APPLICATIONS & PROCESSES

1. APPLICATIONS OF PCR PLATES

   • DNA Amplification PCR plates are primarily used for amplifying specific DNA sequences through the PCR technique. They allow researchers to perform PCR reactions in a high-throughput format, enabling simultaneous amplification of multiple DNA samples.
   • Gene Expression Analysis PCR plates facilitate gene expression studies by amplifying mRNA transcripts using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). This technique allows researchers to analyze gene expression levels in different samples.
   • Genotyping These plates are used for genotyping applications, where specific genetic variations or polymorphisms are detected by amplifying target DNA regions followed by analysis.
   • Pathogen Detection PCR plates play a crucial role in detecting pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi by amplifying their DNA or RNA sequences. This application is widely used in clinical diagnostics, food safety testing, and environmental monitoring.
   • Mutagenesis Studies PCR plates are employed in site-directed mutagenesis studies, where specific mutations are introduced into DNA sequences for functional analysis.
   • Cloning and Library Preparation PCR plates are utilized in cloning and library preparation workflows to amplify DNA fragments for subsequent cloning, sequencing or expression analysis. These applications are essential in molecular cloning, functional genomics, and proteomics research.
   • Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Library Preparation PCR plates are used in NGS library preparation workflows to amplify DNA fragments for sequencing library construction. PCR-based library preparation methods, such as PCR amplification of adapter-ligated DNA fragments, are commonly employed in NGS applications.

   
2. PROCESSES INVOLVING PCR PLATES

   • PCR Reaction Setup PCR plates provide wells or tubes where PCR reaction mixtures containing template DNA, primers, nucleotides, and DNA polymerase are assembled. The reaction setup is performed manually or using automated liquid handling systems.
   • Thermal Cycling PCR plates undergo multiple cycles of thermal denaturation, annealing, and extension in a thermal cycler. The temperature cycling enables the amplification of DNA sequences by DNA polymerase.
   • Detection and Analysis Following PCR amplification, PCR plates are often used for downstream analysis techniques such as gel electrophoresis, real-time PCR, or sequencing to visualize and analyze the amplified DNA fragments.
   • High-Throughput Screening (HTS) PCR plates are integral components of HTS workflows for drug discovery, functional genomics and compound screening. HTS assays utilizing PCR plates enable rapid, parallel analysis of large compound libraries, accelerating the drug discovery process. PCR plates are compatible with high-throughput screening platforms, allowing researchers to process a large number of samples simultaneously.
   • PCR Amplification PCR plates are used in PCR amplification reactions to amplify specific DNA sequences through a series of thermal cycling steps. These reactions typically include denaturation, annealing, and extension phases, facilitated by a thermocycler.
   • qPCR Assays PCR plates are employed in qPCR assays for gene expression analysis and quantification of nucleic acid targets. These assays utilize fluorescent probes or intercalating dyes to monitor amplification in real-time, enabling precise quantification of target molecules.
   • Genotyping Assays PCR plates are utilized in genotyping assays, such as allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, and SNP genotyping assays. These assays utilize specific primers or probes to amplify and detect target alleles or genetic variations.
   • Mutation Detection Assays PCR plates are used in mutation detection assays, including allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR), amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. These assays enable sensitive and specific detection of genetic mutations associated with diseases.

   
3. INDUSTRIES UTILIZING PCR PLATES

   • Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research PCR plates are extensively used in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research laboratories for DNA amplification, gene expression analysis, drug discovery and development of molecular diagnostics assays.
   • Clinical Diagnostics PCR plates are essential tools in clinical laboratories for diagnosing infectious diseases, genetic disorders, cancer and monitoring patient response to treatment.
   • Food and Beverage Industry PCR plates are employed in food safety testing to detect pathogens, allergens, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products. They ensure the quality and safety of food and beverages consumed by the public.
   • Environmental Monitoring PCR plates are used in environmental laboratories for detecting and monitoring microbial contaminants, pollutants, and pathogens in air, water, soil and food samples.
   • Forensic Science PCR plates play a crucial role in forensic DNA analysis for identifying individuals, investigating crime scenes and solving criminal cases.

   
4. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NON-SKIRTED & HALF-SKIRTED PLATES?

   • 96-WELL NON-SKIRTED PCR PLATE
     
     • These plates have 96 individual wells arranged in a 8x12 format.
     • They do not have any raised skirt around the perimeter of the wells.
     • Non-skirted plates are often used for high-throughput PCR experiments, as they allow for maximum well volume and compatibility with robotic liquid handling systems.
     • They are suitable for standard PCR applications, including endpoint PCR and real-time PCR.
   • 96-WELL HALF-SKIRTED PCR PLATE
     
     • Half-skirted PCR plates feature a partial skirt, which extends partially around the perimeter of each well.
     • The skirt provides additional rigidity and stability to the plate, making it easier to handle and reducing the risk of warping during thermal cycling.
     • Half-skirted plates offer better compatibility with manual and automated pipetting systems compared to non-skirted plates.
     • They are suitable for a wide range of PCR applications, including routine PCR, qPCR, and high-throughput screening.

     Likely to say, the main difference between 96-well non-skirted and half-skirted PCR plates lies in the presence and extent of the skirt around the wells. Non-skirted plates offer maximum well volume and are preferred for high-throughput applications, while half-skirted plates provide additional stability and compatibility with pipetting systems. The choice between these plate types depends on the specific requirements of the PCR experiment and the preferences of the user.