# A novel method for improved separation of metagenomic samples for preservation and identification.

> **NIH NIH R41** · SYRACUSE BIOLABS, INC. · 2021 · $218,846

## Abstract

Abstract
The success of all microbiome-based studies are highly dependent on effective sample purification of the
target organisms of interest. Characterizing individual organismal components of these metagenomic samples
relies heavily upon the ability to separate the individual phylogenetic components, such as removing human
cells from the microbiological fraction while preventing samples loss or degradation. This Phase I STTR project
aims to significantly advance DNA purification methods of metagenomics / environmental samples (e.g. human
and bacteria) using a patent pending simple and inexpensive purification approach aimed at effectively
separating and preserving host and microbial DNA. This method will ensure all organismal DNA is preserved
(i.e. not “sacrificed” or loss) during initial separation steps, unlike protocols employed by existing DNA
purification kit manufacturers. Outcomes should result in higher quality DNA sequence data (i.e. higher
sequencing coverage and higher sensitivity) thus providing robust information content, leading to higher
confidence in the organismal characterization.
 Syracuse Biolabs, Inc. (SBL), has teamed with scientists in the Forensic and National Security
Sciences Institute (FNSSI) at Syracuse University to further improve and commercialize this novel DNA
purification approach. This Phase I project has three aims directed to establish a proof-of-concept of the
method leading to initial kit development for fieldable DNA purification modules of metagenomic samples. Our
metagenomics DNA purification kit is also applicable to fields outside of the human microbiome research
market, including forensic identification and geolocation of biological samples relevant to criminal and
intelligence related activities, DNA based ecological research, plant and microbial based geosourcing and
defense/homeland security efforts (requiring DNA purification from environmental samples).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10324639
- **Project number:** 1R41GM140530-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** SYRACUSE BIOLABS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Michael Marciano
- **Activity code:** R41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $218,846
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-15 → 2023-03-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10324639

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10324639, A novel method for improved separation of metagenomic samples for preservation and identification. (1R41GM140530-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-19 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10324639. Licensed CC0.

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