The technology attempts to carve out a niche to those researchers have been hesitant to adopt hybridisation based technologies because real-time PCR is becoming more of a gold-standard for the measurement of gene expression.
"Many of our customers who prefer PCR have asked us for a PCR based gene expression method similar to the microarray. With such a tool, they can examine the expression of a focused set of genes but use the PCR methods more familiar to them," said Jingping Yang, product manager for the PCR array at SuperArray Bioscience.
PCR Arrays are one of the most reliable tools for analysing the expression of a focused panel of genes, particularly if scientists are more familiar with real-time PCR-based techniques than microarray-based methods.
The RT2Profiler PCR Array is a 96-well plate containing primers for a panel of relevant, pathway or disease focused genes plus appropriate positive and negative controls.
Arrays with pre-designed gene lists are available as catalogue products. However, the gene content of the arrays may also be customised by an individual researcher and tailored to their specific field of study.
For a complete assay system, the arrays are combined with a SYBR Green based real time PCR master mix, also available from SuperArray, optimised for the instrument in the researcher's lab.
One of the advantages of this array is the ability to combine this plate of primers with one of SuperArray's real-time master mixes providing a complete system. The arrays can be combined with SuperArray's SYBR Green based real time PCR master mix.
The RT2Profiler PCR Array is the first of a breed of new tools that enable first responders and clinicians to rapidly detect infectious agents
PCR-based tests for detecting microorganisms are increasingly being implemented in clinical laboratories. These tests offer high sensitivity and specificity but have been relatively slow compared with immunoassays.
However, recent innovations in PCR chemistry and thermal cycling technology now enable DNA testing to be performed in a matter of minutes instead of hours.
Fluorogenic PCR assays eliminate the necessity of post-PCR analysis, which typically involves subjecting the PCR product to enzymatic treatment, hybridisation capture, and/or electrophoretic separation.
Using two-temperature PCR reduces the complexity of the thermal cycling profile and increases the speed and efficiency of the reaction. Advanced spectrofluorometric thermal cyclers with extremely fast heating properties make rapid fluorogenic PCR and real-time monitoring possible.