From field samples to reliable result, don't let inhibitors win!

Soil, water, and fecal samples are among the most challenging matrices in microbiology. High inhibitor loads, complex community structures, and degradation-prone nucleic acids demand products purpose-built for the job. MP Biomedicals provides a complete, validated workflow covering preservation, lysis, extraction, and amplification for environmental research.

Why MP Biomedicals

The Workflow

Soil, water, and fecal samples contain humic acids, bile salts, and polysaccharides that inhibit downstream PCR and sequencing. Each product in this workflow is validated to remove them.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1How do I choose between lytic and non-lytic soil preservation solution?
    Lytic preservation breaks open cells during storage, which helps quickly stabilize the sample, kill pathogens, and make downstream extraction easier, so it is better when you want fast, direct lab processing; non-lytic preservation keeps cells intact, which better maintains the sample's original microbial state during transport, but typically requires additional preparation steps (e.g., centrifugation and removal of the preservation solution) prior to extraction.
  • 2After using the Fecal Preservation Solution, can I perform direct DNA extraction?
    Yes, in most cases you can proceed directly with DNA extraction after using the Fecal Preservation Solution. Please refer to the specific kit protocol for any sample preparation recommendations.
  • 3I have an exceptionally inhibited fecal sample, which extraction kit is recommended?
    For highly inhibited samples, we recommend the MagBeads MaxPure Kit for Feces, which features enhanced inhibitor removal chemistry suited for the most challenging sample types.
  • 4What are the risks of extracting nucleic acid from fecal samples without preservation?
    Without preservation, nucleic acids rapidly degrade due to nuclease activity, freeze-thaw cycles, and microbial community changes. This can lead to biased microbiome profiles, reduced yield, and unreliable downstream PCR results.
  • 5Do you have samples to try out?
    Yes, please contact our product specialists to request samples matched to your specific application and sample type.
  • 6How long can samples be preserved using the solutions?
    Our preservation solutions are validated to maintain sample integrity at ambient temperatures for up to several weeks depending on the specific solution. Refer to the individual product datasheets for detailed stability data.

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