PCR Biosystems IsoFast Bst Polymerase reagents for DNA and RNA amplification

PCR Biosystems has launched a range of IsoFast Bst Polymerase reagents for rapid, robust and sensitive DNA and RNA amplification. Through its nucleic acid strand displacement capabilities, Bst polymerase eliminates the need for the high-temperature denaturation step associated with traditional Taq enzymes. This enables fast time to result and facilitates DNA and RNA amplification in the field without specialised thermocycling equipment.

The reagents can be used for a variety of techniques, including whole genome amplification, multiple displacement amplification and isothermal amplification. Such techniques have important applications in sectors ranging from environmental and food pathogen testing to clinical diagnostics and next-generation sequencing. Scientists performing DNA and RNA amplification can benefit from consistent results over a wide dynamic range and sensitivities down to three copies of target DNA (10 fg).

The reagents have been validated for qualitative detection of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid. Combined with the reagents’ suitability for use in the field, this validation opens the potential for rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing in environments such as airports, hospitals or care homes, without the need for a central laboratory, delivering results in 30 min and supporting initiatives for community or regular testing to safeguard public health. Sensitivities down to 12 copies of SARS-CoV-2 targets can be achieved, providing confidence in the quality of results.

The range is available in flexible formats, with 2X mix formats streamlining set-up for high-throughput applications and components available separately for those wanting to optimise the reaction for their specific needs. The reagents are offered with optional fluorescent dyes, facilitating real-time amplification tracking.