Isothermal nucleic acid detection. Results in 5–15 minutes.

RAA (Recombinase-Aided Amplification) runs at a constant 37–42 °C with no thermal cycler. Lyophilised reagents, a portable fluorescence analyzer and a two-step workflow bring molecular testing to the field.

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Eight-tube strip of lyophilised RAA reagent pellets

Lyophilised RAA reagent · 8-tube strip

5–15 min

Fluorescence result, read in real time

37–42 °C

Constant temperature, no thermal cycler

Products across 5 categories (RUO)

2-step

Extract, then add sample to the dry pellet

RAA Technology

Recombinase-Aided Amplification: an isothermal alternative to PCR

RAA is the isothermal amplification platform behind every ZC Bioscience reagent. All kits are developed and manufactured in-house and supplied as ready-to-use lyophilised pellets.

How it works

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. All reaction components are pre-mixed and lyophilised in the tube: simply add Buffer A, Buffer B and the extracted sample DNA.

RAA can in principle be multiplexed: two or more primer pairs in one reaction amplify several targets simultaneously in a single tube, saving reagents and cost.

Rendering of a DNA double helix — Target recognition by the recombinase–primer complex is sequence-specific; amplification proceeds at 37–39 °C (optimum) within a 30–42 °C window.

Six advantages

Simple operation

Molecular-level testing that does not require specialist staff. Two-step workflow: extract, then add sample to the reagent tube.

Fast

Results in 5–15 minutes; truly rapid testing without compromising the molecular readout.

Accurate

High sensitivity and specificity; precise recognition of the target sequence by the recombinase–primer complex.

Portable

Compact instruments suited to harsh field conditions and on-site inspection.

Isothermal

Runs at 30–42 °C; no thermal cycler or other expensive equipment required. A heat block, water bath or incubator is enough for gel-readout kits.

Lyophilised

Reagents supplied as freeze-dried pellets: ready to use, easy to ship, no pipetting loss, and free from freeze–thaw damage.

Platform comparison

RAA vs PCR vs LAMP

Comparison values as published on the ZC Bioscience technology page. Performance depends on assay design, sample matrix and instrument.
Parameter	RAA	PCR	LAMP
Enzymes	Recombinase, single-stranded DNA-binding protein, strand-displacing DNA polymerase	Taq DNA polymerase	Strand-displacing DNA polymerase
Reaction temperature	37–39 °C, constant	High temperature, thermal cycling	60–65 °C, constant
Reaction time	15 min	1.5 h	40 min
Primer pairs	1	1	2
Reagent format	Lyophilised pellet	Liquid	Liquid
Readout	Gel electrophoresis; real-time fluorescence; lateral-flow strip	Gel electrophoresis; real-time fluorescence	Visual turbidity
Typical drawback	—	Slow; requires a thermal cycler	Aerosol contamination, false positives

Products

29 products in five categories

RAA core amplification kits, a portable fluorescence analyzer, rapid extraction reagents, a food-safety molecular detection series and a fully automated sample-in/result-out system. All reagents are for research use only (RUO). No list prices: every product is quoted individually.

RAA Core Amplification Kits (Enzyme Reagents)

Universal RAA chemistries for your own primers and probes. Rapid: 30 min at 30–42 °C (optimum 37–39 °C) yields a gel-detectable product. Sensitive: over 10⁷-fold amplification of the target. Primers 30–35 bp, probes 46–52 bp. 48 tests/kit, 50 µL reactions, lyophilised; store at −20 °C, 12 months.

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Gloved hand holding an eight-tube RAA reagent strip

Cat. No. S001ZC

RAA Basic Nucleic Acid Amplification Kit (DNA, gel readout) (RUO)

Rapid amplification of DNA at 37 °C; product confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Heat block, water bath or incubator.

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Cat. No. S002ZC

RAA Fluorescent Nucleic Acid Amplification Kit (DNA, real-time) (RUO)

Real-time monitoring on the Genchek analyzer or standard real-time instruments; 5–20 min. Exonuclease-cleaved probe readout.

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Cat. No. S003ZC

RT-RAA Basic Nucleic Acid Amplification Kit (RNA, gel readout) (RUO)

RNA is first reverse-transcribed, then amplified at 37 °C; gel readout.

