Abstract
AMSBIO
MagSi-DNA cleanFIX
MagSi-DNA cleanFIX enables a combination of PCR cleanup and dye terminator removal from sequence reaction mixes with a single product. The kit uses magnetic silica bead technology and is easily automated because no columns or centrifugation steps are involved. The kit uses a simple “Bind, Wash & Elute” procedure common to magnetic particle purification protocols.
MagSi-DNA cleanFIX purification methods developed for a commercial liquid-handling workstation can provide an automated walk-away solution for PCR cleanup and dye terminator removal from sequence reactions. The precision and reproducibility of the workstation in combination with the customized magnets for MagSi-DNA cleanFIX allow fast magnetic separation and homogenization of the samples. Overall, the PCR cleanup protocol using MagSi-DNA cleanFIX is shown to enable fast and efficient recovery of DNA fragments larger than 80 bp with >99% removal of primers and primer dimers. In addition, the dye terminator removal method consistently delivers high-quality sequence data with Phred >20 scores above 700.
More: www.amsbio.com/DNA-sequencing-magnetic-purification.aspx
Beckman Coulter Life Sciences
PerFix-Expose and PerFix-nc Reagent Kits
These new kits for intracellular staining can minimize sample manipulation for a streamlined workflow that delivers high-quality results. Developed for use on Beckman Coulter’s Gallios and Navios series flow cytometers and compatible with all Beckman Coulter Life Sciences’ fluorochromes, the kits enable a clear focus on the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments of the cell.
PerFix-Expose (phospho-epitope exposure kit), which helps users identify and explore complex intracellular signaling pathways disrupted by cancer and other diseases, allows fluorochrome-coupled antibodies and other probes to enter into cells, their nuclei, and other cell compartments, where they bind to proteins relevant to signaling pathways that have been disrupted by disease. Cell fixation is accomplished using a cross-linking agent, while permeabilization of white blood cells and lysis of red blood cells is achieved using a detergent. A denaturing agent “unmasks” proteins bound to other proteins or DNA. The kit was developed for use with whole blood, bone marrow, or other fluids containing blood. Samples are fixed in small test tubes or deep-well microplates, and the reagent is mixed with the cells. The kit can be used to study a variety of other intracellular and intranuclear antigens.
With PerFix-nc (no centrifugation), users can perform concomitant surface and intracellular staining for flow cytometry to take advantage of a new approach that provides easy access to the inside of human leucocytes. Analysis of multiple intracellular epitopes, or multiple intracellular markers along with cell surface markers, is accomplished by straightforward fixation, permeabilization, and staining of leucocytes from peripheral whole blood, together with erythrocyte lysis. The preparation is performed at room temperature, without the requirement for wash or centrifugation steps, and can be performed manually or automated on workstations such as the Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Biomek platform. PerFix-nc allows washing if desired, and/or the use of a higher fixative concentration level, and makes intracellular staining as simple and efficient as surface staining. PerFix-nc kit quality is characterized by mean fluorescence intensities and consistent performance in repeatability studies, as demonstrated by levels of cell recovery. The kit offers an original and powerful leukocyte permeabilization method followed by an optimized fixation step in a process that involves only 15 min of hands-on user time.
More: www.beckmancoulter.com
BioTek Instruments
MultiFlo FX Microplate Dispenser
MultiFlo FX offers up to four independent reagent dispensers and a washer in one compact and modular platform to simplify and automate microplate-based liquid-handling processes. According to BioTek, it is an efficient solution for 6- to 1536-well plates and incorporates Parallel Dispense technologies, which allows a choice of peristaltic or syringe pump dispensing. This choice of dispensing technologies allows reagent conservation and unattended operation down to 500 nL. In addition, a wash module adds multipurpose functionality and uses BioTek’s patented Dual-Action manifold for independent aspirate/dispense control.
MultiFlo FX has a small footprint for use in a biosafety enclosure or in an automated robotic system. To automate sensitive cell-based assays, MultiFlo FX can also be integrated with the new BioStack4 to handle lidded plates.
The fully configured MultiFlo FX replaces up to five liquid handlers, and the modular architecture means that users only need to purchase the modules required now and can upgrade at any time as their assay needs evolve. MultiFlo FX is considered ideal for cell-based assays, bead-based assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, primary and secondary screening, compound storage and more.
More: www.biotek.com
BMG LABTECH
CLARIOstar High-Performance Microplate Reader
The modular CLARIOstar features Advanced LVF Monochromator Technology that allows any fluorescence or luminescence wavelength to be used and continually adjusted, as well as bandwidths from 8 to 100 nm for excitation and for emission, which, according to BMG LABTECH, is unprecedented for conventional monochromators. In addition, sensitive filter technology, an ultra-fast UV/Vis absorbance spectrometer, and a solid-state laser ensure optimal performance in all other detection modes, including fluorescence (or Förster) resonance energy transfer (FRET), time-resolved (TR) fluorescence, TR-FRET, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), and AlphaScreen/AphaLISA.
More: www.bmglabtech.com
GE Healthcare
Fraction Collector and Sample Pump for ÄKTA Pure Protein Purification System
The new fraction collector and sample pump are specifically designed to enhance ÄKTA pure, the modular chromatography system for protein purification. Designed to handle both air and liquid, the sample pump together with the sample inlet valve provides fast, automated, and complete loading of up to seven samples. The air-sensor integrated into the valve detects the final drop of sample, automatically preventing the introduction of air while ensuring the complete sample reaches the column. The sample pump also has a robust wash program that removes any air introduced between samples.
