70–90% efficiency for fragments 50 bp–10 kb, eluting into ≥6 µl of high-concentration, NGS-ready DNA. Includes uncapped Zymo-Spin™ I columns for vacuum manifold compatibility. Available as D4001T (10 Preps.) and D4002 (200 Preps.).

Zymoclean™ Gel DNA Recovery Kit (10 Preps.)

Zymo Research Zymoclean™ Gel DNA Recovery Kit (Uncapped): 50 preps (D4001), 70–90% recovery 50 bp–10 kb, ≥6 µl elution, up to 400 mg gel input. ADB Agarose Dissolving Buffer available separately: D4001-1-50 (50 mL) and D4001-1-100 (100 mL).