PeakV™ Instrument
Sponsored by the NIH RADx program, Star Array Pte. Ltd. and OnsiteGene Inc. proudly introduce the groundbreaking PeakV instrument. This innovative device is the first of its kind, offering open assay and user step-free sample-to-answer nucleic acid analyzer integrated with a user-programmable nested PCR and pre-amplification for large test panels to achieve exceptional nucleic acid detection sensitivity. This unique feature, for the first time, allows users to freely convert their manual laboratory testing to automated sample-to-answer testing, and such conversion can be done in a short time without much supervision or restriction from Star Array.
PeakV is capable of running PCR panels of all sizes, from single target and small PCR panels to large PCR panels (up to 64 targets over 16 PCR tubes integrated in the cartridge), in a very cost-effective manner.
To achieve onsite testing in a POCT site or shorten laboratory testing time, PeakV supports a superfast RT-PCR process, with sample processing and total turn- around-time under 30 minutes. Its editable PCR panel of up to 64 targets, a part of PeakV’s open-assay cartridge capability allows users for easy assay development, regulatory clearance and user adoption, while the open-assay. Additional features include large sample volume processing capacity (1-5mL) for high detection sensitivity, extensive PCR array multiplexing capabilities, and ability to process most of sample types, from swab, blood, to sputum and urine.
For maximum ease of use, before running PeakV, no manual steps are required for sample transfer from a sample tube to the cartridge, nor a user needs to open the cap of the sample tube or the cartridge. Operators simply insert a capped sample tube into the cartridge and load the cartridge into the PeakV instrument or directly insert the sample tube into PeakV instrument. RT- PCR results are ready in less than 30 minutes.
Demo of PeakV Workflow for Users
To achieve our vision of making highest lab-quality nucleic acid testing affordable to all populations, we developed a unique cartridge technology that significantly reduces cartridge material cost and production cost. PeakV cartridges are designed using a fluidic control principle that differs from conventional microfluidics. This design eliminates drawbacks of microfluidics cartridges such as high production cost, low operational reliability, and difficulty scaling up production. PeakV cartridges are made through simple assembly of large-sized parts produced by widely available regular injection molding.
As the PeakV cartridge design deviates from microfluidics, it is free from microchannels, microvalves, and microchambers. This enables the cartridge to handle large volumes of reagents and samples in spacious chambers, without the restrictions of microchannels and microchambers during liquid transfer and mixing. These features ensure that the PeakV cartridge achieves the same high-quality technical performance as a manual test operation in a laboratory.
PeakV Instrument Specifications
PeakV is a cutting-edge, full-range multiplexing, fully automated sample-to- answer qPCR instrument. With no need for user liquid or sample handling, PeakV offers sample preparation (RNA/DNA magnetic bead extraction/purification), open PCR or panel assay capabilities, and sophisticated multiple-site nested PCR and pre- amplification. The sample-to-answer turnaround time is less than 30 minutes. Key specifications of the PeakV instrument include:
1. Open Cartridge Sample-to-Answer System (World's First):
Easily run any third-party lab-based fluorescent probe PCR assay on PeakV to achieve sample-to-answer testing with minimum assay adaptation effort.
2. Contamination-free:
The fully sealed cartridge technology, closed-cap processing of sample tubes, and minimal or no user manual handling of sample liquid ensure a contamination-free operation.
3. Hands-free operation:
Directly load a sample tube into a cartridge or instrument without liquid handling or cap opening on sample tubes by the user. Experience fully automated sample transfer from a sample tube to the cartridge, magnetic bead sample preparation, pre-amplification, and PCR panel results. Since no sample handling is involved, a user can run a test without reading a user manual.
4. Ultra-sensitive detection:
Integrated multiple-site nested PCR (MS-nPCR) or multiple-site pre-amplification (MS-preAmp) provide significantly higher sensitivity and specificity in PCR tests compared to traditional qPCR devices. MS-nPCR and MS-preAmp enable much more uniform PCR enrichment of targets in multiple PCR tubes during the first round of nested PCR or preAmp step. These automated steps make PeakV the ideal device for low copy detection applications, such as cancer testing and infectious disease testing.
5. Superfast turnaround time:
Obtain sample-to-answer results in less than 30 minutes for most sample types.
6. Flexible multiplexing with full panel size coverage:
A user can assemble a PCR panel at ease to perform single target tests, small and medium panel tests, and a large syndromic tests of up to 64 pathogen targets (16 tubes in the panel) in a single run.
7. Sample versatility:
Process most sample types, including swabs, saliva, sputum, blood, feces, urine, and tissue with minimal hands-on steps by the user.
8. Superfast qPCR:
Complete 40 thermal cycles in as little as 5 minutes and a sensitive qPCR in 10 minutes.
9. Large sample volume:
Accommodate 1mL samples, upgradable to 5mL.
10. Integrated centrifugation:
Incorporate sample centrifugation into PeakV user protocol without manual liquid handling of sample or reagent tubes by the user.
11. Integrated bead beating lysis:
Incorporate bead beating of samples into PeakV user protocol without manual liquid handling of sample or reagent tubes by the user.
12. Low cartridge cost:
The innovative cartridge design and efficient manufacturing processes lead to low-cost and reliable tests.
13. High cartridge reliability:
The straightforward cartridge design, free from microchannels, microvalves, and microchambers, ensures dependable operation.
14. PeakV4 and PeakV8 instrument options:
Upgradeable between 4 and 8 sample random access testing capabilities.
15. Open PCR panel design:
Easily insert third-party PCR assays into PeakV cartridges for new test panels.
16. Dimensions:
32cm (W) x 60cm (D) x 51cm (H)
17. Weight:
Net weight 23 kg
18. Operating system:
Microsoft Windows 10/11
PeakV vs Best-In-Class Products
Star Array is actively seeking collaborations with third-party PCR assay developers to expand the PeakV platform's capabilities for both clinical and non-clinical applications.