Fast PCR
AmpXpress overcomes the problem of poor heat transfer that hampers conventional thermal cyclers and prevents them from running fast polymerase chain reactions (PCR). AmpXpress utilizes high-speed centrifugation and ‘direct transfer’ of infrared energy to enable fast temperature ramping without over or undershooting sample temperatures. The increased g-force, resulting from centrifugation, induces rapid thermal homogenization (mixing) of the reaction volume through a process called SuperConvection. This enables the samples to reach set temperatures much faster than previously possible, in volumes ranging from 20 to 100 µl.

Accurate temperature control
AmpXpress features a sophisticated control system for in-tube temperature measurements of the reaction temperature. This allows for accurate monitoring of reaction temperature, including the degree of thermal homogenization, in real time - which is a prerequisite for truly fast PCR.

The instrument
The centrifuge operates at 7000 rpm and is encircled by an infrared heater (Figure 1 below). The infrared energy enables very fast temperature ramping. Samples are then efficiently cooled by the powerfull ‘wind-chill’ effect that is generated by the highspeed centrifugation. Sample temperature is monitored in real time, using the in-tube temperature measurement system, to prevent over and undershooting of temperature.

To secure uniform and reproducible performance AmpXpress uses 0.2 ml sample tubes. These are specially manufactured to withstand the elevated g-forces, ensuring trouble-free operation in AmpXpress.

AmpXpress is controlled via a user interface on the front panel, or you have the option of using an external netbook and the ‘AmpX’ software. The AmpX software is used to easily define run parameters and transfer them to the instrument.