30/05/13: Cool! IDT Now Offer qPCR Assay Plates
May 30, 2013 by Peter · Leave a Comment
I think that this is a great new release by Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT, www.idtdna.com).
It’s been a long-awaited release. IDT has announced the launch of PrimeTime® qPCR Assay Plates, for high throughput qPCR analysis. Primers and probes for 5’-nuclease and intercalating dye assays (e.g., SYBR®) can now be directly ordered online in a 96 well plate format, eliminating the time-consuming transfer of primers and probes from reagent stocks, and streamlining the reaction set-up. PrimeTime qPCR Assay Plates offer an ideal solution for many applications that generate large quantities of data, such as validation of NGS and microarray data, as well as high throughput gene expression screening.
Addressing the needs of each particular qPCR assay requirement, a range of primer and/or probe concentrations are available, delivered lyophilized within a 96 deep-well plate. For additional flexibility, different dye-quencher combinations can also be ordered on the same plate, extending the range of assays that can be performed during a single run. The researcher does not even need to purchase a complete 96 well plate, just 24 assays is the minimum per plate order. Further cost savings are possible once a plate layout has been designed, since replicate plates can be generated at a lower total cost per reaction, making this format particularly suited to high throughput applications in academia and industry.
Designing and ordering your custom assays in this new plate format is rapid and intuitive with the online PrimeTime® qPCR assay tool, which allows users to easily create a master plate via simple copy and paste actions from source data. Alternatively, researchers can select from a specialized library of predesigned human, mouse, or rat assays generated by IDT’s sophisticated design engine. In addition to incorporating accurate Tm and secondary structure prediction data, this assay design engine takes into account the latest data from the NCBI RefSeq database, to avoid off- target amplification and SNPs, thus ensuring maximum assay performance.
As standard, IDT ensures the highest quality oligonucleotide synthesis, with full QC assessment by mass spectrometry, and results available free of charge on our website.
For more information, please visit www.idtdna.com. Follow us on twitter @idtdna for real-time updates and insights.
29/05/13: iGEM 2013 Special Offer from IDT
May 29, 2013 by Peter · Leave a Comment
Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) is proud to be an iGEM Corporate Sponsor for 2013. IDT are also partnering with iGEM 2013 teams to help them achieve their goals. This year IDT are offering 50% off gBlocks® Gene Fragments. Learn more at this link
Any iGEM teams in Denmark and Sweden who are interested in help, please contact me via the contact page.
13/05/13: IDT Make Upgrades to Their Gene Synthesis Capabilities
May 13, 2013 by Peter · Leave a Comment
From May 13th, 2013, the following changes regarding Genes and MiniGene Synthetic Genes will take effect:
| Product | Previous Length | New Length | Previous Guaranteed Yield | New Guaranteed Yield |
| MiniGene™ Synthetic Genes | 25–400 bp | 25–500 bp |
2 µg |
4 µg |
| Genes | 401+ bp | 501+ bp |
2 µg |
4 µg |
Please check IDT’s website for updated pricing (as far as I can see it has not changed).
As always, all Genes and MiniGene constructs are sequence verified on both strands prior to shipping. Sequence information, including chromatograms, a plasmid map, and a FASTA file, is available.
If you have any questions about these changes or IDT’s gene synthesis service in general, please contact IDT at genes@idtdna.com.
11/03/13: Awesome News for Synthetic Biologists from IDT
March 11, 2013 by Peter · Leave a Comment
Below is the text from a recent joint press release from IDT and SGI-DNA.
The awesome bit is that soon, synthetic DNA constructs up to 2 Mbp will be available from IDT. I might be wrong, but that is a huge leap in the potential size of synthetic genes.
CORALVILLE, IA AND LA JOLLA, CA (February 27, 2013). Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. (IDT) and SGI-DNA announce an expanded partnership to develop, manufacture, and market a variety of synthetic DNA products.
IDT is the world’s leader in custom oligonucleotide synthesis and SGI-DNA is a newly formed subsidiary of Synthetic Genomics, Inc. (SGI), which focuses on genomic-driven solutions to a variety of global needs.
