MultiNA II brings simpler, smarter electrophoresis to the lab

Shimadzu’s MultiNA II MCE-301 streamlines nucleic acid analysis with automated workflow, real-time data review and support for applications spanning RNA, DNA, NGS and genome editing.

In many molecular biology laboratories, electrophoresis remains an essential step in nucleic acid analysis, but it can still place demands on time, operator attention and bench space. Shimadzu’s MultiNA II MCE-301 addresses that challenge with a microchip electrophoresis platform built around automation and ease of use.

The workflow is deliberately simple. Users register the analysis schedule, place samples and reagents in the tray, insert the tray into the system and press start. From there, sample dispensing, electrophoresis, separation, detection and microchip rinsing are carried out automatically. Data is displayed in real time, allowing results to be reviewed as analysis progresses rather than only at the end of a run.

That emphasis on automation is matched by a focus on practical laboratory efficiency: analysis can begin after just 10 minutes of preparation. The system also includes automated sample dilution to help bring samples into the quantifiable range. For busier or shared environments, analysis can be paused so that additional samples can be loaded during a run, allowing users to add samples without waiting for the full sequence to finish.

Dedicated software simplifies data review by enabling quick comparison of current and past results, easy checking of target information and export of peak table data for further analysis. 

Building on the previous MultiNA platform, the new model introduces advanced RNA and DNA analysis capabilities, including RNA Integrity Index (RII) calculation, automated DNA fingerprinting and grouping analysis functions. With detection sensitivity reaching 5 pg/μL, the system supports high-precision analysis of low-concentration samples.

New functionality broadens its application scope across biopharma workflows, including quality control of next-generation sequencing libraries, total RNA assessment, mRNA purity verification, mutation detection in genome editing, and genotyping.

MultiNA II also brings a sustainability and space-saving angle to the lab bench. The system uses 30% less power than its predecessor and reduces purified water consumption for rinsing to 75% of the previous model’s level. 

Applications at a glance

• RNA quality assessment: built-in RNA Integrity Index (RII) functionality
• mRNA purity analysis: supports evaluation of mixed mRNA samples
• DNA fingerprinting: automatic detection of the presence or absence of specific DNA fragments
• Genome-editing support: grouping analysis and molar concentration ratio analysis
• NGS library QC: smear analysis and high-sensitivity evaluation down to 5 pg/µL

Together, these capabilities position MultiNA II as a versatile platform for laboratories seeking to simplify electrophoresis workflows while supporting a broad range of RNA, DNA, genome-editing and NGS-related applications in a compact automated system.

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