QScript Ultra RT: A Next Generation Reverse Transcription Platform to Break Cold-chain and Democratize State of the Art RNA Quantification Tools

QScript Ultra RT: A Next Generation Reverse Transcription Platform to Break Cold-chain and Democratize State of the Art RNA Quantification Tools

Abstract
During the COVID pandemic it is estimated that between 20% and 30% of shipments with temperature-sensitive molecular biology reagents and pharmaceuticals were compromised because of failures in maintaining ultra-low temperatures during shipment and storage; thereby, compromising safety, quality, and effectiveness of sensitive components. Lyophilized reagents can provide an effective solution that overcomes cold chain limitations, enabling ambient temperature shipment and/or storage of molecular biology tools while simultaneously protecting our environment by eliminating requirements for dry-ice shipments. These environmental benefits include reduction in CO2 emissions, lower energy use and costs for shipping, and eliminating disposal of non-biodegradable packaging materials such as Styrofoam containers. However, formulation constraints to support lyophilization, such as the elimination of polyhydric alcohols (glycerol) that are used to stabilize enzymes and enhance PCR primer/probe specificity, often limit the flexibility and breadth of applications of lyophilized reagents for research purposes, and/or limited stability following rehydration. To address these issues we have developed a novel next-generation, thermo-active reverse transcriptase and highly stable, glycerol-free enzyme compositions for a next-generation, inhibitor tolerant 1-Step RT-qPCR ToughMix that transcends limitations of currently available RNA quantification kits with highly reproducible, best in class performance metrics. This talk will discuss properties of this novel reverse transcriptase and critical features and benefits integrated into this new RNA quantification reagent system that lays the groundwork to build a broad portfolio of molecular biology tools that serve both developed and emerging global regions.