Short company profile
With over 50 years of dedication to quality and customer service, Bio-Rad Laboratories
has a solution for all your amplification needs. From amplification reagents
to real-time
PCR instruments and optical-quality PCR plates
and reaction vessels , Bio-Rad has the products and experience to
ensure real-time PCR success.
Click the links below to discover all Bio-Rad has to offer in
support of your real-time experiments.
REAL-TIME PCR INSTRUMENTATION
Bio-Rad’s real-time PCR amplification systems combine thermal
cyclers with interchangeable modules for singleplex and multiplex
detection of fluorophores. Choose among single- and multi-color
detection systems for the detection of DNA intercalating dyes, target
sequences labeled with fluorescent probes, or other fluorescent
detection chemistries. Bio-Rad's real-time PCR detection systems range
from economical upgrades that allow two-target detection to
sophisticated five-target detection systems. All Bio-Rad real-time
detection platforms offer reliable gradient-enabled thermal cyclers for
rapid assay optimization. More
Information
CFX384™ Real-Time PCR Detection System
| The CFX384 real-time PCR detection system brings flexibility
and ease of use to researchers performing high-throughput real-time PCR
in a 384-well format. The CFX384 builds on the precise thermal control
of the C1000™ thermal cycler to deliver the most sensitive, reliable
detection for real-time PCR applications, including absolute
quantitation, genetic variation analysis, and gene expression. With up
to four-target detection, unsurpassed thermal cycler performance, and
powerful, yet easy-to-use software, the CFX384 system is designed for
the way you work.
The CFX automation system makes it easy to:
- Optical system uses long-lasting solid-state technology
with 5 filtered LEDs and 5 filtered photodiodes for precise quantitation
and target discrimination
- Conserve your samples and reagents. Perform 4-target
multiplex reactions with optimal quantitative results, using sample
volumes as low as 3 µl
- Configure the system to fit your laboratory needs. Run a
stand-alone system without a computer, up to 4 instruments from 1
computer, or integrate instruments with the CFX automation system for
higher throughput
- CFX Manager™ software lets you streamline your data
analysis workflow and perform gene expression analysis using multiple
reference genes and individual reaction efficiencies
- Trust your results. Confirm system performance and
data reliability with internal qualification, internal reference spots,
system test software, and IQ/OQ. Integrate the CFX384 real-time PCR
detection system with good laboratory practice standards for data
collection and analysis with CFX Manager software, Security Edition
More
Information |
 |
CFX96™ Real-Time PCR Detection System
The CFX96 optical reaction module 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 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.
Features include:
- Tailor the run to suit your application using multiple
data acquisition modes, including a 1-color fast scan for SYBR® Green
users
- Optimize reactions in a single run using the thermal
gradient feature
- Use the advanced analysis tools of CFX Manager™
software to perform normalized gene expression with multiple reference
genes and individual reaction efficiencies
- Streamline publication using Biogazelle’s qbasePLUS
MIQE annotations and RDML functionality
- Run a stand-alone system without a computer, up to 4
instruments from 1 computer, or integrate the instrument with the CFX
automation system for higher throughput
- Analyze data when and where you want to by receiving
email notification with an attached data file when a run is complete
- Run high resolution melt (HRM) experiments on the CFX96
or CFX384™ system and perform data analysis using seamless data import
to Precision Melt Analysis™software
More
Information |
 |
CFX Automation System
The CFX automation system works with the CFX96™ and
CFX384™ real-time PCR detection systems to enable walk-away,
high-throughput operation in a simplified
format that does not compromise precision. The plug-and-go
benchtop plate handler has the capacity to load up to twenty 384-well
PCR plates at a time.
This system facilitates the automation of workflows,
generation of large volumes of data, and rapid data analysis. It is
ideally suited to meet the high-throughput
requirements of today’s drug discovery workflows, letting
you process up to 7,680 samples in a single run of twenty 384-well
plates on the CFX384 system.
