Standard Merase™ Thermal Cycler

Introduction

The Avam® Standard Merase™ Thermal Cycler is engineered to deliver high precision, flexibility, and reliability in PCR applications. This thermal cycler, with its robust features and innovative design, is perfectly suited for a variety of PCR experiments, making it an indispensable tool for molecular biology labs seeking consistency and reproducibility in their results.

Key Features

Six Independent Temperature Blocks with TEC Modules

The Avam® Standard Merase™ Thermal Cycler features six independent temperature blocks, each powered by TEC (Thermoelectric Cooler) modules. This configuration provides exceptional control over temperature settings, allowing for precise PCR optimization across multiple reactions simultaneously. The independent blocks enable the running of different PCR protocols under varying conditions, making it an ideal choice for labs engaged in diverse PCR applications.

Superior Gradient PCR Functionality

This system is equipped with advanced gradient PCR capabilities, ensuring accurate thermal gradients, which are essential for optimizing annealing temperatures. The gradient function allows researchers to identify the best PCR conditions within a single run, improving efficiency and saving valuable resources.

Compact, Space-Saving Design

The Avam® Standard Merase™ Thermal Cycler is designed with a unique air inlet and outlet duct system, with independent front and rear ducts. This innovative design allows multiple units to be placed closely together without the risk of overheating, thus conserving laboratory space. Additionally, the system’s ultra-large fin-type heat sink and intelligent fan speed control technology ensure low-noise heat dissipation, contributing to a quieter lab environment.

Adaptive Heated Lid

The flexible heated lid of the Standard Merase™ automatically adjusts to accommodate different PCR tube types, creating consistent pressure that prevents sample evaporation. This feature ensures that each PCR run yields reproducible results. The lid also includes an intelligent auto-heating off function, reducing non-specific amplification by deactivating heating when the sample block temperature drops below 30°C.

Rapid Thermal Cycling

The system is built for speed with maximum heating rates exceeding 5°C/s and cooling rates exceeding 4°C/s. This rapid thermal cycling capability significantly reduces cycle times, which is especially beneficial in high-throughput environments. Despite the speed, the system maintains excellent temperature uniformity across the block, ensuring that all samples are exposed to consistent conditions, which is crucial for reliable PCR results.

User-Centric Interface

The Avam® Standard Merase™ features a 7-inch high-resolution LCD touchscreen, offering an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The touchscreen is glove-compatible, making it convenient for users to operate even in a busy laboratory setting. Additionally, the system includes a USB interface at the front for easy protocol import/export, and the device software can be upgraded via USB, ensuring the system remains up-to-date with the latest advancements.

Enhanced Security and Access Control

To ensure data integrity and security, the system supports multiple user accounts with varying access rights, including Administrator, User, and Visitor accounts. This feature ensures that only authorized personnel can access or modify sensitive protocols, which is particularly important in regulated environments.

Versatile PCR Modes

The Avam® Standard Merase™ offers various PCR modes, including Touchdown (TD) PCR and Long Range PCR. These modes provide the flexibility required for a wide range of applications, from routine to complex PCR experiments.

Technical Specifications

Temperature Control

● Sample Capacity: Compatible with 96-well plates, 12x PCR 8 strips, and 96x 0.2 ml well plates.
● PCR Reaction Volume: Supports volumes ranging from 10-100 μl.
● Heating Lid Temperature: Adjustable between 30°C and 110°C.
● Maximum Block Heating Rate: 5°C/s, ensuring quick and efficient thermal cycling.
● Maximum Block Cooling Rate: 4°C/s for rapid transition between cycles.
● Temperature Uniformity: Less than 0.5°C (20s after reaching 95°C) across all wells.
● Temperature Accuracy: ±0.25°C within the range of 35°C to 99.9°C, critical for precision PCR.

Gradient Functionality

● Maximum Temperature Difference Between Blocks: Up to 25°C, with a maximum of 5°C between adjacent blocks.
● Gradient Temperature Accuracy: ±0.25°C, ensuring precise optimization of annealing temperatures.
● Program Flexibility: Supports up to 55 steps per program with adjustable time and temperature increments/decrements.
● Maximum Number of Cycles: Up to 999, accommodating a wide range of PCR protocols.

Additional Features

● Tm Value Calculation: Built-in function for accurate determination of melting temperatures.
● Automatic Pause/Power-Off Protection: Safeguards data and experiments during power interruptions.
● Program Storage: Can store up to 1,000 programs internally, with unlimited storage capability via an external USB drive.
● Noise Level: Operates at less than 55dB, ensuring a quiet lab environment.
● Evaporation Prevention: The system prevents sample evaporation by delaying block heating until the lid reaches the set temperature.
● Template Functionality: Pre-stored templates simplify programming, streamlining the setup process.

Conclusion

The Avam® Standard Merase™ Thermal Cycler offers a blend of precision, efficiency, and versatility, making it a cornerstone for any molecular biology lab. Its advanced features, including flexible temperature control, user-friendly interface, and robust security options, ensure reliable results across a broad spectrum of PCR applications. Whether for routine use or specialized protocols, the Avam® Standard Merase™ Thermal Cycler is designed to meet the demands of modern scientific research, providing consistent and reproducible results with every run.