A specially engineered enzyme and optimized buffer system enable the Herculase II enzyme to amplify difficult targets with high yields using fast cycling conditions. Targets that contain as much as 84% GC content are easily amplified whereas other competitors’ enzymes failed or produced low yield. To enhance amplification of problematic or GC-rich templates, DMSO (provided in a separate tube) can be added (3–10% DMSO; titrated in 1% increments to find optimal performance with your targets).

The result of fusing a DNA polymerase with a high-affinity double-stranded DNA binding domain, Herculase II offers increased processivity with better anchoring, preventing early dissociation from a DNA template.

ArchaeMaxx factor was isolated from Pyrococcus furiosus and added to the enzyme. ArchaeMaxx improves the Pfu DNA polymerase yield by overcoming dUTP poisoning caused by dUTP accumulation during PCR. This poisoning inhibits Pfu, limiting its efficiency. ArchaeMaxx functions as a dUTPase, converting toxic dUTP to dUMP and inorganic pyrophosphate."