flashBAC™ Baculovirus Expression System: Streamlined Virus Generation
The flashBAC™ Baculovirus Expression System is a revolutionary platform designed to simplify and accelerate the production of recombinant baculoviruses in insect cells. Traditional methods often require tedious plaque purification steps to separate recombinant virus from parental strains. The flashBAC™ technology eliminates this bottleneck by utilising a genetically optimised Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) genome. This backbone lacks part of the essential gene ORF1629, meaning that only recombinant viruses formed through homologous recombination with a transfer vector can replicate. The result is a pure stock of recombinant virus in a single step, reducing the timeline from weeks to days.
Beyond speed, the flashBAC™ system is engineered for superior protein quality. The viral genome features a deletion of the chitinase (chiA) gene, an enzyme that can interfere with the secretory pathway and degrade target proteins. By removing this gene, the system significantly improves the yield and stability of secreted and membrane-targeted proteins. Compatible with a wide range of transfer vectors (such as the pOET series) and suitable for both manual and automated high-throughput workflows, flashBAC™ is the ideal choice for researchers seeking efficiency without compromising on yield.
Key Benefits:
- Single-Step Production: No Plaque Purification. The unique ORF1629 deletion ensures that only recombinant virus can replicate, eliminating the need for time-consuming plaque assays to isolate the virus of interest.
- Enhanced Yields: Chitinase Deletion. Removal of the chiA gene reduces the degradation of secreted and membrane proteins, maximising the recovery of functional product.
- Rapid Timeline: Faster Results. Generates high-titer seed stocks (P0) directly from co-transfection in as little as 5 days.
- Broad Compatibility: Universal Vector Use. Fully compatible with standard baculovirus transfer vectors based on homologous recombination at the polyhedrin locus.
- Scalable Workflow: Automation Friendly. The simplified “transfect and harvest” protocol is easily adapted for high-throughput screening and robotic platforms.
Technical Insights
Streamlined Protocol
The flashBAC™ workflow is designed for simplicity. Insect cells (Sf9 or Sf21) are co-transfected with the flashBAC™ DNA and a transfer vector containing the gene of interest using a suitable reagent like TransIT®-Insect. Homologous recombination occurs within the cells, restoring the essential ORF1629 gene and replacing the bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) sequences with the target gene. The culture supernatant harvested after 5 days contains the recombinant budded virus, ready for immediate amplification or expression studies.
Specifications
- Product Type: Baculovirus Expression System
- System Components: flashBAC™ DNA, Control Transfer Plasmid (pAcRP23-lacZ)
- Host Compatibility: Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9, Sf21) and Trichoplusia ni (T. ni) cells.
- Storage Conditions: Store flashBAC™ DNA at 4°C (do not freeze). Store Control Plasmid at -20°C.
- Shelf Life: 1 year from the date of purchase when stored properly.
- Ordering Information:
- E7-0234: 5 Reaction Kit (MIR 6115) – Sufficient for 5 co-transfections
- E7-0236: 24 Reaction Kit (MIR 6120) – Sufficient for 24 co-transfections