OptiGene Limited is an SME based in Horsham, West Sussex, in the UK. Our extensive knowledge of optical & thermal systems has allowed us to develop a rapid and fully portable instrument for the isothermal amplification of DNA with fluorimeteric detection, the quality of which is superior to most laboratory based systems.

OptiGene has been developing both instrumentation and reagents that support amplification and detection of DNA and RNA. We have a wealth of experience, not only in instrument design and manufacture, but also in the research and development of novel chemistries and reagent systems.

The last 12 months have seen the Genie platform & reagents evaluated by UK Government laboratories and other biotechnology organisations.

Most DNA amplification technology is based around the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) which, although widely accepted and understood by today’s scientists, still proves to be a financial hurdle in respect of instrumentation and IP. OptiGene has adopted an isothermal amplification method known as LAMP that was developed by the Eiken Chemical Company Ltd of Japan. It benefits from single temperature operation so the user is not reliant upon expensive thermal cyclers and, in many cases, no DNA extraction is necessary. Time to result can be extremely rapid with target detection inside ten minutes for some applications. As a result, this is a genuine alternative to PCR.