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QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System: Introduction, Types, Uses, and Keynotes

QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System: Introduction, Types, Uses, and Keynotes

QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System: Introduction, Types, Uses, and Keynotes

Introduction

The QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System is a PCR platform developed by Thermo Fisher Scientific that enables quantitative gene expression analysis and genotyping. It is designed to perform real-time PCR, also known as quantitative PCR (qPCR), a technique used to measure the amount of DNA or RNA in a sample. The QuantStudio system uses fluorescent probes to detect and quantify specific nucleic acid sequences in a sample. It is capable of running multiple reactions simultaneously and can be used for a variety of applications, including gene expression analysis, genotyping, mutation detection, and pathogen detection. The system is user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and software that allows for data analysis and interpretation. The QuantStudio system is widely used in research, clinical diagnostics, and biotechnology industries.

Types 

The QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System is a range of instruments produced by Thermo Fisher Scientific that allow for real-time PCR analysis. There are different types of the QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System, including:

  1. QuantStudio 3 Real-Time PCR System: This is a compact and affordable instrument that is ideal for small laboratories or research facilities.
  2. QuantStudio 5 Real-Time PCR System: This is a versatile and easy-to-use instrument that offers a high level of accuracy and sensitivity. It is suitable for both routine and research applications.
  3. QuantStudio 6 Flex Real-Time PCR System: This is a flexible and customizable instrument that allows for the analysis of multiple samples simultaneously. It is suitable for high-throughput applications.
  4. QuantStudio 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System: This is a high-performance instrument that offers fast and accurate results. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, including genotyping, gene expression analysis, and digital PCR.

All of the QuantStudio Real-Time PCR Systems offer similar features, including thermal cycling, real-time fluorescence detection, and software for data analysis. However, the different models offer different levels of flexibility, throughput, and performance.

Parts

QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System is composed of several components that work together to perform real-time PCR reactions. The main components are:

  1. Thermal cycler: This is the core of the system and contains the PCR reaction chamber where temperature cycling occurs. The thermal cycler can be configured to run various types of real-time PCR assays, such as TaqMan assays, SYBR Green assays, and others.
  2. Optical module: This component is responsible for detecting fluorescence signals emitted from the PCR reaction chamber during real-time PCR cycling. It contains excitation and emission filters that are specific to the fluorophores used in the assay.
  3. Computer system: The computer system controls the operation of the thermal cycler and optical module and collects and analyzes data from the real-time PCR reactions. The computer system also contains software that allows the user to design and optimize real-time PCR assays, as well as analyze and interpret the results.
  4. Consumables: The QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System uses various types of consumables, including PCR reaction tubes, plates, and seals, as well as reagents and enzymes necessary for PCR amplification and detection.
  5. Accessories: Additional accessories are available for the QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System, such as the TaqMan Array Micro Fluidic Cards, which allow the user to perform high-throughput real-time PCR assays, and the OpenArray Real-Time PCR System, which enables analysis of hundreds of PCR reactions in a single run.

Uses

QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System is a versatile platform that has many applications in molecular biology research, diagnostics, and other fields. Some common uses of the QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System include:

  1. Gene expression analysis: The QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System is commonly used to measure the expression levels of specific genes in a sample. This can help researchers to understand how genes are regulated and how their expression levels change under different conditions.
  2. SNP genotyping: The QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System can be used to genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are variations in the DNA sequence that can be associated with disease risk or other traits.
  3. Pathogen detection: The QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System can be used to detect the presence of specific pathogens in a sample. This is important for diagnosing infectious diseases and monitoring outbreaks.
  4. Quantification of DNA or RNA: The QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System can be used to accurately quantify the amount of DNA or RNA in a sample. This is useful for a wide range of applications, including quantification of viral load, measurement of gene expression levels, and detection of rare mutations.
  5. Environmental monitoring: The QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System can be used to monitor environmental samples for the presence of specific microorganisms or genes. This is important for assessing the impact of pollution or other environmental factors on ecosystems.
  6. Forensic analysis: The QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System can be used for forensic analysis, including DNA profiling and identification of human remains.

These are just a few examples of the many applications of the QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System. The platform is highly versatile and can be adapted to many different research and diagnostic needs.

Keynotes

Here are some keynotes on the QuantStudio Real-Time PCR System:

  1. Thermo Fisher Scientific
  2. Bio-Rad Laboratories
  3. Qiagen
  4. Eppendorf
  5. Agilent Technologies
  6. Analytik Jena
  7. Roche Diagnostics
  8. Becton, Dickinson, and Company
  9. PerkinElmer and
  10. Takara Bio

Further Reading

  1. Thermo Fisher Scientific. (2021). QuantStudio 5 Real-Time PCR System. https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/4485694#/4485694.
  2. Thermo Fisher Scientific. (2021). QuantStudio 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System.https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/4485701#/4485701.
  3. Thermo Fisher Scientific. (2021). QuantStudio 12K Flex Real-Time PCR System.https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/4475346#/4475346.
  4. Liu, W., Saint, D. A., & Validation of a quantitative method for real time PCR kinetics. (2002). Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 294(1), 347-353. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-291X(02)00482-3.
  5. Corcoran, J., & Jordan, J. A. (2014). A laboratory guide to the Thermo Scientific Pierce Quantitative Assay Workflow for Immunoprecipitation and Mass Spectrometry. https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/qfa-lab-guide.pdf.