November 22, 1999
`
`THE SCIENTIST • I 7
`
`NEVI LIDS ON THE BLOCK
`lABCONSUMER ANNUAL REVIEW OF THERMAL CYCLERS
`
`BY GRANT MEISENHOLDER
`
`S o much has changed in the last half-decade in the
`
`world of gene amplification. New breakthroughs and
`protocols have exceeded scientists' wildest expecta(cid:173)
`tions for applications of chis essential technology. ls there a
`single life science lab in the country without a che,mal
`cycler' From the high-end, ultrafast light-based cyders to
`the tiny personal cyders, there is a cycler to fit every need.
`Way back in the early years of PCR, "doing an amplifi(cid:173)
`cation" meant simply that-increasing the concentration of
`some target sequence of interest to use
`in insertion/
`ligation reactions. Quickly enough, scientists developed new
`ways to use the cycler. Now PCR-based methods exist for
`every aspect of biology that relies on genetic infonnation.
`Forensic, genomic, and evolutionary studies have ben(cid:173)
`efited greatly from tl1e technique known as random ampli(cid:173)
`fied polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR, which is used to
`fingerprint species from genomic DNA without prior
`sequence knowledge. Using arbitrary oligos, two c-ycles of
`PCR with low stringency are followed by forma l high(cid:173)
`stringency PCR with specific primers. The reaction is then
`followed by RFLP or comparative analysis.
`Touchdown PCR was developed to increase the yield of
`specific products. In chis method , the arU1ealing tempera(cid:173)
`ntre is lowered one degree every second cycl e to a lower
`li111it or "touchdown" temperature. This touchdown tem(cid:173)
`perature is then used for 10 cycles. This process ostensibly
`enriches for a specific product by ta king advantage of dif(cid:173)
`ferences in melting temperatures between correct and
`incorrect products by twofold per cycle. More recently,
`this technique has been adapted for genomic sequencing to
`elucidate DNA sequences from known peptide sequences.
`Long PCR is a method chat allows amplification of
`long stretches of DNA, from 0.5 to 20 kb. An enzyme mix
`containi ng both proofreading and polymerase activities
`al lows specific extension over great distances. \ Vhen used
`as an alternative to RFLP analysis, it shortens the process
`from six to eight weeks down to hours or days. It also may
`be used as an alternative to variable number of tandem
`repeats (VNTR) analysis.
`Chromosomal analysis has also benefited from PCR.
`DOP-PCR is a method that allows uniform amplification
`of sequences across a genome. Comparative DOP-PCR is
`used to detect chromosomal imbalances in genetic diseases
`· and evolutionary studies. Ampl ifi ed fragment length poly(cid:173)
`morphism-PCR (AFLP-PCR) is used to detect allelic loss
`in aging and otl1er studies. Single nucleotide polymor(cid:173)
`phi sm (Sl\'P) detection has made great strides with PCR.
`For hybrid cell studies resea rchers have developed Alu(cid:173)
`PCR to detect human chromosomes in the h vb rid cells.
`Scientists involved in the Human Gen.ome Project
`have made great use of the cycle sequencing method.
`Developed as an alterna tive to the Sanger method, PCR(cid:173)
`based sequencing uses femtomolar amounts of primers to
`start the elong-ation PCR, followed by sequencing. A
`major advantage is that chis method can be used for linear
`double-stranded DNA, unlike the Sanger method. It can
`aiso be used for cosmid, pl aque, and colony DNA
`sequencing.
`Scientists studying RNA expression have not been left
`out of the PCR craze. Using reverse a·anscriptase to pro(cid:173)
`duce cDNA gave rise to RT-PCR. This method has been
`used to diagnose a variety of infectious and genetic diseases.
`Histolog-ists quickly realized rhe advantage of having
`precise control over temperature and incubation time and
`adapted the cycler for use with in situ hybridization. One
`limitation of traditional ISH is detection of low-copy num (cid:173)
`ber Ri'\JAs. T his was overcome by the development of
`cycling-primed in situ (cycling PRINS) labeling-, which
`allowed researchers to gain deeper insight into me more
`ephemeral processes of the cell.
