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QuantStudio: Revolutionizing qPCR Machines and PCR Systems

Quantstudio for qPCR and PCR machines

It’s hard to overstate the importance of reliable equipment in the world of molecular biology. When precision is such a key component, bad equipment just won’t cut it. Thankfully, the QuantStudio equipment line is leading the charge in high performance equipment. Developed by Thermo Fisher Scientific, it offers the precision and efficiency that’s required in the field. Let’s take a deep dive into this revolutionary set of instruments, and how it’s pushing forward qPCR machines and PCR systems.

Understanding the Basics of qPCR Machines

For the uninitiated, quantitative PCR (qPCR) is the technique of amplifying and quantifying a targeted DNA molecule. The purpose? To allow researchers to measure the amount of DNA in a given sample. This makes the tool essential in multiple applications, from pathogen detection to gene expression analysis.

These qPCR machines use top-of-the-line optics and thermal technology to give reproducible, accurate results. They use fluorescent dyes to monitor the process of amplification in real time, which yields data that’s invaluable in scientific investigations.

Exploring PCR Systems

Ready to dive further into these systems? There’s a lot to learn, starting with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) systems. They’re the bread and butter of molecular biology research, allowing DNA sequences to be amplified to generate countless copies (think millions) of a targeted segment. Depending on your goals and procedures, there are a few different kinds of systems available: Standard, digital, and qPCR, which we’ve already discussed.

We know QuantStudio specifically plays a vital role in the progress of PCR systems, but how exactly does it do it? It integrates technologies that enhance sensitivity, throughput, and specificity, making it a powerful tool for several applications. This means researchers can achieve a diverse range of scientific goals with accuracy.

Key Features

This equipment offers a plethora of features that make it the new gold standard in comparison to other PCR and qPCR systems. Let’s go over a few of them!

  • High Sensitivity and Precision: These instruments can detect incredibly small quantities of DNA, which ensures proper quantification every time.
  • User-Friendly Interface: State-of-the-art software and a user-friendly interface make for a small learning curve when it comes to running experiments.
  • Multiplexing Capabilities: Time and sample consumption can be significantly reduced thanks to the ability to analyze multiple targets in a single reaction.
  • Flexible Formats: Various formats are available in order to accommodate various throughput needs, ranging from single-tube assays to 384-well plates. 

Similarly, it offers impressive performance compared to similar available qPCR and PCR systems. Reviews and case studies shed more light on the effectiveness of this equipment in a range of research settings. 

Applications and Use Cases

QuantStudio systems are incredibly versatile. Here are come of the field they’re frequently used in:

  • Research: Used in industrial research labs for things like genotyping and gene expression studies, among several others.
  • Clinical Diagnostics: High precision makes it perfect for diagnostic applications like disease detection and genetic disorders.
  • Agricultural and Food Safety: Ensures food quality thanks to the ability to detect pathogens and test GMOs.

As an example, QuantStudio has been used to streamline gene expression analyses, which resulted in faster, more accurate data.

Choosing the Right Model

Thermo Fisher Scientific has several models of this system on offer. Each one is designed for application in specific research scenarios. They vary in terms of capabilities, so let’s take a look at what you should keep in mind when making your selection.

  • Throughput: Determine how many samples need to be processed for each run.
  • Sensitivity: Select a model that boasts the right sensitivity for the assays you’re working with. 
  • Budget and Resources: Determine the cost-effectiveness as well as the resources available. It’s important to be able to purchase and maintain this equipment.

Conclusion

The impressive features and performance offered by these systems make them an essential part of any lab. By integrating them into your research, you’ll see an increase in precision and efficiency you never thought possible.

Following operation and maintenance best practices is essential for the performance and longevity of your QuantStudio Equipment. Luckily, our professionals know it like the backs of their hands and are available to provide service and pointers! Get in touch with us for all your QuantStudio questions and needs!

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Biotech Industry News You Can Use

scientist placing petri dish on microscope

2021 estimates by one of the world’s leading research firms places the value of the global biotechnology market at 1,023.92 billion.

The same company says that upcoming growth—anticipated at 13.9% between now and 2030— will be driven primarily by a variety of emerging trends that will help the biotech industry speed up their discovery processes, recruit patients for clinical trials more effectively, automate a wide range of internal processes, target prevention strategies and treatment, and much more—all with far-reaching implications for medicine and agriculture.

