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Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification vs PCR

Discover the fundamental differences between Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), including mechanisms, temperature requirements, and sensitivities

February 8, 2024

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are both methods used for the amplification of DNA, but they differ in their mechanisms, requirements, and applications.

Mechanism:

  • PCR: PCR involves cycling through different temperatures (denaturation, annealing, and extension) to amplify specific DNA sequences. It requires a thermal cycler to control these temperature changes.
  • LAMP: LAMP is an isothermal amplification technique, meaning it can amplify DNA at a constant temperature, usually around 60-65°C. LAMP relies on a strand-displacing DNA polymerase and a set of four to six primers that recognize six to eight distinct regions on the target DNA sequence. LAMP produces a mixture of stem-loop DNA structures, resulting in amplification of the target DNA.

Temperature Requirement:

  • PCR: Requires cycling through different temperature steps (typically 95°C for denaturation, 50-65°C for annealing, and 72°C for extension).
  • LAMP: Operates consistently at a steady temperature, usually within the range of 60-65°C. However, with our exclusive Premium LAMP amplification (pLAMP) system, this temperature can be elevated to 70°C, offering distinct advantages. This higher temperature setting notably diminishes primer dimer formation, enhances amplification specificity, and ensures more effective release of nucleic acids from crude samples.

Time:

  • PCR: Typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete a reaction, including the time needed for cycling through different temperature steps.
  • LAMP: Typically achieves faster results compared to PCR, often concluding within 30-60 minutes owing to its isothermal nature. With our meticulously optimized reaction system, this timeframe can be further reduced to as little as 20 minutes.

Equipment:

  • PCR: Requires a thermal cycler to control temperature changes.
  • LAMP: Can be performed with simpler equipment, such as a water bath or a heating block, as it operates at a constant temperature.

Specificity:

  • PCR: High specificity due to the requirement for specific primer annealing.
  • LAMP: Demonstrates remarkable specificity, utilizing multiple primers targeting distinct regions of the DNA sequence. Through the integration of helicase, our Premium LAMP amplification (pLAMP) system eliminates the necessity for F3/B3 primers. Additionally, helicase aids in strand unwinding, thereby decreasing the concentration of FIP/BIP primers. This dual function effectively minimizes non-specific amplification, ensuring superior amplification uniformity.

Sensitivity:

  • PCR: PCR is highly sensitive and can detect low levels of target DNA.
  • LAMP: LAMP is also highly sensitive and can detect small amounts of target DNA, sometimes even without the need for DNA purification.

Applications:

  • PCR: Widely used in molecular biology research, clinical diagnostics, forensics, and many other fields.
  • LAMP: Increasingly used in point-of-care diagnostics, field testing, and resource-limited settings due to its simplicity, rapidity, and minimal equipment requirements.

In summary, while both PCR and LAMP serve as valuable DNA amplification techniques, LAMP stands out for its speed, simplicity, and minimal equipment needs. The Premium LAMP amplification (pLAMP) system enhances specificity and reduces reaction time even further, rendering it especially ideal for applications such as point-of-care diagnostics and field testing.

At SBS Genetech, our pioneering spirit drives us to continually enhance our offerings in loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technologies. Our Bst P DNA/RNA Polymerase stand as testament to our dedication to innovation and excellence.

Bst P DNA/RNA Polymerase represents a significant advancement, meticulously crafted through enzyme electronic re-structuring and evolution screening. This upgraded version, designed for LAMP or RT-LAMP amplification of DNA or RNA, offers unparalleled performance and versatility.

Highlighted in the esteemed Science Journal on April 13, 2023, our glycerol-free Bst P DNA/RNA Polymerase underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of molecular biology research. This recognition reaffirms our position at the forefront of scientific advancement and underscores the transformative potential of our technologies.

Key features of the Bst P DNA/RNA Polymerase include:

  • Integration of a hot start Aptamer, ensuring precise control over enzyme activity, even at low temperatures, and facilitating rapid activation for efficient amplification.
  • Elevated reaction temperature to 70°C, minimizing primer dimer formation, enhancing amplification specificity, and ensuring efficient nucleic acid release from crude samples.
  • Incorporation of Helicase, enabling Premium LAMP amplification (pLAMP) without the need for F3/B3 primers, while also assisting in strand unwinding to improve amplification uniformity.
  • Complementing our enzyme portfolio is our customized lyophilized microbead service, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique requirements of your research projects. With customized primers and reaction volumes, we empower researchers to optimize experiments with precision and efficiency.

For more information on our Bst P DNA/RNA Polymerase and other groundbreaking products, visit the Science Journal article dated April 13, 2023, or contact us to discover how SBS Genetech can accelerate your research journey.

 

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