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Cat. No. S004ZC

RT-RAA Fluorescent Nucleic Acid Amplification Kit (RNA, real-time) (RUO)

Reverse transcription plus real-time RAA; 5–20 min on Genchek or standard real-time instruments.

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Cat. No. S005ZC

RAA-nfo Nucleic Acid Amplification Kit (Lateral-Flow Strip, DNA) (RUO)

39 °C isothermal amplification; dual-labelled amplicon read on a universal nucleic acid lateral-flow strip.

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Cat. No. S006ZC

RT-RAA-nfo Nucleic Acid Amplification Kit (Lateral-Flow Strip, RNA) (RUO)

42 °C isothermal amplification of RNA targets; strip readout, no instrument required.

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Genchek Isothermal Fluorescence Analyzer

An integrated, portable analyzer for on-site and mobile testing. Built-in reagent mixing, fully matched to RAA reagents; dual fluorescence channels (FAM & ROX); automatic data analysis and report generation with multiple export routes. All assays run under one software interface.

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Instrument · 8 wells × 2 channels · up to 16 targets per run

Genchek Isothermal Fluorescence Analyzer

Throughput: 8 wells, FAM & ROX. Real-time fluorescence curves. Easy to learn, quick to run. Smart reporting with automatic analysis.

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Specifications

Throughput8 wells

Fluorescence channelsFAM / ROX

Temperature rangeAmbient to 65 °C

Temperature accuracy±0.5 °C

Net weight3.8 kg

Dimensions (L×W×H)255 × 240 × 123 mm

Power120 W · AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz

Operating systemOPENRTOS

Operating environment5–35 °C, 20–80 % RH

Storage environment−20 to 55 °C, <90 % RH

Assay menu: 25+ RAA assays across animal species, foodborne pathogens and GMO elements (see Food Safety Detection Series). ZC reagents are also compatible with standard real-time PCR instruments (ABI, MJ, Roche, Bioer series).

Rapid Nucleic Acid Extraction Kits

Purpose-built front ends that yield RAA-ready nucleic acid in 5–25 minutes. No hazardous solvents; low cross-contamination risk. Store at room temperature, dry; 12 months.

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Cat. No. ND01ZC · 50 preps

Rapid DNA Extraction Reagent (heat lysis) (RUO)

5 min genomic DNA from animal tissue, blood, meat products, plant tissue, seeds and bacteria. No organic extraction, no ethanol precipitation.

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Cat. No. ND02ZC · 50 preps

Universal Rapid DNA Extraction Kit (Spin Column) (RUO)

Lyse–bind–wash–elute in 15 min. Animal tissue, cells, bacteria, saliva, blood, swabs, faeces, bone, feed.

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Cat. No. ND03ZC · 50 preps

Universal Rapid RNA Extraction Kit (Spin Column) (RUO)

Four steps, 10 min, high-quality RNA from animal tissue, cells, saliva, blood, swabs and faeces.

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Cat. No. ND06ZC · 96 preps

Magnetic-Bead DNA Extraction Pre-filled Plate (RUO)

For automated magnetic-bead extractors; 25 min. Nano-magnetic-bead purification for food safety, environmental microbiology, livestock and molecular biology research.

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Food Safety Molecular Detection Series

17 RAA fluorescent kits with catalogue numbers, in two groups, plus GMO element kits. Shared format: 24 tests/kit, lyophilised, result read from the amplification curve in 5–15 min at 30–42 °C (optimum 37–39 °C). Compatible with Genchek-I/II and standard real-time PCR instruments. Store at −20 °C, 6 months.

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10 Animal-species (meat authentication) kits · A101–A110 · LOD 1 % (w/w)

A101ZC · A102ZC · A103ZC

Chicken · Duck · Pork-Derived Ingredient Molecular Detection Kits (RAA, Fluorescent) (RUO)

Species-specific gene fragment; no cross-reaction observed with other common species; detects different breeds of the target species.

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A104ZC · A105ZC · A107ZC

Bovine · Ovine/Caprine · Horse-Derived Ingredient Molecular Detection Kits (RAA, Fluorescent) (RUO)

For animal tissue, blood, foods, meat products (incl. processed meat) and feed.

