The new kit reduces the startup cost for a single experiment, thus allowing a broader base of scientists to conduct single cell analysis, the firm said. Scientists will also have the ability to use the 10x Genomics Cloud platform to perform a standard analysis of every sample at no additional cost.

Key features of the new kit include:

• Profiles gene expression for 100 to 1,000 single cells by barcoding messenger RNA (mRNA) at the 3' end, allowing unbiased characterization of cell types and states
• Combines gene expression analysis with detection of hundreds of cell surface proteins
• Ready-to-use, robust workflows with demonstrated protocols for diverse sample types, including cell lines, primary cells, and dissociated tissue

The company plans to enable high-throughput analysis with its next-generation Chromium X instrument, which is scheduled for release later this year.

The single-cell gene expression kit can be used with 10x Genomics' CellPlex solution that allows for multiplexing of up to 96 samples in a single chip.