PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is the gold-standard method of molecular diagnosis. After more than 40 years of extensive research and applications, the testing time is shortened from hours to 30 minutes, and it is challenging to further shorten the testing time at the technical level.
Amazingly, the ultra-fast qPCR apparatus instrument developed by Guangzhou National Laboratory can complete 45 standard PCR cycles in just five to ten minutes, and the fastest worldwide known so far. As of the detection sensitivity and accuracy, it's also among the best globally.
In an interview conducted on March 20th, Prof. Qiang Xu, a principal investigator at the Guangzhou National Laboratory, shared the advancements in biomedical detection, particularly in the realm of ultra-fast qPCR apparatus diagnostics. According to Prof. Xu, effectiveness and affordability are the two main goals of his team, and their inventions are to play a role in global biosecurity.
Due to the team's authentic innovation, the ultra-fast qPCR apparatus can deliver results at a faster speed and much lower cost, which is the secret to the widespread in the Chinese market. Moreover, the network setup enables real-time monitoring of virus transmission dynamics, which would facilitate a more efficient biosecurity infrastructure.
According to Prof. Xu, ultra-fast qPCR apparatus can not only be used for human health care, but also be applied in agricultural and veterinary sectors. For example, the Hainan Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention and CDCs have already utilized this amazing technology.
During the interview, Prof. Xu complimented the favorable conditions of China's robust industrial ecosystem for their research and development and underscored the potential of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in fostering innovation in high-end medical equipment design and manufacturing.
"The region's strength in automation presents opportunities for collaborative manufacturing ventures," Prof. Xu remarked. " The synergy will not only boost the development of the high-end medical devices but also contribute to the broader prosperity of the healthcare landscape."
Prof. Xu and his team's success demonstrates the potentials of scientific innovation transform into public health safeguard on a global scale. As his team continues to push forward boundaries, their work aims to improve biomedical detection standard, and better handle the spread of unknown infectious diseases worldwide.
Reporter | Hannah Zhou, Feng Zhichao (intern), Fang Yuqing (intern), Chen Jinqing (intern), Xie Chunhong (intern)
Video | Qin Shaolong
Editor | Steven, Monica, James
With help from Clarice.
