News from 2006

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The New Biometra® Thermocycler: TProfessional

May 9, 2006

The Biometra® TProfessional Thermocycler is inspired by the wish to simplify molecular biology research. To reach this goal the instrument housing, lid, and block were totally redesigned, prodiving so far unrealized speed and temperature uniformity. Innovative user software was developed, driven by Biometra®'s 15-years experience in interface design. The result is an easy to use Thermocycler with excellent technical specifications.

The TProfessional Thermocycler offers three different block modules. The 96 well silver block is designed for daily routine work and can be used with 0.2mL tubes, strips, or microplates. For rapid optimization fo new protocols a 96 well Gradient version is available. The third block module is designed for use with 384 well plates. All block modules can be easily exchanged in less than 10 seconds.

The TProfessional Lid has been optimized to achieve two essential requirements: prevention of condensation and reliable contact between samples and thermoblock. The lid is powered by Biometra®'s well known smart lid technology, which automatically limits lid pressure to save tubes from damage.

The TProfessional User Interface incorporates Biometra®'s proven spreadsheet programming philosophy.

Features

• Gold-plated silver block
• Three different block types
• Straightforward programming
• Excellent temperature uniformity
• High speed performance
• Block exchange in less than 10 seconds
• Smart high performance lid
• Excellent temperature precision
• Push button opening (lid arrests in end position)
• Robust lid construction (no sliding parts)
• Large graphical screen
• Complete temperature protocol in one window
• Speadsheet or graphical programming
• Displays the last 5 programs for quick start
• Compact footprint
• Silent operation
• Energy efficient
• Intelligent air stream design
• Automatic block recognition
• Robust and elegant construction
• East to view screen

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High Resolution Melt

April 27, 2006

HRM is a new application that can greatly extend the utility of traditional melting analysis. HRM is made possible by the combination of more advanced instrument design and new dye technology.

HRM differentiates nucleic acid samples based on their disassociation (melting) behavior. Sequences can be discriminated by length, GC content, and complementarity. Even single base changes such as SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and point mutations can be readily identified.

The Rotor-Gene™ 6000 has been engineered for HRM. It incorporates a specially tuned high-intensity optical channel, high-speed data capture (up to 1000 data collection points per °C transition), extreme thermal resolution (0.02°C) and dedicated analysis software. New "saturation" dyes such as SYTO9 and LC Green provide the best results since they can eb used at higher concentrations to provide increased resolution over traditional dyes (e.g. SYBR® Green I).

HRM Applications

Many applications are envisioned for HRM analysis. Some of those currently under investigation include:

• Mutation discovery / screening / scanning
• SNP genotyping / allelic discrimination
• Identify candidate predisposition genes
• Association (case / control) studies comparing genotype to phenotype
• Prevalence; within population or different sub groups
• Loss of heterozygosity
• DNA fingerprinting
• Haplotype blocks
• Predicative testing
• Penetrance / linkage studies; tracking variants for disease within a family
• Species identification
• Epigenetic / DNA methylation (bisulfate treatment required)
• Microsatellite analysis (tandem repeats)
• Linkage
• Fingerprinting
• Instability
• Loss of heterozygosity

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GFP Imaging System Model GRYB® 2539

February 1, 2006

The system was designed to answer the growing need of researchers to monitor and track cellular and genetic activities in-vivo using fluorescent proteins like GFP, YFP, RFP and BFP. Excitation lighting is delivered by Triple high output devices delivering 450 watts into four 3D adjustable Optical Delivery Systems supported by 4 articulated arms. Light delivered at a specific wavelength can be concentrated using a diaphragm and/or regulated using a power regulator.

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