Abstract
Free Technical Information
Agilent Automation Solutions
White Paper: An Introduction to High-Throughput Microchromatography
The new white paper describes how the Agilent Bravo for Protein Purification Liquid-Handling Platform together with AssayMAP high-throughput microchromatography system was designed specifically to meet all of the technical requirements for quantitative sample preparation for protein analysis. The AssayMAP system is composed of a microchromatography cartridge, special-associated labware, and a liquid-handling device designed to interface with the cartridge and provide precise flow control in a 96-channel microplate format.
The authors describe how applications of high-throughput microchromatography for protein analysis are designed to purify, quantitate, and react. In purification, the goal is to separate the target protein from all or most of the impurities present in the sample, isolating the target for further operations. In quantitation, the goal is to measure the amount of the target protein present in the sample. In reaction, the goal is to modify the target protein chemically by either enzymes or other reactants. Sample preparation protocols may involve any or all of these types of steps.
Exeter Analytical
Optimized Technique for Direct Determination of Organic Carbon and Nitrogen in Marine Sediments
A filter-based technique, using an Exeter Analytical Model 440 CHN Elemental Analyser, provides rapid and routine analysis of marine sediments, results are expressed in micrograms of carbon and nitrogen detected simplifying the calculation process. Analytical sensitivity is less than 1 μg.
Fluidigm
Identifying MicroRNAs That Can Serve as Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer
Using Fluidigm Corporation's BioMark System and Digital Array integrated fluidic circuits, researchers from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) have identified serum microRNAs that can serve as biomarkers for prostate cancer. The UCSF research group designed their own microRNA preAMP and PCR primers specifically to be used on the BioMark platform and then were able to identify mRNA signatures that correlate with prognosis.
To identify serum miRNAs that diagnose and correlate with prognosis of prostate cancer, the researchers at UCSF developed a multiplex quantitative reverse transcription PCR method involving purification of multiplex PCR products followed by uniplex analysis on a Fluidigm microfluidics chip to evaluate 384 human miRNAs. Using Dgcr8 and Dicer knockout (small RNA—deficient) mouse ES cells as the benchmark, the researchers confirmed the validity of their technique, while uncovering a significant lack of accuracy in previously published methods. Profiling 48 sera from healthy men and untreated prostate cancer patients with differing Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment scores, UCSF researchers identified miRNA signatures that allowed them to diagnose cancer patients and correlate with prognosis. These serum signatures included oncogenic and tumor suppressive miRNAs suggesting functional roles in prostate cancer progression.
More: A copy of the UCSF paper “Serum microRNAs in Prostate Cancer” is available upon request from
Genevac
Web Site for Food and Beverage Analysis
Genevac has launched a new web page with technological innovations, applications advances, and references for evaporation and sample concentration techniques relating to food and beverage analysis. Web links are provided to a bibliography of scientific publications in peer-review journals that offer further insight into how modern evaporative sample preparation methods are enabling laboratories to accelerate and improve the process of obtaining new compounds from a range of natural product sources.
More: www.genevac.com/food
Application Areas
American Type Culture Collection
Universal Mycoplasma Detection Kit
According to American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), this new kit brings together universal primers, optimized reagents, and touchdown PCR to provide fast results in an easy-to-use format, and improve the overall level of cell-culture quality. It provides the components needed for an optimized PCR reaction, including buffers for cell lysis, sample lysis tubes, PCR mixes, and primers. Universal primers that are specific to the 16S rRNA coding region in the Mycoplasma genome are used with a thermostable DNA polymerase. Touchdown PCR avoids amplification of nonspecific sequences, and increases specificity to the extent that DNA originating from other sources, such as E. coli and human, mouse, hamster, herring sperm, dog, or rat genomic DNA, are not amplified.
In approximately 3 h, the kit can detect as few as 10 genomes of M. arginini. The ATCC kit is highly selective recognizing over 60 species of Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, Spiroplasma, and Ureaplasma including the 8 species most likely to contaminate cell cultures: M. arginini, M. fermentans, M. hominis, M. hyorhinis, M. orale, M. pirum, M. salivarium, and A. laidlawi.
