Powerful walkaway qPCR set-up from Tecan

July 19, 2012 - PRLog -- The Dittmer Lab at the University of North Carolina is using a Freedom EVO® 150 with an integrated LightCycler® 480 Real-Time PCR System to perform research activities and investigate the biology of viral cancers, such as those caused by Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). The Group uses qPCR profiling to study various aspects of KSHV, as postdoctoral research associate Pauline Chugh explained: “We use three main strategies to investigate viral tumorigenesis – viral gene expression, microRNA (miRNA) expression and viral load testing of clinical samples – based on 96 primer qPCR arrays. Performing the assays manually would be very labor-intensive, and so we use automation to provide the throughput necessary for these studies.”

The Group’s Freedom EVO system provides walkaway automation of sample preparation for subsequent qualitative and quantitative nucleic acid detection by real-time PCR, ensuring accurate and reliable assay plate set­up in a 384­well format. Pauline continued: “The workstation gives us the ability to perform automated analysis of up to 750 gene sequences per sample in just one day, allowing us to, for example, look at the whole miRNA library following infection with the virus. We have also been able to miniaturize many of our protocols, which offers significant cost savings in terms of reagents. Having the ability to multitask has also significantly improved our productivity, allowing us to perform other experiments or analyze data while the instrument is running. Alternatively, we can load 60 individual arrays onto the Freedom EVO and leave the system running overnight. It’s basically generating data while you sleep.”

To find out more on Tecan’s genomics solutions, visit www.tecan.com/genomics

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About Tecan Tecan (www.tecan.com) is a leading global provider of laboratory instruments and solutions in biopharmaceuticals, forensics and clinical diagnostics. The company specializes in the development, production and distribution of automated workflow solutions for laboratories in the life sciences sector. Its clients include pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, university research departments, and forensic and diagnostic laboratories. As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Tecan is also a leader in developing and manufacturing OEM instruments and components that are then distributed by partner companies. Founded in Switzerland in 1980, the company has manufacturing, research and development sites in both Europe and North America and maintains a sales and service network in 52 countries. In 2011, Tecan generated sales of CHF 377 million (USD 424 million; EUR 306 million). Registered shares of Tecan Group are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (TK: TECN/Reuters: TECZn.S/Swiss security number: 1210019).