MIRA, Isothermal Amplification Vs. PCR: Key Differences in Molecular Diagnostics : Feb 10, 2026 View: 134 Leave a message In the field of molecular diagnostics, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has long been regarded as the gold standard for nucleic acid detection. In recent years, isothermal amplification technologies, represented by recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), have gained increasing attention due to their speed, simplicity, and suitability for on-site testing. Although both PCR and RPA are nucleic acid amplification methods, they differ significantly in working principles, equipment requirements, and application scenarios, making each technology suitable for different diagnostic needs. 1. Core Principles: Thermal Cycling vs. Constant-Temperature Amplification PCR is a biochemical process capable of amplifying a single DNA molecule into millions of copies within a short period of time. The reaction relies on repeated thermal cycling and consists of three main steps: 1.Denaturation (90–95 °C) – Double-stranded DNA is separated into single strands. 2.Annealing (55–65 °C) – Primers bind to the target sequences. 3.Extension (72 °C) – DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands. Through these temperature-controlled cycles, target DNA is amplified exponentially with high precision. However, PCR requires complex thermal cycling instruments and typically takes 1–2 hours to complete. 
In contrast, RPA operates at a constant temperature of 37–42 °C, enabling rapid nucleic acid amplification without thermal cycling. The technology relies on the coordinated action of recombinase proteins, single-stranded DNA-binding proteins, and strand-displacing DNA polymerase to achieve highly specific target amplification under isothermal conditions. The DNA polymerase used in RPA has strand displacement activity but lacks 5'→3' exonuclease activity. During amplification, outer primers extend along the template strand. When they encounter double-stranded regions synthesized from inner primers, the polymerase cannot degrade the downstream strand and instead displaces it, generating new amplification products. 
The entire reaction is completed under constant temperature, eliminating the need for complex instrumentation and enabling true point-of-care and field-based testing. By incorporating reverse transcriptase, RPA can also be applied to RNA target detection. Amplification results can be analyzed using multiple readout formats, including endpoint detection, real-time fluorescence monitoring, lateral flow assays, and can be further integrated with CRISPR-Cas systems, microfluidics, or next-generation sequencing (NGS) for advanced assay development. Application Scenarios: Laboratory Precision vs. On-Site Rapid Testing PCR has become one of the most valuable molecular diagnostic technologies and remains the gold standard for nucleic acid testing. Thanks to its high accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and scalability, PCR is widely used in clinical diagnostics, centralized laboratories, research institutions, and large-scale screening programs, where infrastructure and trained personnel are readily available. RPA, on the other hand, offers clear advantages in rapid, on-site diagnostics. With amplification completed in as little as 20 minutes, minimal equipment requirements, and simple operation, RPA is ideally suited for. - Primary healthcare and emergency settings
- Customs and border inspection
- Field screening of animal and plant diseases
- Environmental and food safety testing
When combined with portable devices and lateral flow strips, RPA enables fast and reliable molecular testing outside traditional laboratories. 
MIRA (Multienzyme Isothermal Rapid Amplification) is Amp Future's proprietary isothermal amplification technology. It belongs to the same technical family as RPA and is inspired by natural DNA recombination and repair mechanisms, utilizing multiple functional enzymes to achieve rapid nucleic acid amplification under constant temperature. 
MIRA employs a coordinated system of five key enzymes, including helicase, recombinase, single-stranded DNA-binding protein, and DNA polymerase, to enable: - Wide operating temperature range: 25 °C–45 °C
- Rapid amplification: results within 20 minutes
- High sensitivity and specificity
- Enhanced safety and reduced contamination risk
MIRA is a nucleic acid amplification technology specifically designed for true on-site and point-of-care testing. Building on the MIRA platform, Amp Future has developed a comprehensive portfolio of products for rapid molecular POCT, including: 
Rapid Nucleic Acid Release Agent: Amplifiable nucleic acid is obtained within 5 minutes at room temperature; low inhibition, allowing for full sample loading of up to 50 μL; room temperature transport and storage, no light protection required. Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification Reagent: Amplification completed in 5-20 minutes, rapid and efficient; various reagent forms (lyophilized powder, lyophilized microspheres, etc.); various result presentation methods (electrophoresis, fluorescence, test strips). Miniaturized Portable Devices: Digital isothermal detectors, pocket-sized testing tools, easily held in one hand, equipped with a power bank, freeing you from the constraints of the laboratory and bringing accurate nucleic acid testing to the field. Single/Multiple Test Strips: Optimized based on the MIRA methodology for better compatibility; combined with MIRA technology, highlighting convenience. Fully Automated Nucleic Acid Amplification Analyzer: Requires only one sample loading operation for fully automated detection; detection limit down to single copy; isothermal amplification and automatic capping reduce the risk of contamination. On-Site Rapid Testing package: On-the-spot testing, anytime, anywhere, all in one package; completes testing in 30 minutes, accurate and sensitive. For more product information or solutions, please feel free to contact us. | 
Traditional qPCR gives you reliable results—but it takes 1.5–2 hours, requires complex thermal cycling, and ties you to the lab.
