The Cepheid Smart Cycler II System is an integrated DNA/RNA amplification and detection instrument based on the microprocessor-controlled I-CORE (Intelligent Cooling/Heating Optical REaction) module. The Smart Cycler software ensures ease of use for the sixteen independently controlled I-CORE modules found on the Smart Cycler processing block.
The disposable reaction tube is inserted into the I-CORE block, which is composed of two ceramic heater plates offering high thermal conductivity to assure temperature uniformity and rapid heat transfer. Resistive heater elements are deposited on the ceramic plates using thick film technology and a thermistor monitors temperature. Cooling is controlled by the instrument firmware and uses a high-efficiency fan that moves ambient air across the heater plates.
This system provides four optical channels that allow simultaneous fluorescence measurement, using high intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a silicon photodetector, and the appropriate filters for excitation and detection. The optical system includes a pair of four-color blocks, excitor and detector modules. The system is calibrated using the dyes, FAM, Cy3, TET, Texas Red, Cy5, but other dyes with excitation (450-650 nm) and emission (510-750 nm) wavelengths within these ranges can also be used. The unique Smart Cycler polypropylene reaction tube is designed for optimal thermal and optical characteristics, enabling rapid temperature change in the reaction mixture and hence, increased amplification.
This instrument can also be used for multiplexing, using probes labeled with different fluorescent dyes. Up to four dyes and targets can be amplified and detected simultaneously in a single reaction mixture. Appropriate calibration and data analysis algorithms are used to separate the signal from each of the dyes.
The Smart Cycler II is presently used in our lab for qualitative and quantitative diagnostics in a variety of applications (including gene expression studies, bio safety and genetic stability testing, drug therapy efficacy and drug monitoring and DNA pooling). We have used numerous different signal chemistries including Sybr green, Taqman, molecular beacons and scorpions. The system offers the flexibility of independent programming, increased speed (reducing cycling protocol times) and the versatility of optional upgrades. Real time detection software optically monitors each reaction site and displays results in real time, providing options for importing standard curves. The modular nature of the Smart Cycler II system affords a great deal of flexibility to meet all workload demands.
Tarun Jain
Application Specialist
Biotron Healthcare