Department of Biophysics
Panjab University
I use the C1000 Touch™ Thermal Cycler from Bio-Rad for the study of gene expression. As part of my work, I have to run RT-PCR in order to evaluate the transcription level of cancer markers. I typically run PCR once a week and the sample numbers vary from 3 to 6.
There are several features that make the C1000 easy to use. First, the C1000 allows the user to work on sample volumes ranging from 3 to 50 µL. I typically run 35 to 40 µL reactions. The protocol auto-writer feature of the thermal cycler allows the user to just input the name of the enzyme being used and the instrument automatically displays the protocol options that are available. The C1000 also sends an email when the protocol has ended. Further, it has a power failure resume feature which allows the thermal cycler to resume the protocol that was being run at the time of the failure. Its built-in software allows us to save numerous PCR protocols.
The touch screen of the C1000 is magnificently designed; the sensitivity to touch is neither too much nor too little. It responds accurately and quickly to the touch of my finger and allows easy access to menus. Further, the touch screen is bright enough for easy viewing and the size of the LCD screen is 8.5 inches which makes it easily readable as you don’t have to bow down your head close to the screen to select from the menus. Furthermore, the instrument also allows connectivity with an external keyboard and mouse via peripheral USB ports, for those who are not comfortable with the touch screen function. Also, the instrument is compact enough to fit into any corner of lab; its dimensions are 13 x 18 x 18” (W x D x H). Also, the cycler has good speed. Its ramp rate ranges from 0.1 to 5°C per second. The protocol auto-writer feature further enhances its speed by generating an optimal protocol based on the polymerase, primer and size of the amplicon. It also identifies optimal annealing temperature in a single run. I find it three times faster than our old thermal cycler.
I recommend the Bio-Rad C1000 Touch thermal cycler for its ease of use with touch screen, speed, compactness and variable sample size option.