MIRA changes the game.
✅ 20 minutes to result
✅ 39–42°C isothermal — no thermal cycler needed
✅ Freeze-dried reagents, room temp storage
✅ Lab-grade sensitivity (as low as 1–5 copies/μL)
Same accuracy. Faster results. Field-ready.
That’s the power of MIRA (Multienzyme Isothermal Rapid Amplification) from AMP-FUTURE BIOTECH.
MIRA, Isothermal Amplification Vs. PCR: Key Differences in Molecular Diagnostics : Feb 10, 2026 View: 134 Leave a message
In the field of molecular diagnostics, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has long been regarded as the gold standard for nucleic acid detection. In recent years, isothermal amplification technologies, represented by recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), have gained increasing attention due to their speed, simplicity, and suitability for on-site testing.
Although both PCR and RPA are nucleic acid amplification methods, they differ significantly in working principles, equipment requirements, and application scenarios, making each technology suitable for different diagnostic needs.
1. Core Principles: Thermal Cycling vs. Constant-Temperature Amplification
PCR is a biochemical process capable of amplifying a single DNA molecule into millions of copies within a short period of time. The reaction relies on repeated thermal cycling and consists of three main steps:
1.Denaturation (90–95 °C) – Double-stranded DNA is separated into single strands.
2.Annealing (55–65 °C) – Primers bind to the target sequences.
3.Extension (72 °C) – DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands.
Through these temperature-controlled cycles, target DNA is amplified exponentially with high precision. However, PCR requires complex thermal cycling instruments and typically takes 1–2 hours to complete.
In contrast, RPA operates at a constant temperature of 37–42 °C, enabling rapid nucleic acid amplification without thermal cycling. The technology relies on the coordinated action of recombinase proteins, single-stranded DNA-binding proteins, and strand-displacing DNA polymerase to achieve highly specific target amplification under isothermal conditions.
The DNA polymerase used in RPA has strand displacement activity but lacks 5'→3' exonuclease activity. During amplification, outer primers extend along the template strand. When they encounter double-stranded regions synthesized from inner primers, the polymerase cannot degrade the downstream strand and instead displaces it, generating new amplification products.
The entire reaction is completed under constant temperature, eliminating the need for complex instrumentation and enabling true point-of-care and field-based testing. By incorporating reverse transcriptase, RPA can also be applied to RNA target detection.
Amplification results can be analyzed using multiple readout formats, including endpoint detection, real-time fluorescence monitoring, lateral flow assays, and can be further integrated with CRISPR-Cas systems, microfluidics, or next-generation sequencing (NGS) for advanced assay development.
Application Scenarios: Laboratory Precision vs. On-Site Rapid Testing
PCR has become one of the most valuable molecular diagnostic technologies and remains the gold standard for nucleic acid testing.
Thanks to its high accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and scalability, PCR is widely used in clinical diagnostics, centralized laboratories, research institutions, and large-scale screening programs, where infrastructure and trained personnel are readily available.
RPA, on the other hand, offers clear advantages in rapid, on-site diagnostics. With amplification completed in as little as 20 minutes, minimal equipment requirements, and simple operation, RPA is ideally suited for.
When combined with portable devices and lateral flow strips, RPA enables fast and reliable molecular testing outside traditional laboratories.