More: www.atcc.org/MDK
AMSBIO
DNA Repair Knockdown Cell Lines
According to AMSBIO, its new range of 20 DNA Repair Knockdown cell lines was developed to enable study of the molecular etiology of tumor-genomic instability and to exploit it in oncology research. The AMSBIO DNA Repair Knockdown cell lines are based on target-specific LN428 glioblastoma shRNA lentivirus-transduced cells that are rigorously qualified and mycoplasma free. The knockdown efficiency of the new DNA Repair Knockdown Cell Lines on target genes, as measured by RT-PCR, is 63—98%.
More: www.amsbio.com/DNA-Repair-Gene-Knockdown-Cell-Lines.aspx
Bangs Laboratories
Silica Bind-IT
Bangs Laboratories’ newest preactivated microspheres, Silica Bind-IT. These pure SiO2, spherical, highly uniform silica microspheres now are paired with a Bind-IT preactivated surface. According to Bangs Labs, Bind-IT chemistry offers high and uniform binding through a simple incubation of microspheres and protein. It confers stability to the protein-coated silica surface without the more complex reagents and protocols required by covalent coatings. The highly active surface also optimizes antibody orientation, which permits improvements in the sensitivity and dynamic range of immunoassays and reproducibility in reagent manufacturing.
More: www.bangslabs.com
Cell-Signaling Technologies
Mouse (G3AI) mAb IgGI Isotype Control #5415
According to Cell-Signaling Technologies, isotype control antibodies are used to estimate the nonspecific binding of target primary antibodies because of Fc receptor binding or other protein—protein interactions. An isotype control antibody should have the same immunoglobulin type and be used at the same concentration as the test antibody. Mouse (G3A1) mAb IgG1 Isotype Control is not directed against any known antigen. It functions as an isotype control for mouse IgG1 monoclonal antibodies.
Pathscan Apoptosis and Proliferation Multiplex IF Kit #7851
This new kit offers a novel method to simultaneously monitor mitotic index and programmed cell death using manual immunofluorescence microscopy, or automated imaging and laser scanning high-content platforms. This kit contains a cocktail of three high-quality primary antibodies targeted against α-tubulin, phospho-histone H3 (Ser10), and cleaved PARP (Asp214), and a detection cocktail using the Alexa Fluor series of fluorescent dyes. Antibody and dye pairings have been preoptimized, and each kit contains enough reagents for 100 assays (based on a working volume of 100 μL/test).
EpCAM (VU1D9) Mouse mAb (Alexa Fluor 555 Conjugate) #5488
This antibody is conjugated to Alexa Fluor 555 fluorescent dye and tested in-house for immunofluorescent analysis in human cells. The antibody is expected to exhibit the same species cross-reactivity as the unconjugated EpCAM (VU1D9) Mouse mAb #2929. Epithelial cell adhesion and activating molecule (EpCAM/CD326) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that mediates Ca2+-independent, homophilic adhesions on the basolateral surface of most epithelial cells. EpCAM is not expressed in adult squamous epithelium, but is highly expressed in adeno and squamous cell carcinomas. One of the first tumor-associated antigens discovered, EpCAM has long been a marker of epithelial tissue and tumor tissue. Because of its high expression in cancer, EpCAM has become a therapeutic target for human solid tumors of epithelial lineage.
Sox2 (D6D9) XP Rabbit mAb (Alexa Fluor 488 Conjugate) #5049
This detects endogenous levels of total Sox2 protein. Embryonic stem cells are derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst and are unique in their pluripotent capacity and potential for self-renewal. Sox2 is one of a set of transcription factors that are crucial for the maintenance of pluripotency. Sox2, Oct-4, and Nanog cooperate in this network and siRNA knockdown of either Sox2 or Oct-4 results in loss of pluripotency. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments have shown that Sox2 and Oct-4 bind to thousands of gene regulatory sites, highlighting the importance of these transcription factors in early embryonic development. It has recently been shown that Sox2 is amplified in lung and esophageal squamous cell tumors.
