Engineering BioBrick vectors from BioBrick parts/DNA ligation

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  • T4 DNA Ligase from NEB
  • 10X T4 DNA Ligase buffer
  • Deionized, sterile H2O
  • Purified, linearized destination vector (in H2O)
  • Purified, linearized prefix part (in H2O)
  • Purified, linearized suffix part (in H2O)

Ligation mix

  • 2-4 μL each purified, linearized DNA
  • 1X Ligase buffer
  • 200 units T4 DNA Ligase

deionized H2O to 10μL


  1. Add appropriate amount of deionized H2O to sterile 0.6 mL tube.
  2. Add ligation buffer.
    Remember that the buffer contains ATP so repeated freeze, thaw cycles can degrade the ATP thereby decreasing the efficiency of ligation. It is recommended that you aliquot the Ligation Buffer into smaller quantities.
  3. Add prefix part, suffix part and destination vector to the tube.
  4. Add T4 DNA Ligase.
    Also, the ligase, like most enzymes, is in some percentage of glycerol which tends to stick to the sides of your tip. To ensure you add the correct amount, just touch your tip to the surface of the liquid when pipetting.
  5. Incubate 20 minutes on the benchtop at room-temperature.
  6. Place on ice until transformation.
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