Precision amplified
Equinox® Library Amplification Kits deliver excellent fidelity, uniform sequence coverage, and high library complexity to specifically address the stringent demands of applications such as rare variant detection, circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis, single-cell analysis, and hybridization capture. Kits contain a uniquely engineered, ultra-high fidelity DNA polymerase in an optimized hot start PCR mix formulated for high efficiency, low-bias NGS library amplification.
Key Features and Benefits
- Increase overall assay sensitivity with ultra-high-fidelity amplification, reducing misincorporation events by up to 40%
- Improve sequencing economy with highly uniform sequence coverage
- Amplify libraries efficiently from a wide range of inputs (0.1 pg – 500 ng) and GC content (15% to 85%)
- Enable low-input applications and automated workflows with a highly effective antibody-based hot start formulation
- Compatibility with paramagnetic beads delivers robust performance in hybridization capture workflows
- Amplify bisulfite-converted DNA with Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kits
Applications
- Low-frequency variant detection NGS assays, including those utilizing challenging samples such as FFPE and cfDNA
- Hybridization capture workflows
- Single-cell analysis
- Whole genome sequencing
- Amplicon sequencing
- RNA-Seq
- ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq, and associated epigenetic applications
- Illumina and non-Illumina sample preparation workflows
Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kits are specifically designed for the amplification of:
- Bisulfite-converted DNA
- Damaged DNA samples or templates containing modified bases
Flexible Kit Configurations
Equinox Library Amplification Kits are designed for high-efficiency, high-fidelity amplification of next generation sequencing (NGS) libraries. The ready-to-use mix contains an optimized PCR buffer and hot start enzyme formulation that enables library amplification with minimal bias and error across a broad range of input amounts and GC content, and performance is maintained in the presence of a variety of paramagnetic beads.
Three different Equinox Library Amplification Kits are available, each available with or without amplification primers:
 | The Equinox Library Amplification Kit supports highly sensitive applications with our ultra-high-fidelity polymerase in a convenient 2X master mix format |
 | The Equinox HC (High Concentration) Library Amplification Kit provides a more concentrated (4X) master mix, for library amplification reactions from more dilute inputs |
 | The Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kit enables amplification of uracil-containing templates including bisulfite-converted, deaminated, or damaged (e.g., FFPE) DNA |
 | The Equinox Library Amplification Kit supports highly sensitive applications with our ultra-high-fidelity polymerase in a convenient 2X master mix format |
 | The Equinox HC (High Concentration) Library Amplification Kit provides a more concentrated (4X) master mix, for library amplification reactions from more dilute inputs |
 | The Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kit enables amplification of uracil-containing templates including bisulfite-converted, deaminated, or damaged (e.g., FFPE) DNA |
Key Performance Data
Library amplification with Equinox® enables rare mutation detection
Ultra-high-fidelity library amplification is critical for sensitive applications. Equinox is a proprietary proofreading polymerase, capable of a 40% reduction in overall polymerase error rate in comparison to KAPA HiFi HotStart ReadyMix. This enables sensitive variant detection by minimizing overall error rates and reducing false variant calls. A significant reduction in C>T substitutions is particularly important as this mutation is associated with the spontaneous deamination of methylated cytosine to uracil, and is also one of the most common mutation types in cancers.
Figure 1. Up to 40% reduction in overall ... MORE
Library amplification with Equinox enables rare mutation detection
Figure 1. Up to 40% reduction in overall polymerase error rate. Error rates of the Equinox Amplification Master Mix and KAPA HiFi HotStart ReadyMix were measured after >9 million base incorporation events in three separate reactions, using a proprietary NGS-based assay. Base substitution profiles were examined in triplicate over 5.4 million G/C incorporation events and 4.0 million A/T incorporation events. Equinox displayed an overall polymerase error rate 40% lower than that of KAPA HiFi HotStart ReadyMix™.
