Small RNA-seq library prep: choose the right technology for your samples and workflow
Small RNA sequencing enables profiling of miRNAs and other short RNA species from tissues, cells, biofluids, and extracellular-vesicle samples. The most useful way to choose a library-preparation workflow is by sample type, input amount, library-preparation chemistry, and the need to reduce ligation bias or suppress highly abundant unwanted RNA species.
Choose by library-preparation technology
| SOLUTION | TECHNOLOGY / WORKFLOW | BEST FIT |
|---|---|---|
| NEXTFLEX Small RNA-Seq Kit v4 – Revvity | Completely gel-free adapter-ligation workflow with optimized ligation and dimer-reduction chemistry. Libraries can be prepared from as little as 1 ng total RNA. | A streamlined, automation-ready workflow for tissues, cells, biofluids and extracellular-vesicle RNA, with high multiplexing capacity. |
| RealSeq small RNA / miRNA library kits | Gel-free workflows based on a single-adapter and circularization strategy designed to reduce small-RNA library-preparation bias. | Bias-sensitive miRNA profiling, including workflows for tissue/cell RNA and low-concentration biofluid RNA. |
| TAmiRNA miND Spike-Ins | Spike-in controls added before library preparation for QC, normalization and absolute small-RNA quantification. | Studies that need cross-sample normalization, process QC or absolute concentration estimates. These are workflow controls, not a library-preparation chemistry. |
Reduce reads from over-abundant RNA species with Selective Suppression Probes
For samples in which a small number of highly abundant RNA species consume a large fraction of sequencing reads, RealSeq Selective Suppression Probes (SSPs) provide a targeted, customizable approach to suppress unwanted RNA fragments during library preparation. This can increase the sequencing space available for lower-abundance miRNAs and other targets of interest.
Broader RNA-fragment profiling
If the objective extends beyond conventional miRNA profiling, RiboMarker provides a distinct RNA-fragmentomics workflow for profiling small RNAs together with a broader range of short RNA fragments. Treat this as a separate application choice rather than as another standard miRNA library-preparation chemistry.
Need help choosing?
For low-input biofluids, unusual sample types, or studies where library-preparation bias and highly abundant RNA species are major concerns, contact us to match the workflow to your sample and sequencing goals.
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