Stack of TaqMan array cards

Experimental throughput in research laboratories continues to increase, and so does the need for simple and efficient ways to run tests. Researchers are often left to choose between cumbersome, time-consuming manual approaches and costly automation. The Applied Biosystems TaqMan array cards for gene expression provide quality performance of probe-based TaqMan assays in an easy and efficient mid- to high-throughput format. TaqMan array cards for gene expression provide an alternative that enables highly reproducible and sensitive results with higher throughput, without the expense of liquid-handling robotics or error potential of excessive pipetting.

The TaqMan Array card is a microfluidic card designed to perform up to 384 simultaneous real-time PCR (qPCR) reactions. Each array card can support 1–8 samples, 11–380 assay targets, and 1–4 replicates per card. There are four content options available, including inventoried (predesigned), made-to-order flexible, custom, or specialty designed arrays. Array cards arrive pre-aliquoted with the selected dried-down TaqMan assays (primers and probe sets)—the only step required is to add sample and master mix.

Learn more:  The advantages of TaqMan Array cards

Projects suitable for TaqMan Array cards vs other formats

TaqMan Array cards are optimal for medium to large projects of fewer than 50 samples and equal to or fewer than 96 targets. They have a simple and quick qPCR bench workflow: pipette into 8 ports, then let a centrifuge distribute the reaction mixture evenly through all 384 wells. Array cards use the least amount of master mix (~400 µL per card) and are an excellent option for those with limited sample material.

Array card formats and applications

While used extensively in gene expression applications, TaqMan Array cards are also available for additional applications as shown here:

  Applications
  
Gene Expression

Advanced miRNA

miRNA
 

SNP genotyping

Copy number

Mutation detection
FormatsInventoried   
Flexible, made to order     
Custom   
Specialty   


Predesigned TaqMan Array cards

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s preconfigured, off-the-shelf array cards containing a set of curated TaqMan assays relevant for specific pathways, biomarker sets, or disease states. Use the search tool below to find an ideal TaqMan Array card.

In the search bar, enter a target gene, pathway, or specific keyword. Initiate the search to view a list of relevant assays. Results can be refined by filtering based on criteria such as gene symbol, gene name, species, and the number of RefSeq transcripts recognized. This will help narrow down options to find the most suitable assay to meet experimental needs. Each search result provides detailed information, including assay compatibility and related publications, ensuring the best match for chosen gene expression studies.

Search all TaqMan gene expression array cards


Flexible TaqMan Array cards

Flexible TaqMan Array cards are customizable microfluidic cards designed for high-throughput gene expression analysis. They allow researchers to simultaneously analyze multiple genes with high precision and efficiency. These cards can be tailored to specific experimental needs, making them exceptional for a wide range of applications, including biomarker discovery and validation. Select a predesigned TaqMan Array card using the above tool and then modify the assay content to suit experimental needs or visit the flexible content webpage.

Learn more: Flexible TaqMan array


Custom TaqMan Array cards

Custom TaqMan Array cards are the custom version of our predesigned TaqMan array cards for relative quantification of RNA expression. Provide a target sequence of interest or submit custom primer/probe sequences. Use the custom TaqMan Array card online ordering tool found below to select assays, replicates, controls, and more.

    Pre-loaded 384-well microfluidic cards with selected assays in each reaction well. Choose target assays from over thousands of inventoried TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. Minimum order quantity of ten cards.


    Specialty TaqMan Array cards

    The Specialty Plating Service can be utilized for TaqMan Array cards that require custom TaqMan Assays, a mix of predesigned and custom TaqMan Assays, or a layout that is not supported by the online configurator tool. This service supports all TaqMan Assay types, including gene expression, Advanced miRNA, classic chemistry miRNA, SNP genotyping, DME, copy number variation, and mutation detection.

    Explore: Specialty TaqMan Array cards


    Endogenous controls for TaqMan Array cards

    All custom TaqMan array cards contain a manufacturing control position. This position is used during our manufacturing quality processes; however, this assay can also be used as an endogenous control. 18S (Hs99999901_s1) is a manufacturing control choice for all designs, while human GAPDH (Hs99999905_m1) can be chosen for designs containing human and/or microbe detection assays. Adding 1–2 more candidate endogenous control assays is recommended, as 18S and GAPDH are not suitable endogenous controls in all experiments.

    Learn more: TaqMan endogenous control assays


    Benefits of using TaqMan Array cards

    Widely cited in publications, TaqMan Array cards are exceptional and cost effective for medium-to-high throughput validation and profiling studies, whether researching cancer, stem cells, inflammation, or infectious diseases. Use the cards to validate tens or hundreds of initial hits generated from microarrays or next generation sequencing or use them for screening biomarkers and toxicology panels or analyzing pathways, target classes, and complete disease sets. Use less master mix and help stretch limited samples by using 5X less sample volume; excellent for low-expressing genes or precious samples.

    Convenient
    Flexible
    Consistent
    Highly reproducible
    Time to results
    Load 384 wells in approximately 10 minutes as the card arrives preloaded with your specified assays. Simply add sample and master mix via 8 channels, not individual wells.Choose from flexible designs: predesigned, flexible, custom, and specialty. Profile related genes simultaneously. Analyze up to 500 cards in a single study using our free analysis tools.Produce consistent results with low variability across multiple users and laboratories.Uniform distribution of samples with minimal handling helps reduce cross-contamination and variability.Streamlined reaction setup saves time and reduces labor-intensive pipetting steps. 
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      Watch this short video to see how easy it is to load a TaqMan Array card, featuring Nathan Zuzow, PhD, Field Application Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific.

      Learn more:  TaqMan Array cards user guide

      Flexible vs custom content TaqMan Array cards

      Flexible, made-to-order TaqMan Array cards

      • Curated list of suggested assays preloaded to get you started
      • Can modify as needed

      Custom TaqMan Array cards

      • Start with a blank slate
      • Load any predesigned TaqMan Gene Expression Assay

      TaqMan Array card resources

      For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

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