`PE Biosystems holds the exclusive license sights to the
`PCR technology. Anyone who wishes to perform automat(cid:173)
`ed PCR using certain reagents and machines must fi rst
`obtain a license. Fortunately, many reagents and machines
`include these rights in the purch ase price, but the user
`must check with the supplier before performing the ampii(cid:173)
`fication. This applies to research as well as applied fields. If
`the license is not supplied, PE Biosystems will provide one
`for a fee.
`This year's field of cyd ers includes many familiar
`names as well as some ingenious new models.
`
`Bio-Rad Bio-Rad's newest model is the iCvcler" ', which
`boasts NIST accuracy over its full teinper;ture range of
`
`±OSC and can be controlled by
`block, sample, or algoritlm1 meth(cid:173)
`ods. A 1/4-size VGA screen pro(cid:173)
`vides a simplified graphic interface
`and illustrates the c-ycling run.
`Real-time PCR is possible using
`the optional optical module.
`Th e Gene Cycl erT" is fully
`licensed for PCR and boasts a small
`footprint. Peltier heating and fan
`cooling keep cycling rates .high, and
`temperature accuracy is ensured
`tl1rough software algorithms. A
`heated lid is standard and 100 pro(cid:173)
`grams can be stored in memory.
`
`Cepheid's SmartCycler
`
`heated lids: standard (HLDX) and an ultralow condensa(cid:173)
`tion configuration model (HLDHP).
`The PowerBlock I (single block) and II (dual block)
`offer Peltier heating and a small footprint. 'l\vo program(cid:173)
`ming modes facilitate ease of use for simple ("Basic") and
`advanced ("Link") applications. The single-block model
`can be upgraded to dual blocks. Heated lids are optional.
`The water-cooled SingleBlock and Dua!Block systems
`are the workhorses of Esicomp 's line, with the flexibility to
`accommodate 0.5- and 0.2-ml tubes, microplates, and
`slides. The low-cost svstems feature NIST traceable accu(cid:173)
`racy, a five-year warr~nty, and across-the-block tempera(cid:173)
`ture uniformity of ±0.2"C. Optional items include heated
`lids and various block configurations.
`
`Genex Ltd. The small , uncomplicated Pacer cycler from
`Genex comes with a start and stop button and three LEDs
`to indicate cycling stages. This simple configuration is pos(cid:173)
`sible because all of the programming and storage is per(cid:173)
`formed on an accessory PC with me proprietary Preceptor
`software and then transferred to the machine before each
`run. Program storage space is limited, therefore, by the
`size of the computer rather than tl1e cyder's on-board
`memory. The Peltier-cooled block can hold 16 0.5-ml or
`20 0.2-ml tubes, two regular slides, or a mini 96-well plate.
`
`GL Applied Research The Genetic Thermal Cycler
`GTC-2 features two- and mree-step amplification ability,
`built-in programmable autoextcnsion, storage of up to 99
`protocols, and a 48-place sample block, among otl1er fea(cid:173)
`tures. Available options include a heated lid, a 96-well plate
`adapter, an 89-place sample block chat can hold up to 48
`0.5-ml and 41 0.2 -ml tubes, and a low-temperature module.
`
`Hybaid Hybaid has just launched its Multi block system to
`complement three already-established, stylish, individual
`cyders tl,at fit a variety of needs. All of its machines are PCR
`licensed, Peltier cooled, and calibrated to NIST standards.
`The attractive PCR Sprint is claimed to be the lowest(cid:173)
`priced licensed model available according to company lit(cid:173)
`erarure. It features fast ramping of up to 3°C/second,
`temperanire control from 4-99°C, user-friendly program(cid:173)
`ming, interchangeable blocks for 0.5 and 0.2 ml tubes, and
`a three-year guarantee. Hybaid's PCR Express speeds up
`reactions involving its AGS Gold DNA polymerase wim a
`one-second dwell time. Five control modes allow protocol
`flexibility-active/simulated tube, simulated slide, and
`simulated block. An autoadjusting heated lid allows use of
`any plasticware and oil-free PCR in rubes and plates.
`Alphanumeric programming and advanced editing fea tures
`simplify protocols, and four interchangeable blocks allow
`use of0.2-ml, 0.5-ml, flat-block, and 384-well fonnats .