In February of 2012, IDT and SGI began to co-manufacture, commercialize, and market small synthetic gene products of up to 5 kb. IDT also launched its gBlocks™ Gene Fragments product line, for use in combination with SGI’s proprietary DNA technologies, including Gibson Assembly™, to assemble small gene constructs efficiently. gBlocks™ Gene Fragments have already revolutionized synthetic biology applications by substantially lowering DNA synthesis costs and making DNA assembly more efficient and reliable.
IDT and SGI-DNA are now extending this collaboration to manufacture and co-brand cloned synthetic DNA constructs up to 2 Mbp, and to make them available through IDT. This product offering has not been available until today and will make possible new applications including metabolic and whole genome engineering through de novo DNA synthesis. SGI-DNA will manufacture and become IDT’s exclusive supplier of the larger constructs. The two companies will also work together on the launch of an expanded IDT gBlocks Gene Fragments offering, expected later in 2013.
Dr. Joseph Walder, IDT’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, noted, “By joining forces, IDT and SGI-DNA will enable the research community by providing a complete solution, from short genes to very large synthetic constructs, at prices and with delivery times simply unavailable in the market today.” “Enabling new and better research has always been the essence of IDT’s mission, so it’s the perfect fit.”
“Over the last year, we have grown our in-house gene synthesis business, and effectively worked together with IDT to co-manufacture and co-market smaller synthetic gene products. This is the natural next step in that collaboration,” agreed J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., SGI’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer. He continued, “We are excited about what we’ll accomplish through the combination of SGI-DNA’s unique expertise with large, complex gene products and IDT’s experience in manufacturing and delivering small DNA products to researchers around the globe.”
SGI is also announcing the official launch of SGI-DNA, which will be responsible for all aspects of the development, manufacture, and commercialization of SGI’s synthetic DNA business.
IDT and SGI-DNA did not disclose the financial details of their arrangement.
For more information about how to order IDT/SGI-DNA products, please visit https://www.idtdna.com/pages/products/genes/custom-gene-synthesis.
Follow us on twitter @idtdna for real-time updates and insights.
Editors’ notes
About IDT Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. (IDT) is the largest supplier of custom synthetic nucleic acids in the world, serving the areas of academic research, biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical development. IDT’s primary business is the manufacture of custom primers, probes, and genes for research and diagnostic applications. Today, IDT synthesizes and ships an average of 36,000 custom oligos per day to more than 86,000 customers worldwide. IDT’s manufacturing locations include facilities in Coralville, Iowa; San Diego, Calif.; Leuven, Belgium; and Singapore. For more information, visit www.idtdna.com.
About SGI-DNA
SGI-DNA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Synthetic Genomics, Inc. (SGI) founded in 2013 and headquartered in La Jolla, CA, provides differentiated synthetic DNA solutions to leading organizations with demands for large and/or complex DNA constructs. Building on the scientific breakthroughs from leading scientists J. Craig Venter, Hamilton Smith, Clyde Hutchison, Dan Gibson and their teams, SGI-DNA utilizes unique and proprietary DNA synthesis technologies from SGI to produce synthetic genes, genetic pathways, and whole genomes quickly and costeffectively. SGI-DNA is responsible for all commercial aspects of SGI’s synthetic DNA business and focuses on strategic business relationships with both academic and commercial researchers.
For more information, visit www.sgidna.com.
About Synthetic Genomics Inc.
