General description
Benzonase® Nuclease is a genetically engineered endonuclease from Serratia marcescens. It degrades all forms of DNA and RNA (single stranded, double stranded, linear and circular) while having no proteolytic activity. It is effective over a wide range of conditions and possesses an exceptionally high specific activity. The enzyme completely digests nucleic acids to 5′-monophosphate terminated oligonucleotides (below the hybridization limit), which is ideal for removal of nucleic acids from recombinant proteins, enabling compliance with FDA guidelines for nucleic acid contamination. The ability of Benzonase to rapidly hydrolyze nucleic acids makes the enzyme an excellent choice for viscosity reduction to reduce processing time and increase yields of protein.
The enzyme consists of two subunits of 30 kDa each. It is functional between pH 6 and 10 and from 0-42°C and requires 1-2 mM Mg2+ for activation. The enzyme is also active in the presence of ionic and non-ionic detergents, reducing agents, PMSF (1 mM), EDTA (1 mM) and urea (relative activity depends on specific conditions). Activity is inhibited by <150 mM monovalent cations, <100 mM phosphate, <100 mM ammonium sulfate, or <100 mM guanidine HCl.
Benzonase® endonuclease Safety Plus Emprove® Expert is a companion product to our existing Benzonase® portfolio. All Benzonase® endonuclease products share the same amino acid sequence (proven by LC-MS/MS mass spectrometry), robustness and activity. Acting as endonuclease, degrading both DNA and RNA to small 3–5 base pairs (<6 kDa) fragments with no base preference, they are the ideal tool for nucleic acid removal in virus vector and vaccine manufacturing as demanded by the regulators. The use of Benzonase® endonuclease additionally increases the yield in virus purification, protects the downstream chromatography and filter devices from fouling and reduces feed stream viscosity. With its new features, Benzonase® endonuclease Safety Plus Emprove® Expert is ideally suited for manufacturing of cell and gene therapy agents such as adeno associated and lenti viruses, oncolytic viruses and viral vector vaccines.
Application
DNA clearance for purification of biopharmaceuticals, viral vaccines, viral vector vaccines, viral vectros for cell and gene therapy applications as well as oncolytic viruses.
Legal Information
Benzonase is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Emprove is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany