A talented young Afghan scientist and researcher has successfully developed an innovative product that enables highly efficient and accurate extraction and purification of DNA and RNA from a wide range of clinical and environmental samples.
Kabul 24: The formulation and optimization of this advanced kit were carried out under the direct scientific supervision of Mr. Seyed Mohammad Reza Mousavi, whose expert guidance played a pivotal role in transforming the concept into a reliable, high-performance solution suitable for diagnostic and environmental monitoring applications.
This novel extraction kit stands out due to several key technical advantages:Effective and rapid lysis of microorganisms, including those with tough cell walls such as Gram-positive bacteria and fungi
Utilization of magnetic silica beads for selective binding and isolation of nucleic acids, enabling fast magnetic separation without the need for centrifugation
High-yield release of DNA and RNA in a low-salt elution buffer, delivering superior purity and concentration
Higher sensitivity and overall performance compared to many conventional commercial kits currently available on the market
Significantly reduced processing time while maintaining excellent compatibility with downstream molecular applications such as PCR, real-time qPCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and other sensitive assays
Versatile performance across diverse sample types: blood, tissue, swabs, saliva (clinical), as well as water, soil, and microbial environmental specimens
Magnetic bead-based extraction methods are widely recognized for their speed, simplicity, automation compatibility, minimal shearing of nucleic acids, high binding capacity, and adaptability to various sample viscosities — advantages that this locally developed kit effectively incorporates and, in several aspects, enhances.
This product is particularly valuable for laboratories requiring fast turnaround times, high accuracy, and cost-effective solutions in molecular diagnostics, infectious disease research, epidemiological surveillance, and environmental monitoring programs.
In a context where access to imported high-quality extraction kits can be limited or expensive, this achievement represents a major step toward scientific self-reliance and strengthening national diagnostic capabilities in Afghanistan.
The success highlights the immense potential of young Afghan researchers in cutting-edge biotechnology fields and paves the way for further homegrown innovations, commercialization efforts, and expanded support for local scientific talent.
