AlphaGem Bio Expands Offering with High-Performance PCR Microplate Made of TOPAS® Cyclic Olefin Copolyme

Injection Molded Plate Delivers Improved Rigidity and Heat Stability Versus Incumbent Materials

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., April 29, 2021 – AlphaGem Bio Inc., a leading

supplier of medical labware for liquid transfer handling, has launched a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) plate made of TOPAS® cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) from Polyplastics USA. AlphaGem Bio’s new plate for genomic testing uses TOPAS® COC for greater rigidity and heat stability compared to plastics such as polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate (PC).

The new injection molded PCR plates are particularly suited for larger laboratories which use robotic handling for high-volume applications, according to Dale Taunk, president of AlphaGem Bio. “The use of cyclic olefin copolymer enables us to expand our product offering with a higher performing option that meets automation needs,” said Taunk.

“TOPAS® COC’s superior attributes are clearly demonstrated in PCR microplates and other labware, reaffirming COC’s standing as the leading performance material in laboratory and diagnostic testing,” said Trey Shoop, Strategic Account Manager – TOPAS® COC for Polyplastics USA.

AlphaGem Bio’s new PCR product, a 96-well SBS standard microplate, is made of TOPAS medical grade resin. TOPAS® COC’s heat stability meets the requirements for thermal cycling up to 100°C. In addition, COC is more rigid than PP, which allows for use in robotic handling applications. The material’s high optical properties (92% clarity) facilitate reliable laser testing and real-time visual observation.

The high-flow characteristics of TOPAS® COC enable extensive detail to be designed into PCR plates and other diagnostic and microfluidic disposable components. Well counts can be maximized, flow channels incorporated, and analyses optimized. Due to its ultra-high purity, TOPAS® COC has lower leachables and extractables than competing materials, resulting in the most reliable and repeatable results. The inert nature of the medical-grade plastic prevents interference with reactions and analyses, further enhancing precision. Other important features of TOPAS® COC polymer include excellent UV transparency and low birefringence.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, AlphaGem Bio has seen strong global growth for its PCR plates and other PCR products for use in multiple virus testing applications.

About AlphaGem Bio Inc.

Founded in 2012 near the San Francisco Bay area, AlphaGem Bio is a small, highly-focused healthcare supplier that specializes in the manufacture of plastic labware using the injection molding process. The company’s products are unique, innovative, and are considered ultra-premium. They are used by universities, testing laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and genomic/genetic research and testing companies. Among the key products are liquid handling and sample storage products such as PCR reaction tubes, centrifuge test tubes, robotic pipette tips, and various other liquid handling products. For more information, email sales@alphagembio.com or visit www.alphagembio.com.

About TOPAS Advanced Polymers and Polyplastics

TOPAS Advanced Polymers is the world’s leading maker of COC (cyclic olefin copolymer), a glass-clear and extremely pure plastic for healthcare, optics, packaging, and electronics applications. From insulin delivery, to food contact films, to tablet and smartphone components, TOPAS® COC is the high-performance material of choice. The broad global regulatory compliance of TOPAS COC can make your next development a simpler task.

TOPAS Advanced Polymers is a business of Polyplastics Co., Ltd., a global leader in the development and production of engineering thermoplastic solutions. The company’s broad product portfolio includes POM, PPS, PBT, and LCP plastics. The company has the largest global market share of POM, LCP and COC. With more than 50 years of experience, the company is backed by a strong global network of R&D, production, and sales resources capable of creating advanced solutions for an ever-changing global marketplace.

TOPAS® is a registered trademark of TOPAS Advanced Polymers GmbH in Germany, the United States, and other countries for its family of cyclic olefin copolymer resins. Visit https://topas.com for more information.

Press Contact:

Joseph Grande
J. Grande communications Inc.
413.684.2463
joe@jgrandecommunications.com