S6 Ribosomal Protein (54D2) Mouse mAb (Alexa Fluor 647 Conjugate) #5548
This detects endogenous levels of total S6 ribosomal protein. One way that growth factors and mitogens effectively promote sustained cell growth and proliferation is by upregulating mRNA translation. Growth factors and mitogens induce the activation of p70 S6 kinase and the subsequent phosphorylation of the S6 ribosomal protein. Phosphorylation of S6 ribosomal protein correlates with an increase in translation of mRNA transcripts that contain an oligopyrimidine tract in their 5’ untranslated regions. These particular mRNA transcripts (5'TOP) encode proteins involved in cell cycle progression and ribosomal proteins and elongation factors necessary for translation. Important S6 ribosomal protein phosphorylation sites include several residues (Ser235, Ser236, Ser240, and Ser244) located within a small, carboxy-terminal region of the S6 protein.
Nanog (D73G4) XP Rabbit mAb (Alexa Fluor 647 Conjugate) #5448
This detects endogenous levels of total nanog protein. Nanog is a homeodomain containing transcription factor that is essential for the maintenance of pluripotency and self-renewal in embryonic stem cells. Nanog expression is controlled by a network of factors including Sox2 and the key pluripotency regulator Oct-4. Recent advances in somatic cell reprogramming have used viral expression of combinations of transcription factors including nanog, Oct-4, Sox2, KLF4, c-Myc, and Lin28.
SSEA4 (MC813) Mouse mAb (Alexa Fluor 555 Conjugate) #5835
This detects endogenous levels of SSEA4 antigen. SSEA4 (stage-specific embryonic antigen 4) is a glycolipid carbohydrate epitope expressed on the surface of human teratocarcinoma stem cells, human embryonic germ cells, and human embryonic stem cells. Expression of human SSEA4 decreases following differentiation of human embryonal carcinoma cells. Expression of the SSEA4 antigen is absent in murine pluripotent cells, but increases following differentiation.
Cygnus Technologies for Gyros
Protein A Immunoassay Kit
According to Gyros, Cygnus Technologies now offers a third immunoassay kit specifically designed for compatibility with the Gyrolab xP workstation by Gyros. The new kit enables scientists to test for the presence of Protein A, an impurity that can occur in any antibody-based therapeutic that has been purified using affinity chromatography. Two Host Cell Proteins Kits are already available for detecting impurities from E. coli or CHO cells during bioprocess development and production.
Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT)
Oligo Manufacturing Service
This new service can provide oligos deprotected, desalted, quantified using UV spectrophotometry and checked for quality using mass spectrometry as standard. Oligos are available in a range of amounts, from 25 nmol up to 10 μmol with the additional option of large-scale production up to 10 g. And providing standard length oligos, Integrated DNA Technology (IDT) can produce high-quality, long Ultramer DNA oligos, up to 200 bp in length, which can be considered ideal for gene construction, cloning, and DNA-directed RNA interference.
Oligos can be delivered in individual tubes, and 96- or 384-well plates, either lyophilized or resuspended in liquid, such as water or Tris-EDTA buffer. For high-throughput laboratories, IDT offers a HOTplate service, shipping larger batches of unmodified DNA oligos with next day delivery. For smaller scale use, individual unmodified DNA oligos between 15 and 45 bp in length can be shipped using IDT's SameDay high-speed delivery service. Custom RNA oligos can be synthesized and shipped within 2—3 business days. Where a higher degree of oligo purity is required, oligos can be purified using PAGE or HPLC. In addition, it is possible to include user-specified modifications such as nucleotide phosphorylation, fluorophore incorporation, or the use of modified bases (e.g., 5-Bromo-deoxyuridine).
More: www.idtdna.com
Oxford Gene Technology
CytoSure HT Genomic DNA Labeling Kit and ISCA Sample Tracking Spike-Ins
The new CytoSure HT Genomic DNA Labeling Kit enables simultaneously labeling up to 96 samples using a 96-well plate format. The formulation and mastermix-based approach maximizes signal-to-noise ratio and reduces sample-to-sample variation, facilitating the confident detection of even the smallest aberrations. CytoSure ISCA Sample Tracking Spike-ins ensure that any potential sample mix-up during array processing can be easily identified. According to OGT, when used in combination with CytoSure ISCA arrays and OGT's CytoSure Interpret Software, these new products can make it easy to correlate individual data sets with sample origin.
