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Isothermal nucleic acid testing

Molecular results in 5–15 minutes. No thermal cycler.

ZC Bioscience develops Recombinase-Aided Amplification (RAA), an isothermal platform that amplifies a target sequence at 37–42 °C. Lyophilised reagents, rapid extraction kits and the portable Genchek fluorescence analyzer bring molecular testing to the field.

Explore products How RAA works
37–42 °CSingle isothermal step
5–15 minFluorescence readout
29Products across 5 categories
30–42 °CReaction temperature, optimum 37–39 °C
>107×Amplification of the target sequence
1 %Limit of detection, animal-species kits (w/w)
103 cfu/mLLimit of detection, pathogen kits
Technology

Recombinase-Aided Amplification

RAA is the isothermal amplification platform behind every ZC Bioscience reagent. All kits are developed and manufactured in-house.

Recombinase-Aided Amplification (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 can be read in real time; a fluorescence result is typically available within 5–15 minutes. All reaction components are pre-mixed and lyophilised in the tube — simply add Buffer A, Buffer B and the extracted sample DNA. RAA can also be multiplexed: two or more primer pairs in one reaction amplify several targets simultaneously, saving reagents and cost.

See the RAA core kits

DNA double helix illustration
37 °CRecombinase binds primer at ambient temperature

Fast

Results in 5–15 minutes; truly rapid testing.

Isothermal

Runs at 30–42 °C; no thermal cycler or other expensive equipment required.

Accurate

High sensitivity and specificity; precise recognition of the target sequence.

Lyophilised

Reagents supplied as freeze-dried pellets, ready to use, easy to ship, and free from freeze–thaw loss.

Portable

Compact instruments suited to harsh field conditions and on-site inspection.

Simple operation

Two-step workflow; molecular-level testing that does not require specialist staff.

Platform comparison

RAA vs conventional PCR vs LAMP, as used in ZC Bioscience workflows.

ParameterRAAPCRLAMP
EnzymesRecombinase, single-stranded binding protein, strand-displacing DNA polymeraseTaq DNA polymeraseStrand-displacing DNA polymerase
Reaction temperature37–39 °C, isothermalHigh temperature, thermal cycling60–65 °C
Reaction time15 min1.5 h40 min
Primer pairs112
Reagent formatLyophilised pelletLiquidLiquid
ReadoutGel; real-time fluorescence; lateral-flow stripGel; real-time fluorescenceVisual turbidity
Typical limitation—Slow; requires a thermal cyclerAerosol carry-over, false positives
Products

29 products, five categories, one platform

RAA core reagents, rapid extraction kits, food-safety detection kits and the instruments that read them. All reagents are for research use only (RUO).

RAA Core Amplification Kits

Enzyme reagents · 6 kits · 48 tests / kit · 50 µL reaction

Enzyme reagents
8-strip tubes with lyophilised RAA reagent pellets

Pre-mixed, lyophilised amplification reagents for your own primers and probes (primers 30–35 bp, probes 46–52 bp). Over 107-fold amplification at 30–42 °C. Store at -20 °C; shelf life 12 months.

  • RAA Basic Nucleic Acid Amplification Kit (DNA, gel readout) (RUO)
    Cat. No. S001ZC · 37 °C · agarose gel
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  • RAA Fluorescent Nucleic Acid Amplification Kit (DNA, real-time) (RUO)
    Cat. No. S002ZC · Genchek or real-time PCR instrument · 5–20 min
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  • RT-RAA Basic Nucleic Acid Amplification Kit (RNA, gel readout) (RUO)
    Cat. No. S003ZC · reverse transcription + RAA · gel
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  • RT-RAA Fluorescent Nucleic Acid Amplification Kit (RNA, real-time) (RUO)
    Cat. No. S004ZC · reverse transcription + RAA · 5–20 min
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  • RAA-nfo Nucleic Acid Amplification Kit (Lateral-Flow Strip, DNA) (RUO)
    Cat. No. S005ZC · 39 °C · universal lateral-flow strip
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  • RT-RAA-nfo Nucleic Acid Amplification Kit (Lateral-Flow Strip, RNA) (RUO)
    Cat. No. S006ZC · 42 °C · universal lateral-flow strip
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Genchek Isothermal Fluorescence Analyzer

Portable real-time reader · 1 instrument

Instrument
Genchek isothermal fluorescence analyzer

An integrated, portable rapid-test analyzer for on-site and mobile testing. Built-in reagent mixing matched to RAA reagents; automatic data analysis and report generation with multiple export options.

