Using the Taguchi method for rapid quantitative PCR optimization with SYBR Green I.

Here, we applied the Taguchi method, an engineering optimization process, to successfully determine the optimal conditions for three SYBR Green I-based quantitative PCR assays. This method balanced the effects of all factors and their associated levels by using an orthogonal array rather than a factorial array. Instead of running 27 experiments with the conventional factorial method, the Taguchi method achieved the same optimal conditions using only nine experiments, saving valuable resources.