AutoPlex-Mini Portable Single-Sample Nucleic Acid Extraction & Real-Time PCR System

Sample-to-Result: Load the Sample, Get the Result

Nucleic acid extraction and real-time PCR run automatically in one portable, closed instrument — single sample, up to 16 targets, results in as little as 30 minutes. 6.5 kg, built-in touchscreen, no separate computer required.

Description

Many testing situations involve one urgent sample at a time — an emergency case, a field site, a small lab or a quick confirmation run. Batch-oriented PCR workflows are slow and wasteful for these, and setting up separate extraction and PCR equipment is often impractical outside a full laboratory.

The AutoPlex-Mini is a compact, single-sample member of the AutoPlex platform. It combines magnetic bead nucleic acid extraction, real-time PCR amplification and 4-channel fluorescence detection in one closed instrument weighing only 6.5 kg. Load one sample and its pre-dispensed reagent cartridge, start the run on the built-in Android touchscreen, and get results in as little as 30 minutes, with multiplex detection of up to 16 targets.

The platform is open and compatible with a variety of fluorescent qPCR reagent systems. A solid paraffin sealing design closes the reaction during amplification to reduce aerosol contamination, and a HEPA-filtered airflow and UV sterilization function help keep the instrument clean between runs. When more samples need testing, multiple units can run in parallel.

How It Works

1. Load — add the sample to the nucleic acid extraction cartridge, attach the PCR connector and PCR tubes, and place the cartridge in the instrument.
2. Extract — the magnetic rod, fitted with a disposable sleeve, collects, transfers, incubates and elutes magnetic beads between reagent wells, without moving liquid between tubes.
3. Amplify — eluted nucleic acid is transferred to 0.2 mL PCR tubes and amplified on a Peltier thermal module, sealed with paraffin.
4. Detect — four LED excitation channels and a silicon photomultiplier read fluorescence in real time; results appear on the touchscreen.

Why AutoPlex-Mini?

Single-sample, rapid molecular instruments are usually closed cartridge systems: fast, but limited to the manufacturer's assay menu and per-test cartridge pricing. The AutoPlex-Mini gives the same on-demand speed with an open reagent platform, in a portable unit with its own touchscreen.

Comparison based on publicly available specifications for representative systems in each category; individual products vary.

Specifications

Features

• Sample-to-result automation — extraction, amplification and detection in one run, with minimal hands-on time.
• Fast — results in as little as 30 minutes.
• Truly portable — 6.5 kg and a narrow 155 mm footprint; easy to move between labs or take to field sites.
• Built-in touchscreen — set up runs and review results directly on the instrument; no separate computer needed.
• Single-sample, on-demand — run one urgent sample immediately without waiting to fill a batch; add units to scale.
• Multiplex — 4 fluorescence channels, up to 16 targets per sample, with common FAM, HEX/VIC, ROX and Cy5 dyes.
• Contamination control — closed system, disposable magnetic sleeve, paraffin-sealed reaction, HEPA filter and UV sterilization.
• Open reagent platform — compatible with a variety of fluorescent qPCR reagent systems.
• Low power — 100 W maximum; power supply configurable to local voltage and plug standards.

Applications

• Rapid and urgent testing — single samples that need a result within the hour.
• Field and mobile laboratories — outbreak response, remote sites and mobile labs.
• Infectious disease research — respiratory, enteric and other pathogen panels.
• Border, customs and food inspection — on-site screening of individual samples.
• Veterinary and agricultural testing — on-farm or field detection of animal and plant pathogens.
• Small labs and teaching — automated multiplex qPCR without a dedicated PCR suite.

Reagent Kits

FAQ