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Home > Life Science > PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) > Thermal Cyclers

Thermal Cyclers

PCR is a method that is used for various biological applications. The technique typically relies on thermal cyclers to amplify strands of DNA in order to replicate up to millions of copies of a DNA sequence.
Thermal cyclers, also known as PCR machine or DNA amplifiers, still represent a significant purchase in the laboratory. Please use this guide to assist you in selecting the most appropriate unit for your specific requirements.
One of the most important features in thermal cyclers is its ability to run numerous PCR samples simultaneously. Low-throughput thermocyclers can run typically between 20 and 48 wells. Typically, they are less costly and require less bench space. Medium throughput thermal cyclers are the most common, allowing between 48 and 96 wells. Typically this is adequate for most laboratories. High-throughput (384) + wells are required in some circumstances.
Another important feature when choosing a thermal cycler is thermal gradient. Some thermal cyclers incorporate a gradient function, allowing different temperatures to be applied in various parts of the block. A thermal gradient function is particularly useful when testing suitable annealing temperatures for primers. If the goal is uniform temperature across the entire thermal cycler block, a standard thermal cycler with no thermal gradient is usually adequate.
Heated lids are another potentially important critical feature when selecting a thermal cycler. Heated lids allow a sample to be heated more efficiently-minimizing formation of non-specific annealing and primer-dimers. This function also stymies water condensation on the lid and evaporation of your samples.
Other features to consider:
Flexibility- if your lab is expected to grow, it is comforting to know your cyclers have the ability to link easily together and be controlled with one device.
Intuitive programming- the ability to quickly edit your protocols and programs can quicken your testing.
Ramp rates- Heating and cooling rates of cyclers influience the speed of a reaction. The quicker the ramp rate, the faster the protocol is finished.
Quantitive PCR or qPCR is being used for such measurements such as genotyping, drug target validation, and other applications require quantification of the amont of DNA in a starting sample.
Real time PCR- requires a thermal cycler that is able to raise and lower the temperature in an appropriate way for the analysis.
Other PCR products: It is critical that consumables used to with PCR experimentation do not contain any impurities which could adversely affect your samples. In particular, amplification of minute quantities of genetic substances should be protected from degradation. Look for DNA/RNAse free and non-pyrogenic products.