Techne's TC-Plus range of thermal cyclers and satellite units provide the flexibility needed for fast and high-throughput PCR in research, diagnostics, forensics and testing laboratories.
A combination of server and satellite units, they give complete flexibility to configure any multi-block format.
These versatile thermal cyclers are said to feature some of the fastest aluminium blocks available, providing a ramp rate of up to 5C/sec, as well as an energy-saving technology and space-efficient design.
The latest Techne TC-Plus thermal cyclers incorporate features such as the energy-saving Thermal Energy Recovery System (TERS) and an automatic non-motorised heated lid.
The TERS System achieves reduced operational costs by making energy savings, harnessing some of the heat transferred from the block during the cooling phase for reuse in the next heating phase.
Almost 15 per cent energy savings can be realised on three-step PCR programs and around nine per cent on two-step protocols.
The front-loading sample drawer uses the force applied to push the drawer closed to lower the heated lid into position with the correct pressure on the sample tubes or plate.
Front loading allows units to be stacked without any compromise in function and front-to-back vented airflow enables close side-by-side positioning, further reducing the bench space taken up.
The Techne TC-Plus can be used when optimising protocols for fast PCR, with its flexible programming and rapid block ramp rates.
Comparing the same PCR program on the TC-Plus and its predecessor, the TC-512, shows a time saving of around 30min - simply due to the faster ramping with no appreciable differences in yield or sensitivity between the two thermal cyclers.
Further time savings can be made by switching from three-step to two-step PCR cycling and using fast PCR reagents, when a 40min run time is possible.
This versatility is enhanced with easily interchangeable blocks, the ability to use any standard PCR consumables and full networking capability for multiple units and optional PC-driven control.
The 5.7in VGA colour touchscreen with graphical display is said to be intuitive and easy to use, while screen buttons are large enough for gloved fingers to use easily.
At least 1,000 programs can be stored and the front-positioned USB port makes it easy to transfer protocols between cyclers or laboratories and archive run log files.
Three easily interchangeable blocks - 96 x 0.2ml, 60 x 0.5ml and 384-well microtitre plate - all have a temperature-gradient option (up to 30C) for efficient optimisation of PCR conditions.
These relatively massive blocks deliver greater uniformity and thus more reproducible PCR results than a thin silver block.
The USB connection and PC software option enable multiple TC-Plus cyclers and satellites to be networked easily, for high-throughput PCR using 96- or 384-well blocks.
Satellite units can be controlled from the TC-Plus server or from a PC with the Workbench software but have no individual user interface.