FastGene Ultra Cycler: Precision Gradient PCR for High-Performance Amplification
Researchers frequently encounter challenges with suboptimal annealing temperatures and inconsistent ramp rates, which can compromise PCR yield and specificity. The FastGene Ultra Cycler Gradient Thermal Cycler is a robust, high-performance solution designed to streamline the optimisation of DNA amplification protocols. By providing a stable and reliably repeatable environment, this system ensures consistent, high-quality results for a wide range of molecular biology applications.
At the core of the Ultra Cycler is a powerful thermal engine utilising advanced Peltier technology and a low-mass composite alloy block. This combination achieves rapid ramp rates of 5 °C/sec, while the integrated gradient function allows for a temperature spread of up to 24 °C across the 96-well block. This enables users to precisely identify the ideal annealing temperature for any primer set in a single run, significantly reducing the time required for protocol development.
Key Benefits:
- Precise Gradient Optimisation: Identify ideal annealing temperatures rapidly. The 24 °C thermal gradient allows for the simultaneous testing of multiple conditions to ensure maximum primer specificity.
- High-Speed Thermal Performance: Reduce overall protocol run times. Precision-engineered blocks provide rapid 5 °C/sec ramp rates for efficient transition between denaturation and annealing steps.
- Intuitive User Interface: Simplify complex protocol programming. A large 7-inch colour touchscreen paired with the ALBERT setup assistant makes experiment configuration effortless for all laboratory staff.
- Compact Laboratory Footprint: Maximise valuable bench space. With a width of only 18 cm and weighing just 5.5 kg, the unit is both space-efficient and highly portable for flexible lab setups.
- Advanced Evaporation Control: Maintain reaction volume integrity. The pressure-adjustable heated lid eliminates the need for oil overlays by preventing condensation and sample loss during cycling.
Technical Insights
Touch Screen Menu
The intuitive start screen allows users to quickly load saved profiles from the internal memory or a USB stick. New profiles can be created easily by using the helpful ALBERT assistant to guide the setup process.
ALBERT – The PCR Set Up Assistant
ALBERT enables the user to configure protocols ranging from simple to moderate complexity in just moments. All standard thermal steps are pre-included, and parameters can be adjusted with just a few clicks to suit specific experimental needs.
Manual Mode
The Manual Profile editor provides a comprehensive ‘tree list’ format with graphical representations of each thermal step. This mode is ideal for creating highly specific or difficult profiles, allowing for easy addition, modification, or deletion of steps.
Specifications
- Catalogue Number: T3-0180
- Block Compatibility: 96 x 0.2 mL PCR tubes (standard and low profile), 8-well strips, or 96-well plates (non-skirted, semi-skirted, and fully-skirted).
- Thermal Gradient: Up to 24 °C across the block.
- Ramp Rate: Typical 5 °C/sec (heating and cooling).
- Display: 7-inch Vivid Colour Touchscreen.
- Dimensions: 18 x 28.5 x 19 cm (W x D x H).
- Weight: 5.5 kg.
- Connectivity: Front-mounted USB port for file transfer and USB mouse support.
- Lid: Fully adjustable pressure-heated lid.