--- title: 3 Applications for Highly Discriminating (HiDi®) Enzymes description: Explore Medix Biochemica's HiDi® enzymes for advanced PCR testing, mutation detection, genotyping, cancer diagnostics, and CRISPR-Cas SNP quality control. --- # 3 Applications for Highly Discriminating (HiDi®) Enzymes 17 August 2023 [Medix Biochemica](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/author/medix-biochemica) ![Medix Biochemica](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/www.medixbiochemica.commediasmall_logodefault000708_mb_wordmark_rgb_col_1000px-01.png) HiDi® (pronounced “Heidi”) stands for highly discriminating.[1](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) A highly discriminating  enzyme is an enzyme that’s been artificially modified to work in highly selective PCR testing and mutation detection.[1](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) They are the gold standard for cases where a researcher or healthcare provider is tasked with ‘finding a needle in a haystack’, delivering a level of certainty that other products can’t provide.[1](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References)  What Are HiDi® Enzymes and What Sets Them Apart? A HiDi® enzyme differentiates between primers that bind to their intended targets versus primers that are not fully binding.[1](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) In simple terms, the enzyme discards any mismatched primers and only ‘searches’ for the primers that are fully matched to the enzyme’s target sequences.[1 ](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) Many enzymes on the market today feature low discrimination or none at all.[1 ](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References)This becomes an issue when tests need to focus on specific primers, e.g. in as-PCR testing.[1 ](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) Highly discriminating enzymes, on the other hand, are exceptionally useful in these cases.[1](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) [Click here for a complete list of abbreviation definitions](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#Abbreviations) ## 3 Applications for HiDi® enzymes: **1. Genotyping** HiDi® enzymes can be used in genotyping to determine the alleles (genetic variants) an individual might have inherited.[1-3](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) HiDi® gives testers key advantages in genotyping:[2](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) - Up to 30% total time and labor cost reduction compared to PCR- and NGS-based genotyping - No significant protocol changes required - Enables confident acceleration of research **2. Cancer mutation detection** HiDi® products can be used in as-PCR testing to detect cancer mutations.[1,2 ](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) The traditional PCR workflow would include primer design, followed by PCR testing, followed by separation of DNA fragments (gel electrophoresis).[2,4](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) With HiDi®, the workflow is shorter, starting with primer design and progressing straight to quantitative (real-time) PCR.[2](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) qPCR can simultaneously amplify and detect the target DNA.[5](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) **3. CRISPR-Cas SNP quality control* ***SNPs can provide crucial information about an individual’s genetic makeup and indicate their predisposition towards certain diseases.[2 ](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References)SNPs introduced by CRISPR technology must undergo quality control filtering which can be done by HiDi very efficiently.[1](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) The traditional CRISPR workflow for SNP quality control takes up to 60 days, but the workflow using HiDi® DNA polymerase only takes just over 40 days.[2](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) This means:[2](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References)  - 20% less time required - 20% labor cost reduction - 60% overall total workflow cost reduction - 50% less plastic consumable waste used - 65% lower cost associated with external services ## **HiDi****®** Applications in HLA Typing and Matching and in Liquid Biopsies HiDi® enzymes are valuable in HLA typing and matching, helping to test patients and donors for bone marrow and cord blood transplant compatibility.[1,6](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) HiDi® enzymes can also be used in liquid biopsies to detect mutations in a high background of wild-type or ‘irrelevant’ biotype sequences.[1,2](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) This is useful for tracking the progress of a disease and testing the efficacy of treatment, e.g. the effect of chemotherapy on cancer progression.[1](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) Enjoying this Article? Why not [subscribe](https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1mVIwqUZURV6c3lgLIwmwRgeuezy?__hstc=86101959.7ba409b557b1afa889b7b101353628e3.1683793647395.1692088454191.1692103432728.69&__hssc=86101959.2.1692103432728&__hsfp=4137067760) to our newsletter to have them delivered straight to you inbox. ## **HiDi**® Enzymes From [Medix Biochemica](https://www.medixbiochemica.com/) There are 4 proprietary HiDi® formulations in [Medix Biochemica’s](https://www.medixbiochemica.com/) HiDi® product family. These include enzymes, Taq enzymes and ready-to-use master mixes:[2](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) - [HiDi® DNA polymerase](https://www.medixbiochemica.com/hidir-dna-polyme-9001s.html) - [HiDi® Taq DNA polymerase](https://www.medixbiochemica.com/hidir-taq-dna-po-9201s.html) - [HiDi® 2x PCR Master Mix](https://www.medixbiochemica.com/hidir-2x-pcr-mas-9101s.html) - [HiDi® Taq 2x PCR Master Mix](https://www.medixbiochemica.com/hidir-taq-2x-pcr-4200s.html) ## **What can you expect from Medix Biochemica’s HiDi****®**** products?