More: www.ogt.co.uk
Thermo Fisher Scientific
POPs Screening and Confirmation Kits
These two new regulatory compliant GC application kits for screening and confirming the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) provide a simple, ready-to-use package for GC—MS analysis with all necessary consumables and methods, enabling labs to more efficiently, cost-effectively and accurately meet EU directives on POPs levels and detection sensitivity, which is considered especially important for the screening of food or environmental samples.
EASY-Column for Nanoscale HPLC Applications
According to Thermo, nanoscale HPLC is primarily used in combination with high-performance mass spectrometry for the analysis of complex biological samples, such as applications in proteomics and disease biomarker discovery. The EASY-Column operates effectively on any nano LC system, including the Thermo Scientific EASY-nLC, and is optimized for online LC—MS. The EASY-Column uses metal-free—fused silica capillaries to ensure full biocompatibility and has been designed to optimize peak resolution and method sensitivity for these separations.
Syncronis HPLC Columns
According to Thermo, this new range delivers consistent, predictable separations, from run to run and column to column, and delivers exceptional reproducibility by providing highly pure, high surface-area silica, dense bonding and double endcapping, all controlled and characterized through rigorous testing.
Automated Systems
Caliper Life Sciences
Sciclone G3 Liquid Handler
According to Caliper, this new generation of the Sciclone Liquid Handler offers integrated smart tube racks with automated barcode scanning; noncontact liquid-level confirmation; support for single well to 1536 transfers; and can be a standalone bench-top operation or part of a fully integrated system. The Sciclone G3 can address a range of applications from simple plate preparation, reformatting, serial dilutions hit picking to solid-phase extraction or next-generation sequencing.
More: www.caliperls.com
Fluidigm
BioMark HD Real-Time PCR System
According to Fluidigm, its new BioMark HD System is designed to deliver the sensitivity and throughput needed to study gene expression down to the single-cell level— especially with limited amounts of sample or rare populations of cells. By incorporating a new fast thermal cycling protocol, the BioMark HD System reduces time to result by increasing the throughput of the original system twofold. Users now have the ability to generate over 50,000 data points in 1 day with only one user. The fast thermal cycling protocol is compatible with commercially available assays and yields data that is equal in quality to standard cycling protocol data. The BioMark HD platform continues to use Fluidigm's nanofluidic technology and supports all the applications of the original BioMark System, including gene expression, single-cell gene expression, and genotyping. Using Digital Array chips, the BioMark HD System performs common digital PCR applications, such as mutation detection, copy number variation, and absolute quantitation of nucleic acid sequences.
Genetix
ClonePix 2
According to Genetix, this new generation of the ClonePix system selects cells with optimal expression levels as a result of software enhancements that improve ranking consistency. In addition, a redesign of the robotics reduces risk of colony disturbance and improved workflow efficiency requires fewer plate handling steps.
More: www.genetix.com
Labcyte
Access Workstation
According to labcyte, its new Access Workstation takes the suite of software applications and automation control of the POD 810 automation platform to the bench top, combining the Echo liquid handler with a high-precision robotic plate handling system.
More: www.labcyte.com
Synbiosis
ProcScan
New for the Synbiosis ProtoCOL 2 system, this high-resolution full color plate scanning accessory allows microbiologists to automatically count colonies or measure inhibition zones on large bioassay plates in seconds. Easily integrated via USB port, the ProcScan can accommodate round or square plates of up to 30 cm × 30 cm and can scan large grid arrays. It generates an accurate 22-G pixel equivalent plate image that is rapidly imported into the ProtoCOL 2. The system then analyzes the image to provide data that can be directly exported into statistical analysis packages.
More: www.synbiosis.com
Syrris
Asia Range of Flow Chemistry Systems
Now available in America and Europe, the Syrris Asia range of scalable and modular flow chemistry systems incorporates maximum chemical resistance with wide temperature (— 15 to 250 °C) and pressure (0—20 bar) ranges, fast reaction times and microgram to kilogram scalability. It can enable manual or automated operation with optional PC control.