Low-bias amplification delivers uniform UMI family coverage
Unique Molecular Indices (UMIs; also known as molecular barcodes) are added to sequencing libraries prior to PCR amplification to enable accurate bioinformatic identification of PCR duplicates and improve variant calling in low-input applications. Biased amplification – the preferential amplification of a small number of molecules at the expense of others – results in uneven UMI family representation. This generates large numbers of singleton UMIs (families represented by only one read) that cannot be error corrected. A significant amount of additional sequencing may be required to attain requisite coverage of low abundance sequences. Equinox enables uniform UMI family amplification, supporting coverage for >75% of all read families (and >90% of read families with GC content from 25 – 75%) within 3X of the mean family depth.
Low-bias amplification delivers uniform UMI family coverage
Effective hot start formulation safeguards low-input applications and automated workflows
The Equinox Amplification Master Mix is formulated with a highly effective hot start antibody that strongly inhibits both the 5’→ 3’ polymerase and 3’ → 5’ exonuclease activities of the enzyme. This mitigates degradation of primers and low-input samples, and minimizes artifacts resulting from nonspecific amplification – thereby improving sensitivity in automated library construction.
Figure 3. Improved hot start functionality ... MORE
Effective hot start formulation safeguards low-input applications and automated workflows
Figure 3. Improved hot start functionality. Polymerase and exonuclease activities of Equinox polymerase, KAPA HiFi HotStart DNA Polymerase, and NEBNext Q5 DNA Polymerase were assessed by the detection of dNTP incorporation or dNMP release, respectively, after incubation at 25°C. Percent inhibition is reported relative to uninhibited formulations.
High-efficiency amplification limits bias and artifacts
High-efficiency library amplification with Equinox makes it possible to limit the number of cycles needed to generate the yield needed for downstream steps. Amplification efficiency remains robust, even when yields >1 μg are required. This minimizes PCR-associated bias and artifacts for applications such as single-plex hybridization capture.
Figure 4. Highly efficient library amplification ... MORE
High-efficiency amplification limits bias and artifacts
Figure 4. Highly efficient library amplification. Human whole genome libraries (10 ng per reaction) were amplified in triplicate with the Equinox Library Amplification Kit, KAPA HiFi HotStart ReadyMix, and NEBNext Ultra II Q5 Master Mix for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 cycles. Yields were determined by qPCR-based library quantification at the 2-cycle intervals.
Uniform amplification improves sequencing economy
PCR bias is exacerbated when working with challenging conditions or samples. Equinox introduces minimal amplification bias, even in the presence of paramagnetic beads. This simplifies protocols that benefit from on-bead amplification, such as hybridization capture workflows. Additionally, Equinox delivers even coverage uniformity across complex genomes which can reduce the amount of sequencing needed to achieve desired coverage depths.
Uniform amplification improves sequencing economy
Robust amplification of uracil-containing templates
Many proofreading (B-family) polymerases stall replication in response to uracil or other modified bases in DNA templates. Equinox Uracil Tolerant Polymerase is an engineered polymerase that utilizes uracil-containing templates with high efficiency. This ensures high yields and minimal bias when amplifying bisulfite treated DNA for epigenetic applications.
Figure 6. Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification ... MORE
Robust amplification of uracil-containing templates
Figure 6. Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kits efficiently amplify uracil-containing templates. As expected, Equinox Library Amplification Kits were inhibited by uracil-containing primers, while Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kits show no inhibition across a range of inputs.
BROCHURES
Equinox Library Amplification Kits Brochure
Element Illumina Singular Ultima DNA RNA FFPE Microbial DNA NGS Equinox Library Amplification Equinox Uracil-Tolerant Library AmplificationEquinox® Library Amplification Kits offer ultra-high-fidelity DNA polymerase in a hot start PCR master mix, ensuring high-efficiency, low-bias NGS library amplification across diverse inputs and GC content.
