Next-generation gene expression kit reduces plastic waste

Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched the next-generation Invitrogen™ TaqMan™ Cells-to-CT™ Express Kit, a pioneering solution aimed at providing laboratories with a more sustainable and efficient workflow for gene expression analysis. The kit, designed for reverse transcription (RT) real-time PCR (qPCR), offers a simplified and scalable process that minimises plastic waste.

Gene expression analysis is a crucial component of research, enabling the comparison of gene expression levels across different samples. The traditional approach to RT-qPCR involves a time-consuming RNA purification step. However, the new Cells-to-CT Express Kit transforms this process by allowing researchers to move directly from cultured cells to RT-qPCR with just 5 minutes of preparation time. This not only accelerates the overall workflow but also contributes to a significant reduction in plastic waste generated during the process.

The sustainability benefits of the Cells-to-CT Express Kit are noteworthy. While a traditional RNA purification kit generates approximately 106.9 grams of plastic waste, the innovative kit produces only around 8.1 grams of waste. This represents a remarkable 92.4% reduction in plastic waste, aligning with the growing emphasis on sustainable laboratory practices.

Ellie Mahjubi, Vice President and General Manager of Sample Preparation at Thermo Fisher Scientific, highlighted the kit's contribution to sustainability. In addition to providing a fast and streamlined workflow that yields consistent and highly sensitive results, the kit addresses the environmental impact of laboratories. Labs globally contribute to an estimated 5.5 million tons of plastic waste annually. The TaqMan Cells-to-CT Express Kit is positioned as a solution to help labs transition to more sustainable practices, aligning with Thermo Fisher's mission to enable customers to create a healthier, cleaner, and safer world.

By combining efficiency with sustainability, the Invitrogen TaqMan Cells-to-CT Express Kit exemplifies Thermo Fisher's commitment to advancing laboratory technologies with a focus on environmental responsibility.

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