`T he Omn-E c-ycler is a compact, multiformat, portable
`reactor with rhe ability to accommodate 0.2-ml, 0.3 -ml,
`and 0.5-ml tubes as well as 96-well plates. Active ntbe
`control and dynamic uniformity of ±0.5°C across the plate
`allow precision and reproducibility between samples and
`experiments. An optional heated lid is available for oil(cid:173)
`free cycling.
`In situ PCR protocols can be perfonned en masse with
`the Omnislide system, allowing simultaneous processi ng of
`
`Eppendorf's Mastercycler gradient model
`
`Cepheid T he SmartCycler"' uses a unique cooling/heat(cid:173)
`ing/optics/reaction module (the I-CORET") to perform
`amp lification reactions with real-time monitoring. The
`company is working on modules that "ill handle all phas(cid:173)
`es of sample preparation, reaction, and analysis, reducing
`the possibility of contamination.
`
`Corbett Research T he new Rotor-Gene Real-Time
`Thermal Cycler has two separate light sources to prevent
`spectral overlap in dual fluorescence studies. Samples can
`be loaded with reagents in the cap and reaction mix in the
`bottom of the tube. Centrifugal action mixes the samples
`and allows temperature unifo rmity. A 96-well adapter for
`use with Gene-Disks ,viii soon be available. Corbett also
`manufacntres a Gradient 96 Well Cyder for microplates
`and a High Speed Capillary Cycler, as well as Cooled and
`Ambient 96 \Veil Cyders.
`
`Eppendorf Scientific Instruments The Mastercycler®
`series is sold with the PCR license. The company's gradi(cid:173)
`ent model was the first on the market and offers a 96-
`position universal block chat can accept 96 0. 2-ml tubes, 77
`0.5-ml tubes, or one 96-well plate. Functions include selec(cid:173)
`table gradients (from I to 20°C), Peltier heating, adjustable
`ramping, time extension, touchdown, program linking, and
`pause. A heated lid is included. According to Vincent
`Prezioso, product manager at Eppendorf Scientific, me
`uniform-rate cooling aspect allows users to accurately
`reproduce optimized conditions for each cycling pattern.
`The standard version Mastcrcycler includes all of the
`same features as the gradient model (without the gradient).
`The Mastercyder personal has a 2 5-position universal
`block and offers most of the features on the standard
`model. Personal memory cards allow users to program and
`retain their own cycle profiles and transfer chem between
`any of the Mastercyder workstations.
`
`Ericomp The DeltaCycler 1 (single block) and II (dual
`block) systems are compact in design and use thermoelec(cid:173)
`tric heating and cooling to minimize the accessory tubing
`chat water-cooled models require. A range of 4"C to 110°C
`wim a temperature uniformity of ±0.2°C allows the full
`range of protocols to be used. Options inclu de two types of
`
`Agilent Exhibit 1227
`Page 1 of 4
`
`

`

`18 •THE SCIENTIST
`
`THERMAL CYCLERS
`
`November 22, 1999
`
`COMPANY
`
`PRODUCT
`
`SPACE REQUIRED
`WxDxH (CM)
`
`THERMAL
`CONTROL
`
`PCR
`LICENSE RIGHTS
`
`PROGRAMS/
`STEPS/ CYCLES
`
`HEAT RATE CQOL RATE
`(°C/SEC)
`( C/SEC)
`
`THERMA~
`RANGE ( C)
`
`BASE
`PRICE
`
`Bio-Rad
`800·424·6723
`www.bio-rad.com
`
`Cepheid
`408·541 ·4191
`www.cepheid.com
`
`Eppendorf Scientific Inc.
`800·421 ·9988
`www.eppendortsi.com
`
`Ericomp
`800·541-8471
`www.ericomp.com
`
`Genex
`44 1737 556617
`www.genex.ltd.uk
`
`GL Applied Research Inc.
