Surge Scientific · Model Optima96 (PR122) · Gradient PCR Thermal Cycler
Gradient PCR Thermal Cycler
96-Well · 6 Independent Blocks · ±0.25°C Accuracy · 7-inch Touchscreen
Six Independent TEC Modules · 25°C Max Gradient · >5°C/s Heat / >4°C/s Cool · Touchdown PCR · Long-Range PCR · USB Protocol Import/Export · 4°C–100°C Sample Range
The Optima96 is the gradient PCR thermal cycler engineered for the lab that actually uses gradient capability, not just owns it. Six independent temperature blocks driven by imported TEC modules deliver ±0.25°C temperature accuracy and <0.5°C uniformity across the 96-well plate — each column held at its own annealing temperature for genuine simultaneous primer optimization. Heating rate >5°C/sec, cooling rate >4°C/sec, intelligent flexible heated lid, and a 7-inch LCD touchscreen with USB protocol import/export, multiple user accounts, Touchdown PCR mode, and Long-Range PCR mode.
Why Gradient PCR Optimization Matters — and Why Block Architecture Defines Quality
Every PCR primer pair has an optimal annealing temperature — the temperature where it binds specifically to its target without producing nonspecific amplicons. For most primer pairs, that optimum is somewhere within a 5–10°C window around the predicted Tm. Find the right temperature, and your PCR is clean, efficient, and reproducible. Miss it by 2°C, and you get smeared gels, primer dimers, or no amplification at all.
Gradient PCR tests the entire optimization window in a single run by applying different annealing temperatures across the columns of the 96-well plate. The catch is that not all gradient PCR machines do this well. Most budget cyclers achieve a "gradient" by gluing two heating elements (one hot, one cold) to the ends of a single block and letting the temperature drift across the middle — which produces an unpredictable thermal slope that can shift columns by 1–2°C from where the screen says they are. The Optima96 takes a different approach: six independent blocks, each with its own TEC module and its own temperature controller. Each column is set to its own target temperature, held to ±0.25°C, and verified against the others — no thermal drift, no edge effects, and gradient accuracy that matches your protocol's actual requirements.
6 Independent Blocks · ±0.25°C
Six TEC modules deliver ±0.25°C temperature accuracy (35–99.9°C) and <0.5°C uniformity across the plate 20s after reaching 95°C. Real gradient performance, not thermal-drift estimation.
>5°C/s Heat · >4°C/s Cool
Maximum heating rate >5°C/sec, maximum cooling rate >4°C/sec. Faster cycle times = more PCR runs per shift. Sample temp range 4–100°C; lid range 30–110°C.
Flexible Heated Lid + Auto-Off
Heated lid auto-adjusts to fit every PCR tube — prevents evaporation, ensures reproducibility. Auto-heating off below 30°C reduces non-specific amplification at the start of the run.
7-inch Touchscreen + USB
7-inch LCD touchscreen with multiple user accounts (admin, user, visitor). Front USB for protocol import/export and firmware upgrade. Touchdown and Long-Range PCR modes built in.
"Six independent blocks. Six independent temperatures. Real gradient PCR — not a thermal drift between two end heaters dressed up as a gradient."
Key Features
- Six independent temperature blocks with imported TEC modules
- Sample capacity: 0.2 mL PCR tubes / 8-strip / 96-well plates
- Reaction volume 10–100 µL
- Sample temperature range 4–100°C
- Heated lid temperature 30–110°C
- Maximum heating rate >5°C/sec
- Maximum cooling rate >4°C/sec
- Temperature uniformity <0.5°C (20s after 95°C)
- Temperature accuracy ±0.25°C (35–99.9°C)
- Display resolution 0.1°C
- Maximum gradient temperature difference 25°C
- Adjacent block difference 0.1–5.0°C
- Gradient temperature accuracy ±0.25°C
- Independent front/rear air ducts — close placement
- Ultra-large fin-type heat sink + intelligent fan speed
- Low-noise heat dissipation
- Flexible auto-adjusting heated lid
- Auto heating-off below 30°C — reduces nonspecific amp
- Gradient layout reduces edge effect
- 7-inch high-resolution LCD touchscreen
- USB protocol import/export
- USB firmware upgrade
- Multiple user accounts (admin/user/visitor)
- Touchdown (TD) PCR mode
- Long-Range PCR mode
- Compatible with universal PCR consumables
- 2-year all-inclusive warranty
Ideal Applications
Primer Optimization
Annealing temperature optimization for sequencing, cloning, genotyping, mutagenesis, SNP detection, and any PCR workflow requiring primer development.
Routine PCR Production
Standard PCR runs across 96 samples — set all blocks to the same temperature for full-plate amplification with research-grade accuracy.
Diagnostic & Reference Labs
Clinical molecular diagnostics, reference labs, and forensic labs requiring documented temperature accuracy for chain-of-custody PCR validation.
What's in the Box
Optima96 ships ready for routine PCR — all hardware, touchscreen interface, and documentation included.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model / SKU | Optima96 (PN: PR122 / SK420) |
| Sample Capacity | 0.2 mL tubes · 0.2 mL 8-strips · 0.2 mL 96-well plates (non-skirted/semi-skirted) |
| PCR Reaction Volume | 10–100 µL |
| Sample Temperature Range | 4–100°C |
| Heated Lid Temperature | 30–110°C |
| Max Block Heating Rate | >5°C/sec |
| Max Block Cooling Rate | >4°C/sec |
| Temperature Uniformity | <0.5°C (20s after 95°C) |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.25°C (35°C – 99.9°C) |
| Display Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Heating/Cooling Technology | Semiconductor Peltier (TEC) — 6 independent blocks |
| Max Gradient Difference | 25°C (max 5°C between adjacent blocks) |
| Adjacent Block Difference | 0.1°C – 5.0°C |
| Gradient Accuracy | ±0.25°C (35°C – 99.9°C) |
| Display | 7-inch LCD touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Front USB (protocol import/export, firmware) |
| Special Modes | Touchdown (TD) · Long-Range PCR |
| User Accounts | Multiple (admin / user / visitor) |
| Warranty | 2-year all-inclusive |
Surge Scientific Warranty & Support
This instrument is sold through Surge Scientific, your trusted laboratory equipment partner. Our product specialists are available Monday–Friday for assistance. The Optima96 is backed by a 2-year all-inclusive manufacturer's warranty. Contact us at info@surgescientific.com or reach out directly to our support team at 855.943.3344 for pre-sales questions, primer optimization protocols, gradient setup, temperature verification kits, and technical assistance.