Available real-time PCR cyclers (1)
Available real-time PCR cyclers (2)
Available real-time PCR cyclers (3)
Available real-time PCR cyclers (4)

On this page the most prominent real-time PCR cycler are described. In the cycler descriptions the specifications and the advantages of the displayed systems are shown. Which real-time platform meets your requirements best, depends on your research application. Some of the systems are designed for research with low capacities and others are for high-throughput applications, most in combination with pipetting robots. Most of them use solid-block for thermal cycling, other use hot- and cooled-air. Most differences are obviously in the application software, especially in the way of data analysis and how the derived crossing points or threshold levels are computed. Each of these systems employs either one of several general types of fluorescent probes for detection. There are also big differences how data are displayed. Some of the limitations of end-point detection in (RT-) PCR have been assuaged in real-time PCR systems, a number of which are now on the market. These systems offer many general technical advantages, including reduced probabilities of variability and contamination, as well as online monitoring and the lack of need for post reaction analyses. Further, some of these systems were developed with contemporary applications such as quantitative PCR, multiplexing, and high-throughput analysis in mind. Initial template levels can be calculated by analysing the shape of the curve or by determining when the signal rises above some threshold value. Several commercially available real-time PCR systems are overviewed on this page and/or summarized in the accompanying table.   summary in PDF


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Applied Biosystems:   Real-Time PCR Instruments
Real-time PCR technology

  StepOne & StepOnePLus Real-Time PCR System
AB 7300,  AB 7500, AB 7500 FAST,  AB 7900HT



     
                        













Applied Biosystems’ latest introduction to real-time PCR, the StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System, makes it simple and easy to get high-quality real-time PCR results. This remarkably simple 96 well, 4 color, real-time PCR system is designed with a user-friendly, yet powerful, interface for researchers of all experience levels.

Applied Biosystems’ latest introduction to real-time PCR, the StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System, makes it simple and easy to get high-quality real-time PCR results. This remarkably simple 96 well, 4 color, real-time PCR system is designed with a user-friendly, yet powerful, interface for researchers of all experience levels.

http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/

Applied Biosystems of Foster City, Calif., was the first to commercialize real-time PCR. This company offers the ABI PRISM® 7700 Sequence Detection System, which integrates a closed-tube PCR-based assay with instrumentation and software that enable real-time quantitative PCR. This system is optimized for use of a fluorogenic 5' exonuclease assay that employs the Thermus aquaticus (Taq) polymerase. Applied Biosystems has commercialized the requisite reagents in its well-known TaqMan® product line. The fluorogenic probe is complementary to the target sequence, and initially contains both reporter and quencher moieties. When the probe is not bound to template DNA, its reporter and quencher dyes are in close proximity, and the reporter's fluorescent emission is quenched. 

The probe is designed to anneal specifically between the forward and reverse primer sites of the target sequence. If a template bearing the target sequence is present, the probe anneals to it. During PCR, the nuclease activity of Taq polymerase cleaves the reporter dye from the probe. The reporter dye, now separated from the quencher, emits a fluorescent signal. Thus, fluorescent signal is emitted only after the probe binds template DNA and is cleaved during the course of PCR. The fluorescent signal is monitored at every cycle as additional reporter dye molecules accumulate. After the signal rises above background, its rate of increase is tracked during a number of linear cycles before the reaction reaches a plateau. These data are then used to calculate initial template levels. 

   The ABI PRISM 7700 was designed with HT applications in mind. Reactions are performed in 96-well microplates, and it takes merely 15 seconds for this system to collect one round of fluorescent emission data from each well. The reaction tube's transparent lid allows laser light, which is carried on an array of optical fibers, to be distributed to each well. The laser light excites the reporter dye molecules to fluoresce, and the resultant signals are carried by the optic fibers to a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera for detection. Applications include allelic discrimination, melting curves, and quantification of single or multiplexed targets.