`847-223-2220
`members.aol.com/glapplied/
`homepage.htm
`
`Hybaid
`888·449·2243
`www.hybaid-us.com
`
`GeneCycler™
`iCycler™
`
`27x19x16
`10x21x9
`
`Peltier
`Peltier
`
`Yes
`Yes
`
`100/5/300
`255
`
`SmartCycler™
`
`30x30x22
`
`LED/fan
`
`OEM
`
`150 programs
`
`Mastercycler®
`Mastercycler gradient
`Mastercycler personal
`
`DeltaCycler I System
`DeltaCycler 11 System
`PowerBlock I System
`PowerBlock II System
`SingleBlock System
`TwinBlock System
`
`26x41x27
`26x41x27
`18x35x25
`
`32x33x19
`32x44x19
`32x33x19
`32x33x19
`36x41x15
`36x51x15
`
`Peltier
`Peltier
`Peltier
`
`Peltier
`Peltier
`Peltier
`Peltier
`Resistive/water
`Resistive/water
`
`Pacer
`
`Call
`
`Peltier
`
`Yes
`Yes
`Yes
`
`No
`No
`No
`No
`No
`No
`
`No
`
`100/99/99
`100/99/99
`100/99/99
`
`26/99/99
`26/99/99
`26/99/99
`26/99/99
`26199/99
`26/99/99
`
`Unlimited
`
`1.5
`3.0
`
`7.0
`
`3.0
`3.0
`3.0
`
`1.3
`1.3
`1.6
`1.6
`1.3
`1.3
`
`2.0
`
`0.8
`2.0
`
`2.0
`
`2.0
`2.0
`2.0
`
`1.3
`1.3
`1.6
`1.6
`1.3
`1.3
`
`2.0
`
`Amb-97
`4-105 ±0.3
`
`Call
`
`Call
`
`OEM
`
`4-99 ±0.6
`4-99 ±0.6
`4-99 ±0.6
`
`4-110 ±0.5
`4- 110±0.5
`4- 110 ±0.4
`4-11 0 ±0.4
`Amb-110 ±0.5
`Amb-110 ±0.5
`
`Call
`
`Call
`
`$4,595
`$7,595
`$2,895
`$4,695
`$3,395
`$5,595
`
`Call
`
`GTC-2 Genetic Thermal Cycler
`
`46x63x48
`
`Resistive/water
`
`No
`
`99 programs
`
`1.0
`
`1.0
`
`0-99 ±0.5
`
`Call
`
`MultiBlock
`PCR Express
`
`PCR Sprint
`Omn-E
`
`Call
`23x39x25
`
`18x30x23
`19x28x19
`
`Peltier
`Peltier
`
`Peltier
`Electric/fan
`
`RapidCycler
`
`30x23x37
`
`Light
`
`Yes
`Yes
`
`Yes
`Yes
`
`No
`
`>100/10/99
`99/10/99
`
`60/5/99
`36/10/99
`
`99/-/99
`
`3.0
`Up to 3.0
`
`3.0
`Up to 2.0
`
`4-99 ±0.4
`4- 99 ±0.4
`
`Up to 3.0
`Call
`
`Up to 2.0
`Call
`
`4-99 ±0.5
`Amb +10 to 99
`
`Call
`$5,800-
`$6,310
`$2,495
`$1,995-
`$2,495
`
`TC 1600
`
`Call
`
`Electric
`
`No
`
`Call
`
`1.5
`
`1.3
`
`30-100
`
`Call
`
`10.0
`
`>5.0
`
`Call
`
`Call
`
`Tetrad
`DNA Engine Series
`MiniCycler
`PTC-100
`
`DNA Thermal Cycler 480
`GeneAmp 2400
`GeneAmp 9600
`GeneAmp 9700
`
`37x55x25
`24x33x24
`22x28x11
`24x28x27
`
`33x52x30
`34x60x21
`Call
`Call
`
`Pel1ier·Joule
`Peltier-Joule
`Peltier-Joule
`Peltier
`
`Cartridge
`Cartridge
`Film heater
`Peltier
`
`30x45x40
`
`Electric coil/air
`
`No
`No
`No
`No
`
`Yes
`Yes
`Yes
`Yes
`
`Yes
`
`400 programs
`200 programs
`80 programs
`340 programs
`
`Call
`
`Unlimited
`
`3.0
`3.0
`2.4
`2.5
`
`1.0
`>1.0
`1.0
`1.6
`
`20.0
`
`2.5
`Call
`Call
`Call
`
`1.0
`>1.0
`1.0
`1.6
`
`20.0
`
`Call
`
`Call
`
`·5-105 ±0.4
`·5-105 ±0.4
`·9-105 ±0.4
`0-100 ±0.4
`
`·5-100 ±0.5
