Real-time PCR or quantitative PCR is a method in which the monitoring of a DNA amplification process is done in real-time. In traditional methods, the readings are taken only at the end of the process. This method is more advanced as compared to the old school one, since not only the amplification time is less, the results are also obtained in a much faster and efficient fashion. An ordinary PCR Machine is not enough to implement this technique as certain advancements are essential to apply the new form of technology.
One of the key advantages that the new concept has over its predecessors is the ability to study gene expression. This is an idea that involves the analysis of a gene and thereby is used to synthesize a functional gene product. This means that the production of end products becomes quite easy and thereby proteins or non-coding RNA can be produced. Therefore, the various methods that make this phenomenon so essential need to be discussed in the corresponding sections.
#1 Fiber Optic System
The first essential advantage that this newly developed technique has is the introduction of the shuttle system. This PCR Machine uses fluorescent dyes that have different characteristics. Each of these is then excited to ensure that an efficient quantum yield can be obtained. This means that the photon emission that is occurring through fluorescence need to happen almost precisely.
This method is undertaken by using four different LED lamps of varying colour namely Red, Green, Blue, and White (RGBW). This device is also attached to Fiber optic cables that help to ensure that the reading of information happens at the maximum possible speed. It helps to process around 96 well plates in 6 seconds and is completely independent of the total number of dyes that are present. One of the most crucial aspects of this system is that it helps to analyse any form of fluorescent probes that might exist within the blue to infrared range.
#2 Silver Block Enhancement
The performance of the device as mentioned earlier quite exclusively depends on the reliability of delivering results. This is obtained by the usage of a gold-coated silver block that provides a very smooth transfer of energy. This means that the rate of temperature rise remains around 8 degrees and provides a 0.1-degree precision.
This is one of the key ideas that make an RT PCR Machine so efficient. Apart from that another key advantage of this new technology is the presence of a temperature gradient. Instead of setting limits to the temperature, a gradient can be set and controlled depending on the requirement of a primer. Maintaining a sustained temperature of around 110 degrees along with the most optimal pressure in the contact region enables the integrity of the specimens.
End Note
The RT PCR machineis one of the biggest technological developments in the past few decades. This machine has proven to be one of the key tools to identify the presence of the Covid-19 virus within people. The ability to configure and manage the devices as per the needs of the user makes working with this technology quite efficient and thereby helps to obtain the most desirable results.
About Analytik Jena
“AJ Instruments India Pvt. Ltd.” is a 100% owned subsidiary company of Analytik Jena AG in India. The company represents both the Analytical Instrumentation and Life Science solutions businesses of the parent company in the assigned geography. The company has a demo and applications center in the Delhi office with applications and training services supported by well-trained experts in the respective topics.