SGI, a privately held company founded in 2005, is dedicated to developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address a wide range of global challenges. The company is focused on several key research and business programs including: developing new synthetic DNA products and technologies through SGI-DNA, algae biofuels, new and improved food and nutritional products, and clean water technology. SGI is also involved in synthetically derived vaccine development through Synthetic Genomic Vaccines Inc. (SGVI), a business unit cofounded with the J. Craig Venter Institute; and in developing sustainable crops such as castor and sweet sorghum and agricultural products through AgraCast, a company co-founded with Plenus S.A. de C.V. For more information go to: www.syntheticgenomics.com
Media Contact for SGI and SGI-DNA
Heather Kowalski
858-361-0466
hkowalski@syntheticgenomics.com
Media Contact for IDT
Stephen Gunstream
319-626-9696
sgunstream@idtdna.com
22/02/13: When You Need to Customize PCR/qPCR Primer Designs – Free Webinar
February 22, 2013 by Peter · Leave a Comment
This is notification of a new webinar from IDT:
When You Need to Customize PCR/qPCR Primer Designs
It is often necessary to select primers using specific parameters; e.g., a particular GC content or Tm, forcing the start or stop position of a primer end. However, not all primer design tools provide this flexibility. In this interactive webinar, we will demonstrate several primer customization scenarios using the free, highly popular PrimerQuest™ Design Tool, including:
• When to use default design parameters, and when to customize assay design
• How to design primers for one, two, or up to 50 sequences at a time
• How to approach specific customized design scenarios suggested by and voted on by participants of this webinar
Tuesday, February 26th – 7:00pm CST
Wednesday, February 27th – 8:00am CST (This is the best one for European-based researchers)
Wednesday, February 27th – 1:00pm CST
This webinar could be interesting to researchers who have been using IDT’s PrimerQuest, as this has been updated.
17/10/12: Barcode Crosstalk can Severely Affect Next Generation Sequencing Results
October 19, 2012 by Peter · Leave a Comment
I often tell my customers that Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT, www.idtdna.com) is the “best oligo house in the world.” However, because I operate in Denmark and Sweden, where many customers have not even heard of IDT, I usually get the response that (yeah, yeah) this is because I am trying to sell IDT oligos. Which must be partly true, since I can hardly claim to be unbiased. However, when you consider that no other company does 100% QC on its oligos (and can demonstrate that systematically to customers), has advanced oligonucleotide synthesis chemistry, whilst reducing prices and delivering fast turnaround times, I think I am on pretty solid ground. However, in addition to those things that “IDT is known for” (assuming you have heard of them), is their innovation in the use of chemically synthesized DNA.
Earlier this year, IDT released gBlocks, driving costs down and increasing turnaround time for synthetic biologists. However, the subject of this post is another recent innovation: IDT’s TruGrade™ Processing Service.
The TruGrade™ Processing Service is a proprietary production process that reduces the risk of oligonucleotide crosstalk during multiplex next generation sequencing applications. Oligo crosstalk is a potential cause of barcode misalignment, which can lead to inaccurate conclusions by associating sequencing data with the wrong sample.
Oligonucleotides manufactured using the TruGrade service are suitable for:
- Sample preparation using barcoded adapters for multiplex sequencing
- PCR using barcoded fusion primers for multiplex amplicon sequencing
The title of this post refers to an article that explains why standard oligonucleotide synthesis for NGS applications might lead to sample “crosstalk” when multiplexing, and how this can be reduced by using TruGrade™ Processing Service for your oligos. The article can be accessed here:
Barcode Crosstalk can Severely Affect Next Generation Sequencing Results
16/10/12: IDT and Raindance Partner on Reagents & Consumables for Digital PCR Platform
October 16, 2012 by Peter · Leave a Comment
This from the news page on Raindancetech.com:
Collaboration will provide best-in-class solutions for RainDance’s RainDrop Digital PCR System
LEXINGTON, Mass. and CORALVILLE, IA – October 15, 2012 – RainDance Technologies, Inc., the Digital Biology™ Company, and Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) Inc., the world leader in oligonucleotide synthesis, today announced a collaboration focused on consumables specifically tailored to perform the fast-growing application of digital PCR. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will work together on the development of reagents compatible with the RainDrop™ Digital PCR System. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The RainDrop Digital PCR System is a breakthrough research platform that is transforming the performance of molecular assays by enabling digital answers across a number of important applications including low-frequency tumor allele detection, gene expression, copy number variation, and SNP measurement. Built using RainDance’s proven RainStorm™ picodroplet technology, the RainDrop System generates up to 10 million picoliter-sized droplets per sample. Since each droplet encapsulates no more than a single molecule, researchers can quickly determine the absolute number of droplets containing specific target DNA and compare that to the number of droplets with background, wild-type DNA.
“We have achieved a new gold standard in sensitivity, quantitation and multiplexing through enhancements in every aspect of system and reagent refinement.” said Rena McClory, Ph.D., Marketing Director for Digital PCR at RainDance Technologies. “We are pleased to be working with market leaders such as IDT on the development and broad availability of best-in-class reagents in support of our new RainDrop Digital PCR System.”
