Bio-Rad Laboratories

REAL-TIME PCR INSTRUMENTATION

Real-time PCR is easy with Bio-Rad instruments. Choose among one-, or multi-color detection systems compatible with the iCycler® thermal cycler, the MJ DNA Engine® thermal cycler or our newest C1000 thermal cycler platform. All platforms offer reliable gradient-enabled thermal cyclers with advanced detection systems featuring high performance and extraordinary flexibility. The detection systems incorporate optical modules that enable detection of target sequences labeled with fluorescent probes. Sample quantitation by real-time PCR increases reliability of gene expression analyses, improves viral load assessment, and accelerates throughput in screening applications. Bio-Rad's real-time PCR detection systems range from economical upgrades that allow two-target detection to sophisticated five-target detection systems.
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CFX96™ and CFX384™ Real-Time PCR Detection Systems ► The CFX96 and CFX384 optical reaction modules converts a C1000 thermal cycler into a powerful and precise real-time PCR detection system. This six-channel real-time PCR system combines advanced optical technology with precise thermal control to deliver sensitive, reliable detection. The CFX96 and CFX384 system's solid-state optical technology (six filtered LEDs, each with a corresponding filtered photodiode) maximizes fluorescence detection for specific dyes in specific channels, providing sensitive detection for precise quantitation and target discrimination. Scanning just above the sample plate, the optics shuttle individually illuminates and reads fluorescence from each well with high sensitivity and no cross talk. At every position and with every scan, the optics shuttle is reproducibly centered above each well, so the light path is always optimal and there is no need to sacrifice data collection in one of the channels to normalize to a passive reference. more information

► Key Features Factory calibration to minimize setup time Data collection from all wells during data acquisition Multiple data acquisition modes, including a 1-color fast scan for SYBR Green users Thermal gradient feature to optimize reactions in a single run CFX Manager software with advanced analysis tools for performing normalized gene expression Expansion capability that allows up to 4 instruments to be run from a single computer E-mail notification option that sends an e-mail, with an attached data file, upon run completion Six-Channel Optics Shuttle


iQ™5 Real-Time PCR Detection System ► The iQ5 real-time PCR detection system offers a fresh design for Bio-Rad's new generation of real-time PCR instrumentation. This powerful new system offers five-target analysis capabilities for multiplex PCR, coupled with a completely redesigned software package. The iQ5 optical system software offers a full suite of enhanced data collection and data analysis options, including new tools for gene expression analysis. Regardless of your application, you will find that the iQ5 is the ultimate system for value and flexibility. more information

Chromo4™ Real-Time Detector

► Featuring a unique user-changeable Chromo4 photonics shuttle for multicolor detection, this compact, versatile real-time detector easily snaps into the DNA Engine cycler base, and can be reversibly swapped with 10 different formats of sample blocks.
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MyiQ™ System

► Powerful software and proven optics combine to provide sensitive single-color real-time detection. A reliable tungsten-halogen lamp allows sensitive detection of common green fluorescent dyes such as FAM and SYBR Green I.
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MiniOpticon™ Real-Time PCR Detection System

► The MiniOpticon system provides a compact two-color real-time detection platform for the high-performance MJ Mini™ thermal cycler. This innovative, no-moving-parts design allows sensitive detection in a compact and robust package, making it the most portable system available for real-time PCR applications.
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► Key Features

2-color real-time PCR detection in a 48-well system
A compact footprint (18 x 32 cm) allows the system to fit almost anywhere, and the system weighs just 6.8 kg
The MJ Mini cycler base offers precise thermal control, and the temperature gradient simultaneously incubates samples at 8 different temperatures to optimize reaction conditions in a single run

The table below lists comparative specifications for all Bio-Rad real-time systems.

