Scalable, High-Throughput PCR Has Small Footprint

A networkable polymerase chain reaction (PCR) thermal cycler was designed to meet the high-throughput needs and short timescales required in multiuser environments.

Called Prime Elite, the thermal cycler's USB connectivity allows the addition of up to 3 satellites to form a multiblock system that can be controlled from the master Prime Elite or via a PC. The stackable design of the satellites means this can be achieved while retaining the small footprint. The units have a temperature gradient block as standard, with options for 96 x 0.2ml, 60 x 0.5ml, and 384-well formats.

Over 1,000 programs can be stored on each Prime Elite, with unlimited storage possible through the use of USB sticks. Prime Elite features a large 5.7 inch color touch screen, a front-loading PCR plate drawer, and automatic nonmotorized heated lid as standard. The intuitive onboard software allows simple program setup and good performance.

A Thermal Energy Recovery System (TERS) enables the Prime Elite to combine fast 5 °C/second ramp rate and low energy consumption. TERS stores heat produced during the cooling stage for use in the next heating stage. USB ports on the front of the unit allow easy program transfer between instruments or to a PC.

Jim Bratherton, Product Manager for Techne products at Bibby Scientific (Staffordshire, UK) commented, “The launch of our top-of-the-range thermal cycler Prime Elite is the culmination of a significant New Product Development program at Bibby Scientific. Prime Elite completes the new Techne Prime family of PCR machines, which now offers personal 24-well cyclers, mid-size 48-well cyclers, full size 96-well and 384-well cyclers, networkable high-throughput cyclers and real-time PCR. Prime is the only group of thermal cyclers to offer a touch screen user interface, identical intuitive software, flexible upgrades, and transferrable programs between all instruments in the range.”

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