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A106ZC · A108ZC · A109ZC

Rat · Mink · Fox-Derived Ingredient Molecular Detection Kits (RAA, Fluorescent) (RUO)

For meat products, fresh and processed. Result read directly from the amplification curve; no electrophoresis.

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A110ZC

Donkey-Derived Ingredient Molecular Detection Kit (RAA, Fluorescent) (RUO)

For animal tissue, blood, foods, meat products and feed. Completes the ten-species panel.

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7 Foodborne pathogen kits · B201–B207 · LOD 10³ cfu/mL

B201ZC · B202ZC

Staphylococcus aureus · Salmonella Molecular Detection Kits (RAA, Fluorescent) (RUO)

Qualitative detection in foods, cosmetics and disposable hygiene products (S. aureus) and foods (Salmonella).

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B203ZC · B204ZC

Pseudomonas aeruginosa · Listeria monocytogenes Molecular Detection Kits (RAA, Fluorescent) (RUO)

Water and beverages (P. aeruginosa); foods including chilled products (L. monocytogenes).

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B205ZC · B206ZC

Haemolytic Streptococcus · Vibrio parahaemolyticus Molecular Detection Kits (RAA, Fluorescent) (RUO)

Foods, cosmetics and hygiene products; fish, shrimp, crab, shellfish, seaweed and other seafood.

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B207ZC

Shigella Molecular Detection Kit (RAA, Fluorescent) (RUO)

Qualitative detection of Shigella in foods. Method reference: GB 4789 series / SN/T.

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+ GMO element kits (RAA, Fluorescent) (RUO) · 24 tests/kit · availability on request

hpt Gene Detection KitBt Gene Detection Kitnos Terminator Detection KitCaMV 35S Promoter Detection KitFMV 35S Promoter Detection Kitbar Gene Detection Kit

Ask about GMO screening

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 report generation.

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Product image available on request

Instrument · 1 sample per run · ~30 min · FAM / ROX

Genchek Fully Automated Isothermal Nucleic Acid Detection System

Hands-off: load the sample and the system does the rest. Real-time detection and smart reporting with multiple export routes.

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Specifications

Run time~30 min, sample-in/result-out

Sample throughput1

Fluorescence channelsFAM / ROX

Interface7-inch colour touchscreen

UV lamp · Air purificationYes · Yes

Weight16 kg

Dimensions (L×W×H)260 × 325 × 420 mm

Power221 W · AC 220 V, 50 Hz

Operating environment20–30 °C, 20–80 % RH

Storage environment−20 to 55 °C, 10–90 % RH

Pipetting, <15 µLAccuracy >98 %, CV <5 %

Pipetting, 15–50 µL / >50 µLAccuracy >98.5 % / >99 %, CV <3 % / <1.2 %

Need an RAA assay for a target we do not list?

We develop custom RAA assays and supply core chemistries for OEM programmes. Tell us the target and the sample matrix.

Discuss a Custom Assay See Services

Solutions

Three food-safety workflows on one platform

Meat species authentication, foodborne pathogen detection and GMO screening share the same reagent format, the same Genchek analyzer and the same 5–15 minute readout.

Meat species authentication

Animal-Derived Ingredient Detection

As price gaps between meats widen, species substitution and adulteration are increasingly common. RAA-based species kits detect species-specific genes, identifying meat origin at the molecular level with no cross-reaction between species. For animal tissue, blood, foods, meat products (incl. processed meat) and feed.

10 targets

ChickenPorkDuckBeefSheep/goatRatHorseMinkFoxDonkey

Sensitivity1 % adulterated meat (w/w)

Time to result5–15 minutes

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Laboratory technician transferring a sample into a culture dish

Foodborne pathogens

Foodborne Pathogen Detection

In China, pathogenic bacteria account for an estimated 40–50 % of reported foodborne-illness cases each year. RAA pathogen kits combine multi-channel detection, short run times and high sensitivity, raising throughput and moving food-safety warnings earlier. For foods, beverages, cosmetics and seafood.

