Crude samples in. Clean data out.
Engineered for exceptional inhibitor tolerance, StellarTaq™ DNA Polymerase and StellarScript® HT+ Reverse Transcriptase form the foundation of the Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits. The result is fast, sensitive, and reliable amplification, even with challenging, minimally processed samples.
Key Features and Benefits
- Extreme inhibitor tolerance enables amplification from a range of unpurified samples or crude extracts
- Optimized buffer options deliver dependable performance across a range of applications
- Ultra-fast amplification for results in minutes
- Compatible with both RNA (RT-qPCR) and DNA (qPCR) targets
- Flexible formats with individual components support assay development and optimization
- Custom configurations available, including high-concentration and glycerol-free enzymes to support lyophilization
Applications
- Pathogen detection, including bacterial and viral infectious diseases
- Point of care assay development, e.g. for STI or respiratory infection diagnosis
- Rapid testing
- PCR applications where biological inhibitors are present and specificity is important
- Probe-based qPCR and RT-qPCR
Built for Assay Developers
Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits give assay developers the flexibility to optimize performance and scale with confidence. Start with a complete kit, fine-tune conditions, and transition to the exact buffer, enzyme concentrations, and format your assay requires. Watchmaker combines enzyme engineering expertise with flexible, ISO 13485-certified OEM capabilities to help move from initial optimization to commercialization quickly and confidently.
Key Performance Data
Extreme inhibitor tolerance for RT-qPCR and qPCR
Inhibitors common in clinical and biological samples can disrupt reverse transcription and DNA amplification, increasing the risk of reduced sensitivity or false negatives. An inhibitor-tolerant amplification system ensures reliable cDNA synthesis and target detection even from challenging sample types. Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits deliver robust inhibitor tolerance for accurate, consistent detection of both DNA and RNA targets, supporting reproducible performance in real-world samples.
Extreme inhibitor tolerance
Broad dynamic range and excellent sensitivity deliver robust assays
Broad dynamic range enables accurate quantification across a wide range of pathogen loads, from early infection to high-titer samples. A low limit of detection supports reliable identification of low-abundance targets, improving sensitivity and reducing the risk of false negatives. Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits deliver strong performance in both sensitivity and dynamic range, even in multiplex settings.
Broad dynamic range and excellent sensitivity deliver robust assays
Ultra-fast amplification enables point-of-care assay development
Rapid amplification is critical for pathogen detection in point-of-care settings. New ultra-fast PCR platforms demand chemistries designed to keep up. Featuring StellarTaq DNA Polymerase, engineered for extreme speed, Stellar qPCR Kits are capable of producing reliable results in minutes using your platform of choice.
Figure 3. Generate results in minutes ... MORE
Ultra-fast amplification enables point-of-care assay development
Figure 3. Generate results in minutes. Probe-based qPCR reactions containing a range of 10,000 to 10 template copies were run using the Stellar qPCR Kit (Buffer A) and an OnsiteGene XDive thermal cycler. Reactions containing 10 copies of target template reached the cycle threshold in under 7 minutes.
BROCHURES
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.
Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits Brochure
Pathogen Detection PCR/qPCR RT-PCR/RT-qPCR DNA RNA Blood Plasma/cfDNA Saliva/buccal Urine Enzymes MDx Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits StellarScript HT+ RT StellarTaq DNA PolymeraseStellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits are engineered for extreme inhibitor tolerance, speed, and specificity. Building on the established capabilities of StellarTaq™ DNA Polymerase and StellarScript® HT+ Reverse Transcriptase, Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits include buffers engineered for robust amplification in the presence of a range of inhibitors.
VIDEOS
Built for the frontline: Breaking POC barriers through protein engineering
CNV Calling Isothermal Amplification Methyl Sequencing PCR/qPCR RT-PCR/RT-qPCR SNV/SNP/InDel Detection Variant Calling DNA RNA Blood Plasma/cfDNA Saliva/buccal Urine Enzymes MDx Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits StellarTaq DNA PolymeraseThis video is part of the Watchmaker MDx workshop at AMP 2025, and features Trey Foskett explaining the science behind the Watchmaker protein engineering platform, and how this generates enzymes with improved performance.