The StepOne™ Real-Time PCR System combines plug and play convenience and uncompromising performance that is tailor-made for both first-time users and real-time PCR experts. By utilizing the full range of TaqMan™ gene expression and genotyping assays, the StepOne System delivers the kind of high-quality results you've come to expect from the leader in real-time PCR. The StepOne System provides the power and flexibility experienced users demand, while its intuitive software guides new users through experimental design, operation, and analysis. Part of an elegant, optimized system solution for real-time PCR that includes software, reagents, and instrumentation, the StepOne System delivers remarkable performance with remarkable ease-of-use, at a price that can only be described as...remarkable.


    * Easy to use software helps you set up your experiments and get results quickly
    * Fast runs (<40 minutes) and standard runs (<2 hours) with one block
    * Flexible configurations for PC-free or networked environments
    * Preloaded and precalibrated to get you up and running fast
    * Small, space-saving footprint
    * Supports real-time PCR applications





Applied Biosystems’ latest introduction to real-time PCR, the StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System, makes it simple and easy to get high-quality real-time PCR results. This remarkably simple 96 well, 4 color, real-time PCR system is designed with a user-friendly, yet powerful, interface for researchers of all experience levels.

    * Intuitive, flexible software and wizards guide new users through their real-time PCR experiments in three easy-to follow steps
    * 4-color/96-well format delivers precise, quantitative real-time PCR results
  * Long-life LED-based optical system records fluorescence from FAM™/SYBR® Green, VIC®/JOE™, ROX™ and NED/TAMRA™ dyes for gene expression analysis, pathogen detection, SNP genotyping, and presence/absence assays
    * One block performs both standard runs in under 2 hours and fast PCR reactions in less than 40 minutes
    * Ultra-compact footprint fits any laboratory setting
    * LCD touchscreen and USB drive provide configuration flexibility and enable PC-free operation
    * Remote monitoring and email notification for convenience and time-savings
    * VeriFlex™ Block technology brings six independently controlled peltier blocks together for precise temperature control and enhanced PCR functionality
    * For those customers who currently have a StepOne™ System, an upgrade option will be available soon.

Remarkably Simple System
The StepOnePlus™ system brings advanced real-time PCR technology to a new level of accessibility. Beginning at the StepOnePlus software homepage, you can seamlessly navigate through all aspects of the real-time PCR method including sample and reaction set-up, thermal cycling, and fluorescent detection. Focused application software analyzes and interprets experimental results. Depending on the experimental design, the system can even help you select and order real-time PCR reagents online by means of convenient links in the Design Wizard.
Simply Remarkable Results - Because the StepOnePlus system is factory-calibrated for optical and thermal accuracy, simply remarkable real-time PCR results are available right out of the box. It can discriminate between 2 populations of 5,000 and 10,000 template copies of a TaqMan® Assay with 99.7% confidence.

Applications and Software Analysis

The StepOnePlus System supports any real-time PCR application.
    * SNP Genotyping
    * Gene Expression Profiling
    * MicroRNA Expression
    * Translocation Analysis
    * Gene Detection
    * Viral Load Analysis

Software for StepOne and StepOnePlus systems supports a variety of analysis methods, including:

    * Absolute Quantitation
    * Standard Curve
    * Relative Quantitation
    * Relative Standard Curve
    * Comparative CT (∆∆ CT)
    * Presence/absence (Plus/Minus) assays with an internal positive control
    * Melt curve analysis
    * Genotyping (including real-time amplification)

Software
Instrument software for the Applied Biosystems StepOne Real-Time PCR System runs on the Windows XP® operating system and provides instrument control, data collection, and data analysis. This user-friendly and intuitive software package includes the following features:

    * Experimental design wizards to help you design and set up experiments.
    * Pipetting protocols and recipes to quickly set up experiments.
    * Advanced setup for expert users who require flexibility for more complex applications, such as multiplexing.
    * QuickStart setup so that you start a run immediately and enter plate information at a later time.
    * Real-time monitoring of amplification growth curves enables you to view run progress.
    * Remote real-time monitoring so that you can monitor progress from a remote PC.
    * Email notifications to alert you when a run has started or ended.
    * Auto-baseline and auto-threshold for simplified data analysis.
    * Automated SNP genotype calling capability with intuitive graphical output and quality-value assignment.
    * Tool tips for easy identification of sample wells when viewing amplification curves or SNP genotyping plots.
    * Troubleshooting flags to help you diagnose and solve problematic experiments.
    * Multiple plots view so that you can simultaneously assess data from four different perspectives.
    * Easy cut and paste functionality.
    * Export easily to PowerPoint, Excel, and graphical images

read more          download StepOnePlus brochure


Introducing the NEW Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast real-time PCR System