The Asia range consists of three different series, each with three preconfigured systems with varying levels of functionality. The Asia 1-series is manually operated. The Asia 2-series can automatically perform one experiment at a time with automated parameters such as reaction temperature, pressure, and collection timings. The Asia 3-series is fully automated for process optimization for performing synthesis, work-up, and analysis of hundreds of experiments.
More: www.syrris.com
Uniqsis
FlowSyn MAXI
According to Uniqsis, its new FlowSyn MAXI is the first instrument for multikilogram flow chemistry. It allows users to safely perform larger-scale flow reactions at up to 100 mL/min between —90 and 260 °C, and at pressures up to 1400 psi by using high flow-rate pumps and large-scale coil reactors up to 40 mL, with temperature-controlled static mixers.
The FlowSyn MAXI offers a choice of flowpath, including Teflon, stainless, and Hastelloy. For low-temperature exothermic chemistry, FlowSyn MAXI can be coupled with the FlowSyn Polar Bear cooling module, which has no circulator fluid or insulated tubing, but has fast cooling rates that allow it to reach —90 °C from room temperature in less than an hour.
More: www.uniqsis.com
Instrumentation and Hardware
A2 Technologies
Exoscan Handheld FTIR System
A new Spherical ATR Sampling interface enables the Exoscan to analyze a range of materials typically encountered in the QA/QC lab, including powders and granules, and large samples such as polymer, composite, and plastic sheets. The new design minimizes the need for pressure devices to achieve high-quality reproducible spectra. Two versions are available. The Diamond ATR is suggested as a universal interface for a broad range of solid materials, while the Germanium ATR is suggested for the analysis of carbon-black filled rubber or samples for which measurement of thin layers on the surface is critical.
More: www.a2technologies.com
ATS RheoSystems
Merlin Rotational Viscometer
According to ATS RheoSystem, its new MERLIN Viscometer is a high-performance rotational viscometer capable of both steady shear and yield stress testing in a rugged, compact-size footprint. Designed for performing routine rheological tests such as single-point viscosity checks for
More: www.atsrheosystems.com
Computype and Nautilus Systems
PR 100i Print-and-Apply System
Designed specifically for challenging labeling requirements in laboratory environments, the PR 100i is a desktop label applicator that can print and apply up to 12 labels, in tandem, with precision and accuracy. The system features a thermal transfer printing system with 600-dpi resolution and retracting peel edge technology. It is considered ideal for small labels, tight registration, and a variety of container shapes and sizes.
More: www.computype.com
ForteBio
Octet RED96 System
The Octet RED96 system can measure protein and other biomolecule concentrations, and determine kinetics, affinity, and specificity of protein—protein and protein—small molecule interactions. It extends the capabilities of the Octet RED platform by featuring biosensor reracking for more efficient workflow, reduced amounts of capture molecule use, and lower assay-running costs. ForteBio's Octet platform is based on its BioLayer Interferometry technology, which uses optical biosensors to measure multiple interactions in parallel, without the use of detection agents. The Octet platform consists of 8- and 16-channel instruments that accommodate 96- and 384-well assay formats.
More: www.fortebio.com
Dip and Read Protein L Biosensor
ForteBio's new Dip and Read Protein L biosensor enables rapid and direct quantification of a broad set of kappa light chain containing immunoglobulins, including Fab fragments and single-chain variable fragments otherwise known as ScFv. All Octet biosensors are designed to eliminate throughput and time-to-result limitations of traditional SPR-based assays and ELISA. Octet biosensors are disposable, configured in a standard microplate format and are coated with a proprietary biocompatible matrix that is uniform, nondenaturing and has minimal nonspecific binding.
More: www.fortebio.com
Hamilton Robotics
TADM 96 Multichannel Pipetting Head
This new head is compatible with Hamilton's MICROLAB STARline of automated liquid-handling platforms and incorporates the company's Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM) technology. Air pressure sensors are built into each channel, which monitors pipetting based on Hamilton's air displacement technology. TADM monitors the pipetting steps in real-time allowing users to immediately react to problems like empty samples, clots, or foam. TADM verifies and documents with a traceable digital audit trail to confirm that a sample has been successfully transferred.