Feature	MiniOpticon	MyiQ	Chromo4	iQ5	CFX96
Excitation range	470–500 nm	475–495 nm	450–650 nm	475–645 nm	450–684 nm
Light source	LED array (48 blue green LEDs)	Tungsten-halogen lamp	4 LEDs in photonics shuttle	Tungsten-halogen lamp	6 LEDs in optics shuttle
Optical detection	2 photodiodes	12-bit CCD camera	4 photodiodes	12-bit CCD camera	6 photodiodes
Detection range	523–700 nm	515–545 nm	515–730 nm	515–700 nm	550–730 nm
Multiplex capability	Up to 2 targets	_	Up to 4 targets	Up to 5 targets	Up to 5 targets
Gradient capability	•	•	•	•	•
Gradient range	35–99°C	40–100°C	30–105°C	40–100°C	30–100°C
Maximum gradient span	16°C	25°C	24°C	25°C	24°C
Maximum ramp rate	2.5°C/sec	3.3°C/sec	3°C/sec	3.3°C/sec	5°C/sec
Integrated gene expression analysis	•	•	•	•	•
Dimensions (W x D x H)	18 x 32 x 33 cm	29 x 58 x 39 cm	24 x 35 x 37 cm	29 x 58 x 39 cm	33 x 46 x 36 cm
Weight	6.8 kg	17.6 kg	12.6 kg	17.6 kg	21.4 kg
Base thermal cycler	MJ Mini	iCycler	DNA Engine, Dyad Disciple	iCycler	C1000

AMPLIFICATION REAGENTS

Bio-Rad has a complete offering of user-friendly reagents for both conventional PCR and real-time PCR applications. All our amplification reagents are developed to allow reliable, sensitive, and reproducible results using a variety of instruments or approaches. Click on the links below to see data and learn more about a specific reagent.

Reverse Transcription

iScript™ Select cDNA Synthesis Kit

► This flexible reverse transcription system allows reliable first-strand cDNA synthesis using from 1 µg down to as little as 1 pg of input RNA. With an optimized section of primers, this kit is appropriate for RT-PCR, real-time RT-PCR, and the synthesis of longer cDNA fragments for applications such as cloning.
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iScript™ cDNA Synthesis Kit

► This sensitive, easy-to-use three-tube reverse transcription system offers unparalleled sensitivity from 1 pg to 1 µg of input RNA. With a streamlined 45 minute protocol, this kit features an optimized dNTP-containing reaction mix preblended with oligo(dT) and random primers.
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Thermostable DNA Polymerases

iTaq™ DNA Polymerase

► Antibody-mediated, hot-start, thermostable iTaq polymerase is formulated for optimal performance in both conventional PCR and real-time PCR applications. This robust enzyme allows amplification and detection of targets up to 4 kb in length.
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iProof™ DNA Polymerase

► This thermostable high-fidelity DNA polymerase, incorporating our unique Sso7d fusion technology, provides enhanced processivity, higher yields, and unsurpassed speed and fidelity. This engineered polymerase is 52-fold more accurate than Taq polymerase and can amplify DNA fragments up to 37 kb in less time with less enzyme.
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One-Step RT-PCR Kits

iScript™ One-Step PCR Kit for Probes

► This kit is formulated for sensitive one-step reverse transcription using any type of hybridization probe. It promotes efficient probe hydrolysis in both singleplex and duplex quantitative RT-PCR over a broad dynamic range of 1 pg to 1 µg of input RNA.
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iScript™ One-Step Kit With SYBR^® Green

► A reliable, optimized single-tube solution for the detection of RNA using SYBR Green I, this kit is formulated to maximize enzyme activity and minimize the potential for primer-dimer formation. It facilitates detection of even low-copy targets.
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Ready-to-Use Supermixes Without ROX

iQ™ Multiplex Powermix

► Bio-Rad has applied its expertise in multiplex real-time PCR to create a robust mix that greatly simplifies real-time detection of up to five targets in a single tube. This mix makes multiplex real-time PCR easier by eliminating the need to optimize buffer, enzyme, or primer concentrations.
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iQ™ SYBR^® Green Supermix

► Formulated for optimal results in real-time PCR using SYBR Green I detection chemistry, this reliable and sensitive supermix also contains fluorescein for well-factor collection on the iCycler iQ and MyiQ real-time PCR detection systems.
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iQ™ Supermix

► An easy-to-use supermix with proven sensitivity over a wide dynamic range of input DNA, this fluorescein-containing mix is qualified for use with the iCycler iQ and MyiQ real-time PCR detection systems.
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Ready-to-Use Supermixes With ROX

iTaq™ SYBR^® Green Supermix With ROX

► This supermix allows specific and sensitive SYBR Green I-based detection on any ROX-dependent real-time thermal cycler. This optimized mix minimizes primer-dimer formation and allows specific amplification and detection over at least 7 orders of magnitude.
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iTaq™ Supermix With ROX

► This robust supermix is optimized for probe-based detection on any ROX-dependent instrument. Achieve sensitive and specific amplification over at least 7 orders of magnitude.
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