Ahram Biosystems launches portable Palm PCR thermocycler system

Ahram Biosystems, Inc., a leading innovator of new life science tools, today announced the launch of the Palm PCR system, an innovative portable PCR device that delivers high performance nucleic acid amplification in a small handheld format.

The palm-sized, battery-powered Palm PCR thermocycler represents a major breakthrough in PCR technology that promises to extend the range of applications of this well-established technology beyond its current indoor limitations. Designed for simplicity and robustness, the Palm PCR system delivers fast and efficient amplification of a large variety of targets including very low copy number of human genomic DNA. Its battery-powered automated operation—more than 4 hours of continuous operation on a single battery charge, extremely low power consumption—less than 5 W, and high efficiency make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.

"The Palm PCR system will change the way scientists think about PCR," said Dr. Hyun Jin Hwang, President and CEO of the company. "It is now possible to do PCR anywhere, anytime without giving up reliability and efficiency. Biotechnology is entering, in the same way Information Technology did before, a new era where small-sized mobile instruments delivering high performance and convenience will be the norm."

The Palm PCR system provides both innovators and traditional users with a functional and handy high-tech tool for extraordinary and/or daily PCR applications. The Palm PCR is loaded with fully validated operation protocols (including fast 18 min protocols to slow 39 min protocols) and comes with specially optimized PCR reagents and consumables as well as matching accessories. It is designed to conform to the standard 9 mm-spaced well format to use with a disposable plastic sample tube. Built on company's proprietary technology, the Palm PCR delivers highly accurate and reproducible results with high temperature uniformity (less than +/- 0.1 degrees C). The small footprint and light weight (71 mm x 121 mm x 47 mm or 2.8" x 4.76" x 1.85", 350 g), and authentic portability make dedicated bench space no longer needed; the Palm PCR system will fit on anyone's workspace, even on a small tray inside a car, and it can be stored away when not in use.