QX200 Droplet Digital PCR Systems for the Classroom

 

Digital PCR is often considered the next evolution or third generation of PCR after end-point and real-time PCR. The distinctive feature of digital PCR is that samples are partitioned before amplification on a thermal cycler. This technique provides ultrasensitive detection of nucleic acids as well as absolute quantification without the use of standard curves.

Add Digital PCR to Your Curriculum

Bio-Rad’s unique Droplet Digital PCR™ (ddPCR™) technology uses microfluidics to partition samples into liquid droplets. Over the past decade, ddPCR has enabled breakthroughs in cancer biomarker, infectious disease, genomic alterations, and gene expression research. Its use is increasing rapidly in the areas of pathogen detection, food testing, and environmental and wastewater monitoring.

By introducing students to digital PCR, you can prepare them for the science and jobs of the future.

Through the Explorer program, Bio-Rad Laboratories offers products like its QX200™ Droplet Digital PCR™ System at a discount to educators for use in teaching laboratories. The goal is to ensure that students learn modern biotechnology techniques like ddPCR using the same equipment they might someday use on the job in research or diagnostic labs.

Bio-Rad and the Bio-Rad Explorer program also offer a broad range of training options and educational supports to empower your teaching of cutting-edge biotechnology techniques and their applications.

  • QX200 Droplet Digital PCR System

    QX200 Droplet Digital PCR System

    The QX200 Droplet Digital PCR System pairs the QX200 Droplet Generator and the QX200 Droplet Reader to provide absolute quantification of target DNA or RNA molecules for EvaGreen or probe-based digital PCR applications.

  • QX200 AutoDG Droplet Digital PCR System

    QX200 AutoDG™ Droplet Digital PCR System

    The QX200 AutoDG Droplet PCR System pairs the AutoDG Automated Droplet Generator with the QX200 Droplet Reader for automated droplet generation and subsequent detection of up to 96 samples.

 

Ordering for Educational Use

  • Bulletin 3333

    Step 1:
    Download the Information Sheet

    View ordering information specific to using the QX200 Droplet Digital PCR System in a classroom laboratory.

    Download Ordering Details
  • Training Specialist Icon

    Step 2:
    Place an Order or Get a Quote

    To place an order, receive a quote, or to get more information, please contact a Curriculum Training Specialist.

    Contact a Specialist

Researchers – please refer to bio-rad.com/ddpcr for ordering information relevant to your applications.

How Droplet Digital PCR Works

The QX200 or AutoDG Droplet Generator partitions ddPCR reaction mix into thousands of nanoliter-sized droplets. After PCR on a thermal cycler, droplets from each sample are analyzed individually on the QX200 Droplet Reader. Droplets are read well by well as they are streamed single file past a two-color optical detection system in a serial manner. Up to 96 samples can be processed per run.

The PCR-positive and PCR-negative droplets are counted to provide absolute quantification of target DNA in digital form. Alternatively, amplified products can be extracted from droplets following PCR for downstream applications, such as sequencing or cloning.​

  • Step 1
    Cells added to ddPCR reaction

    Prepare ddPCR reaction mix

    Prepare samples (for example, with EvaGreen supermix or a supermix with probes).

  • Step 2
    Whole cell encapsulation in droplets with the QX200 Droplet Generator

    Generate droplets

    Use the QX200 Droplet Generator to partition samples into thousands of liquid droplets.

  • Step 3
    Perform end-point PCR with the C1000 Touch Thermal Cycler

    Perform PCR to amplify targets in each droplet

    Use a C1000 Touch or T100 thermal cycler to amplify targets.

  • Step 4
    Analyze droplets with the QX200 Droplet Reader

    Read and analyze results

    Use the QX200 Droplet Reader to analyze each droplet for the presence or absence of amplicons.

 

For more details, refer to Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) Technology.

Teaching Resources