Bio-Rad DCode Universal Mutation Detection System

The search for unknown mutations in genomic DNA is crucial for understanding the genetic basis of diseases and disorders, including cancer. Additionally, examining DNA polymorphisms aids ecological and evolutionary research of terrestrial, marine, and microbial organisms, with applications from species identification to population structure analysis and genetic diversity monitoring.

• Single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP)
• Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)
• Constant denaturing gel electrophoresis (CDGE)
• Temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TTGE)

This versatile and robust system supports any combination of these techniques. Central to the system is the temperature control module, equipped with a microprocessor-controlled heater, a buffer-recirculating pump, and a stirrer. Techniques requiring precise temperature control, such as SSCP and TTGE, are accommodated as gels are immersed in the buffer and temperatures are maintained between 5° and 70°C. Temperatures below ambient are attained using a cooling tank with an external lab chiller. The DCode system can process 64 samples in just 2 hours, a significant advantage for DNA sequence variation screening.

The system can be configured to expand alongside laboratory needs. Each comes with a vertical electrophoresis cell and various adaptor kits for SSCP, DGGE, CDGE, and the Bio-Rad codeveloped TTGE technique, which combines DGGE and CDGE benefits without chemical denaturant gradients.

• Glass plates: 200 x 200 mm
• Gel sizes: 160 x 200 mm (up to two per run)
• Heater and control: Temperature control (PID type) with ±0.5°C variation within the gel area, ±0.5°C actual in 45 – 70°C range
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 390 x 200 x 420 mm
• Weight: 16 kg