Thermal Cycler (PCR)

With the Biometra thermal cyclers, we offer you a well-balanced selection of PCR instruments for a wide range of application requirements.
All Biometra thermal cyclers were developed for the highest quality and performance requirements and are manufactured in Germany according to these standards. In addition to the user-friendly thermal cyclers, optional thermal cycler management software ensures efficient and GMP-compliant, convenient laboratory work.
To ensure that you can rely on your PCR results for years, you can rely on our application support as well as our technical service with various service offerings and a specially developed high-precision temperature measurement system.

PCR with high quality thermal cyclers

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a microbiological method for in vitro amplification of DNA. This method is based on DNA replication using polymerases. A polymerase is an enzyme that facilitates chemical bonds between individual molecules to form a chain. The term "chain reaction" in this context describes the exponential amplification of the DNA, in which the product of each cycle in turn serves as the input material for the next cycle.

Today, the PCR method is an established tool in the toolbox of modern genetics. PCR covers numerous applications ranging from medical diagnostics to forensic analysis to biotechnology research. And a crucial component of the process are the PCR thermal cyclers used in the lab: These machines can precisely track the temperature profile required for the chain reaction thanks to a customizable program. PCR thermal cyclers are part of the usual complement of equipment for laboratories involved in diagnosing viruses and bacteria, in genetic research, or foodstuffs analysis.

Sidebar: The history of PCR

PCR was developed in 1983 by the biochemist Kary Mullis, who won the 1993 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this invention. Mullis' idea of imitating the natural process of DNA replication in the lab revolutionized molecular biology. PCR technology first become efficient and ready for the lab, however, with the introduction of taq polymerase, a heat-resistant enzyme isolated from the bacteria Thermus aquaticus. The development of quantitative PCR (qPCR) and other variants of the method in the 1990s further aided in establishing the polymerase chain reaction as one of the key tools in the biological sciences today.

What is the polymerase chain reaction?

Essentially, PCR imitates the natural process of DNA replication that happens in living things. A single DNA strand serves as the template for making many copies of a certain segment. PCR relies on repeated temperature cycles to denature (break down) the DNA into individual strands, then anneal complementary primers to specific sequences, and finally to synthesize new strands with the help of the heat-resistant DNA polymerase (elongation).

The essential components of PCR are:

• DNA template: The DNA to be amplified.
• Primer: Short, synthetically manufactured oligonucleotides that bind specifically to the start and end of the DNA segment targeted for amplification.
• DNA polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes the new DNA strand using the template. Typically, taq polymerase is used because it tolerates high temperatures.
• dNTPs (deoxynucleotide triphosphates): The building blocks the new DNA strands will be made of.
• Buffer solution: Provides the necessary ionic environment and an optimal pH value for the polymerase.
• Mg2+ ions: Essential for DNA polymerase activity.

An overview of different PCR technologies

Traditional PCR is also known as standard PCR or endpoint PCR. The term "Endpoint PCR" emphasizes that quantification of the DNA can only take place at the end when using this method. Meaning: During the process, the user cannot know how much DNA is present.

Quantitative PCR was developed to answer this question and allow numerical measurement of the DNA while the procedure is running. qPCR is an evolution on endpoint PCR in which the DNA quantity can be measured in real-time (hence the synonym "real-time PCR"). This is achieved by adding fluorescent dyes that bind to the DNA or to specific probes in order to detect the product created during PCR. qPCR is especially useful for quantitative applications, for instance when measuring the viral load in a sample or for measuring gene expression.

There are other PCR methods besides the PCR and qPCR methods mentioned here. Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), for example, helps amplify ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequences. Meanwhile, nested PCR employs two subsequent PCR reactions to increase specificity.

Applications for PCR technology

PCR has become a mainstay in a variety of applications, with diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 virus infections via qPCR undoubtedly among the most prominent examples in recent history. In addition, PCR thermal cyclers such as the advanced Biometra TAdvanced Series are also used in many domains: 

• Medical diagnostics: Endpoint PCR is used to diagnose infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis and SARS-CoV-2, and in genetic diagnostics. Endpoint PCR makes it possible to detect pathogens or mutations in genes associated with cancer and inherited disorders.
• Forensics and archaeology: In forensic analysis, PCR is used to amplify tiny amounts of DNA found at crime scenes. This makes it possible to identify perpetrators based on their genetic fingerprints. Not only that, ancient DNA samples like those found in archaeological sites, can be amplified and analyzed.
• Molecular research: PCR is a central tool in genetic research. PCR thermal cyclers are used here to create DNA libraries for sequencing, for detecting genes and mutations, and for cloning. And PCR is indispensable in the development of genetically modified organisms and in the manufacture of recombinant proteins.
• Agricultural sciences: In crop research, PCR is used to analyze genetic markers and to test plants for resistance to diseases and pests.

The applications of PCR technology listed here are a cornerstone in many industries. For example, endpoint PCR plays a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry during development of new medications – especially in the domain of personalized medicine and immunotherapy. This method makes it possible to develop custom treatments based on the patient's genetic profile.

In biotechnology, PCR is leveraged to develop genetically modified organisms, or to produce biological substances for the foodstuffs industry. It also finds application in the production of biopharmaceuticals. 

High-efficiency PCR with Analytik Jena thermal cyclers

Thanks to its numerous advantages and widespread applications, endpoint PCR has become a stable in microbiological laboratories. Bearing in mind the fields of application and potentially intensive sample throughput, requirements for a PCR thermal cycler come down to efficient, intuitive use and excellent precision. It is ideal to have different sample block formats and broad compatibility with plastic sample vessels and slides so that, depending on the required sample throughput, either a few or many samples can be processed. A typical standard format has a block capacity of 96 samples in 0.2-ml PCR tubes or 96-well PCR plates. For this format, the Biometra TOne Series of thermal cyclers a compelling solution for excellent, reliable performance characteristics. For more flexibility in applications as well as higher demand on temperature rates of change and temperature precision, the Biometra TAdvanced thermal cycler series is available with its block changing mechanism. Silver or aluminum sample blocks, in different formats, can cover all requirements with respect to sample count and sample volume, temperature homogeneity, and heating/cooling rates. 

For the demands of research, where the focus tends to lie on working with a smaller number of differing samples, the Biometra TRIO Series with its three independently functioning sample blocks is the perfect answer. 

For fully automated sample heating and PCR, the Biometra TRobot II thermal cycler series can be integrated into automation systems such as liquid handling stations.