The Applied Biosystems 7500 FAST real-Time PCR System is a versatile, leading edge platform offering enhanced performance capabilities and a future upgrade to high speed thermal cycling. Brochure 7300 / 7500

  • Variable excitation and five-color detection enable you to use a broad range of fluorophores including FAM™/SYBR® Green I, VIC®/JOE, NED™/ TAMRA™/ Cy3™, ROX™/Texas Red®, and Cy5™ dyes for precise results
  • Supports 96-well format plates and 0.2 mL tubes.
  • Powerful, versatile software including plate set-up wizards and automated analysis tools make data processing simple and straightforward
  • Advanced data viewing capabilities and automated analysis tools enable simple and straightforward data processing

LightCycler 2.0   &  LightCycler 480

    



The LightCycler™ from Roche Molecular Biochemicals of Indianapolis harnesses light technology licensed from Idaho Technology Inc. of Idaho Falls, and then adds some additional bells and whistles, such as a built-in microvolume fluorimetric detection system that enables real-time quantitative PCR. This system employs thin-walled glass capillary tubes, and typical PCR experiments can be performed in less than 30 minutes. Currently, this system supports two fluorescence-based methods for the detection of amplification products: the "general" DNA stain SYBR Green I (a product of Molecular Probes of Eugene, Ore.), or sequence-specific hybridization probe pairs. SYBR Green I exhibits very little fluorescence when free in solution; emission is greatly enhanced when it binds to the minor groove of the DNA double helix. Prior to amplification, the reaction mixture contains the denatured DNA, the primers, and the dye. The low-level background fluorescence signal generated by the unbound dye molecules is subtracted during computer analysis. After annealing of the primers, a few dye molecules can bind to the double strand. During elongation, more and more dye molecules bind to the newly synthesized DNA, resulting in dramatically increased light emission. If the reaction is monitored continuously, this increase in fluorescence can be viewed in real time. After denaturation of the DNA during the next heating cycle, the dye molecules are released and the fluorescence signal falls. A fluorescence measurement is performed at the end of the elongation step of every PCR cycle to monitor the increasing amount of amplified DNA. The hybridization probe format employs two specially designed, sequence-specificoligonucleotides lab-eled with fluorescent dyes. One oligonucleotide probe carries a fluorescein  label at its 3' end; the other probe carries a different label (LC Red 640 or LC Red 705) at its 5' end. The chemical nature of the hybridization probes prevents their extension: one probe contains fluorescein at the 3' end, whereas the 5'-labeled probe contains a 3' phosphate moiety. The sequences of the two oligonucleotides are selected so that they hybridize to the amplified DNA fragment in a head-to-tail arrangement. When the oligonucleotides hybridize in this orientation, the two fluorescent dyes are positioned in close proximity to each other. The first dye (fluorescein) is excited by the LightCycler's light emitting diode (LED) filtered light source, and emits green fluorescent light at a slightly longer wavelength. When the two dyes are in close proximity, the emitted energy excites the dye attached to the second hybridization probe, which subsequently emits red fluorescent light at an even longer wavelength. This energy transfer, referred to as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), occurs efficiently only when the dyes are in close proximity (a distance between 1-5 nucleotides). Thus, in this type of assay, fluorescent intensity measurements are made after the annealing steps. The increasing amount of emitted fluorescence is proportional to the increasing amount of DNA generated during the linear phase of the ongoing PCR process.



LightCycler 480 System


Roche Applied Science’s cutting-edge real-time PCR technology - now available for high-throughput applications
The LightCycler 480 Real-Time PCR System is a fully integrated multiwell-plate based real-time PCR platform for highly accurate qualitative and quantitative detection of nucleic acids. Building on the benefits of Roche's capillary-based LightCycler® Systems, it goes one step further in offering enhanced throughput, compatibility with automation equipment and maximum flexibility regarding hard- and software.
Providing novel ways to combine speed and accuracy without compromises, the LightCycler® 480 Real-Time PCR System meets the needs of a broad range of applications in research fields such as gene expression studies, discovery and analysis of genetic variation or array data validation.

