Bio-Rad DCode Universal Mutation Detection System

The search for unknown mutations in genomic DNA is important for studying the genetic basis of diseases and disorders, including cancer. Additionally, examining DNA polymorphisms is useful for ecological and evolutionary studies of terrestrial, marine, and microbial organisms, with applications ranging from species identification to delineation of population structure to monitoring genetic diversity.

The DCode universal mutation detection system can scan for single-base changes by any of the following electrophoretic techniques:

Single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP)

Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)

Constant denaturing gel electrophoresis (CDGE)

Temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TTGE)

Flexible and powerful, the DCode system is the one electrophoresis system that can perform any combination of these techniques. At the center of the system is the temperature control module (which includes a microprocessor-controlled heater, a buffer-recirculating pump, and a stirrer). For techniques requiring accurate temperature control, such as SSCP and TTGE, the gels are immersed in the buffer, and temperatures are regulated between 5° and 70°C. Any run temperature below ambient can be achieved with the cooling tank used in conjunction with an external laboratory chiller. The DCode system can run 64 samples in as little as 2 hours — a major consideration when you’re screening DNA for sequence variations.

You can configure your DCode system to grow as your needs grow. Each system includes a vertical electrophoresis cell and choice of adaptor kits for SSCP, DGGE, and CDGE, as well as for TTGE, a technique codeveloped by Bio-Rad. TTGE has all the benefits of DGGE and CDGE without chemical denaturant gradients. 

Glass plates: 200 x 200 mm

Gel sizes: 160 x 200 mm (maximum two per run)

Heater and control: Temperature control (PID type) ±0.5°C variation within gel area, ±0.5°C actual in the range of 45 – 70°C

Dimensions (WxDxH): 390 x 200 x 420 mm

Weight: 16 kg