Co-Primers™ — a new class of primer technology
Expanding on the advancements of PCR technology
The CoMira™ difference
CoMira delivers fast, accurate PCR testing powered by Co-Primers technology. Our Co-Primers technology includes the use of cooperative primers sometimes in combination with other types of primers or probe designs, and is the first PCR technology of its kind to help prevent primer dimer propagation during nucleic acid amplification. In multiplexed reactions where large numbers of primers increase the probability of primer dimer formation, enhanced specificity is particularly important.
Click here to read the original publication in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics
Raising the bar for multiplex PCR testing
The groundbreaking invention of PCR revolutionized molecular biology and it quickly became indispensable to science and clinical diagnostics. Advancements like real-time PCR further enhanced the technology to extend its utilization. More recently, multiplex PCR has emerged as a key tool for diagnostic testing.
Co-Primers by Co-Dx is a new class of primer technology that uses a novel architecture to help combat some common issues that can plague multiplex PCR. The unique Co-Primers design reduces primer dimer propagation.
Conventional primer
*Traditional single primer and DNA sequence for illustration.
How it works
In a traditional primer process, a pair of primers hybridizes with the sample DNA or RNA sequence and defines the region that will be amplified.
In a Co-Primers process, the PCR primer is divided into two segments separated by a PEG (polyethylene glycol) linker. Both the capture sequence and the priming sequence must cooperate in order to bind to the DNA or RNA target in order to amplify the intended region. Primer dimers are not propagated because they cannot hybridize to the capture region.
Additionally, Co-Primers assays can simplify real-time PCR that utilize TaqMan hydrolysis probes chemistry. The TaqMan hydrolysis probe is built into the capture sequence, thereby reducing the complexity of the PCR assay reaction.
With Co-Primers technology, primer sequences are short and ordinarily would not amplify the target or primer dimers. They are also compatible with melting analysis using double-stranded DNA dyes (alone or in combination with acceptor dyes on the primer sequence of the Co-Primers system).
Narrowing the temperature range of PCR cycles, which can lead to a faster time to result
Further increasing specificity with the integration of a hydrolysis probe (e.g. TaqMan®)
Reducing non-specific amplification to make multiplex PCR easier to optimize
Multiplex PCR: One test, multiple targets
With multiplex testing capabilities, a single test can identify multiple infections at the same time, helping to reduce the time and cost of diagnosing illnesses.
What is real-time PCR?
Real-time polymerase chain reaction—known as real-time PCR—is a molecular diagnostic method that can identify bacteria or viruses in humans, animals, or the food supply.
Key Features and Benefits
Narrows Temperature Range of PCR Cycles
Co-Primers enable more efficient thermal cycling with a tighter annealing temperature range, improving consistency and reducing cycle times.
Increases Specificity with Hydrolysis Probe Integration
Compatible with TaqMan hydrolysis probe chemistry for real-time detection, ensuring accurate pathogen identification with enhanced specificity.
Reduces Non-Specific Amplification
Co-Primers dramatically reduce non-specific amplification and prevent primer dimer propagation, ensuring cleaner results and more accurate identification.
Makes Multiplex PCR Easier to Optimize
Simplifies the development and optimization of multiplex assays, allowing detection of multiple targets with minimal cross-reactivity.
Short Primer Sequences
Uses shorter primer sequences that are compatible with melting analysis and can work with double-stranded DNA dyes.
Simplifies Real-Time PCR
Compatible with TaqMan probe chemistry to simplify real-time PCR workflows and improve assay performance.
Peer-Reviewed Science
Integrated into the CoMira PCR Pro Platform
Co-Primers technology powers our PCR Pro platform, delivering laboratory-quality molecular diagnostics at the point of care with unmatched accuracy, speed, and affordability.
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