Home FAQs What are the advantages of using standard LAMP (NEB #E1700, M1708, E1708) over pH-based colorimetric LAMP (NEB #M1800, M1804)?

FAQ: What are the advantages of using standard LAMP (NEB #E1700, M1708, E1708) over pH-based colorimetric LAMP (NEB #M1800, M1804)?

Our pH-based colorimetric LAMP master mixes (NEB #M1800, NEB #M1804) utilize a weakly buffered solution to allow for visual detection using a pH-sensitive dye. This simple visual readout can be particularly useful for point of need testing. However, the low buffering capacity required to trigger the pink to yellow color change limits sample compatibility, as highly buffered sample inputs or acid samples may impact the color change. The master mixes in our standard LAMP products (NEB #E1700, NEB #M1708, NEB #E1708) can more readily tolerate these types of sample inputs. These products are also compatible with non-pH-based colorimetric detection with compounds such as hydroxynaphthol blue, which results in a purple to blue color change upon amplification. 


NEB’s LAMP/RT-LAMP master mixes enable choices regarding sample type and visual color change



NEB’s pH-based colorimetric LAMP master mixes with UDG (NEB #M1804) or without UDG (NEB #M1800) are weakly buffered to allow for visual detection of amplification using phenol red, which is a pH-sensitive dye. The low buffering capacity permits the reaction pH to decrease as protons are produced from amplification of the target nucleic acid, generating a pink to yellow color change. This simple visual readout can be particularly useful for point of need testing. However, the low buffering capacity required for pH-based detection limits sample compatibility with the pH-based colorimetric LAMP mixes. Highly buffered sample inputs may inhibit the color change while acidic samples may sufficiently decrease the reaction pH to impact the initial color. The multi-purpose LAMP/RT-LAMP 2X master mix with UDG (NEB #M1708, NEB #E1708) or without UDG (NEB #E1700) is fully buffered and can more readily tolerate these types of sample inputs, making it compatible with other colorimetric dyes (e.g., hydroxynaphthol blue, a metal indicator).