Advanced thermoelectric coolers support more accurate PCR and molecular diagnostics

Tark Thermal Solutions has announced that the elongated PCX models of thermoelectric coolers enable narrower temperature zones across PCR trays, allowing for more precise thermal management, faster reaction cycles, and increased sample throughput. The elongated construction will enable OEMs to design PCR trays with more temperature-controlled zones, simplifying the process of finding the optimal melt temperature and boosting test accuracy and efficiency. By minimising temperature gradients and supplying rapid ramp rates, the series greatly accelerates PCR test results, supporting real-time and quantitative PCR platforms.

The series of thermoelectric coolers (TECs) is engineered specifically for demanding PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing applications, delivering high reliability, precise temperature control, and rapid thermal cycling for accelerated test throughput. Reliable performance and durability minimise downtime and maintenance for instrument manufacturers and laboratories, supporting higher test volumes and more dependable diagnostic outcomes.

Key benefits for PCR applications include:

• PCX Series of elongated thermoelectric coolers improves temperature-zone precision in PCR trays.
• Responds to renewed demand in molecular diagnostics post-COVID.
• Supports automated, compact, and high-throughput PCR systems used in hospitals, clinical labs, and research centres.
• Enables faster, more accurate, and more accessible disease detection in modern molecular diagnostics.
• PowerCycling PCX TECs provide precise temperature control and faster ramp rates suitable for point-of-care applications requiring real-time PCR testing.
• The series provides high heat-pumping capacity, supporting up to 215W, and operates at temperatures reaching 120C, which exceeds the typical requirements of PCR processes.
• Through advanced thermoelectric materials and proprietary construction, these TECs maintain extremely tight temperature gradients (within ±0.5C), critical for accurate DNA amplification during PCR.
• The series TECS has a unique thermally conductive 'soft layer' beneath the cold-side ceramic, which absorbs mechanical stresses from repeated heating and cooling. This prevents common failures such as cracking and bowing, especially crucial for elongated TEC models.
• The series TECs withstand harsh thermal cycling environments, passing rigorous PCR qualification standards without performance degradation, ensuring long operational life (more than 200,000 power cycles) even under constant cycling.

By supporting a new generation of portable and automated molecular diagnostic techniques, Tark Thermal Solutions helps healthcare providers deliver faster, more accurate, and more accessible testing. From point-of-care environments to complex research labs, the PCX Series enables better patient outcomes, improved laboratory efficiency, and next-generation diagnostic platform design.

"In power cycling applications, the high-temperature diffusion of impurities and mechanical stresses over time significantly reduces the operational life of standard thermoelectric coolers. The PCX Series is ideal for applications that demand hundreds of thousands of thermal cycles with ultra-fast temperature ramp rates and tight temperature control with minimal gradient," said Andrew Dereka, Thermoelectrics product director, Tark Thermal Solutions. "As PCR workflows evolve toward more automated, compact, and high-throughput systems, the PCX Series provides the thermal stability OEMs need to deliver faster and more reliable diagnostic results."