More: www.hamiltonrobotics.com
INTEGRA Biosciences
VACUSIP
According to INTEGRA, its new VACUSIP out-of-box vacuum aspiration solution for liquid waste disposal for applications including the aspiration of small volumes of liquid, such as supernatants after centrifugation steps, removal of washing solutions, and multichannel removal of sample from multiwell microplates. It occupies a small bench-top footprint and features a reliable low noise pump and rechargeable battery. A wide range of adapters are available, a hydrophobic filter protects the unit from contamination and liquid entry, and all components that come in contact with liquids can be autoclaved.
Kimble Chase
MIDI-VAP 4000 Distillation System
The MIDI-VAP 4000 system is devoted to rapid and repeatable isolation by distillation of ammonia, phenols, and cyanide from water samples, and is designed to accommodate U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard test methods for analysis of environmental and wastewater samples. The system uses a Watlow digital controller with temperature presets at 126 °C for cyanide distillations and 165 °C for ammonia and phenols. Temperature programming is simplified with the easy-to-read LED display, which includes an amber light to indicate heating in progress. Easy to adjust needle valves provide accurate control. The MIDI-VAP 4000 has a rapid heating 10-position manifold heater block that is sealed with PTFE gaskets to prevent spills from entering the interior.
More: www.kimble-chase.com
Olympus
VS800 Virtual Slide System
According to Olympus, the VS800 Virtual Slide System is a next-generation, fast, and efficient way to scan and review microscope slides. The self-contained, eyepiece-free system offers customized Olympus optics, and its robotic handling increases throughput by simultaneously loading and unloading specimen slides. The system provides annotation, measuring and synchronized simultaneous review of multiple images. In the United States, the VS800 is intended for research and educational use only.
VS110-Fluorescence Virtual Slide Microscope Scanning System
Now available in the United States, the new VS110-Fluorescence offers flexibility for both fluorescence and bright-field applications with high-performance optics that can capture images at various magnifications and depths within the specimen. Virtual microscopy generates high-resolution images of a whole specimen that can be shared with multiple viewers anywhere in the world. The system is designed for research, pharmaceutical science, biotechnology, and education applications where enhanced color fidelity and the ability to handle multiple tasks are required. It can scan up to 100 glass slides per batch at very high fidelity, enabling users to view and navigate high-resolution images of entire slides or slide areas.
Porvair Sciences
Universal Robotic Manifold
The new version of Porvair's Universal Robotic Manifold is designed to operate with all brands of filter plates and waste collection reservoir trays, and is compatible with most commercial robotic liquid-handling systems. It adapts to work with three different lengths of drip directors (short, medium, and long) to accommodate collection plates from 14 to 44 mm in height. Its vacuum gauge allows it to provide precise and complete control of vacuum pressure to ensure that Solid Phase Extraction or Protein Precipitation plates may be processed with high reproducibility. The manifold is chemically resistant to most common solvents, and easily assembled and disassembled by robotic manipulators.
T&D Corporation
RTR-500AW Data Collector for Wireless Data Loggers
The RTR-500AW acts as a wireless base unit for any of TandD's RTR-500 Series Data Loggers as remote units. It monitors and downloads readings from the remote units over a 900 MHz wireless link and then presents the data over a network through an 802.11 g Wi-Fi connection. The data are delivered to users through direct transfer to an ftp server, via e-mail or online although T&D's free WebStorage Service.
This allows the data to be collected without a PC and makes it possible to share and manage data over a network. In addition, the RTR-500AW also can send warning reports via e-mail or issue a warning via contact output when a remote unit has entered or recovered from a warning condition.
More: www.tandd.com
RTR-500DC Handheld Wireless Data Collector
According to TandD, its new RTR-500DC is considered ideal for applications where items to be monitored are in motion, or where physical access to the data logger itself is inconvenient or impractical. The unit can monitor and download data from up to 224 separate loggers and stores up to 256,000 readings, which can then be uploaded to a PC via a USB connection. A graphical data display includes a zoom function. The unit includes a search mode for locating data loggers and a signal strength indicator. This pocket-sized unit weighs 4.4 oz and operates for over 100 h on two AAA batteries. Transmission distance is up to 500 ft, line of sight, which can be extended with the use of wireless repeaters.
