Japan-based Takara Bio launches large-scale qPCR system to advance broad surveillance of antimicrobial resistance

Takara Bio USA, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based Takara Bio Inc., has announced the launch of the SmartChip ND Real-Time PCR System, an automated, research-use-only (RUO), high-throughput qPCR solution for monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR), supporting efforts to ensure environmental safety and sustainability.

The flexible system covers a variety of configurations, enabling users to run broad surveillance panels. The platform can process up to 5,184 reactions per chip in less than 30 minutes of direct hands-on time. Each nanoliter-scale reaction reduces variability by eliminating the need for preamplification and reduces costs due to decreased reagent volumes. Takara Bio USA is now accepting orders of the SmartChip ND Real-Time PCR System for shipment in Q4.

While SmartChip technology has already been used extensively by groups monitoring AMR, with hundreds of published research studies, the new platform allows these groups to take their research to the next level. Resistomap Oy is one such group that has submitted its SmartChip-based protocol for the EU AMR Surveillance programme.

The SmartChip ND Real-Time PCR System was recently on display at the World Antimicrobial Resistance Congress from September 5–6, 2024 in Philadelphia, US.