Azure Cielo 6, 6-Channel Multiplexing/Colour qPCR

Azure Cielo 6 Real‑Time PCR System – 6‑Channel Multiplexing qPCR

Description

The Azure Cielo 6 (model AIQ060) is a 96‑well real‑time PCR platform designed to handle complex multiplex assays with high sensitivity and speed. Its innovative optical system enables true six‑colour detection per well for flexible assay design and efficient data generation in one run.

Key Multiplexing Features

• Six fluorescent channels: Engineered for simultaneous detection of up to six different targets per well using channel‑specific LEDs and filters covering dyes such as FAM, HEX/VIC, TAMRA, Texas Red, Cy5, and Cy5.5.
• Fast optical scanning: Dual 16‑fiber optic bundles image 16 wells in parallel, allowing full‑plate readout in ~9 seconds for all six colours.
• Minimal signal cross‑talk: Individual well scanning prevents illumination bleed from adjacent wells, optimizing specificity and sensitivity.
• High dynamic range & sensitivity: Reliable detection over a 10‑log dynamic range down to single copy of target DNA; validated detection of 1.3–1.5‑fold differences in target abundance.

Applications

• Six‑plex gene expression panels, multi‑pathogen panels, SNP genotyping, and microbial panels
• High-throughput diagnostic testing where per‑well multiplex reduces sample usage
• miRNA profiling, NGS quantification, pharmacogenomics, and infectious disease assays requiring sensitive multi-target detection

Technical Overview

• Reaction volume: 5–150 µL, supports fast chemistry formats (~22 min full‑plate runtime with fast kits)
• Thermal block: 12 independent temperature-gradient zones, ramp rate up to 6 °C/sec, average sample ramp ~4 °C/sec.
• Thermal accuracy/uniformity: ±0.1 °C / ±0.2 °C respectively
• Onboard software: 10.3″ touchscreen, intuitive Cielo Manager; run setup, monitoring, and real-time analysis performed without external PC. Connect via USB, Wi‑Fi or Ethernet.

Conclusion

The Azure Cielo 6 leverages advanced fiber‑optic optics and six‑channel detection to deliver true six‑plex qPCR with minimal cross‑talk, high thermal precision, and fast throughput. Its powerful multiplexing capability makes it ideal for labs running complex assays, diagnostic panels, or resource-efficient workflows.

Has been used multiple times over the past year