Improve WES library prep from low input and degraded FFPE samples

DNA fragmentation is a critical step in preparing DNA libraries for short read-based protocols. The two primary methods are mechanical shearing (using acoustic technology like Covaris) and enzymatic shearing (using enzymes like NEB Ultra II FS). In this webinar, Nripesh Prasad, Ph.D., of Discovery Life Sciences presents results from a comparison study of these two methods on samples at different DNA concentrations. The study found that Covaris mechanical shearing using acoustic technology resulted in larger insert sizes and higher quality libraries compared to enzymatic shearing, especially with low DNA input. Enzymatic shearing had lower upfront costs but higher error rates, suggesting mechanical shearing is more effective and outperforms enzymatic shearing, particularly for degraded samples and limited DNA material.

 

Learning Objectives