PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) machines enable researchers to amplify small segments of DNA or RNA, producing millions of copies from a single sample. They are incredibly common in molecular biology and biotech labs. The PCR process, which you may also know as “molecular photocopying,” is an essential part of the workflow required to study genetic materials in greater detail. Whether for genetic research, disease detection, or forensic analysis, PCR machines play a pivotal role in making previously minute genetic sequences accessible for analysis.

Invented by Kary Mullis, the PCR technique has revolutionized the field of molecular biology since its inception in the 1980s. The accessibility of PCR machines has increased over the years, and they have become indispensable in labs around the world. While these machines are incredibly powerful, they can be quite costly, making leasing an attractive option for many labs. In this blog post, we’ll explore how PCR machines work, the types available, and their applications in biotech R&D.

How Does a PCR Machine Work?

The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) process consists of three primary steps, repeated in cycles to amplify the DNA:

1. Denaturation: The DNA sample is heated to around 94-98°C, causing the double-stranded DNA to denature or "melt" into two single strands. This separates the DNA into its individual strands, making the genetic material accessible for replication.
2. Annealing: The temperature is lowered to about 50-65°C, allowing the primers to bind to their complementary DNA sequences. These primers are short strands of nucleotides that define the target sequence to be amplified.
3. Extension: During this final step, the temperature is raised again to approximately 72°C, the optimal temperature for Taq polymerase (a DNA polymerase enzyme) to synthesize new DNA strands. The enzyme adds nucleotides to the primers, elongating the DNA strand by copying the template DNA.

This three-step cycle is repeated multiple times, with each cycle doubling the amount of target DNA, resulting in millions of copies after 30-40 cycles.

PCR machines automate this process by cycling through the different temperatures required for each step. Modern PCR systems often include advanced features like real-time monitoring of the reaction, multiple heating blocks for higher throughput, and software for precise temperature control.

Types of PCR Machines & Their Costs

There are several types of PCR machines, each suited for specific research needs. Below are the most common types:

1. Conventional PCR machines: These are the standard models used to amplify DNA. They follow the traditional PCR method of cycling through denaturation, annealing, and extension. Conventional PCR is widely used for routine applications in molecular biology, including cloning, genotyping, and DNA sequencing.
2. qPCR (quantitative PCR): Also known as real-time PCR, this model allows for the detection and quantification of DNA or RNA in real time. It monitors the amplification process by using fluorescent dyes to measure the amount of DNA at each cycle. qPCR is essential for applications requiring precise quantification, such as gene expression analysis or viral load measurement.
3. Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR): RT-PCR is used to amplify RNA sequences by first converting RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) using reverse transcriptase. It is commonly used in the study of gene expression, detection of RNA viruses, and molecular diagnostics.
4. Digital PCR (dPCR): Digital PCR is a more advanced form of PCR that provides absolute quantification of nucleic acids. It involves partitioning the sample into thousands of individual reactions, allowing for more precise and accurate detection of target DNA. Digital PCR is particularly useful for detecting low-level genetic variations, rare mutations, and precise copy number variation.
5. Hot Start PCR: Hot start PCR improves the specificity and efficiency of DNA amplification by preventing the reaction from occurring at lower temperatures where non-specific binding could take place. This technique is ideal for minimizing unwanted side products and improving yields in complex reactions.

Each of these PCR systems comes with its own price range, depending on its features and capabilities. Conventional PCR machines can start at around $5,000, while qPCR and RT-PCR systems range from $15,000 to $90,000 or more, with digital PCR systems being at the higher end due to their advanced capabilities.

PCR Machine Applications in Biotech R&D

PCR machines play a critical role in a variety of applications within biotech research and development, enabling scientists to amplify, detect, and study DNA and RNA with great precision. Some of the key applications include:

1. Genetic engineering: PCR is an essential tool in gene cloning and the manipulation of genetic material. Researchers use PCR to amplify specific DNA sequences, which are then inserted into vectors for the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), gene therapies, and recombinant proteins.
2. Molecular diagnostics: PCR has revolutionized the field of diagnostics, particularly in the detection of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, HIV, and hepatitis. qPCR and RT-PCR allow for rapid and accurate identification of pathogens by amplifying and detecting their genetic material in patient samples.
3. Cancer research: PCR is widely used in oncology to detect cancer-related mutations, gene expression changes, and epigenetic modifications. Techniques like digital PCR provide precise measurements of cancer biomarkers, enabling early detection and monitoring of disease progression.
4. Drug Development: In pharmaceutical research, PCR is used to assess the efficacy of drug candidates by measuring their impact on gene expression levels or identifying genetic markers that predict drug response. This helps accelerate the development of targeted therapies.
5. Forensic science: PCR plays a pivotal role in forensic investigations by allowing scientists to analyze trace amounts of DNA found at crime scenes. The technology enables the amplification of DNA samples for genetic fingerprinting, paternity testing, and criminal identification.
6. Stem cell research: Researchers use PCR to study gene expression in stem cells, monitoring how specific genes are regulated during differentiation. This research helps advance our understanding of tissue regeneration and the development of stem cell therapies.
7. Agricultural biotechnology: PCR is employed in the identification and modification of plant and animal genes for the improvement of crop yields, pest resistance, and other desirable traits in agriculture. It is also used to detect genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products.

These applications demonstrate the versatility of PCR machines in advancing both fundamental research and practical developments in the biotech industry.

Leasing vs. Buying PCR Machines

There are a number of advantages to leasing a PCR machine through Excedr compared to purchasing. Here are just a few highlights:

• Minimize upfront costs: payments are 100% tax deductible operating expenses. This means leasing is significantly less expensive than purchasing upfront.
• Manageable, flexible payments: Depending on your financial needs, you can pay either monthly or annually. Having predictable, low payments makes monitoring and managing cash flow notably simpler
• Benefit from included comprehensive service plans: You don’t need to buy or worry about annual service contracts. In fact, all repairs and maintenance are covered in the lease

Furthermore, leasing is much faster and straight forward when compared to other traditional forms of financing, such as bank loans and a line of credit. Our leasing program—which involves less paperwork and doesn’t require the same collateral the bank asks for—allows you to move quickly. With the money and time you save by leasing lab equipment, you can invest in your core business, hire more people, get your product to market faster, and put more dollars into marketing.

Which Option is Best for Your Lab?

PCR machines are indispensable tools in modern molecular biology and biotechnology research, enabling scientists to amplify and study DNA and RNA with remarkable precision. From genetic engineering and molecular diagnostics to cancer research and drug development, these systems play a vital role in advancing science and innovation. With various types of PCR systems available, including conventional, qPCR, and digital PCR, the versatility of the technology makes it suitable for a wide range of applications in biotech R&D.

While the cost of PCR machines can range from $5,000 to over $90,000 depending on the system, the option to lease equipment offers a more accessible solution for many laboratories. Leasing allows labs to obtain the necessary PCR technology without the significant upfront cost, providing financial flexibility and comprehensive maintenance coverage. By incorporating PCR machines into their workflows, biotech researchers and developers can push the boundaries of discovery, accelerating progress in fields like genomics, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.