The CFX automation system makes it easy to:
- Maximize laboratory throughput by integrating 1 CFX96
or CFX384 real-time PCR detection system with hands-free running of up
to 20 plates
- Improve experimental workflow and automation tasks to
ensure maximum productivity
- Track samples using the integrated bar code reader
- Navigate, set up, and execute multiple PCR experiments
using intuitive CFX automation control software
- Define PCR protocols for an entire plate stack at once
- Receive email notification with an attached data file
or report upon completion of a single run
More Information |
 |
MyiQ™2 Two-Color Real-Time PCR Detection System
The MyiQ2 two-color real-time PCR detection system offers
two-target analysis capabilities for multiplex PCR and routine
detection of single fluorophore experiments
using SYBR® Green I or other green fluorescent dyes. The
system is built on the gradient-enabled iCycler® thermal cycler platform
and can accurately quantify targets over a dynamic range of more than 9
orders of magnitude.
The iQ™5 optical system software, version 2.1, used to
control the MyiQ2 system, offers advanced features for streamlined gene
expression analysis, quantitative assays with multiple standard curves,
and other qualitative assays including allelic discrimination and
screening for known mutations.
Features include:
- Multiplexing of up to 2 fluorophores in each reaction
vessel, enabling 2-target detection
- Advanced gene expression analysis by relative quantity
(ΔCT) or normalized expression (ΔΔCT), accounting
for differences in reaction efficiency or use of multiple reference
genes
- Gene study feature enables direct comparison of gene
expression results from up to 5,000 CT data points and
multiple plates
- Multiple data reporting options to generate publication
quality statistics and graphs, quickly create customizable reports, or
export data from tables with 1-step export to Excel software
- User preference settings for managing data files,
analysis settings, and access privileges
More
Information |
 |
MiniOpticon™ Two-Color Real-Time PCR Detection System
The MiniOpticon system is a two-color real-time PCR
detection system built on the high-performance, gradient-enabled MJ
Mini™ thermal cycler. In the MiniOpticon system, samples are
sequentially illuminated by a fixed array of 48 long-lasting blue-green
LEDs,
minimizing cross talk and maximizing fluorophore excitation
for successful multiplex detection. Emitted fluorescence is detected by
two filtered photodiodes. This innovative, no-moving-parts design allows
accurate detection in a compact and robust package.
The MiniOpticon real-time PCR detection system with CFX
Manager™ software puts sophisticated qPCR tools and techniques into the
hands of the researcher.
Features include the ability to:
- Analyze data when and where you want by receiving email
notification with an attached data file when a run is complete
- Save research time by optimizing experiments using the
thermal gradient
- Get up and running and obtain results faster using
startup wizards, express load, and intuitive plate setup
- Use the sophisticated analysis tools of CFX Manager
software to perform normalized gene expression using multiple reference
genes and target-specific reaction efficiencies, melt-curve analysis,
end-point analysis, and allelic discrimination
More Information |
 |
The table below lists comparative specifications for all Bio-Rad
| Feature |

MiniOpticon |

MyiQ2 |

CFX96 |

CFX384 |
| Excitation range |
470–500 nm |
470–545 nm |
450–684 nm |
450–650 nm |
| Light source |
Light-emitting diode (LED) array
(48 blue-green LEDs) |
Tungsten-halogen lamp |
6 LEDs in optics shuttle |
5 LEDs in optics shuttle |
| Optical detection |
2 photodiodes |
12-bit CCD camera |
6 photodiodes |
5 photodiodes |
| Detection range |
523–700 nm |
515–585 nm |
515–730 nm |
515–690 nm |
| Multiplex capability |
Up to 2 targets |
Up to 2 targets |
Up to 5 targets |
Up to 4 targets |
| Gradient range |
35–99°C |
40–100°C |
30–100°C |
30–100°C |
| Maximum gradient span |
16°C |
25°C |
24°C |
24°C |
| Maximum ramp rate |
2.5°C/sec |
3.3°C/sec |
5°C/sec |
2.5°C/sec |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) |
18 x 32 x 33 cm |
29 x 58 x 39 cm |
33 x 46 x 36 cm |
33 x 46 x 36 cm |
| Weight |
6.8 kg |
17.6 kg |
21.4 kg |
21.4 kg |
| Base thermal cycler |
MJ Mini |
iCycler |
C1000 |
C1000 |
REAL-TIME PCR ANALYSIS SOFTWARE
Bio-Rad
amplification software supports multi-instrument control
as well as the collection and analysis of real-time PCR data. Probe and
primer design software enables rapid design of robust real-time PCR
assays.
