Project: Unified qPCR-Management System
The goal of the proposed project is to develop a simple, efficient, all-in-one user friendly solution to design and execute complex qPCR (Quantitative Polimerase Chain Reaction) analysis. q PCR has been acclaimed as the gold standard method for quick and accurate detection and quantification of specific nucleic acid sequences (DNA and RNA). This allow for identifying criminal’s DNA at the crime scene or detecting a virus infection in blood. qPCR is therefore useful for diagnosing diseases and determining predispositions to these diseases, for determining the efficacy of medications, pathogen detection and gene expression analysis. These benefits ensure qPCR’s broad applicability in various fields like medical diagnostics (laboratory medicine) including genetics, forensics, health, food and environmental safety, veterinary, pharmaceutical industry, pharmacogenomics, plant pathogen diagnostics, etc._x000D_However, the simplicity of generating vast amounts of data is also the Achilles’ heel of the qPCR method. It is now well over 15 years after the conception of qPCR and there is still no consensus on the level of quality control, experiment design and the data-analysis strategy. These issues are crucial in order to draw biologically meaningful conclusions while performing diagnostic, forensics analysis etc. Customer pain derives mostly from very complex software solutions and user interfaces that very difficult to use. Quality control is essential throughout the entire qPCR workflow. So in order to get the meaningful results, top level experts are still performing most basic and routine lab work which is both time-consuming and expensive. More than 75% of routine qPCR users have a high level education (PhD or higher). This makes qPCR technology difficult to implement in the labs as well as expensive to run._x000D__x000D_Currently the design for qPCR experiments is still mostly done manually using different types of documents and programs (eg. MS Excel). These files are then printed out and the experiments are done in the laboratory either manually or with the help of liquid handling machines. In this case the users must again enter the experiment design details manually into the liquid handling machine software (i.e. do the complex step of programming the liquid handling machine)._x000D_In this project we will connect a qPCR management software with a liquid handling machine by a project’s end product - Unified qPCR-Management System (UNIqS). This easy to use software-hardware system will connect every step of the qPCR workflow into one controlled environment that is compatible with all laboratory instruments necessary to carry out a qPCR experiment:_x000D_- Laboratory Information Management Systems,_x000D_- qPCR instruments_x000D_- Liquid handling machines,_x000D_- Data analysis software,_x000D_- Experiment setup desing software._x000D_All this steps will be combined into a single user interface which is designed to be intuitive, clickable and easy to use. As such it will be suitable for lab technicians that will finally be able to do the routine qPCR procedure, while top level experts will only be needed for final confirmation of the results. This would result in less money spent and more qPCR analyses performed, which are the CO benefits for laboratories._x000D_We will develop UNIqs as a platform connecting two existing systems – GENEIO®as a qPCR workflow management system and the liquid handling machine (4labTM) that is able to cover the most tedious, error prone and time consuming laboratory part of the workflow._x000D__x000D_The new platform will be the first of this kind and a novelty on the market. Our product could also raise interest among qPCR equipment providers, since it is the first product which addressed the issue of complicated user-interfaces and unconsolidated, unstandardized approach to the entire qPCR workflow, which often results in erroneous results and repeating of the entire experiments. That is a real issue when it comes to medical diagnostics, forensics and other branches of molecular diagnostics applications. Our solution will allow such laboratories to perform much more efficiently as well as helping new laboratories set up their system swiftly._x000D__x000D_Project consortium consists of two Ps: BioSistemika Ltd.( SME from Slovenia) and 4titude Ltd. (SME from Great Britain)._x000D_BioSistemika, the lead P of the project, is an IT – BioTech company which specialises in molecular biology lab automation support with the focus on qPCR technology. The team’s expert knowledge covers every step of qPCR workflow, which led to successful development of qPCR management software, GENEIO®._x000D_4titude produces several products, focused on PCR analyses (i.e. plates, tubes, seals etc.). It is also distributing an automated liquid handling device (robot), designed specifically for low volume pipetting, which is being implemented into large experiment systems on daily basis._x000D_These two companies together make a complementary match to assure successful development of UNIqS._x000D_
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Acronym
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UNIqS
(Reference Number: 8011)
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Duration
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01/05/2013 - 30/04/2016
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Project Topic
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UNIqS project will develop new software and hardware for complete automation of qPCR laboratory activities. It will connect laboratory management software with the liquid handling automation systems and qPCR instruments which will greatly enhance productivity of laboratory processes.
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Network
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Eurostars
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Call
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Eurostars Cut-Off 9
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Project partner
