UMU-ChromoTest

 UMU-ChromoTest TM kit, for rapid detection of genotoxicity or DNA damage.

Product No:5021

EBPI has developed the umu-c test into the UMU-CHROMOTESTTM ,a simple procedure based upon the International Organization for Standardization protocol ISO 13829 (Water Quality- Determination of the genotoxicity of water and waste water using the umu-test) which can be performed easily in a non‑specialized laboratory.

The Umu-ChromoTest kit (umu-c test) is based on a novel genetically engineered Salmonella typhimurium which measures the response of a cell to genetic damage. In just a few hours, the kit provides a clear, quantitative measurement of the genotoxicity of a sample by simple colorimetric evaluation.
umuc test kit

The umu test uses the genetically engineer Salmonella typhimurium TA1535 [pSK1002] which are exposed to different concentrations of the samples to be tested. The test is based on the induction of the umuC-gene which is fused to the lacZ-gene which is responsible for the production of β-galactosidase, which can easily be assayed as an indirect measure of DNA damage, or genotoxicity.

The test uses a single strain of bacteria, however, it can detect different types of genetic damage, and closely matches results from the traditional Ames test (approximately 90% agreement). The Umu test is rapid, simple, highly reproducible and represents significant reductions in material expenses and labour compared to the tradional umu-c test and other methods.

Each umu test kit contains all the reagents and disposable materials necessary to test up to six samples, including dilutions and controls.

For quantitative measurements, it is often necessary to allow for an adequate range of sample dilutions and replicates, thus testing six or less samples with each kit. Below is an example plate used to detect the DNA damage when a genotoxic material is exposed to the UMU-ChromoTest Bacteria.

Potential applications of the UMU-ChromoTest that take advantage of the genetically engineered strain of Salmonella, including testing of effluents for possible mutagenic or carcinogenic genotoxic compounds. It provides an evaluation of potential genotoxicity, and is a convenient research tool.

S9 Activation Enzymes S9 is a crude liver enzyme extract that can, under certain conditions, convert materials without any genotoxic activity to active genotoxic entities. The chemical process involved is probably different for different materials. In addition, the lifetime of the activated moieties is extremely variable: some may be extremely short-lived. This is the reason for incubating the S-9 with the bacteria and the tested material at the same time.

UMU-ChromoTest offers the following advantages over traditional methods:

Testing of industrial effluents for presence of possible genotoxic compounds.

Screening of municipal discharges for possible routine presence or spills of genotoxic compounds.

Screening of surface and ground water for genotoxic residues.

umu c test genotoxicity

Screening of potable water supplies for the presence of chemicals with genotoxic potential.

Screening of water soluble air pollutants for genotoxic agents.

Evaluation of pure or complexed raw mixtures for potential genotoxicity.

A convenient and easy to use teaching look for university and college laboratories.

The UMU-ChromoTest kit is designed to be user friendly, reliable, sensitive, rapid, low cost and contains all materials required to complete the assay.

S9 and Activation of Pro-Mutagens

S9 is a crude liver enzyme extract that can, under certain conditions, convert materials without any genotoxic activity to active genotoxic entities. The chemical process involved may be different for different materials. In addition, the lifetime of the activated moieties is extremely variable: some may be extremely short-lived. This is the reason for incubating the S-9 with the bacteria and the tested material at the same time during the assays.

By streamlining the protocol and including an Excel analysis template, the UMU-ChromoTest kit (UMU-ISO TEST) allows the analysis of results which can be related to laboratory work all around the world. Should you require more background material about the UMU-CHROMOTESTTM and its applications, please contact a representative.