`4- 99 ±0.5
`4- 99 ±0.5
`4- 99 ±0.5
`
`Amb-98
`
`$55,000
`
`Idaho Technology
`800· 735-6544
`www.idahotec.com
`
`Intelligent Bio-Instruments
`617-354·3830
`www.intelligentbio.com
`
`MJ Research
`888-735·8437
`www.mjr.com
`
`PE Biosystems
`800·345-5224
`www.pebio.com
`
`Roche Molecular Biochemicals LightCycler
`800-428-5433
`biochem.roche.com
`
`Snark Technologies
`800·966-7808
`www.snarktech.com
`
`St. John Associates
`800-837-2023
`www.stjohnassociates.com
`
`Stratagene
`800·424-5444
`www.stratagene.com
`
`Techne
`800·225-9243
`www.techneuk.co.uk
`
`Whatman Biometra®
`800·932-7250
`www.biometra.com
`
`Snark 64 and 96 models
`
`25x30x25
`
`Peltier
`
`No
`
`350/no limiUno limit
`
`4.4
`
`3.2
`
`0-105 ±0.5
`
`$3,495
`
`BioTherm BioDven Ill
`
`38x43x46
`
`Circulating air
`
`No
`
`99/20/20
`
`1.0
`
`1.0
`
`Amb-100
`
`$3,990
`
`RoboCycler® 40 & 96
`Infinity Temperature Cycler
`Gradient Temperature Cycler
`
`Genius
`Progene
`TouchGene
`
`Personal Cycler 20 & 48
`T3 Thermocycler
`TGradient
`TRIO Thermoblock
`UNO II Thermocycler
`T1 Thermocycler
`
`31x49x21
`31x49x21
`31x49x21
`
`22x42x24
`16x35x17
`22x42x26
`
`Call
`
`Robotic hot block
`Robotic hot block
`Robotic hot block
`
`Peltier
`Peltier
`Peltier
`
`Peltier
`Peltier
`Peltier
`Peltier
`Peltier
`Peltier
`
`Yes
`Yes
`Yes
`
`Call
`
`No
`No
`No
`No
`No
`No
`
`99/16/99
`99/16/99
`99/16/99
`
`99/9/99
`50/9/99
`3/3/-
`
`100/99/99
`Call
`100 per directory
`30/12/99
`Call
`Call
`
`2.8
`2.8
`2.6
`
`2.0
`>1.5
`4.0
`1.5
`3.3
`4.0
`
`1.8
`2.2
`1.6
`
`>1.5
`>1.3
`>3.0
`1.3
`2.4
`3.0
`
`No ramping
`No ramping
`No ramping
`
`No ramping
`No ramping
`No ramping
`
`25- 99
`25- 99
`25-99
`
`$6,995
`$5,495
`$6,995
`
`Call
`
`4- 99 ±0.5
`4- 99 ±0.3
`4-99 ±0.5
`
`Call
`
`Call
`
`Agilent Exhibit 1227
`Page 2 of 4
`
`

`

`November 22, 1999
`
`20 standard slides. A number of accessory fearures aid in
`processing and Aexibility.
`
`Idaho Technologies The RapidCyclcr from Idaho
`Technologies can amplify a 536 bp product in under 10
`minutes with a 30-cycle reaction. This speed is possible
`with a combination of photoheating, fan cooling, and thin(cid:173)
`walled capillary reaction tubes. Thin-walled microcen(cid:173)
`trifuge rubes may also be used. The reduced cycling times
`also resu lt in reduced amounts of nonspecific products.
`Cycling times can be increased by programming in hold
`steps as desired. The unit carries a one-year pans and labor
`warranty. An optional buffer system allows fini;hed sam(cid:173)
`ples ro be loaded directly onto a gel.