CFX Manager™ Software CFX Manager
software provides experiment setup and data analysis capabilities for
the CFX96™ and CFX384™ real-time PCR detection systems.
CFX Manager™ Software, Security Edition
CFX Manager software, Security Edition offers all the features of CFX
Manager software, plus important tools for compliance with U.S. FDA 21
CFR Part 11 regulations.
CFX Manager™ Software, Chinese and Russian Editions CFX Manager
software provides settings for customization and data analysis in
real-time PCR applications. The new, full-featured Chinese and Russian
Editions of CFX Manager software work with the regional settings of the
Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems to provide localized,
language-specific environments.
Precision Melt Analysis™ Software
Precision Melt Analysis software imports and analyzes data files
generated from the CFX96™ or CFX384™ real time
PCR detection system to genotype samples based on the thermal
denaturation profiles of double-stranded DNA. The software can be used
for a variety of genotyping applications, including scanning for new
gene variants, screening DNA samples for SNPs, identifying
insertions/deletions or other unknown mutations, and determining the
percentage of methylated DNA in unknown samples.
iQ™5 Optical System Software, Version 2.1
iQ5 optical system software, version 2.1, supports the collection and
analysis of real-time PCR data from the MyiQ™2, redesigned MyiQ™, and
iQ5 real-time PCR detection systems.
Beacon Designer Software Beacon
Designer software from PREMIER Biosoft International generates optimal
primer and probe sequences for real-time quantitative PCR assays.
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 each specific reagent.
Reverse Transcription
| iScript™ Select cDNA Synthesis Kit
- Separate tubes of oligo(dT) and random primers allows
selection of priming strategy for reverse transcription
- RNase H+ MMLV reverse transcriptase (pre
blended with RNase inhibitor) delivers high sensitivity for real-time
RT-PCR
- Quality control provides reliable synthesis of long
cDNA >6 kb in length
- A separate tube of enhancer solution provides maximum
sensitivity for reverse transcription with gene-specific primers
- Dynamic range of 1 µg to 100 fg total RNA input (target
dependent)
More
Information
|
 |
iScript™ cDNA Synthesis Kit
- 2-tube kit (5x iScript reaction mix and iScript reverse
transcriptase) increases reproducibility and reduces reaction set-up
time
- Optimized blend of oligo(dT) and random primers ensures
complete and unbiased RNA sequence representation
- RNase H+ MMLV reverse transcriptase (pre
blended with RNase inhibitor) delivers high sensitivity for real-time
RT-PCR
- Dynamic range of 1 µg to 100 fg total RNA input (target
dependent)
- Short 40 min protocol allows fast qPCR data generation
More
Information
|
 |
iScript™ RT-qPCR Sample Preparation Reagent
- Enables RT-qPCR directly from cells without RNA
purification
- Delivers efficient cell lysis, RNA stabilization, and
removal of genomic DNA for sensitive qPCR in 5–10 min
- Suitable for adherent and suspension animal cells
- Allows multiplex real-time detection of up to 4 targets
from as few as 10 cells
- Ideal for rapid, high-throughput gene expression
analysis
More
Information
|
 |
One-Step RT-PCR Kits
| iScript™ One-Step PCR Kit for Probes
- One-step RT-qPCR with probes designed for use with all
types of hybridization probes, including dual-labeled oligonucleotide
probes, FRET probes, and molecular beacons
- Performing cDNA synthesis and qPCR in one tube minimizes
handling and contamination risk
- Extremely sensitive detection (1 µg – 1 pg) of input RNA
- A powerful combination of iScript RNase H+
reverse transcriptase and hot-start iTaq™ DNA polymerase
- Ideal for rapid, high-throughput gene expression
analysis
More
Information |
 |
| iScript™ One-Step Kit with SYBR® Green
- Enables one-step RT-qPCR with SYBR® Green on a broad
range of optical thermal cyclers
- Performing cDNA synthesis and qPCR in one tube minimizes
