Teaching Digital PCR?
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.
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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.
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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
Step 1:
Download the Information SheetView ordering information specific to using the QX200 Droplet Digital PCR System in a classroom laboratory.
Download Ordering Details
Step 2:
Place an Order or Get a QuoteTo 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.
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Prepare ddPCR reaction mix
Prepare samples (for example, with EvaGreen supermix or a supermix with probes).
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Generate droplets
Use the QX200 Droplet Generator to partition samples into thousands of liquid droplets.
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Perform PCR to amplify targets in each droplet
Use a C1000 Touch or T100 thermal cycler to amplify targets.
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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
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Droplet Digital PCR Applications Guide
Discover the world of digital PCR technology workflows and their wide range of practical applications.
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Bio-Rad Digital PCR YouTube Playlist
Enhance your curriculum with informational videos on ddPCR technology.
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Droplet Digital PCR Publications
Browse the growing list of peer-reviewed journal articles citing use Droplet Digital PCR in various applications.