RAA · Recombinase-Aided Amplification · Research Use Only
Nucleic acid results in 5–15 minutes. No thermal cycler.
RAA runs at a constant 37–42 ℃, so a lyophilised reagent tube, a heat block or the portable Genchek analyzer is all a field team needs. ZC Bioscience develops the RAA platform and supplies amplification kits, extraction reagents and instruments for rapid molecular testing.
Isothermal amplification, engineered for the bench and the field.
Recombinase-Aided Amplification (RAA) replaces the heating and cooling cycles of PCR with a set of functional proteins that open the template and copy it at one steady temperature.
RAA is a rapid isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology. A recombinase obtained from bacteria or fungi binds tightly to the primer DNA at ambient temperature, forming a recombinase–primer complex. When the primer locates its fully complementary sequence on the template, single-stranded DNA-binding protein helps open the double strand and DNA polymerase synthesises a new complementary strand. The product accumulates exponentially.
With a labelled fluorescent probe the reaction is read in real time, and a result is typically available within 5–15 minutes. All reaction components are pre-mixed and lyophilised in the tube: add Buffer A, Buffer B and the extracted sample nucleic acid. RAA can in principle be multiplexed, with two or more primer pairs amplifying several targets in a single tube.
reaction · 37–42 ℃ · isothermal
01
Recombinase binds the primerA recombinase–primer complex forms at ambient temperature.
02
Strand invasionThe complex scans the template; on a perfect match, single-stranded DNA-binding protein holds the duplex open.
03
Polymerase extensionStrand-displacing DNA polymerase extends from the primer 3′ end.
04
Exponential amplificationNew strands become templates. A cleaved fluorescent probe reports the curve in real time.
Fast
Results in 5–15 minutes
Truly rapid testing: the fluorescence curve rises within minutes of starting the run.
Isothermal
30–42 ℃, one temperature
No thermal cycler or other expensive equipment is required; a heat block, water bath or incubator is enough.
Simple
Two-step workflow
Molecular-level testing that does not depend on specialist staff. Extract, add to the tube, read.
Accurate
High sensitivity and specificity
The recombinase–primer complex recognises the target by base pairing, giving precise recognition of the target sequence.
Portable
Built for on-site inspection
Compact instruments suited to harsh field conditions and mobile inspection teams.
Lyophilised
Freeze-dried, ready to use
Dry pellets ship easily, avoid pipetting loss and are free from freeze–thaw damage.
Application areas
Food safety (foodborne pathogen detection, meat-species authentication, GMO screening), aquaculture pathogen detection, animal disease detection, environmental monitoring and other research fields.
02 — Platform comparison
RAA against PCR and LAMP.
One primer pair, one temperature, one lyophilised tube. The table below sets RAA beside the two amplification methods most laboratories already run.
Parameter
PCR
LAMP
RAA
Enzyme components
Taq DNA polymerase
Strand-displacing DNA polymerase
Recombinase, single-stranded DNA-binding protein, strand-displacing DNA polymerase
Reaction temperature
High temperature, thermal cycling
60–65 ℃
37–39 ℃, isothermal
Reaction time
About 1.5 h
About 40 min
About 15 min
Primer pairs
1
2
1
Reagent format
Liquid
Liquid
Lyophilised dry pellet
Readout
Gel electrophoresis; real-time fluorescence
Visual turbidity
Gel electrophoresis; real-time fluorescence; lateral-flow strip
Instrument requirement
Thermal cycler
Constant-temperature bath at 60–65 ℃
Heat block, water bath, incubator or Genchek analyzer
Known limitation
Long run time
Aerosol contamination; false positives
—
Values summarise the ZC Bioscience technology overview. Time-to-result for RAA depends on assay and readout: 5–15 min by real-time fluorescence, about 30 min for gel-based kits.
03 — Products
29 products in five categories. All reagents for research use only.
Core amplification chemistry, extraction reagents, a food-safety detection series and two Genchek instruments, developed and manufactured in-house. Pricing is by quotation.
Category 01 · 6 kits
RAA Core Amplification Kits (RUO)
Enzyme reagents for your own primers and probes. DNA and RNA (RT) versions with gel, real-time fluorescence or lateral-flow readout. 48 tests/kit, 50 μL reaction, lyophilised, −20 ℃, 12-month shelf life.
An integrated, portable analyzer for on-site and mobile testing. Built-in reagent mixing matched to RAA reagents, dual fluorescence channels, automatic analysis and report generation.
Purpose-built to yield RAA-ready template from tissue, blood, meat products, plant material, seeds and bacteria. No hazardous solvents. Store at room temperature, 12-month shelf life.
Rapid DNA Extraction Reagent, heat lysis, 5 min · 50 preps (RUO)ND01ZC
Universal Rapid DNA Extraction Kit, spin column, 15 min · 50 preps (RUO)ND02ZC
RAA fluorescent kits for meat-species authentication and foodborne pathogens, with GMO screening elements in the catalogue. 24 tests/kit, lyophilised, −20 ℃, 6-month shelf life. Compatible with Genchek and standard real-time PCR instruments (ABI, MJ, Roche, Bioer series).
Catalogue items, 24 tests/kit. Catalogue numbers on request.
Result read directly from the amplification curve; no electrophoresisRequest a Quote
Category 05 · Instrument
Genchek Fully Automated Isothermal Nucleic Acid Detection System
Sample in, result out. One instrument performs pipetting, lysis, nucleic acid purification, isothermal amplification, fluorescence detection, analysis and reporting.
Each solution pairs a set of RAA fluorescent kits with a rapid extraction reagent and the Genchek analyzer. The run completes in 15 minutes and the result is read from the curve.
