Molecular Beacon Method

Technological Principles

The molecular beacon method harnesses the power of molecular beacons, which are single-stranded DNA probes designed to bind specifically to target DNA sequences. These beacons possess a unique structure that allows them to fluoresce upon hybridization to their complementary sequence. This fluorescence signal is then detected and analyzed to identify the presence and quantity of specific DNA sequences, which in turn reveals the identity of the species in question.

• High Specificity: Molecular beacons are engineered to target unique DNA sequences that are characteristic of specific species, ensuring accurate and unambiguous identification.
• High Sensitivity: The method can detect even minute quantities of target DNA, making it ideal for analyzing samples with low DNA concentrations.
• Real-time Monitoring: Fluorescence can be monitored in real time, enabling rapid detection and quantification of the target DNA.
• Multiplexing Capability: Multiple molecular beacons with different fluorescent labels can be used simultaneously, allowing for the identification of multiple species in a single reaction.

• Microbial Identification: Accurate identification of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in clinical, environmental, and food samples.
• Environmental Monitoring: Detection and quantification of specific species in environmental samples such as water, soil, and air.
• Ecological Research: Studying biodiversity, tracking invasive species, and monitoring ecosystem health.
• Biosecurity: Rapid and accurate identification of potentially harmful organisms, including pathogens and invasive species.
• Forensic Science: Species identification from trace DNA evidence in criminal investigations.
• Food Safety: Detection of foodborne pathogens and verification of the authenticity of food products.

• Reduced Reliance on Traditional Methods: It reduces the need for time-consuming and labor-intensive traditional methods, such as culturing and morphological identification.
• Early Detection of Invasive Species: It enables the early detection of invasive species, facilitating timely intervention and mitigating their impact on ecosystems.
• Monitoring Ecosystem Health: It aids in monitoring the health of ecosystems by tracking changes in species composition and abundance.
• Conservation Efforts: It supports conservation efforts by providing accurate data on species distribution and population dynamics.

• Species Identification Assays: We offer assays designed to detect specific strains or species of interest from a mixture, utilizing real-time PCR primer design and dual-labeled probe design, including probes and molecular beacons.
• Cross-Species Assays: Our molecular beacons are capable of detecting conserved regions of DNA across different species, making them ideal for rapid and sensitive pathogen detection.
• Allele Identification Assays: We specialize in designing molecular beacons for high-throughput SNP detection and allele identification, ensuring precise genetic screening.
• Gene Splicing and Alternative Splicing Analysis: Our services include monitoring gene splicing processes, particularly exon junctions, which is crucial for understanding gene expression and regulation.