Enhancement of PCR efficiency using mono- and disaccharides

Abstract

Polymerase chain reaction is the most commonly used approach for nucleic acids amplification. Despite the variety of PCR methods have been proposed, new techniques are being developed to improve this reaction. We found that, in general, mono- and disaccharides can serve as effective PCR enhancers. Unlike oligo- and polysaccharides, low molecular-weight carbohydrates accelerate amplification and increase products yield. The ability of carbohydrates to enhance PCR is not related to their reducing property. The best result was obtained for sucrose providing the most specific and reliable amplification. The effect of carbohydrates is leveled as the size of the amplification region increases.

Keywords: Carbohydrates; PCR enhancers; Polymerase chain reaction (PCR); Sucrose; Trehalose.