Opinions Statagene hot top robocycler

[Andrei Popov]

Mary Remington wrote:
> 
>      I would like to hear from anyone using the Stratagene Gradient Hot
> Top Robocycler.  Any users of this machine out there?  Thanks, Mary


Hi there,

we started to use this machine recently. It is quick, 
looks reliable, obviously very convenient to titrate Tm of 
primers.

Moreover, you can use the same programme (with a gradient
of Tm from say 50 to 62C) with different sets of primers-
all you have to do is to put your tubes into the different
column with the desired Tm.


disadvantages:

1. to use hot-top lead you need either wax beads with Mg or
   some kind of Taq-inhibitor (antibodies)
   otherwise water evaporates quicker than you add Taq
   at 94C (if you are using hot-start, as we do). I, personally, 
   started to use good old mineral oil.

2. Programmes cannot be changed once the cycle has began.
   It means that if you suddenly decide to change it and press
   "stop", the robotic arm will stick your tubes into
   the block number 4 (6 C)- probably ruining any subsequent
   amplification.


best regards


Andrei