Biotage has announced the launch of the Syro Wave™, a programmable peptide synthesizer that is capable of both conventional room temperature parallel peptide synthesis and microwave-assisted peptide synthesis. The system is a fully automated and computer-controlled peptide synthesizer, based on a pipetting robot with a single arm; it is a combination of the MultiSynTech Syro I and Biotage Initiator 1 instruments, controlled by a single PC. Syro Wave™ allows the user to make part of the peptide sequence using conventional solid-phase peptide synthesis on the parallel reactor block and then transfer the reactor vial to the microwave cavity to drive difficult couplings to completion. Syro XP software controls the instrument functions and calculates all amounts and volumes of amino acids and reagents required. For more information, visit www.biotage.com.
Caliper Life Sciences, Inc. has introduced the LabChip XT, an automated nucleic acid fractionation instrument. LabChip XT is an alternative to gel isolation and purification steps used for size selection of sheared genomic DNA. The system and its integrated software use a multichannel microfluidic chip to process samples independently. The resulting sample is sized and delivered in a sequencing-compatible buffer. Applications include microRNA sequencing, transcriptome analysis, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, and de novo DNA sequencing. For additional information, please visit www.caliperls.com.
Dorton Analytical has announced the new KD Scientific Legato 200 Series Syringe Pumps, available in 3 basic models—infuse only, infuse and withdraw, and push pull. Each of these pumps is available in a programmable version for maximum flexibility and capability. Each of the basic models works with 1 or 2 syringes and can be reconfigured in the field to use with multiple syringes. The touch-screen interface enables users to create and recall configurations. The run screen combines multiple parameters simultaneously with graphic icons.
Dorton has also introduced the Quant Technologies Nano Quantity Analyte Detector (NQAD™) for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The NQAD is an aerosol-based detector for HPLC. Based on Condensation Nucleation (CNLSD) technology, the NQAD offers the ability to detect sub-nanogram levels. Applications include searching for drug impurities, degradation products, and excipients. Chromophores and fluorophores are not needed for detection. The detector is optimized for use in ultra-HPLC, HPLC, and supercritical fluid chromatography. For further information, visit www.dortonanalytical.co.uk.
Fluidigm has announced its new FC1™ Cycler for use with its 96.96 and 48.48 Dynamic Array™ and 12.765 Digital Array™ Integrated Fluidic Circuit (IFC) systems. These “integrated circuits for biology” are made possible by miniaturizing and integrating liquid handling components on a single microfabricated microfluidic device. Adding the new FC1 Cycler to the existing Fluidigm system provides users with the ability to double the number of microfluidic chips that can be processed in a day. The FC1 Cycler also integrates a self-contained vacuum source and touch-screen interface for editing of thermal protocols.
Fluidigm has also announced BioMark™ IFC Controller MX, designed to automatically prime and load 48.48 Dynamic Array and Digital Array IFCs. The MX is an integrated system with an internal computer, touch-screen control, and internal air source capable of setting up 2304 reactions. After samples and assays have been pipetted into the inlets of the input frame, the chip is placed onto the controller; then samples and assays are loaded into the integrated fluidic circuits. For more information, please visit www.fluidigm.com.
ForteBio, Inc. has announced the launch of its Octet® QKe instrumentation system. The new system, the next generation of the company’s initial 8-channel Octet QKe instrument, provides significantly increased sensitivity, enabling analysis of small proteins and peptides. The system also enables biosensors to be reracked. ForteBio’s Octet platform is based on the company’s proprietary BioLayer Interferometry (BLI) technology, which uses optical biosensors to measure multiple interactions in parallel, without the use of detection agents. The platform consists of 8- and 16-channel instruments that accommodate 96- and 384-well assay formats. The biosensors are disposable, configured in a standard microplate format, and coated with a proprietary biocompatible matrix.
ForteBio has also announced the introduction of its Anti-Penta-HIS biosensors for label-free quantitation of HIS-tagged proteins. The new “dip-and-read” biosensor comes with Qiagen Penta-HIS antibody preimmobilized on the surface and is ready to use on ForteBio’s Octet instruments for specific detection and quantitation of HIS-tagged proteins. The biosensor provides quantitation and subsequent affinity measurements on HIS-tagged therapeutic protein candidates. For more information, visit www.fortebio.com.
