How does Identibac Work?

Following the extraction of genomic DNA (Extraction Method) the technique has four basic stages:

1. Extracted DNA is amplified and concomitantly labelled with biotin (L) in a linear multiplex amplification reaction generating a single stranded product. The target for all probes can be amplified and labelled in this single multiplex reaction, which also has the advantage that amplification products cannot serve as a template for further amplification. This results in the elimination of false positive results arising from contamination of samples by amplicons generated in earlier amplifications and overcomes the concern of using conventional PCR assays.

2. The biotin labelled, single-stranded product hybridizes to the corresponding probes by complementary base-pairing. A horseradish peroxidise (HRP)-streptavidin conjugate (E) is then added and binds to biotin labelled DNA. The HRP converts the substrate SeramunGrün® (S) into a coloured precipitate that is deposited onto the microarray.

3. The ArrayTube^™ Reader enables the capture and visualisation of the array image. The presence of a dark spot indicates a successful hybridization.

4. The software supplied with the ArrayTube^™ Reader is used to measure the signal intensity of each probe and determine which genes are present in the sample.

Results can be produced within 6 hours, from extraction of genomic DNA to analysis of results.

The Identibac pack contains:

• Set of 25 Identibac Arraytubes^™
  (ArrayTubes^™ combine a micro probe array and a micro reaction vial allowing easy processing)
• Primer mix for linear target amplification
• Instructions for Use
• Specific gene list

Equipment required

In order to use the Identibac technology platform you will need to purchase an ArrayTube Reader or ArrayMate Reader and Software, all of which are available from Identibac.

All other equipment required is standard in most molecular biology laboratories, including PCR machine, incubator, thermomixer and pipettes.