LightCycler® 480 Real-Time PCR System benefits

SPEED & ACCURACY

    * Benefit from novel thermal cycling and data capture technologies to achieve outstanding temperature homogeneity and assay reproducibility.
    * Increase the sensitivity and yield of your real-time PCR applications, with robust LightCycler® 480 reagents and specially engineered clear or white consumables.
    * Analyze true raw data, breaking free from the need to use passive reference dyes or normalization plates to get accurate results.

VERSATILITY & CONVENIENCE

    * Flexibly switch between 96- or 384-well plate formats, exchanging thermal block cyclers in just a few minutes with no recalibration time.
    * Select from numerous assay formats and detection dyes, expanding the range of real-time PCR applications in your lab.
    * Benefit from the intuitive and user-friendly Roche software interface.

COMPATIBILITY & SECURITY

    * Take advantage of the automation capabilities of the LightCycler® 480 System, integrating it as part of a LIMS in combination with robotic pipetting and plate loading.
    * Conveniently analyze gene expression or genotyping data using a broad range of basic and advanced methods.
    * Know that your data are protected, using a system compatible with 21 CFR part 11 requirements.

MEET AND EXCEED THE CAPABILITIES OF OTHER REAL-TIME PCR SYSTEMS -TAKE YOUR GENOMIC RESEARCH TO A  NEW LEVEL WITH THE LIGHTCYCLER® 480 SYSTEM!


HRM Workflow in the LC 480
more about HRM => http://hrm.gene-quantification.info/

Gene Scanning by High Resolution Melting Curve Analysis generally requires the use of

  • a special generic DNA dye that works at high, saturating concentrations without inhibiting PCR and therefore leads to homogeneous staining of homo-or heteroduplex DNA
  • an instrument with suitable excitation/emmission wavelengths, high data acquisition rates, and outstanding temperature homogeneity
  • a software algorithm that analyzes the shape of the melting curves and groups those that are similar.

In a Gene Scanning experiment, sample DNA is first amplified via real-time PCR in the presence of a proprietary saturating DNA dye. A melting curve is then performed using high data acquisition rates, and data are finally analyzed using a Gene Scanning Software, by three basic steps:

  1. Normalization: the pre-melt (initial fluorescence) and post-melt (final fluorescence) signals of all samples are set to uniform, relative values from 100% to 0%
  2. Temperature shifting: the temperature axis of the normalized melting curves is shifted to the point where the entire double-stranded DNA is completely denatured. Samples with heterozygous SNPs can then be easily be distinguished from the wild type by the different shapes of their melting curves. 
  3. Difference Plot: the differences in melting curve shape are further analyzed by subtracting the curves from a reference curve. This helps cluster samples automatically into groups that have similar melting curves (e.g., those who are heterozygote as opposed to homozygotes).



High-resolution melting curve analysis on the LightCycler 480 PCR system  (presented by Roche Aplied Science)
Roche Applied Science´s LightCycler® family of real-time PCR systems offer fast, accurate and versatile platforms for genetic variation research. The new plate-based LightCycler® 480 System provides the temperature homogeneity and optical characteristics required for high-performance melting-curve analysis (MCA). On the level of data acquisition and available detection channels, this new instrument opens the way to more advanced applications in the emerging field of gene scanning where amplicons can be screened for unknown sequence variations with low efforts in time and cost.

The LightCycler® 480 real-time PCR system: a versatile platform for genetic variation research

Real-time PCR is a well established technique for studying genetic variation using various probe-based methods for genotyping as well as high-resolution analysis of whole amplicons melted in the presence of saturating DNA dyes. The latter, relatively new, method allows screening for unknown mutations or DNA modifications. The LightCycler® 480 real-time PCR system is a multiwell plate–based instrument that provides integrated applications for detecting and characterizing genetic variation using all these methodological approaches.