Precision Enzymes and Proteins Brochure
Custom Genomic Solutions Enzymes MDx DNA Polymerase I Equinox Library Amplification Equinox Uracil-Tolerant Library Amplification phi29 DNAP RNase Inhibitor RNase H StellarScript RT StellarScript HT RT StellarScript HT+ RT StellarTaq DNA Polymerase T4 DNA Ligase T4 DNAP T4 Polynucleotide Kinase T4 Gene 32 Protein Taq DNAPWatchmaker Genomics offers a portfolio of precision-engineered enzymes and proteins, designed to meet the demands of high-stringency applications. We provide tailored services such as custom fills, formats, packaging, and labeling to accommodate unique specifications.
Custom Genomic Solutions Brochure
Custom Genomic Solutions Isothermal Amplification Pathogen Detection PCR/qPCR Rolling Circle Amplification RT-PCR/RT-qPCR Enzymes MDx Equinox Library Amplification Equinox Uracil-Tolerant Library Amplification phi29 DNAP Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) RNase Inhibitor RNase H Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits StellarScript RT StellarScript HT RT StellarScript HT+ RT StellarTaq DNA Polymerase Bsu DNA Polymerase, Large Fragment T4 DNA Ligase T4 DNAP T4 Polynucleotide Kinase T4 Gene 32 Protein Taq DNAP T4 UvsX DNA Recombinase T4 UvsY ProteinWhether you need small-scale modifications or a fully custom solution, Watchmaker’s flexible model ensures you get exactly what you need — with speed, simplicity, and scientific precision.
VIDEOS
Overcoming sequencing artifacts to fuel clinically relevant NGS applications
Illumina DNA DNA NGS DNA Library Prep with Fragmentation Equinox Library AmplificationThis video covers the data quality and workflow improvements made as a result of implementing the Watchmaker DNA Library Prep Kit with Fragmentation - including reduced sequence artifacts and PCR errors, as well as increased scalability.
POSTERS
Evaluation of library amplification systems for high stringency applications
Illumina DNA DNA NGS Equinox Library AmplificationThis poster evaluates the Equinox Library Amplification Kit's performance in high-stringency applications, emphasizing its efficiency across a broad range of GC contents (20.8% to 80.9%) and its ability to amplify long library inserts without bias. The kit maintains amplification efficiency even as product accumulates, which is crucial for hybridization capture workflows. Additionally, Equinox generates uniform Unique Molecular Index (UMI) families, enhancing sequencing economy and error correction. It also exhibits excellent fidelity and near-complete hot start inhibition of both polymerase and exonuclease activities, making it suitable for automated library amplification.
PROTOCOLS
Equinox Library Amplification Kits User Guide
DNA NGS RNA NGS Equinox Library Amplification Equinox Uracil-Tolerant Library AmplificationProtocol for Equinox® Library Amplification Kit which deliver high-efficiency, low-bias NGS library amplification with hot-start enzymes, supporting broad inputs and various sequencing applications.
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| Equinox Library Amplification Kits | Equinox High Concentration (HC) Library Amplification Kits | Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kit contents | Equinox® Amplification Master Mix (2X) | Equinox Amplification Master Mix (4X) | Equinox Uracil Tolerant Amplification Master Mix (2X) |
| P5/P7 Primer Mix (10X, optional) | P5/P7 Primer Mix (10X, optional) | P5/P7 Primer Mix (10X, optional) | |
| Concentration | 2X | 4X | 2X |
| Shipping conditions | Ice packs | ||
| Storage | Long term: -20°C, ±5°C Short term: 4°C for up to 2 weeks | ||
| Stability | 20 freeze-thaw cycles | ||
| Shelf life | (24 rxn): ≥ 6 months (> 24 rxn): ≥ 12 months | ||
What are the relevant applications for the Equinox Library Amplification Kit?