`
`Intelligent Bio-Instruments IBI offers the TC- 1600
`high -throughput cycle r. It is capable of running 16 blocks
`rota ! of 6, 144 samples
`in 96/192/384 -well
`for a
`rnicroplates. Four separate cycl ing profiles can be run
`simu ltaneously.
`
`MJ Research The latest offering from MJR is the PTC-
`200 DNA Engine. The sleek design and rugged chassis are
`suggestive of an Italian sports car. T nterchangea ble sample
`blocks and heat pump assemblies allow the user LO change
`format easily between runs while retaining l\TIST- traeeable
`accuracy. The .lab need only buy the single control unit and
`supp lement it with the desired Alpha modules, such as
`dual, independently controlled blocks, microplste format,
`or a slide adapter for up to 16 slides. Thermal control .is
`achieved by either block, in-sample probe, or calculated
`methods. Heating rates up to J"C/second reduce reaction
`times while ±0.4°C temperature homogeneity can be
`reached within 30 seconds at 90°C. The Hot llonnet heat(cid:173)
`ed lid controls pressure and height to accommodate vari (cid:173)
`ous plasticwares. A Power Bonnet is available for roboti c
`systems. Additionally, a sin gle cycler can be ne tworked to
`control up to J 5 separate instrnments. A PC can also con(cid:173)
`trol and monitor cyders remotely and export <laca to video
`screens or data bases in real time.
`For high-tluoughput applications or busy labs, the
`PTC-225 DNA Engine Tetrad may be tbe way to go. This
`allows up to eight separate blocks to run synchronous or
`ind ependent reactions. A compact footprint is maintained
`by housing the power supply separately outsid e the chassis,
`good for tight spaces or robotic applications. All of the fea(cid:173)
`tures of the PTC-200 are present in rhis model as well.
`The PTC - 100 cyders incorporate a Peltier h eati ng ele(cid:173)
`ment into a more economical model that can be config(cid:173)
`ured to accommodate plates, slides, or tubes. An optional
`heated lid is available as well as slide griddle adapters for
`amplifyi ng up ro four slides at a time. A large memory that
`holds up to 320 programs means that even crowded labs
`have ample programming space.
`For small labs or those that want an auxiliary cycler, rbe
`PTC-150 MiniCycler series may be just the ticket.
`Incorporation of the Peltier-Joule heat pump increases
`cycling speed with ramping rates up ro 2.4°C/second. The
`temperature may be programmed to allow refrigeration
`after completion of tl1e reaction. The compact, lightweight
`unit can be easily transported to different areas of the lab.
`Power failure protection resumes cycling after temporaty
`power loss up to 12 hours.
`1wo models are avai lable for in situ work. T he PTC-
`200/22 5 models mentioned above allow use of the Twin
`Tower block that can hold up to l6x2 slides. The PTC(cid:173)
`l00-L6MS is a dedicated configuratio n of the PTC-100
`series, able to hold up to J 6 double- or single-thickness
`slides. The sample block is made from oxygen-free copper
`milled from a single ingot and then plated in ni cke l for
`durability. Memory for 200 programs, power-failure pro(cid:173)
`tection, printer port, and a t,~.,o-year warranty are standard.
`
`PE Biosystems The GeneArnp® System 2400 comes stan(cid:173)
`dard with a heated lid for oil-free PCR and a 24-well sam(cid:173)
`ple block. Fast ramping and cooling with precise
`temperature control and across-the-block uniformity allow
`hig·h-quality, reproducible reactions. Tbe graphical inter(cid:173)
`face simplifies and speeds up programming. The
`GeneArnp 9600 offers many of the same features as the
`2400 but has a 96-we ll sample block.
`The newer GeneAmp 9700 comes in a variety of for(cid:173)
`ma ts. The blocks can be interchanged to accommodate 60
`0.5-ml rubes, 96 0.2 - ml tubes, a 96-well plate, or dual 384-
`well plates for high -throughput needs. The system features
`a sma ll footprint, PCMCIA card and RS485 communica(cid:173)
`rions ports, P eltier heating, graphical programming in ter(cid:173)
`face, and an optional MAX ,\.fode.
