Nucleic acid results
in five to fifteen minutes.
Isothermal RAA reagents run at 37–42 °C with no thermal cycler. Lyophilised, ready-to-use pellets and a portable fluorescence analyzer bring molecular testing to the bench, the plant floor and the field.
temp 37–42 °C
readout FAM / ROX
format lyophilised
time 5–15 min
Amplification without the thermal cycler.
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. RAA is the isothermal platform behind every ZC Bioscience reagent, and all kits are developed and manufactured in-house.
Fast
Results in 5–15 minutes — truly rapid testing, read live on the amplification curve.
Isothermal
Runs at 30–42 °C. No thermal cycler or other expensive equipment is required.
Accurate
High sensitivity and specificity; the recombinase–primer complex recognises the target sequence by base pairing.
Portable
Compact instruments suited to harsh field conditions and on-site inspection.
Lyophilised
Freeze-dried pellets, ready to use: no pipetting loss, easy to ship, no freeze–thaw damage.
Simple
Two-step workflow. Molecular-level testing that does not require specialist staff.
| Parameter | RAA | PCR | LAMP |
|---|---|---|---|
| enzymes | Recombinase, SSB, strand-displacing DNA polymerase | Taq DNA polymerase | Strand-displacing DNA polymerase |
| temperature | 37–39 °C, constant | High, thermal cycling | 60–65 °C |
| time | ~15 min | ~1.5 h | ~40 min |
| primer pairs | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| reagent format | Lyophilised pellet | Liquid | Liquid |
| readout | Gel; real-time fluorescence; lateral-flow strip | Gel; real-time fluorescence | Visual turbidity |
| limitations | — | Slow; instrument-dependent | Aerosol contamination; false positives |
RAA can also be multiplexed: two or more primer pairs in one reaction amplify several targets simultaneously, detecting multiple targets in a single tube and saving reagents and cost. Applied across food safety (pathogen detection, meat-species authentication, GMO screening), aquaculture pathogen detection, animal disease detection and other fields.
Five product lines, one isothermal platform.
Core amplification kits, a portable analyzer, rapid extraction chemistry, a 17-kit food-safety series and a fully automated sample-to-result system. All reagents are for research use only (RUO). No prices are listed — request a quote for your region.
RAA Core Amplification Kits (Enzyme Reagents)
Pre-mixed, lyophilised reaction pellets for your own primers and probes. Primers 30–35 bp, probes 46–52 bp. 48 tests per kit, 50 μL reactions, 12-month shelf life at -20 °C. Over 10⁷-fold amplification of the target.
heat block / water bath
Genchek / qPCR instruments
heat block / water bath
Genchek / qPCR instruments
universal lateral-flow strip
universal lateral-flow strip
Genchek Isothermal Fluorescence Analyzer
An integrated, portable rapid-test analyzer for on-site and mobile testing. Built-in reagent mixing fully matched to RAA reagents; dual fluorescence channels (FAM & ROX) for up to 16 targets per run; automatic data analysis and report generation with multiple export routes. All assays run under one software interface.
- Throughput
- 8 wells × 2 channels
- Channels
- FAM / ROX
- Temp. range
- ambient to 65 °C
- Temp. accuracy
- ±0.5 °C
- Net weight
- 3.8 kg
- Dimensions
- 255 × 240 × 123 mm
- Power
- 120 W · AC 100–240 V
- Operating
- 5–35 °C · 20–80 % RH
Rapid Nucleic Acid Extraction Kits
Purpose-built to yield RAA-ready template. No hazardous solvents, low cross-contamination risk. Store at room temperature, dry; 12-month shelf life.
Rapid DNA Extraction Reagent, heat-lysis (RUO)
Genomic DNA in 5 minutes from animal tissue, blood, meat products, plant tissue, seeds and bacteria. No organic extraction, no ethanol precipitation.
Universal Rapid DNA Extraction Kit, spin column (RUO)
Lyse–bind–wash–elute in 15 minutes. Animal tissue, cells, bacteria, saliva, blood, swabs, faeces, bone and feed; high yield and consistent quality.
Universal Rapid RNA Extraction Kit, spin column (RUO)
Four steps, 10 minutes, high-quality RNA from animal tissue, cells, saliva, blood, swabs and faeces.
Magnetic-Bead DNA Extraction Pre-filled Plate (RUO)
For automated magnetic-bead extractors. Nano-bead purification with high yield and consistency; cuts hands-on time for food-safety, environmental-microbiology, livestock and molecular-biology research.
Weigh 50 mg sample into the extraction solution and incubate at 70 °C for 10 min. Add 45.5 μL Buffer A, 2.5 μL Buffer B and 2 μL sample nucleic acid to the reagent tube; place in the Genchek analyzer. Result in 5–15 min.
Food Safety Molecular Detection Series
RAA-fluorescent kits, 24 tests per kit, read on Genchek-I / Genchek-II or standard real-time PCR instruments (ABI, MJ, Roche, Bioer). Store at -20 °C; 6-month shelf life. Results from the amplification curve — no electrophoresis.
Animal-Derived Ingredient Molecular Detection Kits (RAA, Fluorescent) (RUO)
Species-specific gene fragments in animal tissue, blood, foods, meat products (incl. processed meat) and feed. Limit of detection 1 % (w/w); no cross-reaction observed with common species.
- A101ZCChicken
- A102ZCDuck
- A103ZCPork
- A104ZCBovine
- A105ZCSheep & goat
- A106ZCRat
- A107ZCHorse
- A108ZCMink
- A109ZCFox
- A110ZCDonkey
Pathogen Molecular Detection Kits (RAA, Fluorescent) (RUO)
Qualitative detection in foods, beverages, water, cosmetics, disposable hygiene products and seafood. Result in 5–15 min; limit of detection 10³ cfu/mL. Method reference: GB 4789 series / SN/T.
