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http://biotech.nature.com • OCTOBER 2001 • VOLUME 19 • nature biotechnology 989

SequencerThe ABI PRISM 7000 Sequence DetectionSystem is a complete, real-time PCR systemthat detects and quantitates nucleic acidsequences. Cycle-by-cycle detection of accu-mulated PCR product is made possible bycombining thermal cycling, fluorescencedetection, and application-specific softwarein one instrument. Quantitative results areavailable immediately after PCR withoutadditional purification or analysis. Additionalfeatures include automated primer and probedesign using Primer Express Software and theuse of TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix orSYBR Green PCR Master Mix to provide stan-dardized component concentrations and sim-plify assay setup.http://www.appliedbiosystems.com

Plasmid purificationInvitrogen’s Concert 96 PlasmidPurification System uses a solid-phase lysissystem, replacing the numerous reagentsand mixing steps associated with alkalinelysis. Cells are applied to a filter matrixwithin a 96-well plate, followed by additionof a lysis solution. During a short incuba-tion, cells lyse within the matrix.Centrifugation extracts the plasmid DNAfrom the filter and precipitates the DNA in areceiver plate containing isopropanol.Genomic Escherichia coli DNA and othercell components largely remain within thefilter matrix. The protocol can be completedmanually in 45–60 min for plasmids up to28 kilobases.http://www.invitrogen.com

Miniprep systemThe MagAttract 96 Miniprep System fromQiagen is designed for fully automated,high-throughput plasmid minipreps. Theprocedure combines an easy-to-automatemagnetic silica-bead technology with anovel plasmid purification method. Theunique chemistry enables purification ofplasmid DNA directly from crude lysateswithout the need for a lysate clearing step.The high-purity DNA obtained is suited foruse in applications such as automatedsequencing.http://www.qiagen.com

DNA analysis systemVarian’s Helix System for DNA Analysis is afully automated, biocompatible HPLC forapplications including mutation and SNPdetection, DNA fragment sizing, and PCRproduct quality control. Each component ofthe system is optimized for simplified rou-tine operation, reliable performance, andrapid sample analyses. Direct use of PCRproducts eliminates additional pipetting orcleanup, and pre-made BufferPaks save timeand minimize variability associated withreagent preparation.http://www.varianinc.com

Designing primersSNP Primer Design Software fromPyrosequencing enables researchers torapidly and efficiently design primers thatare optimized for use with Pyrosequencingtechnology. The Web-based software designsprimers in the forward, reverse, or bothdirections, computes the melting tempera-ture of the oligonucleotides, predicts sec-ondary structures and potential primer

FluorophoresEclipse Quencher is a novel nonfluorescentquencher for use in dual-label oligonu-cleotide reporter/quencher applications. Itworks effectively with green fluorophores,such as fluorescein, and red-shifted fluo-rophores, including Cy3, Tamra, andSynthetic Genetics’ new Redmond Red fluorophore. Eclipse Quencher reducesbackground fluorescence with a number offluorophores over a relatively wide emissionwavelength range, allowing flexibility in thedesign of FRET-based assays. EclipseQuencher is also useful in non-FRET probes,such as molecular beacons, where it effec-tively quenches most dyes currently in use.Eclipse Quencher and Redmond Red can beintroduced at any position in a syntheticoligonucleotide, providing flexible designcapability.http://www.syntheticgenetics.com

DNA sequencing & synthesis

cDNA synthesisPromega’s ImProm-II Reverse TranscriptionSystem produces efficient, robust synthesis offirst-strand cDNA in preparation for PCRamplification. The components can be usedto reverse-transcribe RNA templates startingwith either total RNA, poly(A)+ mRNA, orsynthetic transcript RNA. The optimizedreaction buffer and reverse transcriptase pro-vided in the system enable robust, full-lengthcDNA synthesis for the reproducible analysisof rare or long messages. The cDNA synthesisconditions have been formulated for stand-alone applications or for easy transition togene-specific target amplification.http://www.promega.com

interactions, and ranks primers according totheir suitability for each SNP assay.Customers can store the software analyses inHTML format on their own computer.http://www.pyrosequencing.com

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