Throughput8 wells × 2 channels
ChannelsFAM / ROX
Temperature rangeAmbient to 65 °C
Temperature accuracy±0.5 °C
Net weight3.8 kg
Dimensions255 × 240 × 123 mm
Power supplyAC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power120 W
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Rapid Nucleic Acid Extraction Kits

4 kits · RAA-ready template in 5–25 min

Extraction
Gloved hand holding an 8-strip tube of reagent

Purpose-built to yield RAA-ready nucleic acid. No hazardous solvents, low cross-contamination risk. Store at room temperature; shelf life 12 months.

  • Rapid DNA Extraction Reagent, heat-lysis (RUO)
    Cat. No. ND01ZC · 50 preps · 5 min · tissue, blood, meat, plant, seed, bacteria
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  • Universal Rapid DNA Extraction Kit, spin column (RUO)
    Cat. No. ND02ZC · 50 preps · 15 min · lyse–bind–wash–elute
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  • Universal Rapid RNA Extraction Kit, spin column (RUO)
    Cat. No. ND03ZC · 50 preps · 10 min · tissue, cells, saliva, blood, swabs
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  • Magnetic-Bead DNA Extraction Pre-filled Plate (RUO)
    Cat. No. ND06ZC · 96 preps · 25 min · for automated magnetic-bead extractors
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Food Safety Molecular Detection Series

17 RAA fluorescent kits · 24 tests / kit · result read from the amplification curve

Detection kits

Each kit recognises and amplifies a target-specific gene fragment at 30–42 °C (optimum 37–39 °C). Compatible with Genchek and standard real-time PCR instruments (ABI, MJ, Roche, Bioer series). Store at -20 °C; shelf life 6 months.

Animal-species kits (RUO)

10 kits · Cat. No. A101ZC–A110ZC · LOD 1 %
ChickenDuckPorkBovineSheep & goatRatHorseMinkFoxDonkey
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Foodborne pathogen kits (RUO)

7 kits · Cat. No. B201ZC–B207ZC · LOD 103 cfu/mL
Staphylococcus aureusSalmonellaPseudomonas aeruginosaListeria monocytogenesHaemolytic StreptococcusVibrio parahaemolyticusShigella
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GMO screening kits (RUO)

6 element targets · event-specific kits on request
CaMV 35S promoterFMV 35S promoternos terminatorBtbarhpt
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Product image on request

Genchek Fully Automated Isothermal Nucleic Acid Detection System

Sample-in, result-out · 1 instrument

Automated system

Performs quantitative pipetting, sample lysis, nucleic acid purification, isothermal amplification, fluorescence detection, analysis and reporting in one instrument. Full workflow in about 30 minutes.

1Pipetting
2Lysis
3Purification
4Isothermal amplification
5Fluorescence detection
6Analysis & report
Run time~30 min
Sample throughput1 per run
ChannelsFAM / ROX
Interface7-inch colour touchscreen
Weight16 kg
Dimensions260 × 325 × 420 mm
Request a QuoteCustom development
Solutions

Three food-safety workflows, one 15-minute run

Isothermal RAA reagents specifically recognise and amplify the target gene fragment; the Genchek analyzer monitors amplification in real time and the run completes in 15 minutes.

DNA helix illustration with two researchers

Meat species authentication

As price gaps between meats widen, species substitution and adulteration are increasingly common. RAA-based species kits detect species-specific genes, identifying meat origin at the molecular level with no cross-reaction between species.

10species
1 %adulteration LOD
5–15 minto result
Targets
ChickenPorkDuckBeefSheep/goatRatHorseMinkFoxDonkey

Sample types: animal tissue, blood, foods, meat products (incl. processed meat), feed. Users: food and border inspection authorities, livestock and agricultural institutes, food, supplement and feed manufacturers, third-party laboratories.

Discuss this workflow
Magnifying glass over a DNA strand

Foodborne pathogen detection

Pathogenic bacteria account for an estimated 40–50 % of reported foodborne-illness cases in China each year. RAA pathogen kits combine multi-channel detection, short run times and high sensitivity — raising throughput and moving food-safety warnings earlier.

