Ahram Biosystems Completes Development of a Palm-Size Portable ...( New instrument system delivers highl...)

New instrument system delivers highly efficient and fast PCR amplification

in a fully portable format

SAN DIEGO, June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahram Biosystems, Inc., a leading developer of state-of-the-art PCR devices and Cell-based assay systems, today announced at the BIO 2008 Annual International Convention at the San Diego Convention Center that it has successfully completed development of Palm PCR, a palm-size portable thermocycler capable of delivering PCR amplified product in as little as 15 minutes. This device features the smallest size of all the PCR devices on the market.

"We are very excited to introduce our novel and truly hand-held portable PCR device as it provides not only the fastest amplification but is highly efficient with a wide dynamic range, yet adapting the standard 9 mm-spaced well format with a disposable plastic tube," said Dr. Hyun Jin Hwang, Ahram's Chairman and CEO.

"The ability to achieve rapid PCR amplification in a fully portable format will not only enable researchers to perform conventional laboratory experiments more effectively, but will also significantly ease other downstream applications such as those requiring in-situ or on-site genomic detection," said Dr. Jane Kim, Ahram's CSO.

Palm PCR is a battery-powered stand-alone portable thermocycler designed for simplicity and robustness. In spite of its very small size, this powerful device delivers highly efficient and fast amplification for nearly all kinds of DNA samples including the human genome. Even a single copy of DNA can be amplified in as little as 25 minutes to an amount sufficient for typical agarose-gel detection. The system provides both new and experienced researchers with a highly-functional and easy-to-use way to conduct various PCR experiments. "It has the lowest power consumption of all the commercially available thermocyclers (< 5 watts) to date, is capable of achieving uniformity better than +/- 0.1 degrees
'/>"/>