MIRA (Multienzyme Isothermal Rapid Amplification) is Amp Future's proprietary isothermal amplification technology. It belongs to the same technical family as RPA and is inspired by natural DNA recombination and repair mechanisms, utilizing multiple functional enzymes to achieve rapid nucleic acid amplification under constant temperature.
MIRA employs a coordinated system of five key enzymes, including helicase, recombinase, single-stranded DNA-binding protein, and DNA polymerase, to enable:
MIRA is a nucleic acid amplification technology specifically designed for true on-site and point-of-care testing.
Building on the MIRA platform, Amp Future has developed a comprehensive portfolio of products for rapid molecular POCT, including:
Rapid Nucleic Acid Release Agent:
Amplifiable nucleic acid is obtained within 5 minutes at room temperature; low inhibition, allowing for full sample loading of up to 50 μL; room temperature transport and storage, no light protection required.
Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification Reagent:
Amplification completed in 5-20 minutes, rapid and efficient; various reagent forms (lyophilized powder, lyophilized microspheres, etc.); various result presentation methods (electrophoresis, fluorescence, test strips).
Miniaturized Portable Devices:
Digital isothermal detectors, pocket-sized testing tools, easily held in one hand, equipped with a power bank, freeing you from the constraints of the laboratory and bringing accurate nucleic acid testing to the field.
Single/Multiple Test Strips:
Optimized based on the MIRA methodology for better compatibility; combined with MIRA technology, highlighting convenience.
Fully Automated Nucleic Acid Amplification Analyzer:
Requires only one sample loading operation for fully automated detection; detection limit down to single copy; isothermal amplification and automatic capping reduce the risk of contamination.
On-Site Rapid Testing package:
On-the-spot testing, anytime, anywhere, all in one package; completes testing in 30 minutes, accurate and sensitive.
For more product information or solutions, please feel free to contact us.
분자 진단 분야에서 **중합효소 연쇄 반응(PCR)**은 오랫동안 핵산 검출의 '골드 스탠다드(표준)'로 여겨져 왔습니다. 하지만 최근 몇 년 사이, **리콤비네이스 중합효소 증폭(RPA)**으로 대표되는 등온 증폭 기술이 그 신속함과 간편함, 그리고 현장 진단(On-site testing)에 적합한 특성 덕분에 점점 더 많은 주목을 받고 있습니다.
PCR과 RPA는 모두 핵산 증폭 방식이지만, 작동 원리, 장비 요구 사항 및 적용 시나리오에서 큰 차이를 보이며 각각 서로 다른 진단 요구에 부합합니다.
1. 핵심 원리: 열 순환(Thermal Cycling) vs. 정온 증폭(Constant-Temperature Amplification)
PCR (중합효소 연쇄 반응)
PCR은 단일 DNA 분자를 짧은 시간 내에 수백만 배로 증폭할 수 있는 생화학적 과정입니다. 이 반응은 반복적인 열 순환에 의존하며, 다음과 같은 세 가지 주요 단계로 구성됩니다.
변성 (Denaturation, 90–95 °C): 이중 가닥 DNA가 단일 가닥으로 분리됩니다.
어닐링 (Annealing, 55–65 °C): 프라이머가 표적 염기서열에 결합합니다.
신장 (Extension, 72 °C): DNA 중합효소가 새로운 DNA 가닥을 합성합니다.
이러한 정밀한 온도 조절 주기를 통해 표적 DNA를 기하급수적으로 증폭합니다. 그러나 PCR은 복잡한 열 순환 기기가 필요하며, 완료까지 보통 1~2시간이 소요됩니다.
RPA (리콤비네이스 중합효소 증폭)
반면, RPA는 37–42 °C의 일정한 온도에서 작동하여 열 순환 없이도 신속한 핵산 증폭을 가능하게 합니다. 이 기술은 리콤비네이스 단백질, 단일 가닥 DNA 결합 단백질(SSB), 가닥 치환 DNA 중합효소의 협동 작용을 통해 등온 조건에서 높은 특이도로 표적을 증폭합니다.
작동 방식: RPA에 사용되는 DNA 중합효소는 '가닥 치환' 활성을 가지고 있지만, 5'→3' 엑소뉴클레아제 활성은 없습니다. 증폭 과정에서 외부 프라이머가 템플릿 가닥을 따라 연장되다가 내부 프라이머에서 합성된 이중 가닥 영역을 만나면, 중합효소는 하류 가닥을 분해하는 대신 밀어내며(치환) 새로운 증폭 산물을 생성합니다.
