Mastercycler pro keeps the concentration

New from Eppendorf, Mastercycler^® pro introduces highly innovative vapo.protect™ technology to effectively stop evaporation during the PCR reaction. This ensures unparalleled reproducibility, specificity and speed for any PCR application in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry and cell biology.

This new high-end thermocycler for research builds on the functionalities of Eppendorf’s successful Mastercycler ep series, such as Thermal Sample Protection (TSP) heated lid, high speed heating and cooling, and the facility to upgrade to real-time PCR.

However, the main innovation is protection against evaporation, as Kay Koerner, Eppendorf AG Product Manager PCR instruments & consumables, explains: ‘Evaporation in a PCR reaction vessel leads to increasing concentrations of the master mix components, especially primers, and causes non-specific binding. To counter these problems and keep concentrations constant, Eppendorf has developed the vapo.protect fluid cushion lid for Mastercycler pro, which conforms to the exact shape of whichever PCR consumable is used. By forming a completely snug fit, mean evaporation is reduced to only 0–3%, even in problematic corner and edge wells. This is dramatically lower than evaporation rates of 30–50% for corner and edge wells using four competitor thermocyclers. Our vapo.protect technology not only maximises the reproducibility of PCR results across all wells, but facilitates valuable cost and time savings through the use of lower reaction volumes.’

Intuitive graphic programming enables even novice users to get started quickly and safely with Mastercycler pro, while two USB interfaces and pdf file export allow for easy transfer of data, PCR programs, protocols or log files. A multitude of PCR methods and applications will benefit from the enhanced process reliability made possible with Mastercycler.