XS Probes

Amerigo Scientific provides custom XS Probes (typically 15 to 25 nts), which mimic the features of the Minor Groove Binder (MGB) probe moiety. The crescent-shaped MGB moiety noncovalently binds to the minor groove of the target DNA and stabilizes the target-probe duplex, effectively increasing the melting temperature (Tm) of the duplex. The stability increases the specificity of probes and allows for a shorter probe design. The probe with shorter sequence typically has greater quenching efficiency, lower background fluorescence and higher signal-to-noise.

The XS probes are specially modified double-labeled probes that provide higher hybridization stability than the conventional double-labeled probes. The XS probes with increased stability and shorter probe designs provide higher specificity for more challenging applications, such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. According to your specifications, the ideal XS probe sequence with a desired Tm will be designed and synthesized. The XS probes are compatible with a wide range of fluorophore -quench combinations as they are conventional double-labeled probe equivalents, allowing flexible application to all qPCR instruments.

Features of XS qPCR Probes

• Cost-effective alternatives to the MGB probes
• Short probe design: 15 - 25 nts in length
• Increased hybridization stability
• Increased specificity
• Ideal for SNP genotyping, gene expression analysis, pathogen detection, etc.
• Broad choice of dyes / quenchers
• Fast turnaround time, shipped within 5-7 working days

Services

Design and synthesize XS probes with increased stability and specificity.