MiniOne Reviews and Testimonials
Don’t take it from us – these MiniOne testimonials from customers around the world say it all.
We have used the MiniOne PCR system in our Advances in Biotechnology Laboratory course to amplify DNA fragments for cloning and to amplify complete plasmid molecules for site-directed mutagenesis. The little device worked perfectly as a thermocycler for the experiments, but it was ideal for the teaching laboratory. Of all thermocyclers we have used in the past, this one is by far the most adequate. As in any laboratory class, time to carry out the experiments is limited by the programmed periods. The MiniOne PCR system is so fast that this semester we could afford to do many more experiments. The advantages of the device do not stop at that; its other characteristics made it the most convenient we have ever used, and the students appreciated its attributes. First being so small and light made transportation before and during class very easy and took up little space from the normally crowded bench space. Also, we never had such a friendly user interface, it uses a mobile device for programming and controlling, and setting up is intuitive and visual. We took advantage of the stop and continue property, which allowed the students to take samples at different stages and visualize the reaction products as the amplification progressed. In summary, we had a wonderful experience with the MiniOne PCR system in our course this year. It was fun and easy to use, it allowed to use the space and time better than in previous years, and the students could perform a longer and more complete set of experiments. I strongly recommend the MiniOne PCR system for teaching laboratories and also for the research lab.
Marcelo E. Tolmasky, Ph.D
I have been using the DNA fingerprinting lab for 3 years now. It is so easy and quick to set up. The students love taking pictures with their phone to analyze the results. It has made me excited to run the lab and not burdened by the set up or clean up or results! The kits are not that expensive either which makes it an easier purchase for districts. Keep making lab kits. Can’t wait to try out the new food borne disease lab!
Lisa Miller
I used to view our gel electrophoresis lab as a long term journey. Many students got lost along the way because the lab took so many steps, different class periods were required and results were unreliable. I just finished our first attempt using the MiniOne system. The results were fantastic and conclusive. Students better understand the process and the results because they were in charge of all of the setup, lab and results. Students of all ability levels were engaged and understood. I am so excited about the setup and results with the MiniOne: the quick student-completed setup, the very few opportunities for error, the quickness of the run, the lack of post-run staining/destaining, the reliable results. I LOVE this system.
Jen Damti
Richard and Pauline have been so wonderful to Kids in Medicine and our students have had great success EVERY time with the system. We recognize how important it is for young learners to apply complex didactic concepts in a real-world context – and it provides an inspired, enduring understanding when they get results that actually work. What an important foundation that allows ‘spiraling up’ to a more nuanced method and understanding for their later academic careers!
Lael Melchert
Gel electrophoresis is a basic molecular biology method used in several labs of the ABE curriculum. Typical electrophoresis equipment can be bulky and expensive. The MiniOne is a compact and efficient electrophoresis system, providing a superb classroom experience without being complex and cumbersome. For instance, the gel tray reduces the amount of agarose needed to only 10 ml. The electrodes are two metal bars that will not break as easily as the wires in regular electrophoresis boxes. The integrated illumination system in combination with the GelGreen dye eliminates the need for Ethidium Bromide staining and significantly reduces experimental time. Students see the results of the electrophoresis directly on the gel box without the need to remove the gel. Finally, the small footprint of the entire system facilitates transportation and implementation in classrooms with little space for laboratory experiences.
Héctor Ayala-Del-Río
The DNA fingerprinting lab worked very well. The electrophoresis unit is awesome. I fell in love with the mini compact design. I have been running gels for over 5 years and I was never able to finish the lab in one period. The compact design of the unit allowed me to run the gel in 20 minutes and my students were able to view the bands during their class period. Also the quality of the DNA bands was great.
Dr. Vyjayanti Joshi
I have been doing biotechnology labs for 24 years in my classroom and I am very impressed with the potential I see with the MiniOne. These electrophoresis units will free up class time by allowing us to pour the gels hot, run them rapidly and eliminate the staining and destaining process. As such, students will have the time to make their own gels and we will have time within our class period to begin analyzing results. I also believe the students will have a better understanding of the process because they will be able to watch the DNA separate in real time. As a teacher, I am also thrilled that the entire process is now “green”!
Winnie Litten
I’ve been super impressed with all of the Embi Tec equipment we use for our outreach program for their robust design, efficiency of time and supplies and the companies amazing customer service. Teachers borrow one time in our kits and they want access to them all the time, so they write small grants or invite their administrators into their classrooms to see the learning and opportunities their students are getting. MiniOnes are a game-changer. Teachers will be able to run a intensive lab within a regular 50 minute class period. Students get the FULL experience from loading to image to analysis right at their desk. MiniOne allows for real complex, exciting hands-on science, less and safer teacher prep (no more pre and post staining after school), more cost savings (smaller gels, less TAE). This is what science education is all about!
Adrienne Houck
Recently I had the pleasure of attending a demonstration of the MiniOne gel electrophoresis unit. Because the unit incorporates the power supply, transilluminator, and gel box, students are able to view band migration through the gel in real time. This allows immediate band analysis and discussion by the students – a huge plus. The use of GelGreen stain makes it safer and less time demanding for both students and teachers. The compact size allows the unit to be quickly set up and easily stored. The MiniOne is an excellent alternative for educators who are looking to purchase their own equipment.
Carol Fujita
I just saw a demo of Embi Tec’s MiniOne gel electrophoresis system – it is genius. The system is set up so that students can pour, load and run a gel in a single class period. And I could clearly see DNA bands after 15 minutes of runtime – brilliant. No toxic ethidium bromide and finally, no messy methylene blue. This system is fast, easy and reliable. I can’t wait to use it next year!
Cheryl Eisen
Every year, I have been reluctant to do a biotech unit with anyone except my highest students (AP and honors) because of the chemicals (ethidium bromide) and the time constraints of a traditional (non-block schedule) science period. I had the pleasure of seeing a demo of the MiniOne system first hand and it has changed my perspective on the possibilities. This is well- thought out and user-friendly, utilizing much safer materials. It is more time-efficient for classroom use. I saw results within 12 minutes and was able to take a picture with my phone. I have already put in my order for a set of MiniOnes and am planning biotech units for all Biology students in my school and hopefully the district as well.
Shannon Klemann
As a high school teacher I think there are a lot of benefits to your system in a classroom situation.
With the low voltage and the ability to use the GelGreen I feel you have minimized the safety issues while still providing a real life experience for the students. I also really like the carbon filaments that give your system more durability.
In high school, we don’t have a large block of time for labs like they do in college. The ability to set up your system quickly with a single plug is very appealing to me. I can set up the lab and just as importantly break it down in a short amount of time. The fact that students can see the results of the electrophoresis in just a few minutes is also ideal for a high school setting.
All in all, I think you have a winner with your system. I think that it will have a strong appeal to high school teachers that want to do gel electrophoresis in their class.
Matt McDermit
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