NANOSTRING nCounter Analysis System:
This unique technology is a variation of a DNA microarray but instead utilized colour-coded barcodes and microscopic imaging to detect and count up-to several hundred unique transcripts in a single reaction. This occurs by hybridizing custom-made or pre-designed colour-coded ~50 base probes called ‘CodeSets’ individually to each sample.
NanoString technology can hybridize directly to many different types of target nucleic acid molecules, making it ideal for a range of discovery and translational research applications. The portfolio of application-specific solutions currently includes kits for:
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Technology Overview:
The system is composed of two instruments a Prep-Station and a Digital Analyzer. The Prep-Station is a fully automated robot that runs a min/max of 12 hybridization samples at a time. The Prep-Station takes the 12 hybridized samples and aligns the target/probe complexes into a cartridge. The cartridge is then transferred to the Digital Analyzer for analysis; it can run up to 6 cartridges in sequence. The Digital Analyzer uses a specialized microscope to image the barcodes of the target/probes complexes for each individual sample. These images are collected and digitalized into a numeric value which represents the number of counts of a specific transcript in each sample.
Image Courtsey of NanoString Technologies®
1) Hybridization: NanoString’s Technology employs two ~50 base probes per mRNA that hybridize in solution. The Reporter Probe carries the colour-coded barcode; the Capture Probe allows the complex to be immobilized for data collection. This hybridization reaction occurs overnight in a standard PCR machine.
Image Courtsey of NanoString Technologies®
2) Purify and Immobilize: After hybridization, samples are placed in the Prep Station. The excess probes are removed and the probe/target complexes are aligned and immobilized into a nCounter Cartridge.
Image Courtsey of NanoString Technologies®
3) Count: Sample Cartridges are transferred to the Digital Analyzer for data collection. Color-coded barcodes hybridized to samples within the cartridge are counted with a specialized fine microscope and tabulated for each target molecule.
Image Courtsey of NanoString Technologies®
Our Services for nanoString nCounter Include …
- Purchasing reagents and supplies
- Sample, Reagent and Disposable Storage
- Hybridization training + Use of a PCR machine
- Hybridization reactions for various applications
- Use of Prep-Station (Setting: Standard or High)
- Use of Digital Analyzer (Setting: Low, Medium, High, Max)
- Evaluation of QC for every run
- Data Upload
- Troubleshooting
Please email us to coordinate your run, get a quote or ask any questions!