BRAND^® PCR plates and PCR sealing films - a perfectly adjusted system

Introduction

BRAND^® PCR plates are designed to support polymerase chain reactions in several ways. The source materials selected are free of PCR inhibitors and the smooth vessel interior minimises the binding of enzymes and nucleic acid to the walls. In addition, the ultra thin-walled PCR plate design facilitates constant, rapid and precise heat transfer leading to convincing yields and short PCR cycle times.

Generating the desired PCR product and shielding it from evaporation are decisive elements of a successful PCR. The innovative self-adhesive press-to-seal sealing film wins over with easy handling; it is not tacky to the touch and provides superior evaporation protection. The film is highly transparent and can be used for measuring the smallest signals during optical measurements like Real-Time PCR.

BRAND^® PCR plates and the BRAND^® PCR sealing films form an masterfully tuned system. The surfaces of the PCR plates and the adhesive side of the sealing films are tailored to each other and reach striking results.

Material & Methods

Devices

Thermal cycler Biometra T1 Precision scale Sartorius CP 225 D 
Transferpette^® S (Cat.  No.  7047 78)
Pipette tips 200 µl  (Cat. No.  7320 08)
TipBox (Cat.  No.  7322 08)
Roller (Cat.  No.  7013 80)
Reagent reservoir (Cat. No. 7034 59)

PCR systems

BRAND^® PCR system:

PCR plate Cat. No. 7813 68
with sealing film Cat. No. 7813 91
Competitor 1 PCR system:
PCR plate with matching sealing film Competitor 2 PCR system:
PCR plate with matching sealing film

Chemical reagents

Water (10 ml [50 µl each well])
Cationic dye methylene blue

Measurement of evaporation losses of different PCR systems

A mixture of water with the cationic dye methylene blue was prepared. In each PCR plate every well was filled with 50 μl of the water dye mixture and sealed with adhesive sealing film. The weighed portion of the plates and the sealing films was determined before and after the filling of the wells. The roller was used to ensure a firm seal. The PCR plates were then put into the thermal cycler Biometra T1 and a PCR run was performed (Table 1).

Finally the weighting portion of the PCR plates was examined again.

Analysis and Results

The percentaged evaporation losses of the different PCR systems were determined and represented in a graph (Figure 1).

Conclusion

To obtain successful PCR results it is important to use a harmonising PCR system. The PCR plates have to be securely sealed to preserve the generated PCR products. The adhesive surface of the highly transparent self-adhesive sealing film of BRAND^® goes hand in hand with the surface of the BRAND^® PCR plates. The encapsulated, pressure sensitive adhesive keeps the film easy to handle and non-tacky to the touch. 

For more application notes please click here.