**[2](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) - **Excellent SNP discrimination:** Differentiate alleles reliably. - **Superior performance: **Excellent for as-PCR and the first choice for highly selective PCRs. Outperform competitors. - **Easy primer design: **Standard primers, changing only the 3’ nucleotide. - **Highly sensitive: **Fewer than 10 copies of a mutation can be detected in a background of >10 000 wild-type copies. - **No false amplification:** Aptamer-based hot-start prevents false amplification and provides a fast-start function. ## **Benchmarking data for HiDi****®**** Taq DNA polymerase** [Benchmarking data ](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/hubfs/HiDiTaq%20benchmarking%20data.pdf)clearly shows the benefits of Medix Biochemica’s HiDi® Taq DNA polymerase.[7 ](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) This highly selective DNA polymerase variant is specially evolved for all assays where high single nucleotide discrimination is required, e.g. as-PCR, mutation detection and genotyping.[7](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) HiDi® Taq DNA polymerase efficiently discriminates matched primers from those that have a mismatch at the 3'-terminus.[7](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) It outperforms competitor products in both signal generation and discrimination.[7](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) [![Download ECCMID 2023 Scientific Poster](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/24933742/13e88178-00d8-43f1-8ea8-4885af03e66d.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/24933742/13e88178-00d8-43f1-8ea8-4885af03e66d) [**Click here**](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/hubfs/HiDi_2x_PCR_poster.pdf) to find out how the Medix Biochemica HiDi® 2x PCR Master Mix performed compared to competing products.[8](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) HiDi® enzymes are the gold standard for high discrimination as-PCR testing, liquid biopsy and HLA typing and genotyping.[2](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes#References) Medix Biochemica is proud to offer HiDi® products of superior quality. [![Subscribe To Our Newsletter](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/24933742/06acd780-215d-43dc-b5e6-a517a6a1d81a.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/24933742/06acd780-215d-43dc-b5e6-a517a6a1d81a) | **Abbreviations** | **Definition** | | --- | --- | | as-PCR | allele-specific PCR | | CRISPR | clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats | | CRISPR-Cas | CRISPR-associated protein | | DNA | deoxyribonucleic acid | | HLA | human leukocyte antigen | | IVD | in vitro diagnostics | | NGS | next generation sequencing | | PCR | polymerase chain reaction | | qPCR | quantitative (real-time) PCR | | SNP | single-nucleotide polymorphism | | Taq DNA polymerase | thermostable DNA polymerase | References: 1. Expert opinion. Interview with Ramon Kranaster, Managing Director and R&D Director at myPOLS Biotec GmbH. May 16, 2023.   2. Data on file. Medix Biochemica. HiDi® Family: True gold-standard for high discrimination allele-specific PCR. February 14, 2023. 3. Karch SB. Autopsy: molecular. In: Payne-James J, Byard RW, eds. Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine (Second Edition). Elsevier; 2016:290-296. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-800034-2.00041-0. 4. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Khan Academy. Accessed June 13, 2023. [https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/gene-expression-and-regulation/biotechnology/a/polymerase-chain-reaction-pcr](https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/gene-expression-and-regulation/biotechnology/a/polymerase-chain-reaction-pcr). 5. Hussain B, Yüce M, Ullah N, et al. 3 - Bioconjugated nanomaterials for monitoring food contamination. In: Grumezescu AM, ed. Nanobiosensors. Academic Press; 2017:93-127. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-804301-1.00003-5. 6. HLA basics. BeTheMatch.org. Published March 10, 2023. Accessed June 13, 2023. [https://bethematch.org/transplant-basics/how-blood-stem-cell-transplants-work/hla-basics/](https://bethematch.org/transplant-basics/how-blood-stem-cell-transplants-work/hla-basics/). 7. Data on file. Medix Biochemica. [Benchmarking data for HiDi® Taq DNA polymerase (#9201).](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/hubfs/HiDiTaq%20benchmarking%20data.pdf) 8. Data on file. [Medix Biochemica 33rd ECCMID. 2023.](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/hubfs/HiDi_2x_PCR_poster.pdf)    ## Similar Posts [![Why use PlexTaq® in the Detection of Pathogens? 3 Key Takeaways](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HubSpot_landing_page_banner_1080x432_PlexTaq.jpg?width=670&name=HubSpot_landing_page_banner_1080x432_PlexTaq.jpg) Why use PlexTaq® in the Detection of Pathogens? 3 Key Takeaways Read more ](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/why-use-plextaq-in-the-detection-of-pathogens-3-key-takeaways) [![Enzymes Designed for Your Assay – Not a One-Size-Fits-All Approach](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Enzymes%20Designed%20for%20Your%20Assay%20%E2%80%93%20Not%20a%20One-Size-Fits-All%20Approach.png?width=670&name=Enzymes%20Designed%20for%20Your%20Assay%20%E2%80%93%20Not%20a%20One-Size-Fits-All%20Approach.png) Enzymes Designed for Your Assay – Not a One-Size-Fits-All Approach Read more ](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/enzymes-designed-for-your-assay-not-a-one-size-fits-all-approach) [![Medix Biochemica’s Polymerase Library for Custom Solutions](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Medix%20Biochemica%E2%80%99s%20Polymerase%20Library%20for%20Custom%20Solutions.png?width=670&name=Medix%20Biochemica%E2%80%99s%20Polymerase%20Library%20for%20Custom%20Solutions.png) Medix Biochemica’s Polymerase Library for Custom Solutions Read more ](https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/our-cutting-edge-polymerase-library-medix-biochemica) Want to stay up to date? ## Subscribe to our articles ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=3501297&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Medix Biochemica", "url" : "https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/author/medix-biochemica" }, "dateModified" : "2024-12-04T11:44:10.522Z", "datePublished" : "2023-08-17T14:34:43.000Z", "headline" : "3 Applications for Highly Discriminating (HiDi®) Enzymes", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/3-applications-for-highly-discriminating-hidi-enzymes", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://articles.medixbiochemica.com/hubfs/Medix_Biochemica_RGB.jpg" }, "name" : "Medix Biochemica" } } ```