With the new SpeedCycler², Analytik Jena has launched the second generation of the original SpeedCycler² technology with a brand new instrument even faster than its predecessor and delivering extraordinary high heating and cooling rates of up to 15 °C/sec and 10 °C/sec, respectively. That makes the SpeedCycler² the fastest available thermal cycler in the world.
A smaller footprint, the modular design, the external control panel and, last but not least, ultra high-performance distinguishes the SpeedCycler² from other available instruments. The system is ideal either as space-saving single thermal cycler or as a modular system expandable to full cycler networks.
- rapidPCR in less than 8 minutes
- Heating and cooling rates of up to 15 °C/sec and 10 °C/sec, respectively
- rapidPCR with heating and cooling rates of up to 15°C/sec and 10°C/sec, respectively
- SAC (Self-Adapting-Container) technology delivers outstanding heat transfer
- Standard-Profile-Rapid (SPR) blocks for 0.2 mL
- Low-Proile-Rapid (LPR) blocks for 20 µL
- Standard-Proile-Rapid (SPR) blocks for 0.2 mL standard consumables
- Optimized for low reagent consumption and reduced running costs
- Small footprint satellite system, expendable to full cycler networks
- Four different blocks available
- Thermal blocks made of massive sterling silver with a gold layer
- Windows CE based software
- USB and LAN port for easiest data exchange
- Portable user-interface HID-Pro 320
- Reduced primer mismatching
It grows with the requirements of its user. Starting with just a basic unit, which can be controlled either via PC or using the new external HID-Pro 320 user-interface, the cycler can be expanded by adding more basic units to build complete cycler networks.
Various interchangeable blocks are available for the SpeedCycler². The SpeedCycler² can accommodate two different types of blocks: Standard-Proile-Rapid (SPR) blocks and Low-Proile-Rapid (LPR) blocks. This means that standard PCR consumables can be used as well as low-proile PCR consumables.
The LPR format, in particular, has been optimized for low sample consumption and maximizes performance. Sample loss and condensation are effectively prevented by the enormously high lid contact pressure, even for volumes as small as 2 µL.
Low-Proile-Rapid (LPR) blocks use specially patented, ultrathin- walled microplates or strips based on the SBS standard format, which contributes greater thermal efficiency than ever before. SAC (Self-Adapting Container) technology allows the thermoelastic walls of the sample containers to adapt to the shape of the sample block like a second skin, thus, ensuring rapid heat transfer into the samples and achieving unsurpassed thermal efficiency of over 90 percent. rapidPCR is the only technology suitable for applications using what are known as “touch and go” protocols. A whole experiment can be carried out in less than 8 minutes.
The SpeedCycler² has been optimized for very small sample consumption and for the use of inexpensive standard PCR reagents. Costly and often limiting chemical additives can be consciously avoided and are not necessary for rapidPCR amplification. Furthermore, the higher cooling rate significantly improves specificity of the PCR products compared to those from standard thermal cyclers.
The HID-Pro 320 external user interface
The new portable HID-Pro 320 user interface eliminates the need for a PC and makes the system exceptionally easy to operate. Its extra large 5.7” color touchscreen eliminates the need for a keyboard or mouse. The software, which is based on Windows CE, offers typical Windows functions and operating environment, as well as an intuitive menu bar. Programs can be stored individually and organized in user-defined directories. An USB and LAN port allows users to exchange programs to other cyclers, export data from executed PCR runs, and connect the cycler directly to other basic units.
Users can easily change the operating language by clicking a button. The HID-Pro 320 is also compatible with other instruments from Analytik Jena, such as the ScanDrop microliter spectrophotometer. The built-in power failure function restarts the cycler automatically. The software restarts with the denaturing step of the last active cycle to eliminate any possible unspecific annealing.
- Software based on Windows CE
- USB and LAN port for uncomplicated data exchange
- Power failure function
- Multilingual software (English, German, Greek, Russian and Spanish; others to come)
- Reduced primer mismatching
Four thermal blocks
Four different rapidPCR blocks are offered for the SpeedCycler². All blocks are made of solid sterling silver and gold-plated to protect the valuable silver block from corrosion. Users can replace all thermal blocks quickly with no tools required.
- 48 SPR block; 48 × 0.2 ml
- 96 LPR block; 96 × 20 µl
- 36 LPR block; 36 × 20 µl
- 96 SPR block; 96 × 0.2 ml