MSC are delighted to introduce the new DigitalGene 1600, Bioer technologys ddPCR newest digital PCR machine. Bioer technology specialize in the research, development and manufacturing of molecular detection instruments. The DigitalGene 1600 is a 6 channel multiplex digital PCR platform used for the precise and ultrasensitive quantification of nucleic acids. In the ever-evolving world of molecular biology find out below why ddPCR could be the ideal solution for your lab.
Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) is a method for performing PCR that is based on droplet microfluidic technology and is a molecular refinement of conventional PCR used to quantify nucleic acids. Unlike traditional qPCR, ddPCR enables absolute quantification of DNA without the need for reference samples. This makes ddPCR an ideal technique for applications requiring highly sensitive and reproducible detection of low-copy-number targets.
How ddPCR Works
The key to ddPCR lies in the sample partitioning process in which the nucleic acid sample is first divided into thousands of tiny droplets, each containing a small fraction of the sample achieved using the microfluidic technology. Once the sample is partitioned, PCR amplification is performed in each droplet. After amplification, each droplet is analyzed to determine if it contains a positive signal (indicating the presence of the target DNA) or a negative signal (indicating its absence) achieved using a fluorescent intercalating dye or probe which binds to the target DNA and emits a signal upon excitation. The number of positive droplets is counted, and the concentration of the target molecule is subsequently determined,
Advantages of ddPCR
1. Absolute Quantification: One of the biggest advantages of ddPCR is that it provides absolute quantification of nucleic acids without the need for standardisation. This is
particularly important for experiments where absolute values are critical, such as gene copy number analysis, mutation detection, and quantification of low-abundance targets.
2. High Sensitivity and Precision: ddPCR offers unparalleled sensitivity and precision, making it ideal for detecting rare mutations, low-frequency variants, or minimal levels of DNA. It has the ability to distinguish between very small differences in target concentrations, which is often challenging for traditional PCR methods.
3. Minimal Sample Requirements: ddPCR can detect very small quantities of DNA, meaning that even with limited sample material, researchers can obtain accurate results. This is particularly valuable in clinical applications where sample availability may be limited.
4. Reduced Variability: The digital nature of ddPCR (partitioning the sample into individual droplets) reduces the impact of experimental variability, such as pipetting errors or reaction efficiency fluctuations, that can affect traditional PCR-based assays.
Applications of ddPCR
1. Cancer Research: ddPCR has become a valuable tool for detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and monitoring genetic mutations in cancer patients.
2. Rare Mutation Detection: ddPCR’s high sensitivity allows for the detection of rare mutations in large populations of normal DNA. This is crucial for studying genetic diseases or identifying rare variants that could have significant clinical implications.
3. Copy Number Variation (CNV) Analysis: ddPCR is an excellent tool for detecting copy number variations in genes, a common cause of various genetic disorders and certain cancers.
4. Pathogen Detection: ddPCR can be used for highly sensitive detection of pathogens, The precision and sensitivity of ddPCR make it ideal for detecting low-level persistant infections
5. Gene Expression Analysis: ddPCR can also be used for quantifying gene expression levels in research settings, providing more precise results compared to traditional qPCR, especially when dealing with low-abundance transcripts.
If you would like to receive any additional information in relation to ddPCR technology from Bioer technology please contact us below.
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