More: www.tandd.com
The Automation Partnership (TAP)
ambr Micro Bioreactor System with Vi-CELL
The ambr micro bioreactor system from TAP is now available with 24 or 48 disposable bioreactors and uses the fully integrated Vi-CELL Cell Viability Analyzer from Beckman Coulter to automate online measurement of viable cell number and cell viability, thus allowing daily cell counts without the need for manual intervention. The system uses sterile, disposable tips to transfer cell suspensions to the counter and includes the ability to dilute cells before measurement thus minimizing culture volumes used and allowing counts of dense cell suspensions.
Torrey Pines Scientific
EchoTherm Programmable Hot Plates and Digital Stirring Hot Plates
For use with large samples where temperature accuracy, accurate temperature profiles, ease of use, and reproducible sample preparations are important, the EchoTherm Models HP61 and HS61 feature 10 program memory with 10 steps per program, temperature ramping, RS232 I/O port, membrane keyboard, and full function liquid crystal display where all parameters are continuously visible. Heater tops are available in ceramic or milled-flat cast aluminum. They are 12'’ by 12'’ square and have 1400-W heaters. Temperatures can be set to 450 °C on the ceramic-topped units and to 400 °C on the cast aluminum tops. Units are readable and settable to 1 °C, and accuracy is 1% over the entire range.
Tubewriter
Tubewriter 360
TubeWriter 360 uses continuous inkjet technology that offers higher speed and resolution for barcodes and graphics, and smaller more legible fonts on tubes.
LABWARE AND LAB SUPPLIES
Air Science
PURAIR 5 Ductless Fume Hoods
The Ductless design of these new fume hoods eliminates installation costs and allows them to be positioned over sinks or bench-top apparatus. They exceed OSHA, ANSI, and all relevant international standards and three models are available in 24”, 36”, or 48” widths. The units operate at low noise levels and because they recirculate, they do not exhaust expensive conditioned or heated air into the atmosphere. A face velocity of 100 fpm ensures containment of fumes and particulates for operator protection. An alarm alerts the operator when the airflow falls to an unacceptable level. An optional polypropylene spillage tray is available. The rear of the unit has lighting to illuminate the work surface. All mechanisms in the head section are on the clean side of the filter, with the switches and electrical components being isolated from any contamination. A filter clamping mechanism allows for the filter to be easily installed and ensures an even seal at the filter face at all times to prevent bypass leakage. The main filter can be chosen from 14 different types of carbon, and HEPA filters are also available.
More: www.airscience.com
Biotage
SNAP XL Purification Cartridges
Released in both 750 and 1500 g sizes, two new cartridges offer solutions for reverse phase chromatography (KP-C18-HS) and also optimized silica for the separation of amines (KP-NH).
The new cartridge sizes address a growing need for 100g+ scale purifications with increased efficiency and reducing costs. According to Biotage, the application of reverse phase flash chromatography and the separation of amines are considered growing trends in pharmaceutical drug development, and these new cartridges offer solutions for practically every scale-up situation.
More: www.biotage.com
Thermo Fisher Scientific
15 and 50 mL Thermo Scientific Nunc Conical Centrifuge Tubes
Incorporating a new plastic rack design that is reusable, collapsible, and recyclable, the 15/50 mL tubes provide a cleaner option for use in cell culture and biological safety cabinets by reducing any potential risk of particle contamination. The new tubes offer a leak-proof design and feature the largest writing area in the industry to enable clear labeling for improved sample traceability.
The tubes are certified USP Class VI, nonpyrogenic, noncytotoxic, and RNase/DNase-free to ensure consistently high-quality results. They also have a higher RCF rating, which enables a broad range of applications requiring low-speed to super-speed centrifugation protocols.
MICROPLATES
Greiner Bio-One
SCREENSTAR Microplate
Greiner Bio-One and GNF Systems have co-developed a new 1536-well microplate that is considered well suited for microscopic applications with excellent optical properties, low birefringence, and a refractive index comparable to glass.
