qTOWER³ Real-Time PCR Thermal Cyclers

qTOWER³ – Get in touch with high-class qPCR

• Patented fiber-optic system for ideal illumination and excitation of all 96 probes without edge effects
• Minimal scan times of 6 seconds for up to 6-fold multiplexing
• Optional filter configuration of 12 high-resolution, retrofittable color or FRET modules
• Novel light source containing 4 long-life LEDs without pre-warm time
• Innovative silver block with ramping rates up to 8 °C/sec and excellent temperature homogeneity
• Optional gradient function, including linear gradient tool programming
• Standalone operation via integrated tablet control (10″) and/or comprehensive PC control
• Use of different optical plastic materials in 0.2 mL format
• Intuitive, multilingual control and evaluation software
• Comprehensive portfolio of evaluation algorithms ranging from a simple Ct-value determination to ddCt-method and multi-plate analysis

Vision, Amazement, Simplicity: the new qTOWER³ real-time PCR thermal cycler from Analytik Jena. The patented fiber optic shuttle system with unique light source powered by 4 high-performance LED’s guarantees ideal excitation and detection of known fluorescent dyes up to the dark red. In addition, the system’s highly sensitive detection module can be equipped with up to 6 different color modules. Color modules are upgradeable, allowing the system to benefit from future Analytik Jena developments. And, enjoy peace of mind knowing that the qTOWER³’s optical components are backed by an industry-leading 10-year warranty. Silver block technology is at the heart of the qTOWER³, offering outstanding temperature control accuracy of ±0.1°C over the entire 96 well block. Optionally, the linear gradient function is the optimal tool to easily adjust the instrument to new assays. The qTOWER³ is available either as stand-alone device with integrated 10″ tablet or as PC-based system. The software comes with a broad spectrum of optimized analysis algorithms including absolute and relative quantification, melt point analysis, ddCt method, PCR efficiency, allelic discrimination, endpoint and protein determination.

Patented fiber optic shuttle system

In the field of quantitative real-time PCR a wide variety of fluorescent dyes with different characteristics are applicable. In order to optimally excite each of these dyes over a wide spectral range, a novel light source with four long-life LEDs in red, green, blue and white (RGBW) is used in qTOWER³. The RGBW LED ensures best possible quantum yield of each dye in real-time PCR experiment. Highly sophisticated multiplex applications with up to 6 fluorescent-labeled probes from the blue to the near-infrared range are no challenge anymore. 

Fiber Optic System: The integrated shuttle system with 8 optical-fibers ensures an extremely fast read-out of the entire 96 well plate in only 6 seconds – irrespective of the number of dyes to be measured.

In addition, all components of the high-performance optics come with a 10-year long-term guarantee.

Maximum flexibility

Depending on the application qTOWER³’s Filter Module System can be freely configured and upgraded, to both intercalating and proteinbinding dyes, as well as to hydrolysis (e.g. Taqman®) and hybridization (FRET) probes. The system is future-proof, being easily retrofitted on-site with additional Color, FRET or Protein Modules, and can thus be adapted to other fields of application at any time.

All filter modules contain an optimized combination of excitation and emission filters which, in combination with the light source, enable the ideal detection of a multitude of commercially available fluorescent dyes.

Innovative silver block technology

Basis for a reliable performance of quantitative real-time PCR in qTOWER³ is the sample block. To ensure best possible results and outstanding energy transfer into the sample, the thermal block is made of gold-coated silver serving much better physical properties than aluminum. As a result, the qTOWER³ is characterized by excellent temperature control accuracy of ±0.1°C (over 96 wells) and first-class heating rates of up to 8°C/sec. This combination makes the overall system the ultimate for any real-time PCR application.

To guarantee the highest specificities for different assays, the device is available with a gradient function of up to 40°C spread over 12 columns. Rather then defining upper and lower temperatures as limits, the Linear Gradient Tool (LGT) allows to define simply the temperature increments as integer around the calcu-lated annealing temperature of primers in a linear fashion thus making operation of the qTOWER³ simple and intuitive.

