Technology of PCR

Since the introduction of PCR many people have tried to increase the speed of PCR. Ramp rates go up to 15 degrees per second, and chemistry is getting faster and faster. The NEXTGENPCR device will heat and cool the samples instantly, loosing no time getting the samples on the desired temperature. Ramp rates are an estimated 1000 degrees per second. For the first time, the machine is not the limitation, but the chemistry is. Wells are formed of very thin polypropylene foil and attached to SBS compliant rigid plastic frames. After filling these wells with PCR mix, all wells are sealed using a proprietary anvil and a standard heat sealer. All plates are shaped to readily integrate into laboratory automation. When microplates arrives at a temperature zone, the two temperature blocks are brought together and slightly compress the wells. This process mixes the liquid in each well. Together with the large surface to volume ratio this enables a practically instantaneous change of one temperature to the next. Sharp polypropylene pipet tips enable piercing of even polyester backed foil. A special holder will prevent tips from piercing the bottom of the wells.