Real-Time PCR

CFX Opus
Real-Time PCR Systems

Visit bio-rad.com/CFXOpus for more information.

 CFX OPUS REAL-TIME PCR SYSTEMS

CONSISTENCY
MODERNIZED

The CFX Opus Real-Time PCR Systems are the next evolution in quantitative PCR (qPCR)
from Bio-Rad Laboratories. With improved thermal performance and our proprietary,
accurate optical shuttle system, your data will be more consistent. A sleek, modern design
includes a refreshed and easy-to-use interface with more flexible connectivity options for
data management and instrument control.

Search your mobile app store for CFX Opus to see how the system fits into your
lab using augmented reality or visit bio-rad.com/CFXOpus for links and details.

2 | BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.

HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ENTIRE GENOMICS WORKFLOW
Unlike many suppliers, Bio-Rad offers everything you need for real-time PCR experiments, from sample
preparation to data analysis. Simplify and optimize your workflow with our robust suite of reagents,
instruments, and software, so that you can get publication-quality data every time.

Cell Lysis and RNA Isolation

■ Aurum Total RNA Mini Kit

■ Aurum Total RNA 96 Kit

■ Aurum Total RNA Fatty and Fibrous Tissue Kit

■ PureZOL RNA Isolation Reagent

■ SingleShot Cell Lysis Kits

Target Selection
■ PrimePCR Assays

■ PrimePCR Pathway Panels

■ PrimePCR Custom Plates

Reaction Setup
■ SsoAdvanced Universal Supermixes

■ iTaq Universal Supermixes

■ Reliance One-Step Multiplex Supermix

■ iTaq One-Step Universal Kits

■ SingleShot Cell Lysis RT-qPCR Kits

■ iScript Reverse Transcription Supermix for RT-qPCR

■ iScript gDNA Clear cDNA Synthesis Kit

■ PCR Plastics

Detection
■ CFX Family of Real-Time PCR Systems

Analysis
■ CFX Maestro Desktop Software

■ BR.io Web-Based Cloud Platform

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC. | 3

CFX OPUS REAL-TIME PCR SYSTEMS

MODERN
CONNECTIVITY
More Connectivity Options than Ever Flexibility: Setup and Analysis Where and When You Want
Bio-Rad recognizes that you need instruments that are as Work Anywhere with the BR.io Cloud Platform
connected as you are. In addition to Ethernet connectivity, BR.io, Bio-Rad’s new cloud data management and analysis platform,
CFX Opus Systems are able to connect directly to a wireless seamlessly integrates with CFX Opus Systems to provide remote
network (WiFi) for completely wireless operation and data retrieval. setup, instrument monitoring, and data management capabilities
Need flexibility? CFX Opus Systems are capable of stand-alone without the need for an instrument-connected PC. The BR.io cloud
operation and direct data transfer to a USB memory device or can platform can be accessed from any computer using a Safari or
be connected to a PC. Chrome web browser, with no software installation required. Get the
With internet connectivity, CFX Opus Systems can be most out of your instrument by setting up experiments and retrieving
programmed to send your data and any notifications directly data remotely, minimizing time needed at the instrument. Your data
to your email, eliminating the need to check on the machine are stored securely in the cloud, where they can be viewed and
during the run. New network drive access also allows you to analyzed anywhere you have internet access.
save your data directly to your local network* for easy access CFX Maestro Software for Powerful Data Analysis
by collaborators or from other network-connected locations. For more advanced data analysis, turn to CFX Maestro Software for
CFX Real-Time PCR Systems. CFX Maestro Software is designed
CFX Opus Systems can also be linked to Bio-Rad’s
to work seamlessly with CFX Opus Systems for creation of
BR.io cloud platform, providing a modern, connected workflow
publication-quality figures and automatic statistical analysis.
for the instrument.

Email

USB Drive

BR.io Cloud
Platform

Networked
Storage

WiFi

* Network File Systems v4 and earlier.

4 | BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.

