Seegene Announces Multiplex Real-Time Detection System

Seegene announced SeePrep™ and SeeCycler™, new clinical instrumentation optimized for Seegene's multiplex real-time detection tests. SeePrep performs automated magnetic bead nucleic acid extraction, and SeeCycler is an automated detection system for processing samples in real-time. With the addition of these equipment Seegene is now able to provide a complete molecular diagnostic workflow optimized for its multiplex tests, including nucleic acid extraction, amplification, real-time PCR testing and data analysis. Seegene is also pioneering a new category of multiplex PCR technology that enables the simultaneous detection of viruses and bacteria in a single reaction.

Seegene's innovative real-time PCR method, READ™ (REal Amplicon Detection), is a powerful technology that overcomes the limitations of conventional real-time PCR. READ™ is totally different from current probe- (TaqMan, Molecular Beacon, etc.) and primer-based (Scorpion, LUX, Sunrise, etc.) real-time PCR methods, and opens new opportunities for highly effective pathogen detection. The Magicplex™ System is a two step process system based on READ™ technology that amplifies multiple target genes and then selectively detects the amplicons on a real-time PCR platform. The system provides maximum sensitivity and specificity by detecting the amplicons produced by the first amplification step. This unique process overcomes the limitations of conventional PCR and real-time PCR testing methods, such as low specificity and sensitivity, limited multiplexity, high re-test rates, long processing cycles and narrow range of applicable specimens for testing.

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qPCR Used to Develop Rapid Response Strategies for Contaminated Beaches

The Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) has been working with academic and industry researchers since the late 1990s to evaluate and refine rapid microbiological methods for beach water quality analysis. Application of rapid methods would improve public health protection by providing more accurate and timely information on which to base beach warning and closure decisions. Implementation of rapid methods has also been mandated by the Federal BEACH Act and California AB 639. Currently, research shows that quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) is the most viable rapid method for application to beach monitoring.

In order to advance the application of rapid methods, the SCCWRP Commission created a Rapid Methods Task Force in 2009, consisting of experts representing multiple stakeholders. After reviewing the available science, the Task Force initiated a pilot project in summer 2010 that will explore the efficacy of using rapid methods for issuing beach warnings and closures in southern California. The goal of this project is to assist the Task Force by conducting training and outreach to enable a pilot project where QPCR is used in parallel with traditional methods for monitoring at selected southern California beaches. The objective is to produce rapid test results that can be utilized for making beach warning decisions and posting signs (if necessary) on the same day a sample is taken.

A rapid method dry-run in which methods are transferred to local laboratories was implemented in May and June, which will be followed by a demonstration project in July and August (if warranted). Throughout the pilot, all samples will be processed by both rapid and traditional methods. The Task Force’s chosen method is QPCR with Scorpion primers and probes, using a BioRad thermocycler and no DNA purification step.

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Life Technologies Sets New Workflow Standard in Detection of Common Contaminants in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing

Life Technologies Corporation announced a program that streamlines the detection of three common contaminants of mammalian cell culture-based biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The Applied Biosystems Cell Culture Rapid Methods Program applies core technologies from across the company to combine one sample preparation step with one instrument platform for real-time PCR based detection of Mycoplasma, Vesivirus 2117 and Mouse Minute Virus (MMV). Mycoplasma, Vesivirus 2117 and MMV are DNA and RNA-based potential contamination threats in mammalian cell culture production.

Because of its high accuracy and rapid same-day results, the Cell Culture Rapid Methods Program helps enable in-process testing for these contaminants at multiple points along the biopharmaceutical manufacturing process. These biologic detection kits are highly sensitive and accurate tests that enable the quick isolation and detection of these known contaminants from cell culture samples. The improved protocol for PrepSEQ™ 1-2-3 Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit can extract nucleic acid for all three contaminants from a single cell culture, in order to speed the detection of a multiple number of organisms. Sample preparation and detection of all three contaminants can be performed in less than seven hours. It is expected that biopharmaceutical companies will use the program to detect potential contamination early in production, safeguarding the manufacturing processes.

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