SpeciesPrimer

SpeciesPrimer designs qPCR primers for detection and quantification of bacterial species in complex ecosystems such as fermented foods.

Key Features:

• Automated High-Throughput Screening: Automates identification of target-specific nucleotide sequences suitable for primer binding.
• Species-Specific Primer Design: Designs primers tailored to specific bacterial species, demonstrated for Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Pediococcus pentosaceus.
• In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation: Supports in silico and in vitro evaluation of primers for inclusivity, exclusivity, and amplification efficiency.

Scientific Applications:

• Microbial Quantification in Complex Systems: Quantification of bacterial species within complex microbial communities using qPCR as an alternative to culture-based methods.
• Quality Control in Fermented Foods: Monitoring bacterial populations that affect the quality and safety of fermented products such as cheese.

Methodology:

Automated screening identifies species-specific target regions; primers are designed and optimized for specificity and efficiency under identical PCR conditions; designed primers undergo in silico evaluation for inclusivity, exclusivity, and amplification efficiency.