Advanced Digital PCR (dPCR) Multiplexing: Principles, Design, and Applications

This 3-day hands-on workshop offers an in-depth exploration of multiplex digital PCR (dPCR)—a cutting-edge technique for absolute quantification of nucleic acids. Participants will learn the principles of dPCR, design multiplex assays, troubleshoot experiments, and analyze real-world data using simulation tools. Applications span infectious disease diagnostics, cancer mutation detection, gene expression analysis, and more. Ideal for molecular biologists, diagnostic researchers, and biotech professionals seeking advanced skills in high-precision PCR technologies.

The aim of this workshop is to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of digital PCR (dPCR) technology, with a special emphasis on multiplex assay design, optimization, and application. Through a combination of theoretical instruction, case-based learning, and hands-on simulation, the workshop intends to enable researchers, clinicians, and molecular biologists to leverage multiplex dPCR for precise, absolute quantification of nucleic acids across a range of fields including infectious disease diagnostics, oncology, genetic mutation detection, and GMO testing.

Day 1: Fundamentals of dPCR

• Introduction to Digital PCR vs qPCR
• Principles of droplet and chip-based dPCR
• Concept of absolute quantification
• Applications overview (oncology, virology, plant biotech)

Day 2: Multiplexing Design & Optimization

• Primer/probe design strategies
• Avoiding dimer formation and spectral overlap
• Multiplex assay optimization techniques
• Hands-on software simulation: multiplex setup

Day 3: Hands-On dPCR & Data Interpretation

• Running a multiplex dPCR experiment
• Instrument calibration and loading
• Endpoint fluorescence reading and analysis
• Data interpretation, troubleshooting common issues
• Case Study: SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza co-detection