GE Introduces the illustra™ Hot Start DNA Amplification Technique

GE Healthcare has introduced the illustra™ Hot Start Master Mix, an approach to amplifying target DNA sequences that is designed to provide an increased level of PCR specificity compared to conventional techniques.

The key to the improved specificity and efficiency of the Hot Start Master Mix is its mode of action.

This system achieves hot start activation by sequestering primer until the template DNA is denatured.

It then releases the PCR primers, and the cycle of amplification-primer: template annealing, extension, and denaturation-then proceeds using traditional thermal cycling protocols.

Unlike hot start PCR systems that rely on chemically modified or antibody-based methods, HotStart Master Mix does not interfere with the thermostable polymerase, resulting in no loss of enzyme efficiency.

By effectively inhibiting primer: dimer formation without compromising enzyme function, Hot Start Master Mix maximizes target amplification specificity and efficiency for better overall PCR results.

"The broad range of GE Healthcare customers that rely on PCR amplification as a critical research tool will benefit from the high specificity, accuracy, and PCR product yield achieved with the illustra Hot Start Master Mix," says Rupert Jones, global marketing manager at GE Healthcare.

"The system’s performance, reproducibility, ease-of-use and relative low cost offer advantages unsurpassed by competing PCR amplification systems."

"The primer sequestration technique used for hot start activation maintains sample integrity better than chemical inactivation or antibody blocking approaches, giving customers greater confidence in downstream processes."