handling and contamination risk
- Extremely sensitive detection (100 ng–1 pg) of input RNA
- A powerful combination of iScript RNase reverse
transcriptase and hot-start iTaq™ DNA polymerase
- Ideal for rapid, high-throughput gene expression
analysis
More
Information |
 |
Ready-to-Use Supermixes without ROX
SsoFast™ EvaGreen® Supermix
- Bio-Rad’s next generation of real-time PCR supermixes
uses patented Sso7d fusion protein technology
- Sso7d fusion polymerase and optimized buffer deliver
unrivaled speed and performance for a variety of qPCR applications
- EvaGreen has minimal inhibition of PCR — ensuring
maximum efficiency, sensitivity, and reproducibility, while providing
higher fluorescence compared to SYBR® Green
- Instant polymerase activation and rapid polymerization
kinetics gives fast qPCR results in less than 30 min
More Information |
 |
| iQ™ SYBR® Green Supermix
- Optimized for reproducible qPCR performance and SYBR®
Green I stability
- Provides sensitive and accurate detection with optimized
concentration of SYBR® Green I
- Increases throughput — only template and primers are
needed so preparation is minimal
- Contains fluorescein for well-factor collection on the
iQ™5, iCycler iQ®, and MyiQ™ real-time PCR detection systems
More Information |
 |
iQ™ Supermix
- Optimized to deliver maximum efficiency, sensitivity, and
specificity for qPCR with probes
- Contains hot-start iTaq™ DNA polymerase, dNTPs qualified
for quantitative PCR, and buffer at concentrations optimal for
real-time PCR assays
- Reliably amplifies over a wide dynamic range of human
genomic and plasmid DNA concentrations
- iQ supermix facilitates reaction optimization and is
qualified for use with all Bio-Rad real-time detection systems
- Convenient reaction assembly at room temperature and
increased throughput — only template, primers, and probes are needed so
preparation is minimal
More Information |
 |
| iQ™ Multiplex Powermix
- Performs reliable real-time multiplex detection of up to 5
targets
- Delivers linearity over 6 orders of magnitude of input
cDNA and 4 orders of magnitude of input genomic DNA
- Detects up to 4 targets when one differs in expression up
to 106-fold relative to the others
- Suitable for a wide variety of applications, including
gene expression analysis, SNP genotyping/analysis, GMO detection, and
viral load detection
More Information |
 |
Ready-to-Use Supermixes with ROX
iTaq™ SYBR® Green Supermix with ROX
- Validated for qPCR with SYBR® Green on all
ROX-dependent real-time thermal cycler platforms and with all real-time
detection chemistries
- Preblended with hot-start iTaq DNA polymerase,
optimized buffer, nucleotides, SYBR® Green I dye, and ROX passive
reference dye
- Optimized blend with SYBR® Green minimizes the potential
for primer-dimer formation
- Sensitively and accurately detects low-abundance
targets (specific amplification over at least 7 orders of magnitude)
- Convenient 1-tube formulation is preblended with ROX to
correct for inter-well signal variation
More
Information |
 |
| iTaq™ Supermix with ROX
- Validated for qPCR with probes on all ROX-dependent
real-time thermal cycler platforms and with all real-time detection
chemistries
- Formulated to deliver high performance with cDNA, genomic
DNA, and plasmid DNA templates over a broad dynamic range
- Sensitively and accurately detects over at least 6 orders
of magnitude
- Preblended with hot-start iTaq DNA polymerase, optimized
buffer for probes-based detection, nucleotides, and ROX passive
reference dye
- Can perform duplex qPCR in a single reaction
- Convenient 1-tube formulation is preblended with ROX to
correct for inter-well signal variation
More Information |
 |
| iTaq™ Fast SYBR® Green Supermix with ROX
- Designed specifically for qPCR with SYBR® Green on the
ABI 7500 fast or standard real-time PCR system and the Stratagene
real-time detection systems
- Delivers maximum efficiency, sensitivity, and
specificity with a robust fluorescent signal under fast or standard