To secure samples from dust and contaminants, the fraction collector is covered and it supports flexible combinations of collection vessels from deep-well plates to 250-mL bottles. In addition to spillage-free collection across the entire flow-rate range of ÄKTA pure, the fraction collector has inbuilt automatic detection of collection vessel type to ensure sample security.
Two videos illustrate the fraction collector and the sample pump: fraction collector F9-C is available at http://youtu.be/NtQHqmiRIBg, and sample pump S9 and sample inlet valve V9-IS is available at http://youtu.be/a06TspeHQaI.
Hamilton Robotics
VANTAGE Liquid-Handling Platform
The new generation VANTAGE system offers contact-free pipetting over a wide volume range of 100 nL to 1 mL. It can be remotely monitored by mobile devices and features Hamilton’s new NanoPulse technology, which provides wide volume ranges from a single channel and a new linear motor that increases pipetting speed while decreasing noise, heat, and vibration. New camera technology enhances traceability by verifying all labware on the system and detecting non-barcoded labware. Upgrades can be made at any time with a Logistics Cabinet. The upgrade kit offers an innovative tip and plate shuttling mechanism from below the pipetting deck and customizable smart waste containers. A telescopic vertical track gripper is available to transport samples from below- or off-deck third-party devices.
According to Hamilton, this flexible, vertically integrated system enables the longest walkaway times for the smallest footprint possible. Its graphical software provides a simple interface to program assays without programming experience and built-in intelligence to optimize workflow and resources.
More: www.hamiltonrobotics.com
Integrated DNA Technologies
PrimeTime Eco Probe and PrimeTime Mini LNA Probe for Gene Expression and Genotyping
The Eco Probe is delivered at a normalized yield of 2.5 nmol, sufficient for approximately 500 reactions, bridging the space between the existing PrimeTime Mini qPCR Probe (0.5-nmol normalized yield, 100 reactions) and the 100-nmol synthesis scale (minimum guaranteed yield of 10 nmol). With the option of an internal ZEN quencher, the double-quenched PrimeTime Eco Probe generates less background noise, while increasing end-point signal, to boost quantitative PCR sensitivity and precision compared with traditional single-quenched probes. The Eco Probe is available with a FAM/ZEN/IA Black FQ dye/quencher combination.
When genotyping via PCR, it is often useful to be able to perform a few reactions using a small subset of probes to test and consequently optimize LNA probe design. The new PrimeTime Mini LNA Probes enable customers to carry out as few as 100 reactions, allowing preliminary experiments to be performed at a low initial cost. Guidelines for LNA probe design are available at http://www.idtdna.com/pages/products/genotyping/lna-primetime-probes under the Overview tab to aid users in initial design. IDT can also provide full design support, if required (design fees may apply). The Mini LNA Probes join the existing 250-nmol PrimeTime LNA Probes, which provide 8000 reactions and are considered ideal for large-scale screening.
More: www.idtdna.com/primetime
Keyence
SR-750 Fixed-Mount 1D and 2D Barcode Reader
New to the Keyence line of Auto ID products, the SR-750 series incorporates new and advanced decoding algorithms. According to Keyence, preprocessing techniques, such as brightness and contrast threshold correction, along with enhanced image filtering capabilities ensure images are optimized prior to decoding. Upgraded processing includes localized binary threshold settings for unique regions of the code, making the reader well suited for direct part marking applications. The high-speed search logarithm locates codes more quickly when the background image is complex. Long range (over 3 feet) and wide field-of-view models are available when the position of barcodes may vary. Built-in communication and increased connectivity ensure easy integration to new and existing systems. EtherNet/IP, TCP/IP, PROFINET, FTP, RS-232c, Power over Ethernet, and data editing functionality are included and available without the need for external communication units. Intuitive and simple to use setup software automatically adjusts lighting and image filtering settings. A preventative maintenance function can provide feedback and indicate when code printing or marking quality is deteriorating before code reading becomes impossible.
More: www1.keyence.com/PRSR7B
Porvair Sciences
New-Generation Krystal Glass Bottom Plates
Krystal 24-, 96-, and 384-well glass bottom microplates are now available with an ultra-flat optical plane (±15 µm) for imaging growing cells; they are sterilized for tissue culture to optimize cell growth or nonsterile for assay development. Deep black plates for fluorescent studies are available, together with brilliant white plates that increase sensitivity for luminescence and absorbance work. The high optical clarity base of each plate in the range offers easy positioning and crisp images when used with confocal microscopes. For light-emitting assays measured through the glass plate base, the special design of the plate virtually eliminates well-to-well light crosstalk. Constructed to a standard SLAS/ANSI microplate format, Krystal glass bottom plates are fully compatible with automated liquid-handling and robotic devices. All plates are supplied lidded.
More: www.porvair-sciences.com
Synbiosis
aCOLyte 3 Colony Counting System
This automated colony counter is designed for a rapid count of pour, spread, and spiral plates. According to Synbiosis, the system can read plates of up to 90 mm in seconds, generating precise plate count results up to 10 times faster than manual counts. The numerical count data and plate images can be directly transferred to Excel or Open office to avoid errors in data transfer, ensuring accurate GLP-compliant result reporting and archiving.
The aCOLyte 3 provides full-color image display and includes software based on Synbiosis’ ProtoCOL 3 software. The system can be supplied with a computer or users can connect it to an existing computer with a USB port.
The aCOLyte 3 is lit by white LEDs mounted above and below the plate, enabling accurate detection of colonies as small as 0.3 mm. For laboratories where strong ambient light could interfere, a detachable screen fitted to prevent reflection or glare affecting the count is available.
More: www.synbiosis.com/acolyte-3