DNA Ligase Selection Chart

While more than one ligase may work for your application, the following selection chart presents our recommendations for optimal performance. To select a ligase based upon the type of substrate present, please visit Substrate-based Ligase Selection Chart. In addition, the Properties of DNA and RNA Ligaseswill help you understand the differences between them.

Blunt/TA Ligase Master Mix Instant Sticky-end Master Mix ElectroLigase® T4 DNA Ligase Hi-T4™ DNA Ligase Immobilized T4 DNA Ligase Salt-T4® DNA Ligase Quick Ligation™ Kit NEBridge® Ligase Master Mix T3 DNA Ligase T7 DNA Ligase HiFi Taq DNA Ligase Taq DNA Ligase 9°N™ DNA Ligase NEBNext Quick Ligation™ Module SplintR® Ligase E.coli DNA Ligase
DNA APPLICATIONS
Ligation of sticky ends ★★ ★★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★★ ★★ ★★★ ★★ ★★
Ligation of blunt ends ★★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★★ ★★
T/A cloning ★★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Electroporation ★★★ ★★ ★★
Golden Gate Assembly ★★★ a ★★★
Ligation of sticky ends only ★★★
Repair of nicks in dsDNA ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
High-complexity library cloning ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★★ ★★
Adapter Ligation ★★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Ligation-Dependent DNA Sequence & SNP Detection (LCR, LDR & related methods) ★★★ ★★ ★★
Ligation-Dependent RNA Sequence & SNP Detection ★★★
Ligation of adjacent ssDNAs on an RNA splint ★★★
NGS APPLICATIONS
NGS Library Prep dsDNA-dsDNA (ligation)
FEATURES
Salt tolerance (>2X that for T4 DNA Ligase)
Ligation in 15 min. or less
Master Mix Formulation
Thermostable
Thermotolerant
Recombinant
Reusable/Removable
KEY
★★★ Optimal, recommended ligase for selected application
★★ Works well for selected application
Will perform selected application, but is not recommended
Please consult the specific NGS protocol to determine the optimal enzyme for your needs
a Not yet tested
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