Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep

Accessible and highly scalable single-cell RNA-Seq solution for mRNA capture, barcoding, and library prep without complex workflows or microfluidics

~15 hr from cell capture to library prep

Assay time

10 mins for cell capture

Hands-on time

100 to 200,000 cells

Input quantity

See full details in the specifications table

Overview

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep makes single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) accessible for more labs with an easy, scalable, and microfluidics-free workflow. Researchers can undertake larger and more varied multiomics studies without the budget or technology constraints of other single-cell approaches.

Scalable and flexible solution

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep can easily scale with a wide processing range from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of cells. This increased cell throughput can reveal rare cell types. The assay is also flexible to run one sample or up to 96 samples in parallel with sample multiplexing.

High-quality performance

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep offers high transcript and gene sensitivity with the high-quality data you expect from Illumina. The gentle isolation technique helps detect fragile cells that are often missed by other methods. The assay is compatible with custom single-cell measurements for expanded multiomic applications.

Accessible workflow

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep does not require expensive microfluidic equipment or labor-intensive protocols. You can conduct single-cell studies on your benchtop using a simple manual workflow with flexible stopping points.

Simple and scalable workflow

3' RNA sample prep

Sample prep

Create templated emulsions using a vortex mixer to capture and barcode single-cell mRNA.

3' RNA library prep

Library prep

Generate cDNA and prepare single-cell libraries for sequencing.

3' RNA sequencing

Sequencing

Sequence on an NGS system to match the scale of your study.

3' RNA analysis

Analysis

Analyze and visualize single-cell data using DRAGEN and Partek software.

Specifications

Required products

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep includes both cell capture and library prep reagents. Choose the size kit to match the number of cells you want to assay. Kits are also available separately as Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Capture and Illumina Single Cell Library Prep. 

 

For multiplexing more than 8 samples per run, use Illumina Single Cell Unique Dual Indexes. To input single nuclei, use the Illumina Single Cell Nuclei Isolation Kit. For enrichment of custom RNA tag sequences, use the Illumina Single Cell Supplemental Enrichment and Amplification Kit. 

 

New users should order the Illumina Single Cell Prep Starter Equipment for needed accessory equipment.

/ Results

Applications

Single-cell RNA-Seq for neuroscience

Neuronal tissues comprise a complex organization of diverse cell types that continuously reorganize and remodel throughout an organism’s lifetime. scRNA-Seq is a valuable tool to catalog the true diversity of neuronal cell populations with transcriptional sensitivity, providing insight into:

  • Neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases
  • Previously unknown roles of specific neuronal populations
  • The effect of neuro-immune cells on disease and development

Single-cell RNA-Seq for cancer research

Cancer is a dynamic and diverse disease involving complex cell populations. Understanding the cell types and mutations that drive cancer requires sophisticated methods. scRNA-Seq has been a vital tool to:

  • Detail heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment
  • Identify novel cancer biomarkers
  • Understand mechanisms of immunotherapy and drug resistance

Single-cell RNA-Seq for immunology

The immune system is composed of a complex hierarchy of diverse cell types that work in concert to identify, target, and eliminate pathogens. scRNA-Seq allows researchers to:

  • Understand developmental and differentiation pathways in immune cell populations
  • Evaluate the roles and functions of immune cell populations
  • Study the immune response to pathogens

Example workflow

Project recommendations

Instrument Recommended number of samples Read length
NextSeq 2000 System

Samples per run:  
P1: 1 T2 sample 
P2: 4 T2 samples or 1 T10 sample 
P3: 12 T2 samples, 3 T10 samples, or 1 T20 sample 
P4: 18 T2 samples, 5 T10 samples, or 2 T20 samples

2 × 100 bp

NovaSeq 6000 System

Samples per run (dual flow cell):  
SP: 18 T2 samples, 4 T10 samples, or 2 T20 samples 
S1: 36 T2 samples, 8 T10 samples, or 4 T20 samples 
S2: 82 T2 samples, 24 T10 samples, 10 T20 samples, or 2 T100 samples. 
S4: 200 T2 samples, 68 T10 samples, 24 T20 samples, or 4 T100 samples

2 × 100 bp

NovaSeq X Plus System

Samples per run (dual flow cell):  
1.5B: 36 T2 samples, 8 T10 samples, or 4 T20 samples 
10B: 200 T2 samples, 68 T10 samples, 24 T20 samples, or 4 T100 samples 
25B: 520 T2 samples, 152 T10 samples, 64 T20 samples, or 12 T100 samples

2 × 100 bp

Related applications and methods

Documentation

Product literature

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Figures

Single-cell mRNA capture and barcoding with PIPseq chemistry

Single-cell mRNA capture and barcoding with PIPseq chemistry

Create templated emulsions using a vortex mixer to capture and barcode single-cell mRNA. Generate cDNA and prepare single-cell libraries for sequencing. Sequence on an NGS system to match the scale of your study. Analyze scRNA-Seq data using DRAGEN and Partek software.

High-resolution scRNA-Seq at a scale of thousands of cells

High-resolution scRNA-Seq at a scale of thousands of cells

Barcode rank plot (left) and barnyard scatter plot (right) showing effective separation of mixed culture of NIH3T3 (mouse) and HEK 293 (human) cell lines. 4106 cells captured using the Illumina Single Cell 3ʹ RNA Prep T2 kit with less than 5% multiplets.

