Benzonase is a genetically engineered endonuclease from Serratia marcescens that degrades all forms of DNA and RNA — single-stranded, double-stranded, linear, and circular — to short oligonucleotides of 3–5 bases. It is the standard enzyme for removing nucleic acid contamination from recombinant protein preparations, viral vector production, and biopharmaceutical intermediates where residual host cell DNA must be reduced to regulatory limits.
abinScience offers Benzonase Nuclease enzyme for process use and 3 anti-Benzonase antibodies (1 polyclonal + 2 monoclonal clones) for validating Benzonase clearance from final drug products by ELISA — covering both sides of the workflow: add it, then prove you removed it.
When and Why to Use Benzonase
Protein purification: Cell lysates contain large amounts of genomic DNA and RNA that increase viscosity, co-purify with the target protein on ion exchange columns, and interfere with downstream analytics (SDS-PAGE, SEC). Adding Benzonase during or immediately after lysis reduces viscosity within minutes and eliminates nucleic acid-driven artifacts.
Viral vector manufacturing: AAV, lentivirus, and adenovirus production processes generate substantial host cell DNA that must be removed for safety. Benzonase treatment is typically performed on the clarified harvest before chromatographic purification. Regulatory guidelines (WHO, FDA) recommend residual DNA levels below 10 ng per dose.
Vaccine production: Similar to viral vectors, vaccine manufacturing uses Benzonase to degrade residual DNA from producer cell lines (MDCK, Vero, HEK293) to meet safety specifications.
Stable cell line development: Benzonase is used during cell lysis and protein extraction steps when harvesting recombinant protein from stable cell line cultures, ensuring that the final protein product is free of nucleic acid contamination.
Available Products
Benzonase Nuclease Enzyme
| Product Name |
Catalog No. |
Source |
Activity |
| Benzonase Nuclease |
JN844012 |
Recombinant (E. coli) |
Degrades all DNA and RNA forms; active in 1–2 mM Mg2+ |
Anti-Benzonase Antibodies (Clearance Validation)
For detecting residual Benzonase protein in purified biopharmaceutical products. Use in sandwich ELISA format to demonstrate Benzonase clearance during downstream processing.
Practical Notes
| Cofactor requirement |
Benzonase requires 1–2 mM Mg2+ for activity. Add MgCl2 to the lysis buffer. EDTA and EGTA chelate Mg2+ and will inactivate the enzyme — if your buffer contains EDTA, either remove it or add excess Mg2+ to compensate. |
| Typical dose |
25–50 U/mL of lysate for standard protein purification. For viscous lysates (high cell density, high-copy plasmid), increase to 100–250 U/mL. Incubate at room temperature or 37°C for 15–30 minutes. |
| Inactivation |
Benzonase is active across a wide pH range (6–9) and temperature range (0–42°C). To inactivate: add 5 mM EDTA, heat to 70°C for 30 min, or rely on downstream purification steps (ion exchange, SEC) to remove it. |
| Clearance validation |
After downstream processing, residual Benzonase in the final product must be below detection limits. Use our anti-Benzonase antibodies (polyclonal for capture, monoclonal for detection) in a sandwich ELISA to demonstrate clearance. Pair with the Benzonase enzyme (JN844012) as a calibration standard. |
For research use only. Not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use.
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