Automated DNA extraction from recent and archaeological human skeletal remains using QIAGEN's EZ2 Connect Fx Instrument – an experience report

Authors

  • Esma Fočak University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Science, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Katarina Šanje University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Science, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Selma Ćurovac University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Science, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Ilma Mujković University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Science, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Džemina Begović University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Science, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Belma Jusic University of Sarajevo – Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Amela Pilav University of Sarajevo – Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31383/ga.vol7iss2ga04

Keywords:

automated DNA extraction, archaeological skeletal remains, recent skeletal remains

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of the automated DNA extraction method using the EZ2 Connect Fx instrument (QIAGEN), showcasing its ability to achieve swift and reliable results from bone samples. Genomic DNA extraction from 16 archaelogical and recent bone samples was performed with a commercial EZ1&2® DNA Investigator® Kit (QIAGEN). Prior to PCR amplification, DNA concentration was quantified using Qubit™ Fluorometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Amplification was carried out with the Investigator 24plex Kit (QIAGEN). DNA profiles were generated using 3500 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems) and analysed with GeneMapper™ ID-X 1.6 Software (Applied Biosystems). For nine archaeological dental samples, eight exhibited partial profiles, and one showed no amplified loci. Among the seven recent femoral bone samples, one exhibited a partial profile, while six presented complete DNA profiles. In this study, we investigated the benefits of automated DNA extraction, particularly its ability to generate timely and reliable results. Additionally, this method reduces pipette and tip usage, almost completely minimising the risk of human error, exogenous DNA contamination and cross-contamination. Such efficiency is of paramount importance, especially when working with skeletal remains, namely archaeological skeletal remains that pose a challenge for molecular genetic analyses.

Downloads

Published

13.12.2023

How to Cite

Fočak, E., Šanje, K., Ćurovac, S., Mujković, I., Begović, D., Jusic, B., & Pilav, A. (2023). Automated DNA extraction from recent and archaeological human skeletal remains using QIAGEN’s EZ2 Connect Fx Instrument – an experience report . Genetics & Applications, 7(2), 26–35. https://doi.org/10.31383/ga.vol7iss2ga04

Issue

Section

Research Articles