New trends are emerging daily, but the most influential ones include:

  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping biotech companies to analyze microbiomes, screen phenotypes and develop rapid diagnostics. AI-based algorithms are screening cancer cells from medical scans, and cropping disease samples from plant material—accelerating the detection of biomarkers and other distinctive traits.
  2. Big Data and other analytic solutions are allowing biotech companies to process an unprecedented amount of data—information that is helping agriculture-based companies develop hardier crops and livestock breeds, and medical start-ups to recruit patients for clinical trials more efficiently.
  3. Gene Editing has evolved significantly with the development of engineered nucleases—specifically, CRISPR, a type of “molecular scissors” that allows genes to be added, replaced, or silenced. This opens up new options for the treatment of human genetic disorders, and facilitates the development of better transgenic animals and plants.
  4. Precision Medicine is an approach that is allowing medical providers to make evidence-based decisions on treatments and prevention strategies for individuals diagnosed with a wide spectrum of illnesses—including cancer. 
  5. Gene Sequencing is another innovative trend that presents a rapid and inexpensive method to detect the presence of microbes. Ranging from the identification of beneficial soil microbes to the detection of pathogens in clinical samples, gene sequencing is contributing to the identification of and personalized treatments for illness and disorders.
  6. Biomanufacturing utilizes biological systems to create specialty chemicals, biomaterials, food and beverages, and medical products and therapies. To make the process affordable and scalable, biotech companies are studying various fermentation, cell culture, and recombinant production technologies.
  7. Synthetic Biology offers increased standardization and reproducibility to the product development process, contributing to a higher yield of biochemicals for pharma and agricultural applications.
  8. Bioprinting accelerates both prototyping and the development of biopolymers, enabling the creation of bone, skin and vascular grafts from the patient’s own cells for personalized medicine.
  9. Microfluids allow pharma R&D teams to develop integrated clinical testing solutions in a single, micro-sized platform. Biotech companies are leveraging these microfluids to allow for rapid, inexpensive testing of infectious diseases at the point-of-care (PoC).  
  10. Tissue Engineering, a development that is closely connected to the evolutions in the fields of bioprinting and microfluidics, is being used increasingly in the biotech industry. Tissue engineering allows for the creation of autologous tissue grafts (cells obtained from the same individual), facilitates organ transplantation, and is expected to continue making significant contributions to regenerative medicine.

These 10 biotech trends are just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to these innovations, there are dozens—if not hundreds—more technologies currently being researched, developed and launched with the power to transform the industry. As biotech business entrepreneurs and executives, remember: knowledge is power. Keeping a careful eye on these trends and innovations so you can leverage them in your business can help you gain an important advantage in this competitive arena.

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Predicting BioTech Trends for 2023

centrifuge with blue overlay

As we start the new year, scientists and laboratory industry experts will want to be prepared for what’s coming next with regard to Biopharma and Biotech. From continued COVID-19 work to extensive allergen research, here’s what 2023 has in store for labs across the country:

Continued COVID-19 Clinical Trials

The COVID-19 pandemic is still being felt throughout the industry, and this has led (and will continue to lead) to clinical trials of new medications being decentralized. This is a strategy that’s helping to recruit participants for clinical trials of drugs and treatment plans. We predict this will likely become an element of our new normal.

Expanded Use of AI

We foresee AI being utilized even more frequently as part of the drug development process. Today, drug developers are using AI and its algorithms in order to increase the speed at which they can find new medications. This helps to bring them to market quickly.

Heavier Focus on Natural Ingredients

Pharmaceutical companies, biopharma, and biotech will focus more of their attention on the environment. This makes sense, as many existing drugs were discovered by studying the environment. After all, Aspirin comes from the bark of a tree.

Today’s drug companies must look to the future by looking at the past. They need to take into account how the environment impacts their drugs’ development, and also the environmental impact that their medications, research, and development will have. It’s an ongoing, never-ending cycle, and as such, we feel we can safely predict it will continue far beyond 2023.

Continued Use of mRNA in Developing Vaccines

The pandemic led to the development of mRNA vaccines, and we feel that this development process will continue to be used by drug manufacturing companies as part of the current Biopharma and biotech trends. This will hopefully allow for drug developers and those who are involved in the drug production process to work together collaboratively. This will ensure that new vaccines and medications are ready for patients to use more quickly.

Solutions for Managing Allergies

There will likely be new options available with regard to treating and managing food allergies. Multi-disciplinary approaches, the use of AI, and other technological developments will make it possible for new drugs to be developed. It could even become possible for patients to no longer avoid foods that typically trigger an allergic response.

Tailored To-You Medicines

Perhaps most excitingly, certain drugs may be tailor-made for the individual patient. It might sound like something right out of a science fiction story, but we’re predicting that within the next year, the personalized medicine market will grow, and it will emphasize patients with unusual or so-called “orphan diseases” that only a very limited number of people suffer from.

With so much change and growth already happening, and with so much anticipated development clearly on the horizon, it’s vital to look to the company of the future.

BaneBio is the leading industry expert, and we’re consistently on the cutting edge of industry trends. Furthermore, we’re always up to date with regard to the standards within the industry. We specialize in providing laboratory equipment, supplies, and services to the scientific community in Maryland and worldwide.

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6 Biotechnology Trends to Look For in 2022

cart of drug vials

The biotechnology industry is ever-changing, evolving to improve the quality of life through research, digitization, advancements in preventive medicine, genetics, and more. Here are five industry trends for 2022 that will impact the lives of millions across the globe.

1. Decreasing Drug Approval Times

There will be important changes to drug approval times, designed to decrease the long FDA approval timelines. Clinical trials and drug testing timeframes are expected to be aided with improved technologies, designed to help speed the process up and make necessary drugs more readily available to those who need them. The Real-Time Oncology Review, a pilot program created to help streamline and speed up the approval of cancer related treatments, is one example of this new and improved process.

