Fluidigm Platform is a service focused on single cell studies as well as automated genomic and transcriptomic solutions offered by Fluidigm technology.

Fluidigm microfluidic technology has been used to create the integrated fluidic circuits (IFCs), which are single-use biochips that automate PCR reactions using nanoliter volumes of both samples and reagents to achieve consistent results. The Fluidigm equipment together with the IFC technology offer different applications that can be applied in several research fields

TECHNOLOGY

1. Single- cell analysis with the C1
The C1 platform is the world’s first automated solution for single cell genomics research, allowing us to discover differences in heterogeneous populations with single cell accuracy. The innovative microfluidic technology of Fluidigm isolates and captures individual cells on the C1. Cells can, then, be stained and examined by microscopy for viability, surface markers or reporter genes assessment. After staining, cells are automatically lysed and template is prepared for posterior genomic or transcriptomic analysis.

C1 lets you prepare single-cell templates for:

- mRNA sequencing
- Targeted gene expression
- miRNA expression profiling
- DNA sequencing

2. Biomark HD PCR solutions

The Biomark HD system runs IFCs in either real-time or end-point read modes, bringing PCR solutions to a range of applications.
Dynamic Array IFCs contain a matrix of channels with integrated valves that partition samples and reagents into different chambers, where individual PCR reactions take place. The 48x48 Dynamic Array combines up to 48 samples and 48 assays, generating 2304 different assays in one single run. The 96x96 Dynamic Array combines up to 96 samples and 96 assays, generating 9216 different assays. In addition, the FLEXsix IFC incorporates six 12x12 partitions that can be organized in any configuration, in up to six separate experimental runs.

2.1. Genotyping
Genotyping involves the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) variations in genomes across individual organisms.

DNA SNP genotyping on the Biomark HD Module can be performed using assays based on Fluidigm's SNPtype chemistry or Life Technologie's TaqMan® technology.

SNP genotyping PCR reactions take place on the 48x48 and 96x96 Dynamic Array IFCs or the FLEXsix IFC.

2.2. Targeted Gene Expression
Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a powerful technique for quantifying changes in gene expression by producing millions of copies of specific, targeted regions of complementary DNA (cDNA) that has been reverse transcribed from messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA).
Real-time qPCR on the Biomark HD Module can be performed using assays based on Fluidigm's DELTAgene chemistry or Life Technologie's TaqMan® dual-labeled probes technology.
Real-time qPCR reactions take place on the 48x48 and 96x96 Dynamic Array IFCs or the FLEXsix IFC.

2.3. Digital PCR
Digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) is a technique that quantifies nucleic acid sequences that are present in a DNA sample. Digital PCR typically relies on standard PCR techniques but increases their sensitivity by dividing a sample into hundreds of smaller reactions and performing a PCR assay on each sample. 
Digital PCR applications include copy number variation studies, absolute quantification, mutation detection and study of loss of heterozygosity.
Digital PCR reaction takes place on the 48x770 Digital Array IFC, which delivers high-throughput dPCR enabling 48 samples to be tested at the same time, producing 36960 individual PCR reactions simultaneously.

3. Library preparation with the Access Array
The Access Arrays system creates amplicon libraries for SNP identification, sequence variation and mutation detection. The Access Array IFC with a dynamic 48x48 matrix allows you to build libraries of 480 amplicons per sample, using multiplex primers and a tagging protocol in which primers attach sample-specific barcode sequences and sequencer-specific tags to each PCR product. Libraries can be prepared from both single cell and bulk DNA and can be run on major next-generation sequencing instruments, like the HiSeq™, MiSeq™ and Ion PGM™.