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Axxin Extended Cap
- Emily Sutterby
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
Axxin provides new extended cap PCR tubes for isothermal assays that require higher temperatures with extended test durations, such as specific LAMP diagnostics, that are prone to condensation.
Extensive R&D efforts are spent optimising the concentration of assay reagents (such as salt) to promote enzymatic activity and maximise nucleic acid amplification. However, these efforts can be compromised when condensation forms, altering reagent concentrations and diminishing yield efficiency.
So what is condensation and how can we combat it?
Amplifications techniques used for molecular diagnostics often require a sample to be heated inside a sealed tube. Condensation, defined as the conversion of gas or vapour to liquid, can form when vapour produced during sample heating comes into contact with a cooler surface. Condensation thrives when temperature differences exist within a closed space, such as the difference between the bottom of a tube inserted in a heater block and the tube cap which typically remains at room temperature.
Historically, it was common to add a layer of oil on top of samples to "trap" the liquid and stop vapour from forming. Alternatively, high-end PCR systems may provide counter heating with an additional heater block on the lid set to a slightly higher temperature than the lower sample heater block. However, these integrated systems add a layer of complexity, bulk and cost.
To mitigate this limitation, Axxin can provide a cheap and convenient extended cap that fits with standard Axygen PCR 8-tube strips. This elongated cap extends to the heating block inside Axxin instruments, allowing the cap to be heated with the sample thereby reducing condensation.
When heated at 70°C for 1 hr inside the Axxin T8-ISO, the extended cap demonstrated reduced condensation.
Download the brochure below for further details and ordering information.
