Fluidigm Europe, a developer of integrated fluidic circuit systems, has introduced the BioMark real-time PCR System, which performs on-board thermal cycling and fluorescence detection.
The BioMark system, together with a controller for integrated fluidic circuit (IFC) chip loading, streamlines workflow for applications demanding sensitivity and dynamic range, at high throughput.
The system also integrates thermal cycling and detection of PCR assays. It acquires data for each reaction chamber of the IFC chip simultaneously and can operate in either end-point or real-time detection mode. It is supplied with integral data collection and data analysis software for genotyping, digital and real-time PCR.
Real-time PCR analysis software displays the analysed data in multiple formats, including colour-coded maps of every reaction chamber on the IFC chip, amplification curves, and numeric tables. Intuitive software design is said to enable even new users to quickly and easily manage, annotate and archive results.
Because the BioMark system is designed for proprietary licensed 5' nuclease assays, laboratories may easily switch to dynamic arrays and digital arrays for PCR while continuing to use tried and trusted reagents and protocols. The entire system, from the footprint of the chips to the architecture of analysis and database software, adheres to industry standards, ensuring integration with established workflows, the firm said.
Fluidigm products have not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use as a diagnostic and are only available for research use.