Revolutionary New Thermal Cycler Unveiled by Molecular Biology Systems

Dutch biotechnology company Molecular Biology Systems (MBS) has announced the launch of its revolutionary NEXTGENPCR thermal cycler through CAMLAB, a leading independent scientific instrumentation distributor in the UK.

The first showing will be at the upcoming Lab Innovations at Birmingham NEC, Nov 1-2. The UK remains a key market for the life sciences, with continuing public and private infrastructure investment – including the recently announced £146 million from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.

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Described as the first real advance in thermal cycling for 15 years, the NEXTGENPCR dramatically slashes current time-consuming DNA amplification from hours to minutes. For example, a 3 Step, 30 cycle protocol can be performed in less than 2 minutes. SBS Standard format 96- or 384 well microplates are used, making incorporation into existing laboratory routines and protocols seamless. NEXTGENPCR delivers these astonishing times by turning existing technology on its head. Instead of heating and cooling Peltier blocks, NEXTGENPCR cleverly moves standard format microplates rapidly across 3 temperature zones already set to the required denaturing, extension and annealing temperatures. The microplate samples are embedded in polypropylene sheet and slightly compressed by the temperature blocks in each zone which ensures thorough sample mixing and optimal heat transfer. Well to well uniformity across the block is better than 0.1 °C. Temperature transition is practically instantaneous with a total reaction time of 2 minutes. This results in a dramatic reduction in power consumption when compared to traditional heating block methods.

Established for over 65 years, CAMLAB has built a strong reputation in the life sciences sector: “Our longstanding customers in leading research institutions rely on us to supply new and innovative solutions. We are delighted to be able to offer them NEXTGENPCR,” says CAMLAB Managing Director Ben Sunderland. “With increasing pressure on throughput and running costs, we see there is a real customer need for speeding up the thermal cycling phase with the added bonus of being environmentally friendly. NEXTGENPCR, with its SILA-protocol and robot-readiness, is ideal for both small and, large throughput facilities. We will be showcasing the first of these new instruments at the upcoming Lab Innovations Show at the NEC, Birmingham in November and are expecting strong interest.”

“We are also delighted to have signed this agreement with such a reputable distributor in the key UK market,” says MBS CEO and founder Gert de Vos. “NEXTGENPCR’s ability to slash amplification times from hours to minutes and fit seamlessly into any lab routines and protocols is proving a major success factor. Our global network is also growing rapidly with numerous new distributors coming on board”.

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