IDT is a leader in manufacturing and developing custom oligonucleotide products for use in the research and diagnostic life science markets. This includes design and synthesis of dual-labeled probes for gene expression and genotyping as part of the PrimeTime® qPCR product family. Founded by Dr. Joseph Walder in 1987, IDT’s development has been guided by an uncompromising approach to quality, a belief in the value of good service, and a determination to minimize consumer costs.
“We are pleased to be working with RainDance in supporting scientists who are seeking to apply the powerful attributes of digital PCR to their research projects,” said Stephen Gunstream, Sr Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at IDT. “Digital PCR is redefining the science of directly quantifying and amplifying nucleic acids and will open the doors to an exciting era of new discoveries.”
For more information about the RainDrop Digital PCR System, please visit http://raindancetech.com/digital-pcr-tech/raindrop-digital-pcr-system/.
09/10/12: Using gBlocks™ Gene Fragments to Generate Antibody Variable Regions
October 9, 2012 by Peter · Leave a Comment
gBlocks look like being a great tool for researchers in the field of synthetic biology, protein functionality, biosynthesis and similar fields where there is a need for different proteins and mutants thereof. Clicking on the picture below will take you to an article that describes work from the laboratory of Dr George Church, at Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. Dr Francois Vigneault is a postdoctoral fellow working in the Church lab, who describes his work in “immune sequencing” and how gBlocks have helped him in his work.
Decoded Reprint Flyer 01a 092012[1]
20/09/12: ..and Yet Another MIQE Webinar!
September 20, 2012 by Peter · Leave a Comment
This time the webinar is from IDT and will be on Tuesday, September 25th. The nice thing about this one is the convenience: you can choose from one of two times when you would like to hear the webinar. Like all the IDT webinar series to date, I expect this one to be on YouTube shortly after completion as well.
Anyway, here are the headline and link to the information/registration page:
MIQE Guidelines: A Roadmap for Proper qPCR Experimental Design and Reporting
Presented by Professor Stephen Bustin
26/06/12: Video – Rapid and Reliable Gene Construction with gBlocks Gene Fragments and the Gibson Assembly Method
June 26, 2012 by Peter · Leave a Comment
Cool. I really like this product for Synthetic Biology - gBlocks - and this is a very nice explanation of how to use it.
Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-Vh-LbJAJpk
15/06/12: Going to the ESHG 2012? Two Symposiums of Interest
June 15, 2012 by Peter · Leave a Comment
The ESHG is one of the highlights of the conference season in Europe and is usually an incredibly popular meeting for researchers from Denmark and Sweden. So it should be again this year, with the conference being held in the German city of Nuremburg.
Two of the companies that are represented by You Do Bio will be holding their own satellite meetings at ESHG and both look good value:
1. Integrated DNA Technologies are holding the following satellite meeting: 
Saturday, June 23, 11.45 – 13.15 hrs, Room Budapest
Oligonucleotides for Clinical and Research Applications – Why Quality Matters
2. Agilent Technologies will be holding the following event:
Monday, June 25, 11.40 – 13.10 hrs, Room Istanbul
Revolutionizing Human Genetics Research with new target enrichment system and high-resolution Oligo FISH technologies
https://twitter.com/YouDoBio/status/213633335229034496
10/05/12: State-of-the-Art Normalization of RT-qPCR Data
May 10, 2012 by Peter · Leave a Comment
A nice YouTube video, presented by Jo Vandesompele, one of the world’s most recognisable names in the field of qPCR.
10/05/12: How to Design Primers and Probes for Almost Any qPCR/PCR Target
May 10, 2012 by Peter · Leave a Comment
My advice is to use IDT’s PrimerQuest.
I have been working with some customers in Denmark to help get them started on this, because they are studying organisms that are not included in the (pretty big) model organism defaults to be found in IDT’s other design tools (SciTools).
PrimerQuest is pretty easy to use and I’ve posted a very short “how to” guide here. The only time-consuming part of using this tool is the BLAST you need to do on the primers/probes, but come on, if you’re in research isn’t that your job?
