4E's USA PR122 Gradient PCR Optima 96 Thermal Cycler – Brand New
The 4E's USA PR122 Gradient PCR Optima 96 Thermal Cycler is a high-performance 96-well gradient PCR machine designed for DNA amplification, PCR optimization, assay development, and routine molecular biology workflows. Featuring six independently controlled thermoelectric modules, a temperature gradient spanning up to 25°C across the block, rapid heating and cooling, and a large 7-inch touchscreen interface, the PR122 gives researchers precise control over PCR conditions while accommodating up to 96 reactions per run.
Available brand new from American Instrument Exchange, the 4E's USA PR122 combines advanced gradient PCR capabilities with a flexible 96-well format compatible with 0.2 mL PCR tubes, 8-tube strips, and compatible 96-well PCR plates. Advanced functions including Touchdown PCR and Long-Range PCR make the Optima 96 a versatile thermal cycler for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, genetics, genomics, and molecular biology laboratories.
Key Features
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Brand-new 4E's USA PR122 Gradient PCR Optima 96
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96-well PCR thermal cycler
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Six independently controlled thermoelectric modules
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Semiconductor Peltier heating and cooling technology
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Sample temperature range of 4°C to 100°C
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Maximum block heating rate of 5°C/sec
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Maximum block cooling rate of 4°C/sec
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Temperature accuracy of ±0.1°C from 35°C to 99.9°C
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Temperature uniformity of <0.5°C
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Maximum 25°C temperature gradient across the block
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Adjustable 0.1°C to 5°C difference between adjacent blocks
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7-inch LCD touchscreen interface
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Real-time display of PCR program progress
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Touchdown PCR capability
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Long-Range PCR capability
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Adjustable heated lid from 30°C to 110°C
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Compatible with PCR tubes, 8-tube strips, and 96-well PCR plates
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USB interface for program transfer and software updates
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Multiple user accounts and access rights
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Two-year manufacturer warranty
Overview
The 4E's USA PR122 Gradient PCR Optima 96 is designed for laboratories that require greater PCR optimization capabilities than a conventional fixed-temperature-block thermal cycler can provide.
At the heart of the PR122 are six independently controlled semiconductor Peltier heating and cooling modules. This configuration allows researchers to establish different temperatures across the 96-well block during the same PCR experiment, making it possible to evaluate multiple annealing temperatures simultaneously.
For laboratories developing new PCR assays or optimizing primer pairs, this capability can simplify the process of identifying appropriate reaction conditions. Instead of conducting a series of separate PCR runs at slightly different annealing temperatures, researchers can evaluate a range of temperatures within a single experiment.
Once optimal amplification conditions have been established, the PR122 can also function as a conventional 96-well thermal cycler for routine PCR workflows.
Gradient PCR for Assay and Primer Optimization
Gradient temperature control is one of the defining capabilities of the 4E's USA PR122.
The thermal block incorporates six independently controlled temperature zones and can establish a maximum temperature difference of 25°C across the block. Temperature differences between adjacent blocks can be adjusted from 0.1°C to 5°C.
This capability is particularly useful when determining the optimal annealing temperature for newly designed PCR primers.
Annealing temperature can have a substantial effect on PCR specificity and amplification efficiency. Temperatures that are too low may promote nonspecific primer binding, while excessively high temperatures may reduce primer-template binding and lower product yield.
Gradient PCR allows researchers to evaluate several temperature conditions simultaneously, helping identify the most appropriate amplification parameters while reducing the number of individual experimental runs required during method development.
Fast Heating and Cooling Performance
Precise and rapid temperature transitions are critical to efficient PCR cycling.
The PR122 provides a maximum block heating rate of 5°C per second and a maximum cooling rate of 4°C per second, allowing the thermal cycler to transition quickly between denaturation, annealing, and extension temperatures.
The sample block operates across a 4°C to 100°C temperature range, covering the requirements of standard PCR protocols and many specialized amplification procedures.
Temperature accuracy is rated at ±0.1°C between 35°C and 99.9°C, while temperature uniformity is rated at less than 0.5°C after stabilization at 95°C.
This combination of rapid thermal cycling, accuracy, and block uniformity helps laboratories maintain consistent reaction conditions across PCR experiments.
96-Well PCR Capacity
The PR122 uses the familiar 96-well PCR format found throughout molecular biology and biotechnology laboratories.
Compatible sample vessels include:
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0.2 mL individual PCR tubes
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0.2 mL 8-tube PCR strips
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Non-skirted 0.2 mL 96-well PCR plates
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Semi-skirted 0.2 mL 96-well PCR plates
Recommended reaction volumes range from 10 to 100 µL, providing flexibility for both routine and lower-volume PCR protocols.