High-resolution scRNA-Seq at a scale of thousands of cells

High-resolution scRNA-Seq at a scale of tens of thousands of cells

Single-cell RNA-Seq for cryopreserved human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). UMAP of 31,613 cells captured using the Illumina Single Cell 3ʹ RNA Prep T20 kit resolves diverse immune cell populations.

High-resolution scRNA-Seq at a scale of thousands of cells

High-resolution scRNA-Seq at a scale of hundreds of thousands of cells

Single-cell RNA-Seq for mouse brain nuclei from frozen tissue. UMAP analysis of 155,000 nuclei captured using the Illumina Single Cell 3ʹ RNA Prep T100 kit resolves diverse brain cell populations.

Complete prep workflow products (4)

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep, T2 (8 samples, 2000 cells/sample)

20135689

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep, T2 (8 samples), includes Illumina Single Cell Library Prep plus reagents for single-cell mRNA capture, barcoding, and cDNA synthesis of up to 2000 cells per sample.

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Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep, T10 (8 samples, 10,000 cells/sample)

20135691

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep, T10 (8 samples), includes Illumina Single Cell Library Prep plus reagents for single-cell mRNA capture, barcoding, and cDNA synthesis of up to 10,000 cells per sample.

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Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep, T20 (4 samples, 20,000 cells/sample)

20135692

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep, T20 (4 samples), includes Illumina Single Cell Library Prep plus reagents for single-cell mRNA capture, barcoding, and cDNA synthesis of up to 20,000 cells per sample.

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Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep, T100 (2 samples, 100,000 cells/sample)

20135693

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep, T100 (2 samples), includes Illumina Single Cell Library Prep plus reagents for single-cell mRNA capture, barcoding, and cDNA synthesis of up to 100,000 cells per sample.

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Prep component products (5)

Illumina Single Cell Library Prep (8 reactions)

20132789

Illumina Single Cell Library Prep (8 reactions), used following Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Capture.

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Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Capture, T2 (8 samples, 2000 cells/sample)

20132790

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Capture, T2 (8 samples), for single-cell mRNA capture, barcoding, and cDNA synthesis of up to 2000 cells per sample, used prior to Illumina Single Cell Library Prep.

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Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Capture, T10 (8 samples, 10,000 cells/sample)

20132791

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Capture, T10 (8 samples), for single-cell mRNA capture, barcoding, and cDNA synthesis of up to 10,000 cells per sample, used prior to Illumina Single Cell Library Prep.

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Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Capture, T20 (4 samples, 20,000 cells/sample)

20132792

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Capture, T20 (4 samples), for single-cell mRNA capture, barcoding, and cDNA synthesis of up to 20,000 cells per sample, used prior to Illumina Single Cell Library Prep.

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Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Capture, T100 (2 samples, 100,000 cells/sample)

20132793

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Capture, T100 (2 samples), for single-cell mRNA capture, barcoding, and cDNA synthesis of up to 100,000 cells per sample, used prior to Illumina Single Cell Library Prep.

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Accessory products (4)

Illumina Single Cell Unique Dual Indexes (96 indexes, 96 samples)

20132788

Illumina Single Cell Unique Dual Indexes (96 indexes, 96 samples), optional accessory for use with the Illumina Single Cell Library Prep for high-plex pooling of libraries.

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Illumina Nuclei Isolation Kit (4 samples)

20132795

Illumina Nuclei Isolation Kit (4 samples), optional reagents for nuclei isolation, washing, and resuspension for input into Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep.

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Illumina Single Cell Supplemental Enrichment and Amplification Kit

20132794

Illumina Single Cell Supplemental Enrichment and Amplification (SEA) Kit, optional reagents for use with Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Capture and Illumina Single Cell Library Prep for custom single-cell applications.

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Illumina Single Cell Prep Starter Equipment

20132796

Illumina Single Cell Prep Starter Equipment, one-time purchase accessory equipment required to prepare Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA kits and Illumina Single Cell Library Prep kits.

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Selection summary

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FAQs

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep uses PIPseq technology with pre-templated instant partitions (PIPs). PIPs can segregate complex cell mixtures into partitions with barcoded template particles that can be easily processed for single-cell applications such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq).

Yes, our vortex mixer and dry bath are required for reliable results. The vortex mixer is engineered for consistent emulsification. The dry bath ensures precise temperature profiles; typical dry baths do not allow the quick temperature changes that are described in our lysis protocol.

Yes, using the Fluent DSP/Methanol Fixation demonstrated protocol for cells or nuclei. Paraformaldehyde (PFA) fixation is not compatible currently.

No, only 3' mRNA capture is available currently.

/ Results

NextSeq 1000/2000 Reagents

Reagents for the NextSeq 1000/2000 System feature easy-to-use cartridges and multiple flow cell configurations for flexible sequencing options.

NovaSeq X Series Reagent Kits

Reagent kits for the NovaSeq X Series include a reagent cartridge, buffer cartridge, flow cell, lyo insert, pre-load buffer, and library tube strip.

NovaSeq 6000 Reagent Kits

Reagent kits for the NovaSeq 6000 System consisting of ready-to-use pre-filled reagent cartridges and flow cells.

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