Tailored Taq polymerases for qPCR and NGS-based protein assays

Biotium, a leading provider of fluorescent reagents for life science research, has expanded its trusted Cheetah™ Taq DNA Polymerase line with two powerful new formulations: Cheetah™ FLEX HotStart Taq DNA Polymerase and Cheetah™ PEA-PLEX HotStart Taq DNA Polymerase. These innovative products are engineered to meet the needs of today’s high-performance molecular workflows, from fast-cycling qPCR to proximity extension assays (PEA) and NGS-based high-throughput PEA for protein analysis.

Both formulations build on Biotium’s proprietary chemically modified, antibody-free hot-start technology, designed to reduce non-specific amplification without the limitations of antibody-based systems. The result is faster activation, improved stability, and broader compatibility with modern PCR applications.

Cheetah™ FLEX HotStart Taq is optimised for speed and versatility. It features a rapid 2-minute activation at 95°C - up to 10 times faster than AmpliTaq Gold® or HotStartTaq®—without the risk of animal DNA contamination. This antibody-free approach not only improves long-term storage stability but also ensures reproducibility across fast-cycling PCR and qPCR-based PEA workflows. Once heat activated, Cheetah™ FLEX performs with the same fidelity and enzymatic properties as native Taq polymerase, making it suitable for both routine and advanced protocols.

For researchers working with high-throughput PEA and NGS-based workflows, Cheetah™ PEA-PLEX HotStart Taq offers a purpose-built solution. Developed specifically for protein detection applications, it has been validated by third parties for use in NGS-based PEA systems and is also compatible with fast-cycling qPCR. Its formulation allows for seamless integration into demanding high-throughput assay environments.

Key benefits of both formulations include a unique chemical hot-start mechanism (no antibodies or activation lag), rapid 2-minute activation, enhanced contamination control due to the low-DNA enzyme preparation, and better stability than traditional chemically modified Taq enzymes. Cheetah™ PEA-PLEX is also available in ready-to-use kits or customisable bulk formats to suit the needs of commercial assay developers.

Both Cheetah™ FLEX and Cheetah™ PEA-PLEX are available now for purchase in standard and bulk quantities. 

These latest additions join Biotium’s growing suite of advanced PCR tools, including the Forget-Me-Not™ qPCR Master Mixes and EvaGreen® Dye - formulated to deliver performance, reliability, and convenience for today’s molecular biologists.

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