9 targets

Staphylococcus aureusSalmonellaPseudomonas aeruginosaListeria monocytogenesHaemolytic StreptococcusVibrio parahaemolyticusShigellaE. coli O157:H7Vibrio cholerae

Limit of detection10³ cfu/mL

Method referenceGB 4789 series; SN/T

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GMO screening

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-based GMO kits specifically detect exogenous elements and events in crops, identifying GM material at the molecular level.

6 screening elements

BtbarhptCaMV 35S promoterFMV 35S promoternos terminator

Also availableEvent-specific kits (soybean, maize, canola)

Time to result5–15 minutes

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Typical users: food and agricultural regulators, customs and border inspection, livestock authorities, agricultural research institutes, public-health laboratories, food, feed, cosmetics and dietary-supplement manufacturers, and third-party testing laboratories. All kits are for research use only.

Services

Technical support, after-sales and custom development

Our R&D team answers every product question with patient explanation and demonstration, and provides long-term technical documentation and support.

Technical services

Consultation, technical documentation, training and demonstration. Example workflow (animal-species assay): weigh 50 mg sample into the extraction solution, 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; run on Genchek; result in 5–15 min.

After-sales support

Good after-sales service earns customer trust. Our engineers respond promptly and resolve issues remotely by email, online or by phone; where an on-site visit is needed we dispatch an engineer and agree the arrival time with you. Support hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00 (UTC+8).

Custom assay development & OEM

RAA is a versatile, portable rapid-testing platform for foodborne pathogens, meat adulteration, GMO screening, aquaculture and animal disease and more. We develop custom RAA assays for new targets, and supply core chemistries and lyophilised formats for OEM programmes.

Company

Hangzhou ZC Bio-Sci & Tech Co., Ltd.

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) molecular detection series, the foodborne pathogen molecular detection series and the GMO ingredient molecular detection 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. We remain committed to advancing RAA technology and delivering rapid-testing products and services that are fast, accurate and easy to use.

500 m²

Laboratory space, plus 400 m² of offices

RMB 12M+

Installed laboratory equipment

90 %+

R&D team holding master's degrees or higher

5050

Hangzhou Binjiang District "5050 Talent Program"; key enterprise cultivated by the district

ZC Bioscience laboratory with benchtop instruments — Molecular laboratory

Scientist working at a laboratory bench — Sample preparation

Technician working in a clean bench — Clean-bench operation

Office corridor at ZC Bioscience — Offices, Tianhe Hi-Tech Park

News

Latest from ZC Bioscience

Visitors at the ZC Bioscience exhibition table

Event22 July 2017

Highlights | RAA Technology Debuts at the Food Microbiology Detection & Control Exchange

On 20–22 July 2017 the 7th Food Microbiology Detection & Control Technology Exchange was held in Shanghai, co-hosted by the Agro-product Safety Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine and the Analytical Microbiology Committee of the Chinese Society for Microbiology, and organised by Foodmate. The meeting ran 17 themed sessions with over 30 exhibitors and 300+ laboratory professionals attending.

11 Sep 2017

Explainer

Recombinase-Aided Rapid Nucleic Acid Amplification

In vitro nucleic acid amplification lets trace amounts of nucleic acid be amplified efficiently and rapidly. RAA replaces the thermal-cycling denaturation of conventional PCR with a recombinase, single-stranded DNA-binding protein and DNA polymerase, achieving rapid amplification at a constant 37 °C.

11 Sep 2017

Literature

Rapid Nucleic Acid Amplification by Recombinase-Aided Amplification

Since its introduction, in vitro rapid amplification has been widely used in molecular biology and continuously improved. Recombinase-aided amplification is an isothermal in vitro method developed on the basis of existing amplification principles.

11 Jul 2017

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 have become focal concerns for regulators and food companies alike. ZC Bioscience will attend and exhibit at booth 24.

12 Apr 2017

Event

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; the booth drew strong visitor interest.

Contact

Request a quote or a sample protocol

Tell us the target, the sample matrix and the instrument you run. We reply within one working day (Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, UTC+8).

Headquarters: Tianhe Hi-Tech Park, Bldg 5, 688 Bin'an Rd, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310052, China
Email: zcsw2017@163.com
Telephone: +86 571 8861 9668
Company: Hangzhou ZC Bio-Sci&Tech Co. Ltd — brand "ZC Bioscience"