Our Equinox® Library Amplification Kit has been specifically optimized for efficient NGS library amplification from a wide range of template amounts (0.1 pg – 500 ng) up to 1 kb in length. These NGS applications include:
- Low-frequency variant detection NGS assays, including those utilizing challenging samples such as FFPE and cfDNA
- Hybridization capture workflows
- Single-cell analysis
- Whole-genome sequencing (WGS)
- RNA-Seq
- Amplicon sequencing
- ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq, and associated epigenetic applications
- Illumina and non-Illumina sample preparation workflows
What are the relevant applications for the Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kit?
Our Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kit has been specifically designed for amplification of uracil-containing templates. The applications include:
- Amplification of bisulfite-converted DNA
- Amplification of damaged DNA or templates containing modified bases
- Illumina and non-Illumina sample preparation workflows
What type of enzyme is in the Equinox Library Amplification Kit?
Equinox DNA Polymerase is an engineered B family proofreading polymerase variant developed specifically for NGS applications to deliver excellent fidelity, uniform sequence coverage, and high library complexity.
What type of enzyme is in the Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kit?
Equinox Uracil Tolerant DNA Polymerase is a proprietary proofreading polymerase specifically engineered to utilize templates that contain uracil or other modified bases. Unlike most B-family DNA polymerases, it does not stall when encountering a modified residue, thereby enabling efficient amplification and high yields of bisulfite converted and damaged DNA.
Are reaction buffer and dNTPs supplied in the Equinox Library Amplification Kit?
The Equinox Amplification Master Mix consists of an optimized PCR buffer, hot start enzyme formulation, and dNTPs.
When should I use the 2X and 4X Equinox Library Amplification Master Mix?
The 2X and 4X formulations of Equinox Library Amplification Master Mix result in the same final concentration of enzyme, dNTPs, and buffer components when used at 1X working concentration. The additional available reaction volume enabled by the 4X master mix allows for more template volume to be added thus promoting more mass per reaction for dilute templates. The two formulations are expected to perform equivalently.
When should I use the Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kit?
The Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kit can be used for amplification with uracil containing primers or of uracil containing templates. Typical cases include amplification of bisulfite-converted DNA, amplification of damaged DNA, and the prevention of amplicon contamination with UDG.
Can the Equinox Library Amplification Kit amplify longer templates?
Equinox Library Amplification Kits can robustly amplify templates up to 10 kb in length. We have shown amplification >10 kb; however, optimization is recommended.
Can the Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kit amplify longer templates?
Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kits can robustly amplify templates up to 10 kb in length. We have shown amplification >10 kb; however, optimization is recommended.
Does the Equinox Library Amplification Kit have hot start functionality?
Yes, the Equinox Library Amplification Kit is supplied in a hot start format. A highly optimized hot start antibody is used to inhibit polymerase and exonuclease activity prior to the initial denaturation (enzyme activation) step. Equinox DNA Polymerase exhibits industry-leading inhibition of polymerase and exonuclease activity prior to activation.
The Equinox Library Amplification Kits are also available in non-hot start formulations. To enquire about these formulations please contact sales@watchmakergenomics.com or submit a request via our Custom Solutions form.
Do Equinox Library Amplification reagents have exonuclease activity?
Equinox Library Amplification reagents exhibit 3' to 5' exonuclease activity, commonly referred to as proofreading activity. Hot start functionality inhibits this activity prior to heat activation. Equinox Library Amplification reagents do not exhibit 5' to 3' exonuclease activity.
Does the Equinox Library Amplification Kit exhibit strand displacement activity?
Yes, Equinox Library Amplification Kit has strand-displacement activity that is temperature dependent.
Can Equinox Library Amplification Kit incorporate modified or alternative bases?
The Equinox Uracil Tolerant Library Amplification Kit should be used for modified or alternative bases. The modification type has a significant impact on performance. Examples of modifications likely to work are fluorescent labels (Cy3/Cy5), base modifications (5'Bromo-dU), backbone modifications (2'Omethyl, 2'Fluoro, etc), and reversible terminators. Larger modifications or backbone modifications are likely to be less efficient.
What ends will my PCR products have?
