Ocimum Biosolutions offers a full range of services from experimental designing to statistical analysis of quantitative real-time PCR data. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technology is routinely used for a variety of applications such as expression analysis of candidate genes, validation of microarray, gene copy number determination and target detection with Taqman® probes or SYBR green. Quantitative realtime PCR assays are characterized by a wide dynamic range of quantification, high technical sensitivity, high precision, high throughput, lower turn-around-times and decreased costs. Key features of our qRT-PCR services include the following:


  • Technical support for experimental design based on your need and criteria.
  • Sample preparation such as RNA/DNA extraction, purification and QC.
  • Design of high-performance RT-PCR assays: robust, sensitive and reproducible.
  • Design of customized PCR primers/ probe based on TaqMan® assay or SYBR green.
  • Reliable results generated by state-of-the-art bioinformatic analysis.
  • Easy-to-understand report containing raw and normalized Ct Values in Excel format.
  • Data analysis services include delta-delta Cts values and graphical presentation of genes with unique expression and differential regulation patterns
  • All results including amplification graph of samples and the standard curve available in electronic and hard copy formats

Relative and Absolute Quantitation


The amount of template in a sample can be subjected to either relative or absolute quantitation. Relative quantitation describes changes in the amount of a target sequence by comparison to the signal from an endogenous or other reference control. Absolute quantitation states the exact number of nucleic acid targets present in the sample in relation to a specific unit, making it easier to compare data from different assays and laboratories. Ocimum has been using these methods in qRT-PCR in several application areas. Our application of relative quantitation for drug target identification is given in Figure 1.

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Figure 1: Differential regulation and Gene Expression Patterns in Suicide and Suicide with Major Depression in different areas of post-mortem brain compared to control. Dr. J. M. H. ffrench-Mullen, Ph.D. Data on file, Gene Logic.


Key Applications and Services Using qRT-PCR


Ocimum has been working with key industries such as food and agriculture, molecular diagnostics, green tech companies and biopharmaceuticals while providing genomics research solutions, study design consulting or implementation of secure lab management solutions across widespread research locations. We understand the research needs across different industries. We have been routinely using qRT-PCR technology in several applications areas such as drug target and biomarker discovery, food authenticity, mutation detection, Clinical Microbiology, validation of array data and gene quantification. With our experience, we identify the following applications and services based on qRT-PCR technology.


  Clinical Microbiology Biopharmaceuticals Food and Agriculture Molecular Diagnostics
Sequencing Development of pathogen subtype-specific assays Determine safety of cell-derived biological compounds Development of assays for target sequences of food borne pathogens and GM foods Identify molecular markers for several disorders
Quantitative Gene Expression Detection & quantification of various infectious agents

Understand functioning of normal tissues and elucidate pathogenesis of non-infectious diseases.

 Accurate quantitation of cytokine mRNA expression for measuring immunological responses

Identify potential contaminants during recombinant monoclonal antibody production

 Highly sensitive detection of fungal contamination in cereals

Detect human enteric viruses in foods

 Pre-natal diagnostics for identifying congenital disorders

Identification of specific genes, e.g., tumor suppressing genes
Genotyping Predictive genetic testing and SNP identification

Comparative genomic investigation

 Study individual patient therapeutic responses at molecular level Identify mutant alleles responsible for high oil content in seeds

Detect and monitor GMOs

 Determine genomic imbalance underlying most malignancies

Genotyping for mutation in genes involved in drug metabolism
Molecular Typing Detection and quantification of chromosomal translocation to monitor minimal residual disease in clinical oncology Conduct specialty testing such as ribotyping to characterize new drugs as required by US FDA Accurate bacterial typing for epidemicological investigation of outbreaks through food poisoning Construct a gene structure for cancer and rare disorders

Sample Submission and Concentration Details


For Gene Expression: Range of 50-150 ng/ reaction; input RNA 1.6 – 4.8 ug

For SNP Genotyping: Range of 50-150 ng/ reaction; input DNA 1.6 – 4.8 ug