Medix Biochemica’s Polymerase Library for Custom Solutions

When developing molecular tests using polymerase chain reaction or similar techniques, precision matters. But finding the perfect-fit polymerase for your tests can be difficult. Arielle Bryan, PhD, Scientific Business Specialist at MDx, Medix Biochemica, explains how the company's polymerase library solves this challenge.¹

1. Why is precision so important when developing molecular tests?  Precision is crucial because even the smallest variation in the test result can lead to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment decisions. In molecular diagnostics, achieving high sensitivity and specificity is essential for reliable test results. This is especially important in areas like infectious disease diagnostics, where early and accurate detection can significantly impact patient outcomes.1   2. What makes finding the right polymerase for molecular tests challenging?  The right polymerase needs to be highly efficient, stable and adaptable to various conditions (such as temperature, pH or the presence of inhibitors).1 But, unfortunately, not all polymerases perform equally well across different applications.

Arielle Bryan - PhD, Scientific Business Specialist at MDx, Medix Biochemica

Read more about the diagnostics challenge of matching polymerases to assays: Enzymes Designed for Your Assay

Manufacturers must therefore ensure that the enzyme chosen performs consistently and accurately, which can be a challenge due to the variation in sample type, purity and target sequence and abundance. This is particularly important when designing assays that incorporate multiple targets to make sure the assay is not biased to one target in the multiplexed reaction.¹

3. How does Medix Biochemica’s polymerase library address these challenges? 

Our polymerase library offers a curated selection of enzyme mutants designed to meet the specific needs of molecular tests. These enzymes are specifically chosen for their innate characteristics (like fidelity, thermostability, or strand invasion capability) and can then be tailored via directed evolution or targeted engineering to improve on the traits that are essential for a specific assay. This is especially important for assays that involve:¹

• multiplexing viral targets,
• point-of-care nucleic acid detection, 
• amplification from crude or minimally processed samples, or
• high-speed PCR.

But it’s not just the polymerase or its variant that contributes to a tailored solution. The buffer plays a critical role too, by maintaining a stable pH and providing components that can support or improve the polymerase’s performance. Sometimes the buffer influences the performance of the assay more than the polymerase itself does.^1,3

Medix Biochemica brings strong expertise in buffer optimization. Together, an engineered polymerase and a finely tuned buffer make a powerful combination.¹ 

4. How does Medix Biochemica differ from other enzyme suppliers? 

Unlike standard enzyme offerings, we don’t just supply enzymes off the shelf. Our R&D experts work closely with assay developers in IVD to understand their exact needs, modifying and developing polymerases and buffers tailored to specific applications. This collaborative approach allows us to provide more than just a product. We provide custom solutions that enhance test performance and ensure optimal results.¹ 

5. What are some specific applications where Medix Biochemica’s polymerases excel? 

Our polymerases excel in applications where inhibitor tolerance, robust performance and workflow efficiency are critical. Due to their high inhibitor resistance, these polymerases can be particularly well-suited to challenging sample types, and our lyo-ready mixes streamline assay development and manufacturing so that the ability to freeze dry the finished assay is built in from the start.¹

We also offer the notable Volcano product line of engineered Taq polymerases, which have reverse transcriptase (RT) activity, enabling thermostable reverse transcription. This combines the benefits of Taq’s stability with RT functionality, an advantage for RT-polymerase chain reaction and other advanced molecular diagnostic applications.¹

6. How do custom solutions from Medix Biochemica contribute to innovation in molecular testing?

By collaborating directly with test developers, we enable them to push the boundaries of what’s possible with molecular diagnostics.¹ 

Custom polymerase solutions allow for more innovative approaches, whether those involve improving test accuracy and speed in challenging environments or developing entirely new diagnostic platforms. This flexibility empowers manufacturers to create cutting-edge tests that meet the ever-evolving demands of the industry.¹

7. What impact does working with Medix Biochemica have on test developers?

Test developers benefit from access to high-quality, tailor-made polymerases that improve the reliability and performance of their tests. This reduces development time and costs, while simultaneously enhancing the overall quality of their molecular diagnostic products.¹ 

With Medix Biochemica as a partner, developers can focus on innovation, knowing they have a trusted enzyme provider who can support them every step of the way.¹

Browse our molecular reagents catalog to learn more:

References:

1. Expert interview. Arielle Bryan. PhD, Scientific Business Specialist, MDx, Medix Biochemica. June 2025.
2. MedixMDx: Advanced molecular diagnostics. Medix Biochemica. Accessed 23 June 2025. https://www.medixbiochemica.com/mdx.
3. Expert opinion. Rob Thompson. Glocal Project Manager, Medix Biochemica. June 2025.