`Vlith the MAX Mode option, a user can choose
`between a varierv of software-driven modes. In 9600 emu (cid:173)
`lation mode, th; system follows cycling profiles like those
`found in the System 9600, achievin g an average heating
`and cooling rate of 3SC/sccond. Cnder Variable Ramp
`.\1.ode, the power input can be adjusted to all ow a range of
`ramping rates for specialized research applications. In Max
`Mode, heating and cooling rates can be increased up to
`5°C/second, and sample volumes can go up ro I 00 µJ.
`
`THE SCIENTIST • I 9
`
`The DNA Thermal Cycler 480 is designed for small
`sample volumes, reducing reagent cost. The system has a
`48-well block that uses 0.2-ml tubes and a two-tempera(cid:173)
`ture protocol for lower reagent requirements.
`The GeneA.rnp 5700 Sequence detection system cou(cid:173)
`ples the workhorse GeneAmp System 9600 with an optical
`detection syste1n and cornputcr to allov,,, the user to per(cid:173)
`form real-time PCR.
`
`operation. The RoboCycler Infinity has interchangeable
`40-, 96-, aod 384-well blocks. An in sitzt adapter is avai lable
`for d1e RoboCycler 40. The RoboCycler Gradient 40 and
`96 allow testing of up ro J 2 annealing temperatures in one
`run. A gradient range of up to 22°C across the block with
`a differen ce of up to re between adjacent wells can be
`programmed . All of tbc features
`included
`in
`the
`RoboCyclcr 40 and 96 are present as well.
`
`Techne UK Techne's Touch Gene cycler is a compact unit
`with a touchscreen display for easy interfacing. Multipl e
`block options allow labs Lo run a variety of protocols.
`Personal memorv cards let researchers store as manv as
`100 separate pr~grarns, and each program can lie p'ass(cid:173)
`word protected. Fast thermal cycling via Peltier h ea ting
`allows a 30-cycle program to be completed in less than
`one hour to increase overa ll throughput. A standard, uni(cid:173)
`versal _quick-release hea ted lid adjusts to keep th e opti(cid:173)
`mum pressure o n the samp le. The anricondensa tion skirt
`prevents sa mple loss onto the sid e walls and lid. An on(cid:173)
`board PRl ' sensor 1nonitors temperarure to 1naintain
`reproducibility berween samples and experiments. PC
`control is possible using the RS2 3 2 port and Gen Soft soft(cid:173)
`ware, allowing the researcher to print pro file information
`and choose, start, and stop programs.
`The Genius cycler also has multiple interchangeable
`block formats, with a larger block design for increased
`sample capacity and throughput. The display is a two- li ne
`LCD. The sp ring- loaded lid automatically adjusts the
`pressure to the optimum for the particular block and
`rubes . This unit also features external contro l through th e
`RS232 port.
`The low-cost Progene cycler features a very small foot(cid:173)
`print, high cooling and heating speed, wide thermal range,
`and a h eated lid. Two interchangeable blocks are avail(cid:173)
`able- one for 25 0.2-ml rubes and 5x5 multiwell plates and
`the other for 20 0.5 -ml tubes. A special feature is the abi l(cid:173)
`ity to program incremental/decremental segment holds for
`Long PCR and RAPD and incremental/decrementa l tem(cid:173)
`peramre for Touchdown PCR.
`
`Whatman Biometra® Whatman Biometra offers a wide
`range of cyders to suit most needs. The Tl Therrnocyder
`is the flagship model, wit!, a number of high-end features .
`Peltier heating brings fast ramping· speeds of up to 4'C/sec(cid:173)
`ond heating and 3°C/second cooling. Remote control of up
`to eight units is possible wid1 d1e avai lable PC software. Lid
`pressure is variable with "smart-lid" technology. A large
`display facilitates programming w ith the inntitive interface.
`Microplates can be sealed during the first cycle with the
`specially developed microplates and heat-sealing fi lm .
`The TGrad ient can create a wide tem peran,re gradi(cid:173)
`ent- up to 40°C across the plate. Many of the Tl 's fea(cid:173)
`tures are incorporated in this model, such as Peltier
`hearing, a gold-plated silver block, and an adjustable
`heated lid.
`
`The T3 Thennocyclcr builds upon
`the features found in the Tl to provide
`a platform with three independent
`blocks in a range of format options.