2. P4 Medicine Will Continue to Evolve

P4 (predictive, preventative, personalized, and participatory) medicine will use new insights into AI data, human genetics, individual medical histories, environment, and a deeper look into blood and other testing results to formulate treatment plans specific to the individual. P4 medicine is proactive, not reactive, and focuses on wellness as much as disease processes. Embracing P4 medicine will mean identifying health risks early enough for positive intervention.

3. Increased Digital and Remote Patient Assessments and Treatment Plans

Businesses have embraced digital transformation for years, with 2020 and 2021 seeing a huge boost in remote and automated technologies. Medicine has followed suit, with a surge in telemedicine. Remote office visits, assessments, diagnosis, and treatment have become the norm, and this strategic approach to medicine is showing no signs of slowing throughout 2022. Medications can be prescribed through various online platforms, making end-to-end virtual medicine well within reach for millions.

4. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Opportunities will Expand Even More

Remote Patient Monitoring connects the patient with a healthcare provider to provide real-time results of treatment plans in chronically ill patients, including those with hypertension and diabetes. This technology is becoming even more crucial for aging populations. RPM is a win-win, for the patients who receive timely interactions with health professionals, and the healthcare facilities who are reporting drastically reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

5. Advancements in Genetic Research Tech

One of the most exciting biotechnology trends in 2022 will be the advancements in genetic research technology and the role this research will have in proactively treating patients using genome features like DNA. Using the patient’s individual genetic markers will allow a highly specific risk assessment and preventative treatment plan.

6. Advancements in Telemedicine, Devices, and Remote Patient Monitoring Raises Cybersecurity Concerns

While advancements in digital medicine platforms are welcome, they bring their own set of concerns. Any technology that is capable of being accessed, whether online or in the cloud, is capable of being hacked. Cybersecurity will be taking center-stage in the midst of evolving remote technologies. In the middle of these concerns is patient privacy at every step, from the manufacturer to the consumer.

Despite challenges facing it, the biotech industry will continue to evolve throughout 2022, bringing exciting new technologies, treatment platforms, pharmaceuticals, and research developments that will impact people throughout the world.

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Emerging Biotechnology Trends in 2021

scientist working in research lab
The biotechnology industry is constantly being shaped by new technological breakthroughs and advancements in knowledge. As public interest increases and more funding is granted, the following topics are emerging as biotechnology trends to watch in 2021.

Vaccine Development

The search for a COVID-19 vaccine has caused the life sciences community to reinvent the way it develops vaccines. For the first time, biopharmaceutical companies and government agencies forged strategic partnerships to accelerate the process of vaccine research and development.

For example, Moderna’s recently released COVID-19 vaccine is based on decades of previous, industry-wide research on how cells translate mRNA into proteins that fight disease. Access to this research and its evidence-based findings allowed Moderna to create its vaccine from the novel coronavirus itself, rather than using a weaker version of the attenuated virus, to elicit an immune response.

Because mRNA-based vaccines can be quickly moved through the phases of testing, Moderna was able to deliver more than one billion doses of the vaccine by early 2021. The research and development process behind the COVID-related vaccines has already provided valuable information about how to create more effective vaccines in the future.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Although monoclonal antibodies were first identified by research scientists years ago, they have recently been modified to create ADCs—Antibody-Drug Conjugates, with the ability to identify cancer cells and deliver targeted radiation more efficiently to these areas. Research conducted in 2021 will likely focus on additional ways to combine these lab-grown antibodies with drugs, creating new ways of managing conditions that currently require expensive medication or lack effective treatments.

Biosimilars

Another important ingredient in the field of biotechnology are the so-called biosimilars. Like monoclonal antibodies, scientists have been aware of biosimilars for some time; however, further research in 2021 is expected to focus on their modification to meet emerging medical needs. Because creating a biological drug made up of living organisms can be expensive and complex, scientists rely on biosimilars to simplify the process. By using different compositions that vary only slightly from existing drug brands, biosimilars can deliver the same results as current immunotherapy and targeted therapy drugs at a lower cost.

Cell and Gene Therapies

Customized medicine is one of the hottest trends in biotechnology. Cell and gene therapies, along with customized drugs, are used to treat the precise variant of an illness. They are created by manipulating human cells and genomes.

Kymriah, the first gene therapy approved by the FDA in 2017, uses a patient’s own white blood cells to treat acute lymphatic leukemia. Yescarta, another gene therapy approved in 2017, has resulted in remission for 72 percent of patients with non-Hodgkins lymphoma enrolled in clinical trials.

Over the past four years, the development of cell and gene therapies have doubled in growth. Starting in 2021, industry experts anticipate steady growth in the area of cell and gene therapies as companies continue to respond to increased public interest and demand. In fact, the FDA expects to confer 10 to 20 approvals annually related to gene therapy and cell-therapies in 2021 and beyond.

These four emerging trends for 2021 are important because they remind people of the critical role that biotechnology plays in developing new medicines, guiding healthcare, best practices, and supporting the health and well-being of people all over the world.