New Versatile PCR Thermal Cycler Range Launches at BIOTECHNICA 2010

The new Thermo Scientific Piko and Arktik Thermal Cyclers from Thermo Fisher Scientific provide functionality for everyday use. The Piko® Thermal Cycler provides best-in-class thermal performance, fast ramping rates and quick settling times, offering excellent PCR efficiency and well-to-well consistency within an extremely compact footprint.

The Piko also utilizes ultra-thin walled (UTW) vessels for better temperature transfer, which enables protocols to be completed more quickly. The Arktik™ Thermal Cycler provides the flexibility of three interchangeable blocks for standard 96-, 384- and 2x48-well PCR plates, with a broad and accurate temperature gradient option (not available in Germany or USA) offering a cross-block differential of up to 30 °C. Both the Piko and Arktik Thermal Cyclers feature highly intuitive user interfaces, with clear display of protocols for highly efficient programming and operation. These two new Thermo Fisher Scientific PCR instruments meet the needs of a broad range of researchers, for applications covering individual PCRs through to high throughput projects. The company will showcase the Piko and Arktik Thermal Cyclers at Thermo Scientific booth 9 / G51 during Biotechnica 2010, being held October 5–7, 2010 in Hannover, Germany.

Available in 24- and 96-well formats, the Piko Thermal Cycler can use standard low profile PCR tubes, 8 tube strips as well as specialized 24- and 96--well Piko PCR plates. The 24- and 96-well UTW Piko plates are ¼ the size of conventional plates, which, in combination with the unique heating block design, considerably reduces energy, plastic and reagent consumption, Furthermore, instrument’s small size and reduced power consumption make it portable and ideal for use away from the lab and its automated heated lid provides consistent and tight sealing for every run.

In addition to PCR instruments and consumables, the Thermo Scientific PCR portfolio includes a wide range of proprietary DNA polymerases suitable for all DNA amplifications, from routine PCR to the most demanding applications. For example, Thermo Scientific Phusion High-Fidelity DNA Polymerases deliver superior performance no other PCR enzyme can match whereas Thermo Scientific Phire Hot Start II DNA Polymerase is ideal for routine and high throughput PCR.