`Blocks are available with 20 or 40 wells
`and
`an
`18/48-well
`combination.
`Microplates, strips, and rubes can all be
`accommodated. As many as 150 pro(cid:173)
`grams can be stored in th e 1nemo1y. The
`heated lids can also seal microplates.
`The UNO II is a modular uni t fea (cid:173)
`Oiring four different in terch angea ble
`block configurations for pla tes, n1bes ,
`and slides. The gold - plated silver
`
`Roche Molecular Biochemicals' LightCycler
`
`Roche Molecular Biochemicals Roche has licensed the
`light technology from Idaho Technology and added some
`extra features to develop the LighrCycler. v\litb a combi(cid:173)
`nation of a fan and halogen bu lb to cool and heat thin(cid:173)
`walled glass capillary tubes, a reaction can be performed in
`less than 30 minutes. One feature tbat differentiates this
`product from Idaho Technology's is a built-in microvol(cid:173)
`ume tl.uorimeter that allows a user to perforrn real-time
`quantitative PCR. Additionally, a user can measure melt(cid:173)
`ing curves, detect rnutations, and simultaneously detect
`multiple
`targets. Programming and
`monitoring are done from a desktop
`PC, allowing unlimited user- defined
`complex protocol s.
`
`Snark Technologies For those looking
`li1nited budget,
`for performance on ,1
`Snark Technologies offers the Snark 64
`and 96 models. Both feature a heated
`lid , N1ST traceable accuracy (±OSC),
`fast heating and cooli ng rates (up to
`4°C /second), wide temperature range (0
`to lOS "C), para llel and seria l pores, a
`two-year warranty, easy progTammmg-1
`and a small footprint. Model 64 holds 64
`0.5 ml tubes while model 96 holds a
`
`microtiter plate or 96 0.2 -ml tubes. ----- block disperses heat uniformly while
`
`allowing fast heating and cooling. The
`adjustable pressure heated lid allows
`to be sealed
`microplates
`in situ.
`External PC control is possible with the
`available software.
`v\lharman's smallest model, the Personal Cycler has
`interchangea ble 20- and 48-well blocks. The unit holds
`l 00 programs and features pause (for hot scans) and
`adjustable ramping functions. A four-line, SO-character
`display allows information to be displayed in full rather
`than in shorthand notation. An optional heated Lid is avai l(cid:173)
`able. Documenta tion of the run is possible through the
`serial or parallel ports.
`Rapid ad vances in technology ensure that there is never
`a shortage of new machines to include in our an nual review
`of th ermal cyders. The accompanying table will help those
`in the marker for the newest models find the thermal
`cycler best suited to thei r individ ual needs.
`
`Sf. John Associates The BioOven III is Snark 64 thermal cycler
`one of the most unique cyders in this
`review. Heating and cooling are Jone by circulating warm
`or cool air in a chamber that contains a rotating sample
`rack that can be easily switched to accommodate a variety
`of sample rubes, plates, and slides. Up to 236 0.5-ml tubes,
`10 microtiter plates, 30 slides, o r hundreds of glass capil(cid:173)
`lary tubes can be loaded in each run. T he simplified menu(cid:173)
`driven interface also includes a format feature, which
`optim izes conditions based on the type of sample being
`run. A serial port allows users to program, format, and
`access data from ao external con1puter.
`
`Stratagene The RoboCycler® is another innovative
`design. The rohot arm moves th!! samples from one pro(cid:173)
`grammable heat block to another. Despite the seeming
`delay in physically moving the samples from one block to
`another, cycling- times arc actually reduced since the block
`doesn't have to change tempera ture also. This also trans(cid:173)
`lates to even heating of the block, allowing very right tl1cr(cid:173)
`rnal uniformity across th e block and between samples
`(±0.1 °C). An optional heated lid allows oil- and wax-free
`
`Grant .,teisenholder can be contacted r,r f!,Vneisen holder@
`t be-scie1 ztfrt. com.
`
`For More Information
`Circle Rc,1dcr Sen:it.:c #74
`
`Agilent Exhibit 1227
`Page 3 of 4
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`Agilent Exhibit 1227
`Page 4 of 4
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