Development of a highly inhibitor tolerant (RT)-qPCR system
PCR/qPCR RT-PCR/RT-qPCR DNA RNA Blood Plasma/cfDNA Saliva/buccal Urine Enzymes MDx Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits StellarScript HT+ RT StellarTaq DNA PolymeraseLearn about the development of Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits, including how superior inhibitor tolerance enables extraction-free amplification. Recorded at the 2025 Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) conference, this workshop explains the enzyme engineering and buffer development that underpins the Stellar Kits.
POSTERS
Development of a highly inhibitor-tolerant engineered Taq DNA polymerase and qPCR system for POC MDx applications
Custom Genomic Solutions Pathogen Detection PCR/qPCR RT-PCR/RT-qPCR DNA RNA Blood Microbial Plasma/cfDNA Saliva/buccal Urine Enzymes MDx Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits StellarScript HT+ RT StellarTaq DNA PolymeraseThis poster presents data demonstrating the inhibitor tolerance of StellarTaq and StellarScript HT+ using the buffers supplied with the Stellar qPCR and RT-qPCR Kits. Inhibitors include a range of blood-based samples, urine, saliva, UTM, bile salts, ethanol, GTC, humic acid and melanin. Performance was compared to that of commercially available products from other vendors.
PROTOCOLS
Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits Technical Guide
Pathogen Detection PCR/qPCR RT-PCR/RT-qPCR DNA RNA Blood Plasma/cfDNA Saliva/buccal Urine Enzymes MDx Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits StellarScript HT+ RT StellarTaq DNA PolymeraseTechnical guide for Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits. The Stellar kits were developed for multiplex probe-based RT-qPCR and qPCR using unpurified or partially purified samples.
| CONFIGURATION | |
|---|---|
| Kit contents | StellarScript HT+ Reverse Transcriptase (200 U/µL) (RT-qPCR Kit only) StellarTaq Hot Start DNA Polymerase (5 U/µL) 10X Stellar Reaction Buffer A 10X Stellar Reaction Buffer B 25 mM Magnesium Chloride |
| Unit definitions | One unit of StellarScript HT+ is defined as the amount of enzyme required to incorporate 1 nmol of dTTP into acid-insoluble material in 10 minutes at 37°C using poly(A)/oligo (dT) as a substrate One unit of StellarTaq DNA Polymerase incorporates 16 nmol of dNTPs into a DNA template in 30 minutes at 72°C. |
| Enzyme storage buffer formulations | StellarScript HT+: 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, 100 mM NaCl, 0.1 mM EDTA, 0.1% Tween 20, 50% Glycerol StellarTaq DNAP: 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, 100 mM KCl, 0.1 mM EDTA, 0.05% Tween 20, 50% Glycerol |
| SHIPPING AND HANDLING | |
|---|---|
| Shipping conditions | Ice packs or dry ice |
| Storage | -20°C ± 5°C |
What are the Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits?
When should I use the Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits?
For RNA targets, use the Stellar RT-qPCR Kit. For DNA targets, use the Stellar qPCR Kit.
What are relevant applications for the Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits?
- Pathogen detection, including bacterial and viral infectious diseases
- Point of care assay development, e.g. for STI or respiratory infection diagnosis
- Rapid testing
- PCR applications where biological inhibitors are present and specificity is important
- Probe-based RT-qPCR and qPCR
Can the Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits be used for endpoint PCR/RT-PCR or intercalating dye-based qPCR/RT-qPCR?
Yes, the Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits can be used for endpoint PCR and RT-PCR as well as intercalating dye-based RT-qPCR and qPCR . Please refer to Appendix A in the Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits Technical Guide for reaction recommendations.