- B201ZCStaphylococcus aureus
- B202ZCSalmonella
- B203ZCPseudomonas aeruginosa
- B204ZCListeria monocytogenes
- B205ZCHaemolytic Streptococcus
- B206ZCVibrio parahaemolyticus
- B207ZCShigella
GMO Screening Kits (RAA, Fluorescent) (RUO)
Element-level screening of exogenous sequences in agricultural products; event-specific kits for soybean, maize and canola available on request.
- elementBt gene
- elementbar gene
- elementhpt gene
- promoterCaMV 35S
- promoterFMV 35S
- terminatornos
Genchek Fully Automated Isothermal Nucleic Acid Detection System
Sample in, result out in about 30 minutes. One instrument performs quantitative pipetting, sample lysis, nucleic acid purification, isothermal amplification, fluorescence detection, analysis and reporting — load the sample and the system does the rest.
- Run time
- ~30 min
- Throughput
- 1 sample
- Channels
- FAM / ROX
- Interface
- 7-inch colour touchscreen
- Weight
- 16 kg
- Dimensions
- 260 × 325 × 420 mm
- Power
- 221 W · AC 220 V, 50 Hz
- UV lamp / purification
- yes / yes
- Pipetting <15 μL
- accuracy >98 %, CV <5 %
- Pipetting >50 μL
- accuracy >99 %, CV <1.2 %
Three food-safety questions, answered at the bench.
Each solution pairs a lyophilised RAA-fluorescent kit with the Genchek analyzer. Isothermal reagents specifically recognise and amplify the target gene fragment; the run completes in 15 minutes and results are read from the curve.
Animal-Derived Ingredient Detection
As price gaps between meats widen, species substitution and adulteration are increasingly common. RAA species kits detect species-specific genes, identifying meat origin at the molecular level with no cross-reaction between species. Sensitivity: 1 % adulterated meat.
- chicken
- pork
- duck
- beef
- sheep/goat
- rat
- horse
- mink
- fox
- donkey
Users — regulators: food & drug administration, customs and border inspection, livestock authorities, agricultural research institutes, law enforcement. Industry: food manufacturers, dietary-supplement and feed producers, third-party testing laboratories.
Pathogen Detection in Food, Water & Cosmetics
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. LOD 10³ cfu/mL.
- S. aureus
- Salmonella
- P. aeruginosa
- L. monocytogenes
- haemolytic Streptococcus
- V. parahaemolyticus
- Shigella
- E. coli O157:H7
- V. cholerae
Users — regulators: food & drug administration, customs and border inspection, public-health laboratories. Industry: food and cosmetics manufacturers, third-party testing laboratories. Method reference: GB 4789 series / SN/T.
Transgenic Ingredient Detection
GM crops carry genes introduced from other organisms to alter traits, nutrition or quality. Regulators worldwide require labelling and control to protect consumers' right to know. RAA GMO kits specifically detect exogenous elements and events in crops at the molecular level.
- Bt
- bar
- hpt
- CaMV 35S
- FMV 35S
- nos
Users — regulators: food & drug administration, customs and border inspection, agricultural research institutes. Industry: food manufacturers, feed producers, third-party testing laboratories. Event-specific kits (soybean, maize, canola) on request.
Instrument: Genchek fluorescence analyzer · Technology: RAA (Recombinase-Aided Amplification) · Format: lyophilised, 24 tests per kit · Time to result 5–15 min · Simple two-step operation. All kits are for research use only.
Discuss your applicationFrom first question to custom target.
Our R&D team answers every product question with patient explanation and demonstration, and stays with you after delivery.
Technical support
Consultation, technical documentation, training and demonstration for every product. Assay protocols, instrument compatibility notes and IFUs are provided with each kit.
After-sales service
Good after-sales service earns customer trust. If a problem arises, our engineers respond promptly and resolve issues remotely by email or phone, with long-term technical documentation and support.
Custom assay development
RAA is a versatile, portable rapid-testing platform that can replace LAMP or PCR in many workflows. We develop custom RAA assays for new targets and offer OEM supply under strategic agreements with partner organisations.
An R&D-driven biotechnology company 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 (meat authentication) series, the foodborne pathogen series and the GMO ingredient series. Other application areas include environmental monitoring, aquaculture pathogen detection and animal disease detection. ZC Bioscience has signed strategic cooperation agreements with government institutions and research organisations across several fields to co-develop RAA-based detection kits.
Notes from the field.
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2017-09-11
Literature | Rapid Nucleic Acid Amplification by Recombinase-Aided Amplification
In-vitro rapid nucleic acid amplification allows trace nucleic acids to be amplified efficiently and quickly. Since its introduction it has been widely used in molecular biology and beyond and continually improved. Recombinase-aided amplification is an isothermal method for rapid in-vitro amplification developed on the basis of existing amplification principles.
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2017-09-11
Explainer | Recombinase-Aided Rapid Nucleic Acid Amplification
Recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) is an isothermal in-vitro amplification technology built on established nucleic acid amplification principles. RAA uses a recombinase, single-stranded DNA-binding protein and DNA polymerase in place of the thermal denaturation cycle of conventional PCR, achieving rapid amplification at a constant 37 °C.
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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, jointly 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. Over 30 exhibitors and 300+ laboratory professionals attended.
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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. ZC Bioscience will attend and exhibit in Shanghai.
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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 with a portable rapid-testing case combining RAA kits and the Genchek analyzer.
Request a quote.
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