Cell & Gene Therapy Insights 2025; 11(3), 307–319 · DOI: 10.18609/cgti.2025.035
Published: 26 March 2025
Innovator Insight
Marc Struhalla, Svenja Michalek
Recombinantly produced Serratia marcescens endonucleases, such as DENARASE® and Benzonase®1, are widely used for DNA removal in viral vector production processes. To improve vector yields, manufacturers are increasingly employing higher salt concentrations, up to 500 mM. However, this negatively impacts the activity of S. marcescens wild-type endonucleases. As a consequence, producers of viral vectors are seeking alternative, more salt-tolerant enzymes for nucleic acid digestion.
In this article, we highlight the development of DENARASE® High Salt, an engineered variant of the S. marcescens wild-type enzyme, and its potential to streamline viral vector manufacturing processes. In addition, we present test results from an independent, not-for-profit CGT research and technology organization, comparing our new enzyme with another commercially available salt-tolerant endonuclease.
1 Benzonase Nuclease is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA
To get access to the comparison data of DENARASE® High Salt against another salt-active endonuclease, please request the data here: