Droplet Digital PCR System – ddPCR (BioRad)

Central Scientific Laboratory (CoreLab) offers a new type of research using a Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR; BioRad) system based on water-oil emulsion droplet technology. Droplet Digital PCR technique allows absolute quantification of gene expression level without the need for running standard curves. It uses lower sample and reagent volumes and reduces overall cost of research, while maintaining the sensitivity and precision that are the hallmarks of digital PCR.

The ddPCR technology is based on the fractionation of the sample into 20,000 of nanoliter-sized droplets and independent PCR amplification carried out within each individual droplet. In traditional PCR, a single sample offers only a single measurement.

This is used for identification of single copies of mutant DNA or analysis of slight quantitative changes in the compared samples.

Main applications of ddPCR:

  • rare mutations detection,
  • absolute quantification of nucleic acids,
  • viral load analysis and microbial quantification,
  • rare sequences detection.

The use of ddPCR enables performing modern, sensitive research in the field of broadly understood nucleic acid analysis in cells and other body fluids, including:

  • analysis of circulating cell-free DNA derived from tumor cells (circulating tumor DNA, ctDNA). It is possible to identify mutant DNA, which is a small percentage of a wild type DNA, and there is a chance to use it in the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of cancer therapies,
  • absolute quantification of exosomal miRNA in plasma, serum and other body fluids. It is possible to determine the circulating miRNA level, without the need for running endo- and exogenous controls, and precise comparison of even small changes in their concentration. Because exosomal miRNAs can play a key role in the communication process between cells, they are potential non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

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