CFX OPUS REAL-TIME PCR SYSTEMS

POWERFUL
SOFTWARE

Custom data view. View and analyze the data relevant to

your needs on one screen with custom data view.

With CFX Maestro Software You Can: Precision Melt Analysis Software
■ 
Perform automatic statistical analysis in seconds — run Precision Melt Analysis Software imports and analyzes data files
t-tests or analyze your data using one-way analysis of variance generated by the CFX family of Real-Time PCR Systems to genotype
(ANOVA) with just a few mouse clicks DNA samples based on their thermal denaturation. The software can
■  xtract more meaningful information from each run —
E be used for a variety of applications, including gene variant discovery,
analyze data using bar charts, box and whisker plots, dot plots, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) screening, identification of
clustergrams, scatter plots, or volcano plots insertions, deletions, or other unknown mutations, and analysis of
methylated DNA percentage in unknown samples.
■  reate and export publication-ready graphics — annotate
C
graphs with P values, text, and arrows to call out specific data. The Security You Need
Change colors, fonts, and legends. Export graphs at any size The Security Edition of CFX Maestro Software integrates the
and resolution for presentations, posters, or publication power of CFX Opus Real-Time PCR Systems with tools that allow
■ Integrate PrimePCR Assays easily — save time with U.S. FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
predesigned and validated PrimePCR Primers and Plates. Drag Have confidence in the security of your data, thanks to:
and drop your PrimePCR worksheet into CFX Maestro Software ■  andatory password-protected login — valid Windows
M
to instantly create your plate setup. Post-run, check run quality
User Profile (local or directory) and password are required
with the PrimePCR controls analysis tool
■  ardware protection key (HASP HL key) — key must be
H
■  ork anywhere, on a PC or Mac — with both PC and Mac
W
attached to a USB port on the computer to use the software
versions of CFX Maestro, you can analyze your data on your own
computer, anytime, without the need for an internet connection
■  ile encryption — files cannot be opened or edited using
F
(Mac version is for data analysis only and does not provide other programs
instrument control) ■  utomatic file checking — integrity and validity are checked
A
■  erform further data analysis using qbase+ Software —
P each time a file is opened
CFX Maestro Software comes with a premium license for qbase+ ■  lectronic signatures — more than one electronic signature
E
Software to further enhance your data analysis capabilities can be applied to any file that can be opened with the software
■  ime- and date-stamped audit trails — read-only information
T
in the audit trail can be viewed only while the data file is open

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC. | 5

CFX OPUS REAL-TIME PCR SYSTEMS

UNIFORM
THERMAL CYCLING

Superior Uniformity
A B
We took a great block and made it even better.
The CFX Opus Systems use an improved version of

Temperature, °C
the CFX Touch Systems’ block to offer exceptional 90 90
performance and uniformity while keeping compatibility
with our consumables. With the best thermal uniformity
and accuracy Bio-Rad has ever produced, you’ll never 75 100 80 100
worry about using the block from edge to edge again, Time, sec Time, sec
even with highly sensitive assays.
Superior thermal uniformity for reproducible results. The temperature measured by probes
in 15 wells across a sample block. A, temperatures across the sample block vary by ±0.3°C
for the CFX Opus 96 and 384 Systems, an improvement of 0.1°C over B, the temperature
variability across the CFX Touch Systems’ sample block.

103

RFU

102

10
0 10 20 30 40
Cycles
Bio-Rad’s patented reduced-mass sample block heats and cools
more quickly than standard blocks, improving thermal uniformity
Excellent uniformity. IL-1b plasmid template diluted to 105 copies/reaction amplified
and minimizing edge effects.
in the presence of a FAM dye−labeled detection probe with iQ Supermix. Graph shows
96 replicates of 10 μl reactions. Average quantification cycle (Cq) = 19.81 ± 0.10.
Efficient Optimization RFU, relative fluorescence units.
Determining the optimal temperature for primer annealing
is crucial for efficient and specific target amplification.
62°C
The thermal gradient feature of the CFX Opus Systems 104 30 — SYBR® Green: E = 98.7%

allows you to optimize your assay in a single experiment,

103 25
minimizing the use of precious samples and reagents and
RFU

Cq

saving valuable research time. At any step in a protocol, 102 20

users can program a temperature gradient of up to 24°C 15

10
across the reaction block, with exceptional temperature 0 10 20 30 40
1 2 3 4 5 6
uniformity and reproducibility within each gradient zone. Cycles log starting quantity
56°C
104 30 — SYBR® Green: E = 93.6%

