Ultra-rapid full spectral detection optical system facilitating novel PCR based assays- The iPCR approach
Lead Participant:
B G RESEARCH LIMITED
Abstract
This project will generate an optical detection system and associated software for true realtime
determination of fluorescence levels generated during real-time PCR. BioGene (BG) has
a technology platform capable of completing the real-time PCR process in 10 minutes and this
speed combined with independent reaction control lends itself to a number of novel
applications that could revolutionise the diagnostic field. “True real-time” PCR is a step
change in this sector - the ability to perform reactions whereby the instrumentation can keep
up with the chemistry and hence observe and collect data missed by the current one reading
per cycle approach. The ability to monitor all visible wavelengths on a milliseconds timescale
when combined with Ultra-Rapid PCR facilitates new assays centred on a machine learning
approach. Principally, the system can learn the ideal amplification characteristics of any
reaction, allowing processes such as factorial optimisation - the ability to optimise any new
assay in a single run - by altering factors such as hold times and concentrations across a plate.
This approach can be branded “intelligent PCR” (iPCR) as the system can monitor in cycle
fluorescence as opposed to the whole reaction efficiency and so could automatically minimise
reaction time, by detecting annealing, completion of extension and melting, and optimise each
reaction individually by altering hold times and temperatures in run. Benefits include making
calls within 5 minutes and in cycle differential annealing and melt analyses. The major
commercial benefit is the speed and facilitation of the machine learning approach, for
diagnostic users the ability to optimise any new assay in a single run is a very powerful tool
and additionally makes much faster subsequent downstream diagnostic calls. Such a system
will allow the use of novel assay types, supporting the medical community and generating
growth globally from UK government funded research.
determination of fluorescence levels generated during real-time PCR. BioGene (BG) has
a technology platform capable of completing the real-time PCR process in 10 minutes and this
speed combined with independent reaction control lends itself to a number of novel
applications that could revolutionise the diagnostic field. “True real-time” PCR is a step
change in this sector - the ability to perform reactions whereby the instrumentation can keep
up with the chemistry and hence observe and collect data missed by the current one reading
per cycle approach. The ability to monitor all visible wavelengths on a milliseconds timescale
when combined with Ultra-Rapid PCR facilitates new assays centred on a machine learning
approach. Principally, the system can learn the ideal amplification characteristics of any
reaction, allowing processes such as factorial optimisation - the ability to optimise any new
assay in a single run - by altering factors such as hold times and concentrations across a plate.
This approach can be branded “intelligent PCR” (iPCR) as the system can monitor in cycle
fluorescence as opposed to the whole reaction efficiency and so could automatically minimise
reaction time, by detecting annealing, completion of extension and melting, and optimise each
reaction individually by altering hold times and temperatures in run. Benefits include making
calls within 5 minutes and in cycle differential annealing and melt analyses. The major
commercial benefit is the speed and facilitation of the machine learning approach, for
diagnostic users the ability to optimise any new assay in a single run is a very powerful tool
and additionally makes much faster subsequent downstream diagnostic calls. Such a system
will allow the use of novel assay types, supporting the medical community and generating
growth globally from UK government funded research.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| B G RESEARCH LIMITED | £166,665 | £ 99,999 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Nelson Nazareth (Project Manager) |