thermal cycling conditions
- Preblended with hot-start iTaq DNA polymerase, optimized
buffer, nucleotides, SYBR Green I dye, and ROX passive reference dye in
a convenient 1-tube formulation
More
Information |
 |
| iTaq™ Fast Supermix with ROX
- Designed specifically for qPCR with probes on the ABI
7500 fast or standard real-time PCR system and the Stratagene real-time
detection systems
- Delivers maximum efficiency, sensitivity, and
specificity with a robust fluorescent signal under fast or standard
thermal cycling conditions with any real-time detection chemistry
- Preblended with hot-start iTaq DNA polymerase, optimized
buffer, nucleotides, and ROX passive reference dye in a convenient
1-tube formulation
More
Information |
 |
Core Reagents for PCR
| iTaq™ DNA Polymerase
- Antibody-mediated hot-start DNA polymerase is suitable
for both PCR and real-time PCR applications
- Needs only a short 3 min activation step at 95°C
- iTaq DNA polymerase is highly specific, sensitive, and
easy to use
- Provides improved product yields compared to
non-antibody-based DNA polymerases
- Convenient reaction assembly at room temperature
More
Information |
 |
| iProof™ High-Fidelity DNA Polymerase
- Comprises a unique Pyrococcus-like proofreading
enzyme fused to a dsDNA binding protein, Sso7d
- High fidelity — iProof DNA polymerase is 52-fold more
accurate than Taq DNA polymerase
- Speed — high processivity dramatically reduces extension
(15–30 sec/kb) and overall reaction times
- Successful amplification of long products with higher
yields — fragments up to 37 kb are amplified in less time and with less
enzyme (0.25–1 unit/reaction)
- Comes in three convenient formats: a stand-alone
enzyme, an easy-to-use master mix, and a PCR kit complete with controls
More
Information |
 |
| dNTP Mix
- Formulated for optimal performance in real-time and
standard PCR applications
- Robust dNTP solution withstands multiple rounds of
freeze-thawing and temperature cycling
- Allows consistency and higher efficiency
More
Information |
 |
| ROX Passive Reference Dye
- Compatible with PCR reagents that do not contain ROX for
use on all ROX-dependent real-time systems
- Formulated as a 50x concentrated stock solution for use
on the ABI PRISM 7000, 7300, 7700, or 7900 systems
- For instruments that use 580–585 nm excitation for
passive reference, such as the Stratagene Mx4000, Mx3000P, or Mx3005P,
or the ABI PRISM 7500 sequence detection system, the ROX passive
reference dye should be treated as a 750x concentrated solution
More Information |
 |
SAMPLE PURIFICATION
Bio-Rad offers a complete line of kits and reagents for fast and
effective extraction and purification of RNA, DNA, and PCR products.
SAMPLE QUALITY ASSESSMENT
Determining the quality and concentration of starting material for any
genomics workflow is a critical step in producing reproducible and
accurate experimental data and conclusions. Bio-Rad offers the Experion™
automated electrophoresis system as an important part of this workflow.
Experion Automated Electrophoresis System
The Experion automated electrophoresis station performs
all of the steps of gel-based electrophoresis in one compact, durable
unit. It automates analysis by combining electrophoresis, staining,
destaining, band detection, and imaging into a single, 30 minute step.
It's an electrophoresis cell, power supply, and imager built into a
single device and is designed for easy, precise operation. Different
kits are available for analysis of proteins, RNA and DNA.
For eukaryotic total RNA samples, the Experion system
automatically generates an RQI (RNA quality indicator) number in
addition to the electropherogram profile, virtual gel image, and 28/18S
ratio. The RQI number provides for a more objective assessment of RNA
quality and aids researchers in conforming to the MIQE (Minimum
information for publication of quantitative real-time PCR experiments)
guidelines, which call for practices that increase the reproducibility
and quality of RT-qPCR data.
More
Information |
 |