Can RNase inhibitors be used with Stellar RT-qPCR Kit?
Yes! The inclusion of RNase Inhibitor may increase cDNA yield if the RNA is from a crude sample or a sample with potential RNase contamination. Watchmaker RNase Inhibitor is available to purchase separately.
Are reaction buffers included in the Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits, and how do I choose between them?
Yes! The Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits include reaction buffers. Two buffer options are provided: 10X Stellar Reaction Buffer A and 10X Stellar Reaction Buffer B, to enable development of assays optimized for specific sample types and applications. We recommend doing trial amplifications using each of the buffers to determine which is superior for your assay. For further optimization, refer to the Technical Guide or contact support@watchmakergenomics.com.
If you need a product tailored for your assay once you have determined your perfect combination, our Custom Genomic Solutions team is ready to assist you. Contact sales@watchmakergenomics.com.
Do the 10X Stellar Reaction Buffers contain MgCl₂ or dNTPs?
No. MgCl₂ is supplied in the kits, allowing users to add it to the reaction buffer at the concentration best suited to their assay. Users must supply their own dNTPs.
What final MgCl₂ concentration should I use in a probe-based RT-qPCR or qPCR reaction?
We suggest using 4 mM MgCl₂ in probe-based qPCR or RT-qPCR reactions, and 2 mM MgCl₂ in endpoint PCR or RT-PCR or intercalating dye-based qPCR or RT-qPCR reactions. Mg²+ concentrations can alter reaction performance and may need to be optimized. Please refer to the Technical Guide for further optimization recommendations.
What thermal cycling conditions should I use?
The Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits are capable of fast cycling. A two-step cycle containing a denaturation step and a combined annealing/extension step is recommended. Please refer to the Technical Guide for recommended RT-qPCR and qPCR cycling conditions.
What concentrations of primers and probes should I use?
The optimal primer and probe concentrations depend on the application and should be optimized for each application. Please refer to the Technical Guide for primer and probe concentration recommendations.
What DNA polymerase is used in the Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits?
The Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kits contain StellarTaq Hot Start DNA Polymerase, which is an engineered thermostable DNA polymerase with extreme polymerization speed and increased tolerance to common PCR inhibitors that may be introduced from sample types or sample preparation.
What reverse transcriptase is used in the Stellar RT-qPCR Kit?
The Stellar RT-qPCR Kit contains Watchmaker StellarScript HT+ Reverse Transcriptase, which has been engineered for improved thermostability, inhibitor tolerance, and reduced RNase H activity.
What StellarTaq Hot Start DNA Polymerase concentration should I use for multiplex probe-based qPCR?
A starting enzyme concentration of 0.05 U/μL is recommended for multiplex probe-based qPCR or RT-qPCR. For further optimization, please refer to the Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR Kit Technical Guide .
Is StellarTaq Hot Start DNA Polymerase provided in a glycerol-free format?
Yes! StellarTaq Hot Start DNA Polymerase is offered in both glycerol-containing and glycerol-free formats. For custom formats please contact the sales team at sales@watchmakergenomics.com.
Is StellarScript HT+ Reverse Transcriptase provided in a glycerol-free format?
For alternative formats of StellarScript HT+ Reverse Transcriptase, please contact the sales team at sales@watchmakergenomics.com.
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 products – 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 | 500 rxn | |
|---|---|---|
| Stellar RT-qPCR Kit Incl. StellarTaq DNAP, StellarScript HT+ RT, 10X Reaction Buffers A and B, and 25 mM MgCl2. dNTPs not included. | 7K0142-500 | Request a quote |
| Stellar qPCR Kit Incl. StellarTaq DNAP, 10X Reaction Buffers A and B, and 25 mM MgCl2. dNTPs not included. | 7K0143-500 | Request a quote |
Custom formats, including high concentration and glycerol-free enzymes available for lyophilization support.
Please contact sales@watchmakergenomics.com to inquire about custom kit configurations.
