A hotstart aptamer works by forming a secondary structure at low temperatures (like RT or during setup on the benchtop). This secondary structure binds to the polymerase enzyme and inactivates the enzymatic activity. At higher temperatures (like during PCR thermalcycling) the aptamer’s secondary structure becomes denatured and releases hold of the enzyme.  

As part of our QC process we integrate a 10 hour incubation hold at 37 degree C to ensure low temperature setup does not affect performance.