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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

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CFX384 Real 
Time PCR Dectection System

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

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CFX384 Real 
Time PCR Dectection System

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

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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

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CFX384 Real 
Time PCR Dectection System

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

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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

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