PCR is a technique used in molecular biology to amplify small amounts of DNA, and PCR tubes are essential components of the PCR process. So, what led to the creation of PCR tubes? The PCR tubes manufacturer shares this knowledge with you.

The polymerase chain reaction was first developed in the mid-1980s by Kary Mullis, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for its discovery. However, the early PCR techniques required a lot of manual manipulation and were performed using glass test tubes. PCR reactions are sensitive to contamination, and glass can carry contaminants that can interfere with the PCR process and produce inaccurate results. Additionally, glass is not an ideal material for the PCR technique due to its high thermal conductivity and poor heat resistance.

To overcome these issues, companies started creating plastic PCR tubes. The first PCR tubes were developed in the late 1980s using polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer that is resistant to heat and chemicals. The tubes were designed to be thin-walled to ensure better heat transfer during PCR and had different color caps to differentiate between PCR reactions. The plastic PCR tubes were more convenient to use than glass PCR tubes, as they were disposable, reducing the risk of contamination and making the PCR process more consistent and accurate.

Plastic PCR tubes have continued to evolve over the years, and different types of plastics have been used, including polyethylene and polycarbonate. Some PCR tubes have also been designed to have flat or elevated caps to allow for better sealing, and some have been designed to be compatible with automated laboratory equipment. Additionally, some companies now produce PCR tubes with additional features such as co-extracted inhibitor removal, self-venting, and quick-release cap.