What is a PCR thermal cycler and what is it used for?
The PCR thermal cycler is a device used to carry out the polymerase chain reaction, better known as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). This revolutionary technique allows specific DNA or RNA sequences to be amplified quickly and efficiently.
The principle is based on the repetition of specific temperature cycles:
- Denaturation : separation of the two strands of DNA by heating (around 95°C).
- Hybridization : fixation of specific primers to target sequences (between 50°C and 65°C).
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Elongation : synthesis of new complementary strands by DNA polymerase (at 72°C).
Each cycle doubles the amount of target fragment, making it possible to obtain millions of copies in less than two hours. This is an essential step for applications in sequencing, pathogen detection, cloning, and genetic diagnosis.
How does a PCR thermal cycler work?
A PCR thermal cycler is equipped with a thermal block capable of rapidly changing its temperature. It follows a user-defined cyclic program. Each step is carefully calibrated to ensure amplification fidelity.
Here are the main features of a thermal cycler:
- Rapid temperature rise and fall ramps.
- Multiple cycle programming.
- Compatibility with different tube formats (0.2 mL, 0.5 mL) or PCR plates.
- Possibility of thermal gradient to optimize primer hybridization.
Temperature accuracy and consistency are critical factors for the success of a PCR.
Why choose a good PCR thermal cycler?
The quality of your PCR thermal cycler directly impacts the reliability and reproducibility of your results. A deviation of just 1°C can compromise an entire experiment.
A good device offers:
- High thermal homogeneity between the wells.
- A small variation in temperature from one cycle to another.
- Reduced cycle time to maximize productivity.
- An intuitive screen to easily program your reactions.
Additionally, a reliable model reduces the risk of cross-contamination and minimizes human error through pre-programmed protocols.
Applications of PCR thermal cycler in laboratory
The PCR thermal cycler is used in many scientific disciplines:
- Molecular biology : cloning, study of genetic mutations, production of DNA banks.
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Genomics : genome sequencing, gene expression analysis.
- Microbiology : rapid detection of bacteria or viruses (COVID-19, HIV, etc.).
- Food industry : detection of GMOs and food pathogens.
- Criminology : genetic identification in judicial investigations.
The versatility of the thermocycler makes it a central tool in biomedical and industrial research.
How to choose your PCR thermal cycler?
Essential technical criteria
When purchasing a PCR thermal cycler, several criteria must be taken into account:
- Number of samples supported per cycle.
- Speed of temperature ramps.
- Presence of a thermal gradient option.
- Ease of use of the software interface.
- Compatibility with your current consumables (tubes, plates).
Classic thermal cycler or qPCR?
If you want to monitor the amount of DNA in real time, you will need to opt for a more advanced qPCR (quantitative PCR) thermal cycler model, which is equipped with a fluorescence detection system.
Refurbished PCR thermal cycler: an economical and reliable solution
Investing in a new PCR thermal cycler can be a significant expense for many labs, especially those with smaller facilities or budget-constrained research projects. This is why more and more teams are opting for a refurbished PCR thermal cycler.
The advantages are multiple:
- Substantial savings : up to 60% off the new price.
- Guaranteed reliability : each device is checked on more than 30 technical control points.
- Warranty included : often 6 to 12 months on parts and labor.
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Reduced environmental impact : giving a second life to high-performance equipment limits the production of electronic waste.
At Rewake, all our refurbished PCR thermal cycler models are thoroughly tested, calibrated and delivered with a validation report.
Using your PCR thermal cycler effectively in the laboratory
Cycle programming
Before each experiment, make sure your PCR program is suitable:
- Correct initial denaturation (usually 94°C for 2-5 minutes).
- Number of cycles sufficient to achieve the required sensitivity.
- Hybridization temperature optimized according to the primer sequence used.
Maintenance and upkeep
To ensure the longevity of your device:
- Clean the thermal block chamber regularly.
- Check the thermal calibration once a year.
- Protect the touchscreen and USB/Ethernet connectors from liquid exposure.
A well-maintained PCR thermal cycler can operate reliably for over 10 years.
What is the average price of a PCR thermal cycler?
The price of a PCR thermal cycler varies according to several criteria:
- Thermal cycler type: standard, gradient or qPCR.
- Sample capacity: from 16 to 384 wells.
- Advanced options: real-time detection, Wi-Fi connection, control via mobile application.
In general :
- A new entry-level model costs between €3,000 and €6,000.
- A model with a thermal gradient costs between €6,000 and €9,000.
- A high-end qPCR thermal cycler can exceed €15,000.
By choosing a refurbished model from Rewake, you can acquire an excellent device from €1,500, while benefiting from a professional guarantee.
Why buy your PCR thermal cycler from Rewake?
At Rewake, we specialize in refurbished lab equipment. Each PCR thermal cycler we offer is:
- Reviewed by technical experts specializing in molecular biology.
- Tested under real PCR conditions to validate its performance.
- Guaranteed to provide reliability equivalent to that of a new device.
- Comes with technical support and installation assistance if needed.
We only select recognized brands such as Bio-Rad, Eppendorf, Applied Biosystems, Agilent and Thermo Fisher.
Ready to take your molecular biology projects to the next level? Discover our selection of refurbished thermal cyclers and optimize your lab without compromising on quality!