05/05/12: Gibson Assembly Mastermix – where to get it
May 5, 2012 by Peter · Leave a Comment
Gibson Isothermal Assembly is a great technique for combining long double-stranded DNA fragments together. You can view a DIY protocol here, which works fine.
However, you should also know that you can buy all the components in a ready-to-use mastermix format from New England Biolabs (NEB). Details here.
05/05/12: Some Useful Links Relevant to gBlocks
May 5, 2012 by Peter · Leave a Comment
IDT’s gBlocks are a great new product for anyone using traditional approaches to cloning or synthetic biology. Like any new technology, they take some getting used to. So, if you are a bit of a stick-in-the-mud, or a “late adapter” read the following and try to get inspired.
Easy Gene Assembly: gBlocks™ Gene Fragments (this article explains what gBlocks are)
Isothermal Assembly (how gBlocks can be assembled into full genes)
gBlocks User Guide (opens PDF file – all you need to know).
27/04/12: Some Nice Customer Feedback (ZEN qPCR)
April 27, 2012 by Peter · 2 Comments
Following the successful qPCR assay design seminars held at the start of March 2012, a number of customers took up the opportunity to try out free qPCR assays. I recently got some nice feedback from one such customer. Always good to know that sometimes people can be helped.
This from a customer at Skejby Hospital in Aarhus:
“ I have tried the IDT ZEN probes and they are as I expected – much better than the ones we had, and our technician have ordered the real ones to use in our diagnostic assay “right away”.
It was very convincing 
with much lower background. Everybody was convinced by first look at the results!!!
I am happy that I got the opportunity at the right time ”
25/01/12: IDT Launch gBlocks, a Revolutionary New Approach to Gene Synthesis & Alternative to Cloning
January 25, 2012 by Peter · 1 Comment
I am sooo excited about this new product from IDT. By making genes more affordable, while significantly increasing the speed of delivery, IDT are making synthetic genes more accessible to labs than they have been before.
In short, gBlocks™ Gene Fragments are double-stranded, sequence-verified DNA blocks up to 500 bp in length that can be shipped in 3–4 working days. You define the sequence. Prices are great (EUR 89/DKK 662/ SEK 787), which makes them a realistic alternative to cloning. Users can simply order individual gBlocks, assemble them and drop them straight into their favourite vector.
Anyway, enough from me. If you want to learn some more, please visit the IDT website and try them out!
Update, 27th January:
There are several resources on isothermal assembly, which is one of the recommended methods by which gBlocks can be used to create larger gene fragments. Here is the protocol on the Megason Lab wiki page. The page also contains a link to the original Nature Methods paper, describing the technique.
I wonder if it is just a matter of time before a commercial kit comes out for this…
11/01/12: Video of Integrated DNA Technologies’ (IDT) European Facility
January 11, 2012 by Peter · Leave a Comment
It is great to be able to find further information on IDT available on the internet. I think that the following will be interesting to a lot of customers who are currently using IDT: A video of the IDT European facility in Leuven, Belgium. The US sites will have a lot of similarities of course. Have you ever wondered what a world-class oligonucleotide synthesis facility looks like? Wonder no more…
09/09/11: Using PrimeTime qPCR Assays in Multiplex Experiments
September 9, 2011 by Peter · Leave a Comment
IDT have posted a short article on their website about using their PrimeTime qPCR Assays in multiplex assays. The PrimeTime assays themselves allow researchers to change the primer:probe ratio and use well-separated fluorescent dyes on the probes. Read the article to get further insight.
05/08/11: Use IDT to Order 454 GS FLX System Extended MID Rapid Library Set
August 5, 2011 by Peter · Leave a Comment
This product came to my attention very recently, after talking to a customer. Access all available Molecular Identifier (MID) tags available. MIDs will allow identifying tags to be placed on multiple libraries so that they may be multiplexed for sequencing.
If you are a researcher who is using the 454 GS FLX system, it is possible to get the entire MID library from IDT (120 MIDs) from IDT. For customers that need more MIDs than the twelve supplied by 454 in the GS FLX Titanium Rapid Library MID Adaptors Kit, this Extended List provides additional sequences that have been optimized for MID applications.
