Shimadzu Launches MultiNA II Microchip Electrophoresis System for DNA and RNA Analysis

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments has introduced the MultiNA II MCE-301 Microchip Electrophoresis System designed for the size analysis of DNA and RNA. The system reflects growing analytical demands driven by next-generation sequencing (NGS), genome editing and RNA-based workflows that require diverse analysis functions and high-sensitivity detection.

The system supports the calculation of RNA degradation indicators and is compatible with Shimadzu’s newly released high-sensitivity detection kit (DNA-HS12000 Kit). It is ideal for use in private and commercial testing laboratories, as well as laboratories that seek high performance while maintaining low cost of operation and low energy consumption, as well as laboratories specializing in NGS, food authentication and genome editing that require a fast, reliable instrument that enables quick and accurate review of results.

Smart, Simplified Workflow Design

The MultiNA II MCE-301 Microchip Electrophoresis System enables efficient, reliable analysis using simple operations. The intuitive software provides clear-cut procedures for automatic analysis, significantly increasing laboratory productivity. Operators can automatically dilute samples with purified water to ensure the concentration is within the quantitative concentration range. In addition, users can pause the system during an analysis to add up to 120 samples.

Gel images can be rearranged into any order, regardless of the actual sample analysis order. Past data can be displayed next to current data for easy comparison. In addition, it is easy to display size prediction values as red-line size guides within gel images or electropherograms. The removable sample rack holds up to 96 samples, and up to two types of reagent kits can be loaded in a mixed arrangement.

Enhanced Analysis Functions

Because extracted RNA continues to decompose as time elapses, the MultiNA II MCE-301 Microchip Electrophoresis System can calculate RNA Integrity Index (RII) values as an independent method of evaluation. The RNA integrity values align with those produced by non-Shimadzu platforms, with a 0.95 or higher correlation.

For DNA fingerprinting analysis with a positive control, the system automatically determines the presence or absence of each DNA fragment. After analysis, results can be collectively listed or shown grouped with other samples of the same type.

Expandable Application Range

The MultiNA II MCE-301 Microchip Electrophoresis System provides grouping analysis and molar concentration ratio analysis to support screening genome-edited samples. Electrophoresis of heteroduplex DNA can be used to determine the presence or absence of mutations and the genotype. The system automatically detects grouping analysis discrimination between homo and hetero types and between mutation types and displays it as a single list. The system can also calculate molar concentration ratios of peaks within a user-defined size range.

Next-Generation Sequencers

With the high-sensitivity kit, smear analysis functionality and RNA integrity index calculation, the MultiNA II system can easily evaluate the quality of NGS samples. The smear analysis functionality can be used to calculate the average size and concentration values. Used in combination with a high-sensitivity kit, library data can be evaluated for concentrations down to 5 pg/µL.

Unique Platform Enables Full Drug/Vaccine Characterization

Lipid Nanoparticles (LNP) and Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors are new therapeutic solutions that require characterization and Shimadzu offers a full solution. Use the Centrifugal Field-Flow Fractionation (CF3) system for LNP and AAV size characterization, extract mRNA and single strand DNA and run them seamlessly on the MultiNA II for size confirmation.

Energy Savings

Compared with previous models, the MultiNA II system uses 30% less power and has a 27% smaller footprint, making it well suited for laboratories with limited space. The system also requires 40% less purified water for rinsing, helping reduce liquid waste and overall environmental impact.