Qiagen has launched its Quantifast Multiplex RT-PCR kits and Rotor-Gene Multiplex RT-PCR kits.
The company said the Quantifast kits are the first-to-market in fast multiplex real-time RT-PCR without requiring optimisation on both standard and fast real-time cyclers for one-step applications.
The Rotor-Gene kit allows detection of up to four targets per tube and includes optimised protocols for precise results on the Rotor-Gene Q.
Gene expression and function (GEF) analysis plays an important role in areas such as cancer research, enabling biomarker identification, target validation, and drug development.
Of importance to researchers is the ability to achieve accurate real-time PCR with minimum time and effort.
The fast real-time PCR technologies from Qiagen provide speed and accuracy not only on fast cyclers, but also on standard cyclers.
For applications such as gene silencing by siRNAs, the entire real-time PCR workflow can be streamlined by eliminating the need for RNA purification and allowing analysis of multiple targets in one tube.
Another key component in the gene-expression workflow is the new Tissuelyser LT.
This instrument uses bead-mill technology to break-up tissue and provide fast access to DNA, RNA, and proteins.
This small, easy-to-operate bead mill can process up to 12 samples, fresh or frozen, in parallel using the carousel adaptor.
The adaptor is able to be cooled for sensitive applications such as plant disruption, preventing degradation.
The 12-sample format has an additional benefit for current Qiagen automation users - seamless integration of sample disruption with other Qiagen automation such as the Qiacube for purification and Qiaxcel for analysis.
In addition to the newest offerings for RT-PCR analysis, Qiagen has also announced the launch of Allstars Control siRNA for transfection optimisation in mouse and rat cells.
Allstars Control siRNA enables easy transfection optimisation with phenotypic control siRNA in virtually all mouse and rat cell types.
Control siRNA is used for transfection optimisation and as a positive control in high- throughput screening in mouse and rat cells.