SpeedCycler Allows 30 Cycle PCR In Less Than 13 minutes

Lambda Advanced Technology can now offer the SpeedCycler from Analytik Jena in the UK. This high-speed thermal cycler can be used either in a high throughput laboratory or as a powerful standard cycler.

Based on a high performance thermal block and special microplates in SBS-Standard format, the system offers a speed up to ten times faster than with conventional cyclers. A typical protocol allows a PCR of 30 cycles to be carried out in less than 13 minutes.

The temperature of the gold-plated solid silver thermal block is controlled by high-power Peltier elements. The custom-designed microwell plate fits flush with the block itself providing complete area control of the surface in conjunction with the heating lid. Condensate formation is eliminated.

The system is available in 36-well and 96-well block formats and features heating rates of 10¢ªC/S and cooling rates of 6¢ªC/s. Optimised times for dehybridisation and annealing make full use of the speed potential, e.g. of Taq polymerases. The extremely fast cooling rates combined with outstanding control accuracy effectively prevent primer mismatching during the annealing process and gives higher specificity of the amplification product.

Continuous cooling of the surface of the well by the Sample Protection System (SPS) prevents premature heating of the sample, which could lead to non-specific PCR products. Reproducible high sample recoveries are achievable, even with extremely small volumes. The heated sliding lid is fitted under pressure fully automatically. Unwanted sample loss and condensation problems are prevented by the increased contact pressure.

The SpeedCycler control software conforms to 21 CFR Part 11 and offers intuitive, quick and simple operation. A preview function greatly simplifies configuration of temperature profiles. A straightforward user management system allows the administration of user privileges.