9targets
103cfu/mL LOD
5–15 minto result
Targets
S. aureusSalmonellaP. aeruginosaL. monocytogenesHaemolytic StreptococcusV. parahaemolyticusShigellaE. coli O157:H7V. cholerae

Sample types: foods, beverages, cosmetics, seafood, disposable hygiene products. Method reference: GB 4789 series, SN/T series. Users: food and border inspection authorities, public-health laboratories, food and cosmetics manufacturers, third-party laboratories.

Discuss this workflow
Blue DNA double helix illustration

GMO screening

GM crops carry genes introduced from other organisms to alter traits, nutrition or quality, and regulators worldwide require labelling and control. RAA-based GMO kits specifically detect exogenous elements and events in crops, identifying GM material at the molecular level.

6screening elements
6event-specific kits
5–15 minto result
Targets
CaMV 35SFMV 35SnosBtbarhptGTS 40-3-2MON89788MON810Bt11T45Oxy-235

Sample types: soybean, maize, canola and processed agricultural products. Users: food and border inspection authorities, agricultural research institutes, food and feed manufacturers, third-party laboratories.

Discuss this workflow
Services

Support from first assay to routine use

Our R&D team answers every product question with patient explanation and demonstration, and develops custom RAA assays on request.

Technical support

Consultation, technical documentation, training and demonstration for every kit and instrument. Ask us about primer and probe design windows, instrument compatibility and sample preparation.

After-sales service

Long-term technical documentation and support. If a problem arises, our engineers respond promptly and resolve issues remotely by e-mail or phone; on-site support is arranged where required.

Custom assay development

RAA is a versatile, portable rapid-testing platform. We develop custom RAA assays for new targets and supply OEM reagents to meet specific customer needs — contact us to discuss your target.

Operation guide

Example: animal-species assay

RAA is simple to run and needs no specialist.

1

Weigh sample

Take 50 mg of sample into the nucleic acid extraction solution.

2

Heat lysis

Incubate at 70 °C for 10 min.

3

Add to reagent tube

45.5 µL Buffer A, 2.5 µL Buffer B and 2 µL sample nucleic acid.

4

Read on Genchek

Place in the analyzer; result in 5–15 min.

Company

R&D-driven, based in Hangzhou

Hangzhou ZC Bio-Sci & Tech Co., Ltd. (“ZC Bioscience”) is an R&D-driven biotechnology company based in Hangzhou, China. We develop and apply Recombinase-Aided Amplification (RAA), an isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology, and supply RAA-based reagents, extraction kits and portable fluorescence instruments for rapid molecular testing.

Since September 2016 the company has accelerated product development for RAA-based rapid food-safety testing, launching in turn the animal-species, foodborne pathogen and GMO detection series. Further applications include environmental monitoring, aquaculture pathogen detection and animal disease detection. ZC Bioscience has signed strategic cooperation agreements with government institutions and research organisations to co-develop RAA-based detection kits.

500 m²Laboratory space, plus 400 m² of offices
RMB 12M+Installed laboratory equipment
90 %Of the R&D team hold a master’s degree or higher
5050Hangzhou Binjiang “5050 Talent Program” enterprise
ZC Bioscience laboratory with instruments and a researcher at the bench
Researcher working in a biosafety cabinet Laboratory corridor with observation window
News

Company news

2017-09-11

Explainer | Recombinase-Aided Rapid Nucleic Acid Amplification

In vitro nucleic acid amplification enables trace nucleic acid to be amplified efficiently. RAA is an isothermal method in which recombinase, single-stranded DNA-binding protein and DNA polymerase replace the thermal-cycling denaturation of conventional PCR, so amplification proceeds at a constant 37 °C.

 2017-09-11

Literature | Rapid Nucleic Acid Amplification by Recombinase-Aided Amplification

A published study of recombinase-aided amplification: an isothermal in vitro method developed from established amplification principles, widely applicable across molecular biology and continuously refined to extend its function and adaptability.

 2017-07-22

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, co-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.

 2017-07-11

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.

 2017-04-12

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.
Contact

Request a quote

Tell us your targets, sample types and instrument. We reply with pricing, lead time and documentation.

Address
Tianhe Hi-Tech Park, Bldg 5, 688 Bin’an Rd,
Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310052, China
Phone
+86 571 8861 9668
Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00 (UTC+8)
Reagents are for research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Bring molecular testing to the point of need.

RAA reagents, extraction kits and the Genchek analyzer — one platform, 5–15 minutes to result.

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