Transfering PCRs to HRM-assays on the LightCycler 480 System- Examples for BRCA1
High-resolution melting curve analysis (hrMCA) is an attractive technique to scan for unknown mutations in genes. To evaluate how easy or difficult it is to design hrMCA assays using the LightCycler® 480 Instrument, we selected 3 different fragments in exon 11 of the BRCA1 gene, designed an MCA assay, and tested its sensitivity to detect known variants.

Rapid high-throughput Methylation analysis using the LightCycler 480 system (presented by Roche Aplied Science)

Microsatellite Analysis of Grapevine Varieties by HRM Analysis  (by John Mackay)


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by Idaho Technology

http://www.idahotec.com/rapidcycler/index.html

The RapidCycler is the first instrument engineered to match the speed of biochemical reactions. The instrument's rapid temperature cycling system is based on heat transfer by hot air to samples contained in microcapillary tubes or thin walled micorcentrifuge tubes. Heating and cooling the samples with blasts of high velocity air results in nearly instantaneous temperature transactions, ensures temperature uniformity and rapid heat exchange within the sample.
The RapidCycler 2 instrument is now available for purchase. For those who need support for an original RapidCycler, click here.


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LightCycler

by Idaho Technology

http://www.idahotec.com/product_sup/lightcycler.htm

LightCycler Software
For use with Idaho Technology's LightCycler Instrument only

To achieve the results that you are looking for in your research, make sure that you have the latest versions of our LightCycler Software.

Instructions: To obtain a copy of our latest LightCycler 24 & 32 software, contact us directly by e-mail or phone (801) 736-6354 x 317. Please have the serial number of your machine ready.



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Mastercycler® ep realplex - real-time PCR solutions

Eppendorf has developed a real-time PCR system that meets the requirements of the latest quantitative PCR applications. Comprehensive yet intuitive software paired with recent advances in real-time PCR technology make the Mastercycler ep realplex a critical contribution to modern science and research. The Mastercycler ep realplex features the latest technology, united with good design and a quality finish. A minimal number of moving parts in the optical detection module minimizes the vulnerability of the overall system and promotes consistently high sensitivity in your realtime PCR experiments. The overall system has been solidly engineered, to ensure quiet operation in the laboratory.

Real-time without limits

Choose from two thermomodules depending on your requirements. The "standard" variant is fitted with a specially finished 96-well aluminum block, while the "high-speed" variant has a 96-well silver block with Impulse PCR and extremely fast heating and cooling rates. Regardless of the thermomodule selected, reproducible results can be attributed to the highest accuracy and uniformity of Mastercycler ep thermal cycling. Both thermomodules can be combined with two different optical modules, realplex2 and realplex4, which permit the use of nearly all fluorescent dyes used in real-time PCR. In order to give you the greatest possible flexibility in experimental design, Eppendorf's realplex offers a completely open system concept. Pre-established assays optimized for real-time PCR reagents and your preferred tubes or plates can be easily transferred to the Mastercycler ep realplex.   Technical specifications






Optical highlight

The fluorescent dyes chosen for each experiment are excited by an array of 96 individual LEDs, which have a substantially longer lifespan in contrast to halogen lamps. The result is a real-time PCR system that is less susceptible, minimizing equipment downtime and the frequency of maintenance and associated delays to your experiments.

  • The LEDs generate a blue light at a wavelength of ~470 nm, which can excite nearly all fluorophores used in realtime PCR (including SYBR®Green, FAM, VIC, TET, HEX, ROX, JOE, TAMRA). Emitted fluorescence is focused through an array of lenses and is passed to the optical detection unit through 96 individual optical fibers.
     
  • Immediately upstream of the detectors, two high-quality emission filters with bandwidths of 10 nm to 30 nm are contained in a filter rotor.
     
  • New type channel photo-multipliers (CPM) serve as the detectors, which in contrast to conventional photomultiplier tubes, are far less sensitive to magnetic field interference.


Mastercycler ep realplex
light path


eppendorf Smart Workstations epMotion® 5070 and 5075

  • Simple operation with a control panel
  • Greatest operator convenience due to a comprehensive database of validated applications and consumables
  • Precise, reproducible dispensing of 1 µl - 1,000µl volumes
  • Innovative optical sensor detects tubes and plates,as well as their liquid levels and pipette tips

For more information visit our website at www.epMotion.com