103 25
RFU

Cq

102 20

15
10
0 10 20 30 40
1 2 3 4 5 6
Cycles log starting quantity

Thermal gradient experiment for optimizing annealing temperature. A tenfold dilution

series (10 6 to 10 copies) of plasmid containing GAPDH template was amplified in the
presence of SYBR® Green using a protocol with an annealing thermal gradient ranging
from 55 to 68°C. Results are presented for two temperatures, showing 62°C as optimal in
this case. Cq, quantification cycle; RFU, relative fluorescence units.

6 | BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.

CFX OPUS REAL-TIME PCR SYSTEMS

ROBUST
OPTICAL DESIGN

The solid-state optical technology of the CFX Opus Systems

provides sensitive detection for precise quantification and target Discrete Channels for Multiplex Data Acquisition
discrimination. Scanning just above the sample plate, the optics Excitation Channel 1
450–490
Channel 2
515–535
Channel 3
560–590
Channel 4 Channel 5**
620–650 672–684
Reporter dye:
shuttle individually illuminates and detects fluorescence from each 1.00
FAM HEX Texas Red Cy5 Quasar 705

well with high sensitivity and consistency. In either acquisition 0.90

mode, the optical system automatically collects data from all wells, 0.80

Normalized absorbance
0.70
so you can enter or edit well information on your own schedule
0.60
without fear of losing data to annotation mistakes. 0.50
0.40
Five-Target Multiplexing* 0.30
The CFX Opus 96 System can discriminate between up to five 0.20

targets in a single reaction well. The optical filter sets are designed 0.10
0.00
to maximize fluorescence detection for specific dyes in specific 425 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 775
Wavelength, nm
channels. At every position and with every scan, the optics shuttle
Detection Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3 Channel 4 Channel 5**
is reproducibly centered above each well so the light path is always Reporter dye:
510–530 560–580
FAM HEX
610–650
Texas Red
675–690 705–730
Cy5 Quasar 705
fixed and optimal. There is no need to sacrifice data collection in 1.00

one of the channels to normalize to a passive reference. The 0.90

0.80
CFX Opus 384 System offers all of these benefits with up to four
Normalized absorbance

0.70
targets per well. 0.60
0.50
Multiple Data Acquisition Modes 0.40

The CFX Opus Systems can acquire data using several modes. 0.30

Choose to acquire data for SYBR® Green I, EvaGreen®, and 0.20

0.10
single-color FAM protocols using the fast scan mode or choose 0.00
to acquire data from all channels when performing multiplex 425 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 775
Wavelength, nm
protocols. The CFX Opus Systems include one channel with an
** C
 hannel available only on the CFX Opus 96 and CFX Opus Deepwell Systems.
LED-filter photodiode combination designated for single-color
fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments, Exceptional Performance of Five-Target Multiplex*
further expanding your experimental options. FRET mode can 40
expand your experimental options to applications such as protein
thermal shift (melt) analysis. 35
Quantification cycle (Cq)

30

25

20

15

10

–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3
log starting quantity, ng

