|
Bio-Rad Laboratories is offering the winner of the Cryptogram Challenge: qPCR
a benchtop device in addition to the $1,500 grand prize. The first to solve the
contest will be able to choose one of the following: Gene Pulser Xcell™ eukaryotic
electroporation system, MyCycler™ personal thermal cycler, TC10™ automated
cell counter, SmartSpec™ Plus spectrophotometer, or VersaFluor™ fluorometer.
|
Gene Pulser Xcell eukaryotic electroporation system (catalog #165-2661)
enables electroporation of all eukaryotic cell types including primary and difficult-to-transfect
cells as well as plant protoplasts. The eukaryotic system consists of the main unit,
the CE module, and the ShockPod™ cuvette chamber.
Key Features:
- Provides both exponential and square waveforms
- Displays a user-friendly digital interface with easy, intuitive programming that
controls all parameters
- Choice of programs for manual operation, preset protocols, user protocols, an optimization
protocol, and additional advanced functions
- Uses the Bio-Rad patented PulseTrac™ circuitry and arc protection features
to ensure reproducibility and sample protection
- Enables storage and recall of pulse parameters used in the previous 100 experiments
- Retail value: $6,311
|
|
96-well MyCycler personal thermal cycler (catalog #170-9703) offers high-quality
PCR at an economical price. The high-resolution display presents graphics and options
for easy, fast programming. Personalized menus and displays ensure rapid protocol
setup.
Key Features:
- 96-well reaction module designed for use with 0.2 mL tubes or plates
- Intuitive programming of temperatures, times, and protocol options
- User-programmable sleep mode that saves power when the instrument is not in use
- Status and history of each run recorded in run and validation reports
- Self-adjusting heated lid that accommodates standard 0.2 mL thin-wall PCR tubes,
strips, and plates
- Thermal gradient that allows you to identify the optimal annealing temperature in
a single PCR experiment
- Retail value: $5,275
|
|
TC10 automated cell counter (catalog #145-0001) provides total cell counts
and assesses cell viability via trypan blue exclusion for mammalian cells. The TC10
cell counter offers functionality beyond a manual hemocytometer, with automation,
data-management, and onboard dilution calculator features.
Key Features:
- Automated innovative auto-focus eliminates a manual focus step and provides accurate
and consistent cell counts within 30 sec
- Total cell count can be determined without dye, or use trypan blue dye to assess
total cell count and cell viability
- Count results and dilution calculations are easily printed with the optional TC10
label printer
- Transfer counts and cell images using a USB key. Access up to 100 counts stored
in the onboard memory
- TC10 verification slide confirms instrument functionality
- Counting slides require only 10 µL of sample-suspended cells
- Onboard dilution calculator determines volume adjustments to achieve the cell concentration
needed for next passage/experiment
- Retail value: $3,995
|
|
VersaFluor fluorometer (catalog #170-2402) provides a fast and simple way
to quantitate DNA, RNA, and proteins, detect apoptosis, and perform reporter enzyme
assays with the high level of sensitivity and selectivity that fluorescence detection
offers. The flexible VersaFluor fluorometer features changeable filters for multiple
excitation and emission wavelengths.
Key Features:
- Accurate DNA quantitation at concentrations as low as 10 ng/mL using Hoechst dye
- Available excitation and emission filters for multiple applications
- Compatible with optimized, ready-to-use fluorescent assay kits
- Exportable data to the VersaFluor thermal printer or to a PC
- Easy-to-operate, menu-driven software
- Small footprint, low price, high performance
- Retail value: $4,329
|
|
SmartSpec Plus spectrophotometer (catalog #170-2525) has a wider range of
features and functions than many other benchtop spectrophotometers, offering performance,
stability, and functionality at an affordable price. The UV/visible SmartSpec Plus
spectrophotometer has a working wavelength range of 200–800 nm. A simple, menu-driven
interface simplifies assays and provides answers to common sample computations at
the touch of a button. Conversion factors can be stored and modified.
Key Features:
- Quantitation of DNA, RNA, and oligonucleotides
- Quantitation of proteins via the Bradford, Lowry, and BCA assay methods
- Monitors bacterial culture growth
- Simple kinetic assays
- Wavelength scans with peak detection
- A260/A280 ratio for nucleic acid purity
- Quantitation that considers dilution factors
- Sample concentration in µg/mL (additionally in pmol/µL for oligonucleotides)
- Calculates molar extinction coefficient and molecular weight of oligonucleotide
- Retail value: $5,471
|
|