Hamilton Company has announced the addition of online pH monitoring to its BioLevitator 3D Cell Culture System. The integrated pH reader monitors the quality of the cell culture media with optical measurement, notifying the user when the pH drops below a defined level, signaling the need for a cell culture change. Two pH monitoring modes can be enabled—qualitative color, which reports absorbance at 560 nm, and semiquantitative, in which the pH value is calculated using several parameters and inputs. Both absorbance and pH decrease while cells are growing. The pH meter is an optional addition to the BioLevitator, which also includes temperature and CO2 control. The BioLevitator uses Global Cell Solutions’ Global Eukaryotic Microcarrier (GEM) and can grow 4 independent, high-density cell cultures at once without peripheral instruments such as incubators and centrifuges. For more information, visit www.hamiltoncompany.com.
Genetix has introduced an enhanced version of its CellReporter™ system, developed for quantification of cellular responses. The system offers a multiapplication platform for cell-based assays such as cell cycle analysis, cytotoxicity studies, and monitoring protein translocation. These assays are used as biological models of physiological situations, for example, when investigating the effect of drug candidates in cell-based models. Image analysis software identifies and analyzes each object, such as the cell nucleus, thereby distinguishing between the responses of individual cells within heterogeneous populations. Users can optimize and standardize image interpretation for each assay, view cell morphology, and check data quality—for example, to remove fluorescent debris that may compromise results. For more information, visit www.genetix.com.
Integra has announced its new Voyager™ line of electronic pipettors, available with 6, 8, or 12 channels. The system incorporates a small motor that moves the center-to-center tip spacing at any point in a protocol. Users can preset up to 3 distinct tip spacings to accommodate most labware vessels. Voyager™ Tip spacing is adjustable from 4.5 to 19.5 mm. The Voyager™ pipettors are designed to use Viaflo Griptips. Eight Voyager™ models are available in volume ranges from 0.5 to 1250 µL. For additional information, please visit www.integra-biosciences.com.
Invitrogen has announced its iBlot® Dry Blotting System, a self-contained unit that uses disposable blotting stacks with integrated nitrocellulose or PVDF membranes. The system is also compatible with the company’s recently released iBlot® Western Detection Kits. For more information, visit www.invitrogen.com.
Roche Applied Science, in partnership with ACEA Biosciences, Inc., has announced the xCELLigence System, which monitors cellular events in real time without the incorporation of labels. The system measures electrical impedance across interdigitated microelectrodes integrated on the bottom of tissue culture E-Plates.
The impedance measurement provides quantitative information about the biological status of the cells, including cell number, viability, and morphology. For more information, visit www.roche-applied-science.com.
TTP LabTech has announced the launch of Mirrorball, a high-sensitivity laser-scanning microplate cytometer for antibody discovery. The cytometer performs mix-and-read, cell-, or bead-based assays and offers simultaneous laser scanning. This instrument is available in 3 upgradeable configurations; the highest specification offers dual laser excitation (488 and 640 nm), 4 fluorescence data channels, and a single-laser scatter channel. Mirrorball’s laser scatter channel enables label-free object recognition independent of fluorescence, which can be combined with concurrent collection of fluorescence data in multiplexed assays. For more information on Mirrorball, please visit www.the-mirrorball.com.
UVP, LLC has announced the BioSpectrum Imaging System for chemiluminescence, bioluminescence, fluorescence, and colorimetric imaging. BioSpectrum offers an assortment of CCD cameras, including deeply cooled cameras, motorized optics, automated templates, light-tight darkroom with software-automated controls, a 5-position filter wheel with 3 emission filters included, and VisionWorks software with capture and analysis. For more information, visit www.uvp.com.
Wyatt Technology Corporation has announced the launch of its Möbiuζ™. The laser-based instrument measures macromolecular electrophoretic mobilities and extends the measurable molecular size range below 2 nm. Simultaneous measurement of the macromolecular hydrodynamic radius is available with the WyattQELS option, which uses backward scattered light to determine the sample translational diffusion coefficient. Both reusable flow-through cells and disposable cells are offered for mobility (and QELS) measurements. Samples can be introduced by manual injection, an autosampler, syringe pump, or an autotitrator. The Möbiuζ™ also has temperature control capability and can perform automated temperature studies. For more information, please visit www.wyatt.com.