Researchers can therefore use the same thermal cycler for small experiments involving only a few samples or process complete 96-well plates when higher throughput is required.
Touchdown PCR and Long-Range PCR
In addition to standard PCR protocols, the 4E's USA PR122 supports advanced programming functions including Touchdown PCR and Long-Range PCR.
Touchdown PCR allows the annealing temperature to change incrementally during successive amplification cycles. The PR122 supports programmable temperature increments or decrements from 0.1°C to 10.0°C.
This technique can be particularly useful when optimizing difficult amplification reactions because higher initial annealing temperatures can help promote specificity before temperatures are gradually adjusted during subsequent cycles.
For Long-Range PCR workflows, the instrument supports programmable time increments or decrements from 1 to 120 seconds, allowing extension periods to be modified as amplification progresses.
Together, these capabilities make the PR122 suitable for both routine DNA amplification and more demanding PCR method-development workflows.
Adjustable Heated Lid
The PR122 incorporates an adjustable heated lid with a temperature range of 30°C to 110°C.
Maintaining appropriate lid temperature helps minimize condensation inside PCR tubes and plates during thermal cycling. Reducing condensation helps preserve reaction volume and reagent concentration throughout the amplification process.
The segmented heated-lid design is intended to accommodate the different PCR tubes, strips, and compatible plate formats supported by the thermal cycler.
7-Inch Touchscreen and Program Management
A large 7-inch LCD touchscreen provides access to thermal cycling parameters and displays PCR program progress during operation.
Researchers can create new PCR protocols, modify existing programs, save commonly used experiments, and monitor thermal cycling conditions directly from the instrument.
The PR122 also supports multiple user accounts and access rights, which can be useful in shared laboratories where several researchers or research groups operate the same thermal cycler.
A front-facing USB interface supports program import and export as well as software updates, providing a convenient method for transferring and managing PCR protocols.
Common Applications
The 4E's USA PR122 Gradient PCR Optima 96 is suitable for a broad range of molecular biology applications, including conventional PCR, gradient PCR, DNA amplification, primer optimization, PCR assay development, Touchdown PCR, Long-Range PCR, genotyping, cloning workflows, sequencing sample preparation, mutation analysis, molecular biology research, and nucleic acid amplification studies.
Its gradient capabilities are particularly valuable for laboratories developing new PCR protocols or routinely working with different primers, templates, and amplification conditions.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The PR122 is well suited for molecular biology laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical research laboratories, academic research facilities, genetics laboratories, genomics laboratories, assay-development groups, clinical research laboratories, educational laboratories, and startup biotechnology companies.
The combination of a standard 96-well format and advanced gradient functionality makes the PR122 an attractive choice for laboratories that want one thermal cycler capable of supporting both routine PCR and experimental method development.
Key Specifications
| Specification |
4E's USA PR122 Gradient PCR Optima 96 |
| Manufacturer |
4E's USA |
| Model |
PR122 |
| Product |
Gradient PCR Optima 96 |
| Equipment Type |
Gradient PCR Thermal Cycler |
| Condition |
Brand New |
| Sample Capacity |
Up to 96 reactions |
| Compatible Vessels |
0.2 mL PCR tubes, 8-tube strips, non-skirted/semi-skirted 96-well PCR plates |
| PCR Reaction Volume |
10–100 µL |
| Heating/Cooling Technology |
Semiconductor Peltier |
| Independent Thermal Modules |
6 |
| Sample Temperature Range |
4°C–100°C |
| Heated Lid Range |
30°C–110°C |
| Maximum Heating Rate |
5°C/sec |
| Maximum Cooling Rate |
4°C/sec |
| Temperature Accuracy |
±0.1°C from 35°C–99.9°C |
| Temperature Uniformity |
<0.5°C, 20 sec after reaching 95°C |
| Display Resolution |
0.1°C |
| Maximum Gradient Across Blocks |
25°C |
| Adjacent Block Difference |
0.1°C–5.0°C |
| Display |
7-inch LCD touchscreen |
| Touchdown PCR |
Yes |
| Temperature Increment/Decrement |
0.1°C–10.0°C |
| Long-Range PCR |
Yes |
| Time Increment/Decrement |
1–120 seconds |
| Maximum Number of Steps |
No programmed limit |
| Maximum Number of Cycles |
No programmed limit |
| Data Transfer |
Front USB interface |
| User Profiles |
Multiple accounts/access rights |
| Warranty |
Two-year manufacturer warranty |
Why Choose a Gradient PCR Thermal Cycler?
A conventional thermal cycler can be an excellent choice for laboratories primarily running established PCR protocols. Laboratories involved in PCR assay development, primer optimization, or method development, however, can benefit significantly from gradient temperature control.
