Using synthetic oligonucleotides as standards in probe-based qPCR

Abstract

Real-time PCR (qPCR) is widely used in the life sciences. For quantifying DNA, a standard curve is required. Common methods for standard development are time consuming, costly, necessitate a specific skill set, and pose a contamination risk. Using a targeted synthetic oligonucleotide, such as a gBlocks® Gene Fragment, overcomes these drawbacks and provides researchers an accurate and quick solution to standard development. Here, we demonstrate that using a gBlocks fragment as a standard provides comparable sensitivity, reliability, and assay performance to a purified amplicon standard.