Products amplified using the Equinox Library Amplification Kit will feature blunt ends.
What are the cycling recommendations for the Equinox Library Amplification Kit?
Please reference our User Guide for recommendations on Library Amplification protocol instructions on reaction setup conditions and cycling protocol.
What primer concentrations are recommended for amplification with the Equinox Library Amplification Kit?
Optimal primer concentration depends on the application and should be optimized for each application. Forward and reverse primers should always be present in equivalent concentrations. The final concentration of primer pairs can range from 0.5 to 2 μM. A final primer pair concentration of 0.5 µM is sufficient to yield 500 ng of library (approximately 40 nM in a 50 µL reaction for a library with an average fragment length of 400 bp). If the total library yield must exceed 500 ng or 40 nM, use 2 µM final concentration.
Please refer to the table in Library Amplification: Step 1.4 in the User Guide for primer concentration recommendations. If you need more specific recommendations for primers, please contact support@watchmakergenomics.com or submit a request via our Technical Support form.
Are protected primers required for Equinox library amplification-based PCR amplification?
Protection of the 3'-ends of amplification primers through the incorporation of one or more phosphorothioate bonds is highly recommended to achieve optimal specificity and library yields.
What is the optimal annealing temperature for the Equinox Library Amplification Kit?
The optimal annealing temperature depends on the adapter format used. For the Watchmaker Full-Length UDI Adapter Kit with the standard Illumina® "P5" and "P7" primers an annealing temperature of 60°C is recommended. For the Watchmaker Stubby UDI Adapter Kit, an annealing temperature of 55°C is recommended with the supplied primers.
For alternatively supplied primers, please contact support@watchmakergenomics.com or submit a request via our Technical Support form.
What are the recommended extension times for amplification with the Equinox Library Amplification Kit?
A 30 sec extension is sufficient for libraries with a mode fragment size up to 500 bp. Longer extension times may be required to ensure efficient amplification of longer-insert libraries.
Where can I go for additional help or technical support?
If you need more detailed guidance or have questions not addressed here, please reach out to our support team at support@watchmakergenomics.com or submit a request via our Technical Support form. Please include details such as product name, lot number, version of protocol you’re using, and a brief description of your question or issue so we can assist you promptly.
Do you offer custom formats?
Yes! Watchmaker offers custom fill volumes, packaging, concentrations, and labeling – including private label – designed to meet your unique needs. We offer flexible terms to serve organizations of any size, and our processes enable rapid turnaround time on customization. Please contact sales@watchmakergenomics.com or submit a request via our Custom Solutions form to learn more about our capabilities.
Are you ISO 13485-certified?
Yes! Our Quality Management System has achieved ISO 13485:2016 Certification. Our certificate has been awarded for the design, development, manufacture, contract manufacture, and support of high performing reagents for genomics applications in medical research. Download the certificate here.
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| Description | 24 rxn | 96 rxn | 384 rxn | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox® Library Amplification Kit incl. P5/P7 Primer Mix (10x) | 7K0014-024 | 7K0014-096 | 7K0014-384 | Request a quote |
| Equinox Library Amplification Kit (w/o primers) | 7K0021-024 | 7K0021-096 | 7K0021-384 | Request a quote |
| Equinox HC Library Amplification Kit incl. P5/P7 Primer Mix (10x) | - | 7K0094-096 | 7K0094-384 | Request a quote |
| Equinox HC Library Amplification Kit (w/o primers) | - | 7K0065-096 | 7K0065-384 | Request a quote |
| Equinox Uracil Tolerant Amplification Kit incl. P5/P7 Primer Mix (10x) | 7K0023-024 | 7K0023-096 | 7K0023-384 | Request a quote |
| Equinox Uracil Tolerant Amplification Kit (w/o primers) | 7K0028-024 | 7K0028-096 | 7K0028-384 | Request a quote |
Please contact sales@watchmakergenomics.com to inquire about custom kit configurations.