The PR122 allows researchers to evaluate multiple annealing temperatures during the same PCR experiment. This can reduce the number of separate PCR runs required during optimization while helping researchers efficiently identify conditions that provide the desired balance between amplification yield and specificity.
Once the optimal PCR conditions have been determined, the same instrument can be used for routine amplification.
This makes the 4E's USA PR122 a versatile option for laboratories that want both gradient PCR optimization and routine 96-well thermal cycling capabilities in a single instrument.
Gradient PCR vs. Real-Time PCR
The 4E's USA PR122 is a gradient conventional PCR thermal cycler, not a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) instrument.
A conventional PCR thermal cycler amplifies nucleic acids according to programmed temperature cycles. Amplified PCR products are generally analyzed after cycling using a separate analytical technique, such as gel electrophoresis.
A real-time PCR system incorporates optical detection that measures fluorescent signals during amplification, allowing researchers to monitor amplification as it occurs and perform quantitative analysis.
For laboratories primarily performing conventional PCR, cloning, genotyping, primer optimization, assay development, and general DNA amplification, a gradient thermal cycler such as the PR122 can provide a highly capable platform without the additional optical detection system required for qPCR.
Brand-New 4E's USA PCR Equipment from American Instrument Exchange
American Instrument Exchange offers brand-new 4E's USA laboratory equipment alongside our extensive inventory of used and refurbished laboratory instruments.
The 4E's USA product line provides biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, universities, research facilities, and startup laboratories with additional options when purchasing factory-new laboratory equipment with modern controls and manufacturer warranty coverage.
The 4E's USA PR122 Gradient PCR Optima 96 is supplied brand new with a two-year manufacturer warranty, providing laboratories with a modern thermal cycler suitable for both routine PCR and advanced assay optimization.
Related Laboratory Equipment
Laboratories performing PCR and molecular biology workflows can also explore American Instrument Exchange's selection of molecular biology equipment used for nucleic acid preparation, amplification, and analysis.
PCR sample preparation frequently requires microcentrifuges and benchtop centrifuges, while electrophoresis systems can support downstream analysis of amplified DNA products.
American Instrument Exchange also supplies additional brand-new laboratory equipment from 4E's USA, along with a broad inventory of new and refurbished centrifuges, laboratory refrigerators, laboratory freezers, incubators, biosafety cabinets, mixers, shakers, and other laboratory instruments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 4E's USA PR122 Gradient PCR Optima 96?
The PR122 is a 96-well gradient PCR thermal cycler designed for DNA amplification, PCR optimization, assay development, and routine molecular biology workflows. Six independently controlled thermal modules allow researchers to evaluate different temperature conditions during a single experiment.
How many samples can the PR122 run at once?
The PR122 can accommodate up to 96 PCR reactions simultaneously when used with a compatible 96-well PCR plate.
What PCR tubes and plates are compatible with the PR122?
The thermal cycler accommodates 0.2 mL individual PCR tubes, 0.2 mL 8-tube strips, and compatible non-skirted or semi-skirted 0.2 mL 96-well PCR plates.
What is the temperature range of the PR122?
The sample block operates from 4°C to 100°C. The adjustable heated lid operates from 30°C to 110°C.
What is gradient PCR used for?
Gradient PCR allows researchers to test multiple annealing temperatures during the same experiment. It is particularly useful for optimizing newly designed primers and developing PCR assays because researchers can more efficiently identify the temperature conditions that provide appropriate amplification yield and specificity.
How large a temperature gradient can the PR122 produce?
The six-zone thermal block supports a maximum temperature difference of 25°C across the block, with adjustable differences of 0.1°C to 5°C between adjacent modules.
How quickly does the PR122 heat and cool?
The PR122 provides a maximum block heating rate of 5°C per second and a maximum cooling rate of 4°C per second.
Does the PR122 support Touchdown PCR?
Yes. The PR122 supports Touchdown PCR with programmable temperature increments or decrements ranging from 0.1°C to 10.0°C.
Can the PR122 perform Long-Range PCR?
Yes. The PR122 supports Long-Range PCR programming with adjustable time increments or decrements from 1 to 120 seconds.
Is the PR122 a real-time PCR or qPCR machine?
No. The PR122 is a conventional gradient PCR thermal cycler and does not incorporate the fluorescence detection system required for real-time quantitative PCR.
Does the PR122 have a heated lid?
Yes. The PR122 features an adjustable heated lid with a temperature range of 30°C to 110°C to help minimize condensation during thermal cycling.
Can PCR programs be saved and transferred?
Yes. The PR122 supports saved experiments and multiple user accounts. A front USB interface also allows PCR programs to be imported and exported and supports software updates.
Is the 4E's USA PR122 new or refurbished?
The PR122 offered by American Instrument Exchange is brand new, not used or refurbished, and includes a two-year manufacturer warranty.
