30-Minute PCR Technology

A portable polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system automates all the steps, including sample preparation, allowing operation by nonscientist users in the field and providing results in only 30 minutes.

All the instruments used in the process are protected by a portfolio of 30 patents and incorporate a direct heating system that uses a plastic to rapidly heat and cool the samples. When combined with the detection and sample preparation chemistries, direct heating allows several test assays to be run in a single rapid reaction.

The process was originally developed for fast, accurate battlefield detection of biologic warfare agents such as anthrax, but has wider potential applications in human care. Two systems close to market launch are the NPT (near-patient testing) Gold for detection of chlamydia in hospitals and clinics and the PCR-Light, for field applications such as detection of foot-and-mouth disease and outbreaks of food poisoning. The systems are being marketed by Enigma Diagnostics (Porton Down, UK).

"My task is now to devise and implement a licensing and commercial strategy that will enable us to successfully exploit the many potential applications areas both in the UK and internationally,” noted John Thornback, new CEO of Enigma Diagnostics.




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Enigma Diagnostics