The application of a real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) System in the field of molecular diagnostics it has become a standard method for identifying nucleic acids from collected microbial samples. Real-time PCR (also known as RT-PCR) systems are sensitive, fast, accurate and minimize the risk of contamination while being employed for various research procedures such as gene expression detection and analysis, quantitative genotyping, early diagnosis of diseases. , forensics, etc. Since the introduction of RT-PCR, the technology is improving with each medical innovation. The COVID-19 pandemic has put RT-PCR in the spotlight as it is considered the most accurate and efficient test method for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The use of RT-PCR has been greatly expanded for the testing of novel coronaviruses and the demand is likely to grow due to the increasing incidence of infectious diseases.
Bio-Rad Laboratories recently introduced the company’s next generation of CFX real-time PCR systems, CFX Opus 96 and CFX Opus 384, which offers enhanced connectivity and high performance. The sleek and modern CFX systems introduce the next revolution in qPCR with their easy-to-use interface and advanced connectivity options. Both RT-PCR systems are ideal for basic and translational research, genomic testing, quality control, process development, infectious disease detection, and pathogen detection. Along with the expansion of Bio-Rad’s CFX product portfolio, the company also launched a cloud-based instrument connectivity and data management system, Verve.
Consolidating a precise optical shuttle system and improved thermal performance, the new CFX systems are designed to provide more consistent data than ever before. Advanced RT-PCR systems are capable of independent operations, making them indispensable as life investigation tools for diagnostic interventions. The systems show excellent compatibility with Ethernet and Wi-Fi and therefore allow completely wireless operations and data management. The user can transfer the recovered data by connecting the CFX systems with a PC or by direct data transfer to a USB device. In networked locations, the CFX Opus system can be programmed to send data and notifications directly to your email or local unit, therefore up-to-date systems provide an efficient experience for RT-PCR users.
CFX Opus 96 from Bio-Rad Laboratories has five color detection formats while CFX Opus 384 RT-PCR provides oven color detection sizes The systems modern, responsive touch screen is responsive even with double gloves and is more intuitive than previous generation CFX systems. However, the uniform optical system does not have regular calibration requirements, saving time and effort. In addition, the block design of the products offers strict thermal uniformity during real-time PCR experiments.
Optical Shuttle Technology
The newly released CFX Opus systems retain many features of the previous generation models that researchers and scientists liked. Both systems have been built on the same property optical design, used across the company’s CFX product portfolio, yet the latter are easy to configure and install due to enhanced capabilities and flexible connectivity options. The device manufacturer has worked hard to make the CFX system design sleek and modern, moving from a clamshell lid to a retractable version, allowing RT-PCR to be used in more spaces than ever before. . Despite the design modifications, the updated system looks somewhat familiar to previous systems, but they are more convenient.
CXR Opus systems incorporate optical shuttle technology It uses the same excitation-detector pair as other systems in Bio-Rad’s RT-PCR portfolio. In newer systems, moving the optics across the board eliminates the possibility of variability that can result from the detectors. In addition, the technology reduces the need for detector angle correction arising from a single fixed camera. Device consistency is further increased with significant development in thermal performance, providing ±0.3°C uniformity and ±0.2°C accuracy. Both the shuttle optics technology and the high-performance thermal gradient work together brilliantly, producing consistent, reliable results.
CFX Master Software
CFX systems come with an updated and fully featured CFX Master Software, which is easy to use and learn. The software allows users to perform statistical analyzes of gene expression and find solutions to complex biological questions. Furthermore, the user can perform analysis without exporting the recovered data to a PC with the help of Maestro software. The software also includes Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) integration, an Application Programming Interface (API), and other features for more advanced users.
BR.io cloud platform
Bio-Rad Laboratories has expanded the family of life sciences tools with the addition of the BR.io cloud platform, which provides users with a simplified qPCR experience. The cloud connectivity platform embedded in the CRX Opus systems provides a robust solution to meet the needs of customers in the expanding field of genomics research and diagnostics. Leveraging BR.io, users can retrieve remote data with any internet-connected computer, as well as monitor the status of the registered instrument, so cloud connectivity ensures efficiency and provides greater versatility in operations. You can connect CFX Opus systems to the BR.io cloud platform via an Ethernet connection or simple Wi-Fi connectivity and access local network file drives that your institution has granted access to. Therefore, BR.io provides seamless data transfer, allows users to access data anywhere from the cloud, design experiments, and analyze data.
Latest additions to RT-PCR systems
Azure Cielo 3 real-time qPCR system
Launched in June 2020, the Azure Cielo real-time PCR system is a 96 well qPCR machine dedicated to the genomics workflow. The new RT-PCR system offers high throughput and provides an intuitive workflow thanks to its innovative optical design. The device ensures sensitivity and reproducibility with an optimal excitation reaction using excitation and emission from a single well. The system has a 10.3″ touch screen interface that facilitates configuration and status verification. Data from the compact device can be recovered via USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi in a connected environment. The RT-PCR device comes with Azure Sky Manager Software It offers a comprehensive workflow solution and enables accurate analysis. Azure Cielo qPCR is an accurate and easy-to-use instrument that generates good reproducibility and improves investigator productivity by automating sample extraction, amplification, and detection in a single cartridge.
Palm PCR S1
Ahram Biosystem has developed a Ultra-fast real-time mobile PCR which allows one to instantly complete PCR tests anywhere and anytime without electricity or communication. A brilliant innovation in RT-PCR systems, the Palm PCR S1 is considered the future of biotechnology. The mobile device is extremely efficient and convenient, which can deliver results in less than 12 minutes with high precision even with a single copy white concentration. Developed with convection PCR technology, the ultra-fast system has a maximum of six real-time channels available, so the full capability of the device can be achieved without detectable crosstalk. The standalone device consists of a lithium battery that allows four hours of continuous operation and can operate in temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius. The device can be easily connected with a PC via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
Recognizing the importance of molecular diagnostics for the detection of pathogens responsible for infectious diseases, many biotechnology companies are developing innovative RT-PCR systems. Standardization and quality control have remained some of the main limitations of PCR diagnostics, but new methodologies and technologies are using artificial intelligence to reduce the need for human intervention. PCR diagnostics is likely to have a major impact on healthcare personalization and drug development in the coming years.
According to TechSci’s research report on “Global Market for dPCR and qPCR Products By technology (quantitative, digital), by product (consumables and reagents, instruments, software and services), by application (clinical (pathogen tests, blood tests, oncology tests, others), research, forensics, others), by End-User (Hospitals and Diagnostic Centers, Research Laboratories and Academic Institute, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Clinical Research Organizations, Forensic Laboratories), By Region, Forecast and Opportunities, 2025″, the global market for dPCR and qPCR will record a significant CAGR due to increased incidences of infectious diseases, as well as increased application of biomarker profiling for disease diagnosis. dPCR and qPCR market growth.