전체 반응이 일정한 온도에서 이루어지므로 복잡한 장비가 필요 없으며, 진정한 의미의 현장 진단(POCT) 및 야외 테스트가 가능합니다. 또한, 역전사 효소를 결합하면 RNA 표적 검출에도 적용할 수 있습니다. 증폭 결과는 최종점 검출, 실시간 형광 모니터링, 측방 유동 분석(테스트 스트립) 등 다양한 방식으로 분석할 수 있으며, CRISPR-Cas 시스템, 미세 유체 기술 또는 차세대 염기서열 분석(NGS)과 통합하여 고도화된 분석법 개발도 가능합니다.
2. 적용 시나리오: 실험실의 정밀성 vs. 현장의 신속성
PCR: 높은 정확도와 비용 효율성, 확장성 덕분에 인프라와 숙련된 인력이 갖춰진 임상 진단, 중앙 검사실, 연구 기관 및 대규모 스크리닝 프로그램에서 여전히 표준 기술로 널리 사용됩니다.
RPA: 최소 20분 내외의 빠른 증폭 시간, 최소한의 장비 요구, 간편한 조작법으로 다음과 같은 신속 현장 진단에 탁월한 강점을 보입니다.
1차 의료 기관 및 응급 상황
세관 및 국경 검역
가축 및 식물 질병의 현장 스크리닝
환경 및 식품 안전 테스트
휴대용 기기 및 테스트 스트립과 결합하면 기존 실험실 밖에서도 빠르고 신뢰할 수 있는 분자 테스트가 가능해집니다.
3. MIRA: Amp Future의 독자적인 등온 증폭 기술
**MIRA (다중효소 등온 신속 증폭)**는 Amp Future의 특허받은 등온 증폭 기술입니다. RPA와 동일한 기술군에 속하며, 자연적인 DNA 재조합 및 수선 메커니즘에서 영감을 받아 여러 기능성 효소를 활용해 정온에서 신속하게 핵산을 증폭합니다.
MIRA는 헬리케이스, 리콤비네이스, 단일 가닥 DNA 결합 단백질, DNA 중합효소 등 5가지 핵심 효소의 협동 시스템을 통해 다음과 같은 장점을 제공합니다.
넓은 작동 온도 범위: 25 °C ~ 45 °C
초고속 증폭: 20분 이내 결과 확인
높은 민감도와 특이도
향상된 안전성 및 오염 위험 감소
4. MIRA 플랫폼 기반의 제품 포트폴리오
Amp Future는 MIRA 플랫폼을 바탕으로 신속 분자 현장 진단(POCT)을 위한 종합 제품군을 개발했습니다.
신속 핵산 추출 시약: 상온에서 5분 이내에 증폭 가능한 핵산을 얻을 수 있으며, 억제제가 적어 최대 50μL까지 샘플 로딩이 가능합니다. 상온 운송 및 보관이 가능하며 차광이 필요 없습니다.
등온 핵산 증폭 시약: 5~20분 내에 증폭이 완료되는 고효율 시약으로, 동결 건조 분말 또는 마이크로스피어 등 다양한 형태와 형광, 테스트 스트립 등 다양한 결과 확인 방식을 지원합니다.
소형 휴대용 장비: 한 손에 쏙 들어오는 크기의 디지털 등온 검출기로, 보조 배터리를 사용할 수 있어 실험실의 제약 없이 현장에서 정확한 테스트를 수행할 수 있습니다.
단일/다중 테스트 스트립: MIRA 방법론에 최적화되어 호환성이 뛰어나며 사용이 매우 간편합니다.
전자동 핵산 증폭 분석기: 샘플 로딩 한 번으로 전과정 자동 검출이 가능하며, 단일 카피(Single copy) 수준의 검출 한계와 자동 캡핑 기능을 통해 오염 위험을 최소화했습니다.
현장 신속 진단 패키지: 언제 어디서나 즉시 테스트할 수 있는 올인원 패키지로, 30분 이내에 정확하고 민감한 결과를 제공합니다.
더 자세한 제품 정보나 솔루션이 필요하시면 언제든지 문의해 주시기 바랍니다.