Bioer TC-96/G/H(b) Gradient PCR Thermal Cycler
| Brand | Bioer |
|---|---|
| Origin | Zhejiang, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Instrument Type | Gradient PCR Thermal Cycler |
| Sample Capacity | 96-well format |
| Heating Rate | ≥3.0 °C/s |
| Temperature Accuracy | ≤±0.3 °C |
| Well-to-Well Temperature Uniformity | ≤±0.4 °C at 95 °C |
Overview
The Bioer TC-96/G/H(b) Gradient PCR Thermal Cycler is an engineered platform for precise, reproducible nucleic acid amplification under controlled thermal cycling conditions. Based on the fundamental principles of polymerase chain reaction—sequential denaturation, annealing, and extension cycles mediated by thermostable DNA polymerase—the instrument delivers high-fidelity amplification across a broad range of target lengths and GC-content profiles. Its core architecture integrates Peltier-based thermoelectric heating/cooling modules with real-time closed-loop temperature feedback control, ensuring rapid thermal transitions and exceptional spatial and temporal stability across the 96-well aluminum block. Designed for routine and method-development applications in molecular biology laboratories, the TC-96/G/H(b) supports both standard and gradient PCR protocols, enabling empirical optimization of annealing temperatures without requiring multiple instrument runs.
Key Features
- 96-well sample capacity compatible with standard PCR plates and tube strips, supporting high-throughput workflow integration.
- Gradient functionality with programmable temperature spans up to 30 °C across the block, facilitating rapid determination of optimal annealing conditions for primer pairs.
- Thermal ramp rates ≥3.0 °C/s for both heating and cooling phases, reducing cycle time without compromising amplification efficiency or specificity.
- Temperature accuracy maintained within ±0.3 °C across the full operating range (4–100 °C), validated per ISO/IEC 17025 traceable calibration procedures.
- Well-to-well uniformity ≤±0.4 °C at 95 °C and ≤±0.3 °C at 72 °C and 55 °C—critical for reproducibility in multiplex or low-input assays.
- Intelligent ramp rate modulation: users may define distinct heating/cooling rates per segment to emulate legacy instruments or match protocol-specific kinetic requirements.
- Auto-hold function cools samples to 4 °C upon program completion, preserving amplicon integrity during unattended operation.
- Integrated heated lid (optional configuration) eliminates need for mineral oil overlay or wax seals, minimizing contamination risk and handling steps.
- Real-time progress monitoring via LCD display showing elapsed/remaining time, current step, and active gradient profile.
- Power interruption recovery: system retains program state and resumes from point of failure upon power restoration.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TC-96/G/H(b) accommodates standard 0.2 mL PCR tubes, 8-well strips, and full 96-well plates (non-skirted, semi-skirted, and fully skirted formats). Block geometry is optimized for consistent thermal coupling with thin-walled consumables. The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical safety and meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per EN 61326-1:2013. While not certified for clinical diagnostics under FDA 510(k) or CE-IVD, it is routinely deployed in research-use-only (RUO) environments aligned with GLP documentation practices. Data integrity features—including user-accessible audit logs and timestamped run records—support alignment with internal SOPs governing assay development and validation.
Software & Data Management
Operation is managed through an embedded firmware interface with intuitive touch-key navigation and graphical LCD display. All programs are stored locally with non-volatile memory retention. RS-232 serial connectivity enables direct communication with Windows-based PCs for printout of run parameters, thermal profiles, and completion reports via standard terminal emulation software. No proprietary drivers or cloud dependencies are required. Exported data files are plain-text CSV-compatible, facilitating import into LIMS platforms or statistical analysis tools such as R or Python pandas. Firmware updates are delivered via USB flash drive, maintaining full offline operability in regulated or air-gapped lab environments.
Applications
This thermal cycler serves as a foundational tool across academic, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and forensic molecular laboratories. Typical use cases include: genomic DNA amplification for sequencing library preparation; detection of viral RNA targets (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, influenza) following reverse transcription; genotyping via allele-specific PCR or restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP); methylation-specific PCR (MSP); cDNA synthesis validation; and verification of CRISPR editing outcomes. Its gradient capability is especially valuable during assay development for primer optimization, multiplex assay balancing, and troubleshooting nonspecific amplification or primer-dimer formation.
FAQ
Does the TC-96/G/H(b) support hot-start PCR protocols?
Yes—its rapid ramp rates and precise temperature control enable reliable implementation of antibody- or chemical-mediated hot-start workflows.
Is the heated lid adjustable in temperature?
The lid operates at a fixed setpoint of 105 °C when enabled, sufficient to prevent condensation across common PCR volumes (10–50 µL).
Can I export raw temperature vs. time data for external analysis?
No—the instrument logs only summary metadata (start/end times, max/min temps per step); continuous thermal trace logging is not supported.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Annual verification of block calibration using NIST-traceable reference probes is recommended; no routine mechanical servicing is needed due to solid-state Peltier architecture.
Is remote monitoring or network connectivity available?
No Ethernet or Wi-Fi interface is provided; all control and reporting occur via front-panel interface or RS-232 serial connection.
