Portable Sample-to-Answer PCR System Enables Multiplex Real-Time Detection of 27 Targets

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 13 Sep 2022

Image: The Franklin mobile thermocycler enables multiplex real-time detection of up to 27 targets (Photo courtesy of Biomeme)

A hand-held, battery-operated mobile thermocycler that weighs just over two pounds and is designed for performing PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, and isothermal tests on the go enables multiplex real-time detection of up to 27 targets.

Franklin is the latest field-ready mobile thermocycler from Biomeme Inc. (Philadelphia, PA, USA) that can help determine the presence or absence of the target(s) in the sample and even quantify the starting quantity in less than an hour. Compact, lightweight and battery-operated for maximum portability, Franklin is optimized to enable a full day's work out in the field on a single charge of the internal battery. The thermocycler allows users to run experiments offline using the internal battery that powers up to six runs depending on the protocol, then sync via on-board Wi-Fi/cellular. The mobile qPCR thermocycler performs to the standard used by the most advanced labs, but requires no lab equipment or special experience to use. Franklin has been designed by scientists and built for performance, but enables users without PCR-expertise to easily run PCR in the field.

Franklin comes in three different versions, giving users the freedom to start small with a one-color, 9-well mobile qPCR thermocycler and the ability to conveniently add up to two additional color channels through its free companion mobile app, Biomeme Go. The app wirelessly pairs with Franklin so that users can program custom thermocycling parameters, manage their experiments, and more. Its integrated barcode scanner helps prevent human errors by letting the team quickly scan their tests to load pre-determined protocols. Users can simultaneously test up to nine samples or 27 targets using Green (FAM/SYBR), Amber (TexasRedX), and/or Red (ATTO647N) channels. Featuring a point-of-need design, Franklin has been developed for applications that are time and location-sensitive, where results from the field need to be actionable ASAP.

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Biomeme Inc.