myTXTL cell-free expression systems for rapid protein synthesis from DNA or RNA templates
myTXTL uses E. coli extract to produce proteins without cell culture, transformation or lysis. Start with plasmid DNA, linear DNA or mRNA and screen targets in parallel. Choose between two current kits: high-yield expression for proteins without disulfide bonds, or expression with disulfide-bond formation.
Choose the right myTXTL expression kit
| Kit | Choose it for | What makes it different |
|---|---|---|
| myTXTL Pro Kit | Enzymes, soluble or membrane proteins, toxic targets, protein engineering and synthetic-biology screening when disulfide-bond formation is not required. | The high-yield option; supports plasmid and linear DNA templates, as well as E. coli and T7 promoter-based expression with the supplied helper plasmid. |
| myTXTL Antibody/DS Kit | Antibodies, antibody fragments and other proteins requiring disulfide bonds, including VHH, scFv, Fab and IgG formats. | Formulated to support oxidative folding and disulfide-bond formation in cell-free reactions; suitable for antibody binding and functional assays. |
Control plasmids are available separately for workflow setup and assay controls: T7 deGFP, T7 GLuc and pTXTL-P70a(2)-deGFP. Choose a control that matches the selected promoter/reporter configuration. These products are controls, not alternatives to an expression kit.
From template to functional readout
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Prepare a suitable template. Use plasmid or linear DNA, or mRNA where appropriate; follow the kit manual for template design, concentration and promoter requirements.
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Run the cell-free expression reaction. Add the template to the selected myTXTL master mix and incubate under the kit-specific conditions. Reaction time and yield depend on the protein and setup.
- Measure protein expression or activity. Depending on the target and assay, assess the reaction directly by fluorescence, SDS-PAGE, enzyme activity, ELISA or antigen-binding assays. Purification is optional for some assays and may be necessary for others.
Performance and validation: Examples from Arbor Biosciences
Arbor reports myTXTL Pro expression examples exceeding 1 mg/mL and results across multiple protein sizes and promoter systems. These are examples, not guaranteed yields for every target.
For myTXTL Antibody/DS, Arbor reports functional antibody expression assessed by antigen pull-down, ELISA and SPR. In one example, 400 µL of reaction yielded more than 100 µg of purified Trastuzumab scFv for binding studies. Yields depend on the construct and conditions.
Protocols, evidence and further reading
See the current manuals for template design and reaction conditions. The manufacturer also provides validation data, His-tag/Strep-tag/Protein A purification protocols and scientific publications.
Kit manuals: myTXTL manuals
Application note: Accelerate Antibody Development with myTXTL Antibody/DS Master Mix
Protocols and publications: Arbor technical documentation · Arbor publications
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