Comparison of Maxwell ans Qiagen Methods for DNA Extraction from Different Types of Samples
Availability of the large number of sources of extractable human DNA poses the challenge to find the easiest way to obtain large quantities of DNA from those sources. We have used Maxwell and Qiagen methods for DNA extractions from various samples that could be found at the crime scene or used in paternity disputes. Samples of buccal, vaginal and ear swabs, cigarette tips, chewing gum, urine, contact lenses, hair and dandruff were collected from ten voluntary donors. We used commercial Qiagen and Maxwell systems for DNA isolation. The success of isolation was demonstrated by horizontal gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry analysis and PCR amplification of 15 STR loci (PowerPlex® 16 System). Our results confirmed that the Maxwell system was the fastest and easiest and a very reliable way of getting high-quality DNA from different sources. We have got 9 of 10 complete DNA profiles by this system, whereas DNA extraction according to Qiagen protocol resulted in generating only two out of ten completed DNA profiles. In conclusion, the Maxwell system appears to be the method of the choice for DNA extraction from large numbers of biological samples because of its reliability, simplicity and cost-effectiveness.