Injection Molded Plate Delivers Improved Rigidity
and Heat Stability Versus Incumbent Materials
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., April 29, 2021 – AlphaGem Bio Inc., a leading supplier of medical labware for liquid transfer handling, has launched a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) plate made of TOPAS® cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) from Polyplastics USA. AlphaGem Bio’s new plate for genomic testing uses TOPAS® COC for greater rigidity and heat stability compared to plastics such as polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate (PC).
The new injection molded PCR plates are particularly suited for larger laboratories which use robotic handling for high-volume applications, according to Dale Taunk, president of AlphaGem Bio. “The use of cyclic olefin copolymer enables us to expand our product offering with a higher performing option that meets automation needs,” said Taunk.
“TOPAS COC’s superior attributes are clearly demonstrated in PCR microplates and other labware, reaffirming COC’s standing as the leading performance material in laboratory and diagnostic testing,” said Trey Shoop, Strategic Account Manager – TOPAS COC for Polyplastics USA.
AlphaGem Bio’s new PCR product, a 96-well SBS standard microplate,is made of TOPAS medical grade resin. TOPAS COC’s heat stability meets the requirements for thermal cycling up to 100°C. In addition, COC is more rigid than PP, which allows for use in robotic handling applications. The material’s high optical properties (92% clarity) facilitate reliable laser testing and real-time visual observation.
The high-flow characteristics of TOPAS COC enable extensive detail to be designed into PCR plates and other diagnostic and microfluidic disposable components. Well counts can be maximized, flow channels incorporated, and analyses optimized. Due to its ultra-high purity, TOPAS COC has lower leachables and extractables than competing materials, resulting in the most reliable and repeatable results. The inert nature of the medical-grade plastic prevents interference with reactions and analyses, further enhancing precision. Other important features of TOPAS COC polymer include excellent UV transparency and low birefringence.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, AlphaGem Bio has seen strong global growth for its PCR plates and other PCR products for use in multiple virus testing applications.
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About AlphaGem Bio Inc.
Founded in 2012 in the San Francisco Bay area, AlphaGem Bio is a small, highly-focused healthcare supplier that specializes in the manufacture of plastic labware using the injection molding process. The company’s products are unique, innovative, and are considered ultra-premium. They are used by universities, testing laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and genomic/genetic research and testing companies. Among the key products are liquid handling and sample storage products such as PCR reaction tubes, centrifuge test tubes, robotic pipette tips, and various other liquid handling products. For more information, visit alphagembio.com.
Press Contact:
Joseph Grande
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