To avoid condensation and the resulting loss of samples, the system is equipped with a motorized heated lid. This can be variably set up to 110°C and guarantees, regardless of the con-sumables used an optimal contact pressure on the sample vessels during the entire real-time PCR run.

Intuitive operation and automatic evaluation

The control and evaluation software qPCRsoft follows the concept that it should be flexible and user friendly. The logical arrangement of all tools, the intuitive handling and, last but not least, the parameter-oriented memory and programming design make the use of the software simple and clear. During an actual run, the data from previous experiments can be evaluated in parallel without complication.

Get in touch with qTOWER³

The outstanding performance of the qTOWER³ can be optionally expanded with the aid of a through-and-through innovative operation concept. The qTOWER³ touch is a modern stand-alone system which renders the need of an external control system unnecessary. The integrated 10″ tablet leaves nothing to be desired with regard to experiment planning and implementation. The touch operation provides the user with a simple, intuitive menu navigation and both cycler programming as well as online monitoring and final Ct-value determination. The data files are compatible at all times with the comprehensive PC software and easily allow following evaluations.

Regardless of whether it is qTOWER³ or qTOWER³ touch – the real-time PCR thermal cyclers from Analytik Jena are the ideal and reliable tool for everyday lab work.

Thermal block
Sample block	Silver sample block with gold-coating
Block capacity	96 Well á 0.2 ml for 96 x 0.2 ml
Sample size	10 – 80 μl
Heating	Up to 8°C/sec (max.)
Cooling	Up to 6°C/sec (max.)
Adjustable temperature range	3°C to 99°C
Temperature uniformity	55°C ± 0.15°C after 15 sec
Temperature control accuracy	± 0.1°C
Gradient	Linear Gradient Tool
Max./Min. Gradient	40°C / 0.1°C
Heated lid
Lid temperature	30°C to 110°C
Contact pressure	10 kg, automated
qPCR application
Sensitivity	Detects 1 copy of target sequence in human genomic DNA
Dynamic range	10 orders of magnitude
Optics
Measuring principle	Fiber optic shuttle system with 8 fold scanner and color modules for excitation and emission filters
Light source	4 longlife, high-power LED’s (RGBW)
Detector	High sensitive CPM (Channel Photo Multiplier)
Color modules	12 Color-, FRET- and Protein Modules 6 positions inside device
Read out time	6 sec for 96 wells independent of the number of dyes
Control
Control	PC or stand-alone (optional)
Display	Only qTOWER³ touch: 10″ tablet, colored, touch, WIN 8.1
Time inc/dec	±0.1 to 240 sec/cycle
Temperature inc/dec	±0.1 to 20°C/cycle
Additional technical data
Weight	Approx. 30 kg
Dimension (W x H x L)	275 mm x 585 mm x 275 mm
Interface	PC connection: USB, RS232, Ethernet Tablet: USB for data transfer, barcode reader
Noise emission	45 db
Warranty	2 warranty on device system 10 years long-term warranty of high performance optics

Parameters: Color Modules
Name	Excitation	Emission	Dyes (examples)*
Color module 1	470 nm	520 nm	FAM™, Sybr®Green, Alexa488®
Color module 2	515 nm	545 nm	JOE™, HEX™, VIC®, YakimaYellow™
Color module 3	535 nm	580 nm	TAMRA™, DFO™, Alexa546®, NED™
Color module 4	565 nm	605 nm	ROX™, TexasRed®, Cy3.5®
Color module 5	630 nm	670 nm	Cy5®, Alexa633®, Quasar670™
Color module 6	660 nm	705 nm	Cy5.5®, LightCycler Red®
FRET 1	470 nm	580 nm	FAM™ (donor) / TAMRA™ (acceptor)
FRET 2	470 nm	670 nm	FAM™ (donor) / Cy5® (acceptor)
FRET 3	470 nm	705 nm	FAM™ (donor) / Cy5.5® (acceptor)
FRET 4	515 nm	670 nm	JOE™ (donor) / Cy5® (acceptor)
FRET 5	470 nm	605 nm	FAM™ (Donor) / ROX™ (acceptor)
Color module Protein 1	490 nm	580 nm	SYPRO® Orange
* Color or FRET modules can be ordered separately.