Meat species authentication
Animal-derived ingredient detection
As price gaps between meats widen, species substitution and adulteration become more common. Species-specific kits identify meat origin at the molecular level with no cross-reaction between species.
SamplesAnimal tissue, blood, foods, meat products including processed meat, feed
UsersFood and feed manufacturers, dietary-supplement producers, customs and border inspection, livestock authorities, agricultural research institutes, third-party laboratories
Foodborne pathogens
Harmful microorganism detection
Pathogenic bacteria account for an estimated 40–50 % of reported foodborne-illness cases in China each year. Multi-channel detection, short runs and high sensitivity move food-safety warnings earlier and cut labour cost.
S. aureusSalmonellaP. aeruginosaL. monocytogenesHaemolytic StreptococcusV. parahaemolyticusShigellaE. coli O157:H7V. cholerae
UsersFood and cosmetics manufacturers, customs and border inspection, public-health laboratories, third-party laboratories
GMO screening
Transgenic ingredient detection
Regulators worldwide require labelling and control of GM material. RAA-based GMO kits detect exogenous elements and events in crops, identifying GM content at the molecular level.
CaMV 35SFMV 35SnosBtbarhpt
ElementsSix screening elements; event-specific kits for soybean, maize and canola
SamplesCrops, seeds, agricultural products, feed
UsersFood and feed manufacturers, customs and border inspection, agricultural research institutes, third-party laboratories
on-site sampling
Example workflow · animal-species assay
01Extract. Weigh 50 mg sample into the extraction solution; incubate at 70 ℃ for 10 min.
02Rehydrate. Add 45.5 μL Buffer A, 2.5 μL Buffer B and 2 μL sample nucleic acid to the lyophilised reagent tube.
03Run. Place the tube in the Genchek analyzer.
04Read. Result from the amplification curve in 5–15 min.
Two-step protocol, no electrophoresis. For research use only.
05 — Services
Support from first question to custom target.
Our R&D team answers product questions with patient explanation and demonstration, and stays with you after delivery. Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00 (UTC+8).
Technical service
Expert technical support
Consultation on assay selection, sample preparation and instrument set-up, backed by technical documentation and training.
Technical consultation and demonstrations
Instructions for use and technical documentation
Operator training on RAA kits and Genchek analyzers
After-sales
Long-term after-sales service
Good after-sales service earns trust. If a problem arises, our engineers respond promptly and resolve it remotely by email, online session or phone.
Remote troubleshooting for reagents and instruments
Ongoing supply of technical materials
Service line +86 571 8861 9668
Custom development
Custom RAA assay development
RAA is a versatile, portable rapid-testing platform. We develop custom RAA assays for new targets and supply reagents under OEM arrangements. Contact us to discuss your target.
Custom target design: primers, probes, lyophilised format
OEM reagent supply
Co-development under strategic cooperation agreements
06 — Company
An R&D-driven biotechnology company in Hangzhou, China.
Hangzhou ZC Bio-Sci & Tech Co., Ltd. ("ZC Bioscience") develops and applies Recombinase-Aided Amplification (RAA), an isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology, and supplies RAA-based reagents, extraction kits and portable fluorescence instruments for rapid molecular testing. All reagents are for research use only.
Since September 2016 the company has accelerated product development for RAA-based rapid food-safety testing, launching in turn the animal-species molecular detection series, the foodborne pathogen series and the GMO ingredient series. ZC Bioscience has signed strategic cooperation agreements with government institutions and research organisations across several fields to co-develop RAA-based detection kits.
500 m²Laboratory space, plus 400 m² of offices
RMB 12M+Installed laboratory equipment
90 %+R&D team holding a master's degree or higher
5050Selected for the Hangzhou Binjiang District "5050 Talent Program"
R&D laboratory
Biosafety cabinet
Laboratory corridor
Clean area
07 — News
Notes from the field, 2017.
Conference appearances and technical explainers from the year the RAA food-safety series launched.
Literature | Rapid Nucleic Acid Amplification by Recombinase-Aided Amplification
In-vitro rapid nucleic acid amplification enables trace amounts of nucleic acid to be amplified efficiently. Since its introduction it has been widely used in molecular biology and has been continuously refined. Recombinase-aided amplification is an isothermal in-vitro method developed from existing amplification principles.
RAA is an isothermal in-vitro amplification method built on established amplification principles. It uses a recombinase, single-stranded DNA-binding protein and DNA polymerase in place of the thermal denaturation cycles of conventional PCR, achieving rapid amplification at a constant 37 ℃.
Highlights | RAA Technology Debuts at the Food Microbiology Detection & Control Exchange
On 20–22 July 2017 the 7th Food Microbiology Detection and Control Technology Exchange was held in Shanghai, jointly organised by the Agro-product Safety Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, the Analytical Microbiology Committee of the Chinese Society for Microbiology and Foodmate.
Forum | 7th Food Microbiology Detection & Control Technology Exchange, 19–22 July
Foodborne disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms is the number-one food-safety issue. Controlling contamination, strengthening laboratory capability and applying advanced microbial detection and control technology in production have become focal concerns for regulators and food companies alike.
ZC Bioscience at the 10th China International Food Safety & Quality Conference (CBIFS 2017)
The annual CBIFS food-safety technology forum was held on 7–8 April 2017 at the Hangzhou International Expo Center. ZC Bioscience, a newcomer to food-safety testing, made its debut at the conference with a portable rapid-testing case, the RAA food-safety kit series and the Genchek fluorescence analyzer.
Tell us the target, sample type and expected volume. We reply with a quotation, the instructions for use and, where useful, a suggested Genchek configuration.
AddressTianhe Hi-Tech Park, Bldg 5, 688 Bin'an Rd, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310052, China