Reporter Dye Assays Efficiency, % R2 Slope

— FAM ACTB 99.0 1.000 –3.346
— HEX NGFRP 100.5 0.999 –3.311
— Texas Red TBP 97.6 0.997 –3.382
As the CFX Opus Systems’ optics shuttle travels across the plate, light is — Cy5 EF1a 96.6 0.999 –3.406
focused into the center of each sample well. Side view of the optics shuttle shows — Cy5.5 GAPDH 96.9 1.000 –3.397
the 450–490 nm LED firing and SYBR® Green emitting at 520 nm into the detector.
The linear dynamic range in 5-plex one-step reverse transcription qPCR
(RT-qPCR) reactions. Five targets across seven orders of magnitude (1 pg to
1 μg input RNA) were amplified using Reliance One-Step Multiplex Supermix on
* Five-target multiplexing is available only for the CFX Opus 96 and CFX Opus Deepwell a CFX Opus 96 Real-Time PCR System. The results demonstrated exceptional
Systems. The CFX Opus 384 System has a maximum of four-target multiplex capability. performance with superior efficiency and linearity over a wide dynamic range.

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC. | 7

CFX OPUS REAL-TIME PCR SYSTEMS

GET THE SPECIALIZED BLOCK

FOR YOUR WORKFLOW
96 Well Deepwell
This is our most common block for Our Deepwell format is a 96-well
general throughput and maximized block with one of the largest
multiplexing. This six-LED system supported reaction volumes on
allows five channels for multiplexing the market. Its compatibility with
and an additional channel for FRET consumables is similar to our other
applications. This system works 96-well system, but its deeper wells
well for most gene expression and improve nucleic acid detection in
genotyping workflows, as well as workflows that require larger reaction
advanced applications. volumes for pooling, certain sample
prep procedures, or other specialized
protocols. The Deepwell format
384 Well can also multiplex up to five targets
For workflows utilizing small volumes simultaneously and supports FRET
and higher throughput, our 384-well applications.
system is ideal. This five-LED system
supports four-channel multiplexing
as well as FRET applications in fewer Talk to your representative about
runs than its 96-well counterpart. which format is best for you and see
our specification sheets for more
details on reaction volumes and
plastic consumables compatibility.

Ordering Information
Catalog # Description Catalog # Description
12011319 CFX Opus 96 Real-Time PCR System, includes CFX Opus 96 12004128 CFX Maestro Software Version 1.1, Mac Edition, compatible
System and communication cables. Order CFX Maestro Software with Mac OS X El Capitan and macOS Sierra, includes USB
separately installation drive, video quick guides, PDF instruction manual,
17005940 CFX Opus 96 Real-Time PCR System with Starter Package, license for qbase+ Software; does not support instrument control
includes CFX Opus 96 System, CFX Maestro Software, license for 12012832 CFX Maestro Software Version 2, Security Edition,
qbase+ Software, communication cables, reagents, consumables includes 1 user license, USB installation drive, HASP HL key
12016658  CFX Opus Deepwell Real-Time PCR System, includes CFX Opus 12013028 CFX Maestro Software Version 2, Security Edition,
Deepwell System and communication cables. Order CFX Maestro includes 5 user licenses, 5 USB installation drives, 5 HASP HL keys
Software separately
17008093  CFX Opus Deepwell Real-Time PCR System with Starter Visit bio-rad.com/CFXOpus for more information about the
Package, includes CFX Opus Deepwell System, CFX Maestro
CFX Opus Real-Time PCR Systems.
Software, license for qbase+ Software, communication cables,
reagents, consumables
12011452  CFX Opus 384 Real-Time PCR System, includes CFX Opus 384 Visit bio-rad.com/PCRplastics and bio-rad.com/PCRreagents
System and communication cables. Order CFX Maestro Software for more information about PCR consumables and reagents,
separately respectively.
17005939 CFX Opus 384 Real-Time PCR System with Starter Package,
includes CFX Opus 384 System, CFX Maestro Software, license for
qbase+ Software, communication cables, reagents, consumables
Visit BR.io for more information about the BR.io cloud platform.
12013758 CFX Maestro Software Version 2, compatible with Windows 7
BIO-RAD is a trademark of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. All trademarks used herein are the
and 10, includes USB installation drive, video quick guides,
property of their respective owner.
PDF instruction manual, license for qbase+ Software
SYBR is a trademark of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. EvaGreen is a trademark of Biotium, Inc.

Bio-Rad
Laboratories, Inc.

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