PCR consumables
PCR and qPCR - consumables for every challenge
PCR - as diverse as DNA itself.
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for the amplification of gene sequences within a DNA chain has become an integral part of molecular biology. It comprises three steps: denaturation, annealing, and extension. Today, a large number of advanced PCR techniques are used in the laboratory, such as real-time PCR (qPCR).
Questions and answers about PCR
Comparison of PCR plates
Standard / Low Profile
Plates with standard profile wells usually have a nominal volume of 0.2 ml per cavity, for low profile plates 0.15 ml.
Non-skirted, semi-skirted, skirted
- Non-skirted PCR plates fit in nearly all standard thermal cyclers.
- Semi-skirted PCR plates are easy to label or marked with a barcode.
- PCR plates with full skirt are especially rigid, making them ideal for automatic pipetting systems.
Barcoding
Make tracking of your samples more efficient with our optional barcoding service. We barcode your PCR plates with barcode types Code 39 (Standard), Matrix, Interleaved 2of5 and more. Simply use our online form at www.brand.de/barcode.
PCR - Application knowledge from the field
Keeping evaporation loss as low as possible depends on more than just the seal. The plate itself also plays an important role. Find out about how you can minimize evaporation loss in our Application Note.
Have you already used our PCR consumables? Then share your results with us and write your own application note. In return, we will assist you with the consumables you need.
The perfect match of PCR plate and thermal cycler.
At BRAND, you will find the right consumables for all standard thermal cyclers from well-known brands such as Applied Biosystems®, Biorad®, and Peqlab®. Find out which PCR consumable matches your thermal cycler at a glance in our compatibility table.
The most popular PCR products
Automated preparation of PCR samples
Liquid Handling Station.
Use all the advantages of automated liquid handling systems, even with small or medium-sized sample sizes. Flexible application, easy operation, compact size:
With the compact Liquid Handling Station pipetting robot, you can define your pipetting pattern in just a few minutes.
Downloads
Learn more now
Frequently Asked Questions (PCR consumables)
No, it is not autoclavable.
Sealing mats can be autoclaved at +121°C (2 bar, acc. to DIN EN 285). However the silicone sealing mat (Cat. No. 781408) can only be autoclaved ~ 5 x because of material shrinkage.
The choice depends on the thermal cycler or the roboter system used. Especially roboter systems need the skirt to hold the plates correctly. BRAND offers a compatibility chart for BRAND PCR plates and compatible thermal cyclers. The compatibility between plate and cycler is especially limited by the position of the cut away corners of the plate. BRAND is continuously updating this chart with information from manufacturers and feedback from customers. Do not hesitate to ask for free samples of BRAND PCR plates to check the compatibility with your thermal cycler! A short feedback from you will help to complete the table!
BRAND offers PCR tubes and strips with domed and flat caps. Plates can be sealed with self-adhesive sealing films and sealing mats made of TPE or silicone.
Although PCR disposables are made of PP (which in general is autoclavable at 121°C (2 bar, acc. to DIN EN 285) we do not recomment to autoclave these tubes. Mainly, because PCR products have very thin walls and secondly because the autoclave could be a source for contamination.
BRAND PCR sealing mats have been designed to fit BRAND PCR plates. They can reduce evaporation losses up to 75% compared to conventional systems. They are charcterized by their high flexibility, tight sealing, autoclavability and are easily pierced by pipette tips.
No. You need a flat highly transparent cap to detect the fluorescence signals produced during a quantitative Real Time PCR . BRAND PCR products which can be used in Real Time PCR applications show the term q!PCR in the sales documents.
The new line of white PCR products by BRAND offers significantly better results in this application than transparent 8-tube strips or plates. The different products in this line are uniformly colored with TiO2 (titanium dioxide), so that in combination with the smooth surfaces, a more effective reflection of the fluorescence signal can be achieved.
Products marked with the "q!PCR" symbol can be used in quantitative Real-Time PCR applications. They are highly transparent and/or white for easy reflection and detection of the fluorescence signals.
PCR disposables
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revolutionized molecular biology and is currently used in many fields. These areas of application vary greatly, and the formats of the PCR disposables must vary accordingly. Important quality characteristics include:
- For universal use in nearly all standard thermal cyclers
- Made out of heat-resistant polypropylene
- Extra-thin, uniform wall thicknesses for optimal heat transfer and short cycle times
- 96-well PCR plates with blue alphanumeric code and cut corner marking
- Highly transparent flat cover optimally suited for qPCR
- DNase, DNA and RNase-free
- Autoclavable at 121 °C (2 bar), acc. DIN EN 285
Real-time PCR
Real-time PCR allows the direct quantification of generated DNA through the use of fluorescence measurement. White PCR products by BRAND yield significantly better results in this application than transparent vessels. The different products of this line are uniformly colored with TiO2 (titanium dioxide) in order to achieve an optimal reflexion of the fluorescence signals in combination with the smooth surface.
