Bio-Rad MyCycler Thermal Cycler – PCR Amplification System

The Bio-Rad MyCycler Thermal Cycler is a programmable laboratory instrument designed for DNA amplification using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Manufactured by Bio-Rad Laboratories, this thermal cycler is widely used in molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, pharmaceutical research, clinical research and academic laboratories. It provides precise temperature control for performing the repeated heating and cooling cycles required for DNA amplification.

The MyCycler is designed with a 96-well reaction module that accommodates standard 0.2 ml PCR tubes, tube strips and compatible 96-well PCR plates. This configuration allows researchers to process multiple samples simultaneously, making it suitable for routine molecular biology experiments, genetic analysis, DNA research and laboratory testing.

One of the major advantages of the Bio-Rad MyCycler is its programmable temperature cycling system. PCR amplification generally involves three principal stages: denaturation, annealing and extension. During denaturation, the double-stranded DNA separates into individual strands at a high temperature. During annealing, primers bind to their complementary DNA sequences at a lower temperature. During extension, DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands. The MyCycler provides controlled temperature transitions to perform these steps repeatedly.

The instrument offers a reaction block temperature range of 4°C to 100°C, supporting a wide range of PCR protocols. Its Peltier-based heating and cooling system provides controlled temperature transitions, with a maximum heating rate of approximately 2.5°C per second and a maximum cooling rate of approximately 1.5°C per second. These capabilities help researchers perform reliable thermal cycling procedures according to their experimental protocols.

The Bio-Rad MyCycler incorporates a self-adjusting heated lid designed to accommodate standard 0.2 ml thin-wall PCR tubes, tube strips and PCR plates. The heated lid helps minimize condensation on the inside of sample tube caps during amplification, supporting consistent reaction volumes throughout the PCR process.

The instrument features a large high-resolution graphical display that allows users to create, edit, save and execute PCR protocols. Its menu-driven software and intuitive programming interface simplify the selection of temperatures, incubation times, cycle numbers and other experimental parameters. The graphical representation of programmed protocols helps users review their thermal cycling procedures before starting an experiment.

The MyCycler can store approximately 99 typical PCR programs in its internal memory. Each protocol can include multiple cycles and temperature segments, providing flexibility for different amplification techniques. The system supports up to nine cycles per protocol and up to nine segments per cycle, with programmable repetition of cycles according to experimental requirements.

An optional thermal gradient feature is available for the Bio-Rad MyCycler. This feature allows different temperatures to be applied across different rows of the reaction block during a single experiment. It is particularly useful for optimizing primer annealing temperatures and developing PCR protocols. The gradient temperature range is approximately 30°C to 99°C, with an adjustable temperature differential of 1°C to 25°C. Gradient functionality depends on the installed configuration and should be verified for the individual instrument.

Another useful feature is the USB communication interface, which supports the transfer and printing of protocols and experimental reports. The system can retain detailed run and validation reports, helping laboratory personnel review experimental settings and maintain records of PCR procedures.

The Bio-Rad MyCycler also includes programmable automatic standby functionality to reduce power consumption when the instrument is not in use. Its built-in diagnostic and monitoring utilities support routine operation and help laboratory personnel manage PCR experiments efficiently.

The instrument is suitable for DNA amplification, gene analysis, genetic research, molecular diagnostics development, cloning research, sequencing preparation and other PCR-based laboratory procedures. In biotechnology laboratories, it supports research involving recombinant DNA, gene expression and molecular characterization. Pharmaceutical research facilities can use it for molecular biology studies, genetic analysis and experimental development.

In academic and university laboratories, the MyCycler is useful for teaching and research involving DNA extraction, PCR amplification and molecular genetics. Its 96-well format allows multiple samples to be processed in a single run, improving laboratory workflow efficiency.

The Bio-Rad MyCycler Thermal Cycler combines programmable thermal cycling, a 96-well reaction block, a heated lid, graphical protocol management and optional gradient functionality in a compact benchtop instrument. It is a valuable addition to laboratories performing routine and advanced PCR-based molecular biology research.

Overall, the Bio-Rad MyCycler is a versatile PCR amplification system designed to provide controlled temperature cycling and convenient protocol management for molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics and pharmaceutical research laboratories.

Application of Product

1. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

2. DNA amplification.

3. Molecular biology research.

4. Genetic analysis and research.

5. Gene cloning experiments.

6. DNA sequencing preparation.

7. Primer optimization.

8. Recombinant DNA research.

9. Gene expression studies.

10. Molecular diagnostics research.

11. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.

12. Academic and university laboratory applications.

13. DNA sample analysis.

14. PCR protocol development and optimization.

2.2 Features of Product

• 96-well PCR system: Processes up to 96 samples simultaneously.

• Wide temperature range: Supports temperatures from 4°C to 100°C.

• Peltier heating and cooling: Provides controlled thermal cycling.

• Fast temperature ramping: Heating up to 2.5°C/sec.

• Self-adjusting heated lid: Helps prevent sample condensation.

• Graphical display: Large 12 cm high-resolution display.

• Programmable protocols: Supports customized PCR programs.

• Internal program storage: Stores approximately 99 typical programs.

• Optional gradient function: Supports PCR annealing temperature optimization.

• USB connectivity: Supports protocol and report transfer.

• Automatic standby mode: Helps reduce power consumption.

• Run documentation: Stores detailed run and validation reports.

• Compact benchtop design: Suitable for molecular biology laboratories.

• Multiple sample formats: Supports 0.2 ml PCR tubes, strips and compatible plates.

2.3 Technical Specifications

Specifications are based on Bio-Rad MyCycler product documentation. Gradient functionality is optional and should be confirmed for the specific unit.

2.4 Product Condition

Condition: Used / Refurbished – To be confirmed.

• Physical appearance: As shown in the photograph.

• Front control panel: Present.

• Digital display: Requires functional verification.

• 96-well reaction block: Requires inspection.

• Heated lid: Requires functional testing.

• Temperature accuracy: Requires calibration verification.

• Gradient functionality: To be confirmed.

• USB communication: Requires testing.

• Accessories: Power cable and PCR accessories subject to availability.