More: www.greinerbioone.com
96-Well CrystalQuick X Plate
According to Greiner Bio-One, this microplate is the first of its kind to be specifically tailored to the requirements of X-ray structure analysis of protein crystals directly in the plate. It is also optimal for UV screening of crystals. The new microplate can improve results of in situ crystal analyses. Its open geometry allows data to be collected directly in the plate within an angular range of up to 80°. An ultra-thin-walled well bottom minimizes background scattering. The CrystalQuick X is considered ideal for bright-light microscopy and applications involving polarized and UV light. With two flat-bottom crystallization wells per reservoir, CrystalQuick X can test 192 sitting drop samples per plate. The plate features alphanumeric well coding and an additional scale (0.1 × 0.5 mm) for the quick estimation of crystal size.
More: www.greinerbioone.com
Micronic Europe
1.4-mL Amber Polypropylene Storage Tubes
According to Micronic, when used in conjunction with secure screw caps, these new tubes ensure the integrity of light-sensitive biological samples even over longterm storage periods. Replacing Micronic's 1.4-mL black polypropylene storage tube, the new amber storage tube safeguards light-sensitive samples while allowing visual checking of enclosed sample volume. Supplied in a 96-position sample tube storage rack, the tubes are compatible with almost all automated sample-handling systems, resist most organic solvents, and are supplied sample safe—free from additives or leachates. Micronic amber storage tubes are also fully validated RNase/DNase and pyrogen free. They are available in noncoded, alphanumeric coded, and laser-encrypted 2D-coded formats. They also can be supplied sterile, gamma radiated, precapped with screw caps or fitted with Snap Tube locks.
More: www.micronic.com
Pattern Range of Microplate Adhesive Sealing Films
Designed to eliminate clogging and contamination of autosampler needles, maintain high sample integrity and provide the best barrier film for a wide variety of diagnostic and life science sample storage applications, this new range of patterned adhesive sealing film products provide an adhesive-free polymer seal over each well of the microplate. Sample integrity is ensured as the adhesive does not come in contact with the microplate well contents and the film seals securely just to the plates. Pattern adhesive films are available in both 96-well and 384-well microplate formats, several film materials, and different adhesive compositions that provide high solvent (DMSO) and chemical resistance. These films provide a secure seal to microplates from —80 to +120 °C.
More: www.micronic.com
Informatics and Computing
Artel
Pipette Tracker Software Version 3.3
This updated software proactively notifies users through e-mail when pipettes are due for calibration or preventive maintenance. It provides more tools to analyze pipette calibration and maintenance records, and allows laboratories to set action limits. All calibration data are collected directly from the Artel PCS and stored in secure databases, facilitating easy report generation and compliance. The Artel Pipette Tracker version 3.3 is also faster and are able to manage larger pipette inventories than earlier versions.
More: www.artel-usa.com
QIAGEN
ScreenGel Software
For DNA fragment and RNA analysis with QIAxcel multicapillary gel electrophoresis systems, this new software enables the easy performance, interpretation, and customized documentation of electrophoresis analysis. It facilitates system setup and data analysis with an intuitive user interface. Performance of runs is supported by wizards that guide users step-by-step through experiment setup.
The software supports electronic record requirements specified under 21 CFR part 11, and enables standardized sample processing with process templates that cover the entire workflow and secure user management with a variety of access levels. ScreenGel is backward compatible with the previous BioCalculator software.
Services
Marken
Marken's relocated and expanded its Singapore office that incorporates a new directly owned, purpose-built depot to support Investigational Medical Product distribution. The new GMP compliant facility enables clients to leverage Marken's global expertize in Life Science logistics while adding key Life Science specialty services for their programs in the Asia-Pacific and Middle-East regions.
The new 14,500 ft2 Clinical Trial Supply Depot offers a full range of secured storage conditions, including secured controlled drug (ambient), 15—25 °C (controlled ambient), -2 to 8 °C (cold storage), -20 °C (frozen), and -80 °C (deep frozen). Clinical Trial Logistics services offered include storage and distribution, drug returns and destruction, kit building, and biological specimen storage in ultra low freezers (short and long term).
More: www.marken.com