Abstract
AVIA Biosystems
Model 2304 Automated Protein Denaturation System
According to AVIA Biosystems, Model 2304 is the first of its kind to completely automate and integrate protein stability determinations using chemical denaturation. Developed to facilitate the formulation of biologics in a safe and stable form, the system uses intrinsic or extrinsic fluorescence to monitor the conformational changes associated with protein unfolding (denaturation) and automatically generates complete protein stability curves.
Up to 96 different formulations, process conditions, or individual protein constructs can be evaluated for relative stability and an individual stability curve generated for each. Sample preparation, data collection, data analysis, and stability report generation are all automated. The free energy (ΔG) of protein unfolding is automatically calculated for each formulation condition or each individual protein construct.
More: www.aviabiosystems.com
BioTek
Cell Cytation 3 Cell Imaging Multimode Reader
The Cytation 3 combines automated digital microscopy and conventional multimode microplate detection in one modular, compact instrument and now offers new imaging tools to further streamline imaging research. The ×40 and ×60 objectives are now available options for any Cytation 3 application requiring increased magnification. These higher magnifications allow easy imaging of bacteria, yeast, and subcellular structures such as mitochondria. In addition, 35-mm, 60-mm, and 100-mm Petri dishes are now compatible for expanded sample vessel convenience.
With its broad image analysis capability, Cytation 3’s Gen5 software editions include options for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance or in vitro diagnostics use. Cytation 3 can be integrated with BioTek’s BioStack 4 Microplate Stacker to increase throughput of lidded and unlidded microplates.
More: www.biotek.com
Cellectricon
Temperature Control Module for Dynaflow Resolve
The Dynaflow Resolve automated perfusion system uses microfluidics for rapid and efficient solution exchange experiments, enabling the measurement of ion channel current regardless of cell type or compound. The new Temperature Control add-on module has been developed to enable high-performance patch-clamp experiments at physiological temperatures, from room temperature up to 45 °C.
More: www.cellectricon.com
FEI Company
Helios NanoLab 660 DualBeam System
According to FEI, this system provides one of the highest imaging resolution and contrast scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), combined with one of the fastest and most precise focused ion beam (FIB) milling performances of any commercially available FIB/SEM system. DualBeam (FIB/SEM) systems investigate the structure and function of materials at nanometer scale, create prototypes of micro and nano electromechanical systems, and prepare ultrathin samples for atomic-scale imaging and analysis in a transmission electron microscope.
The Helios NanoLab 660 DualBeam’s second-generation extreme high-resolution (XHR) SEM uses electron optical and detector technologies to deliver subnanometer imaging resolution, with high signal collection efficiency and high contrast, over a wide range of accelerating voltages (0.5–30 kV). Its precise selective contrast enhancement can be tailored to reveal fine details of the sample. The system can provide high-resolution imaging of surfaces, sections, or volumes of a variety of materials, especially soft or delicate samples, such as carbon nanotubes, polymers, ceramics, and catalysts. The new in-column detection allows simultaneous topographic and materials contrast imaging and precise materials information from triple backscattered electron filtering, and the high-current SEM mode delivers up to 100 nA in a micrometric spot. The Tomahawk FIB column guarantees the tightest beam at high and low currents, for fast, precise large-volume removal and polishing, respectively, and low-energy performance to remove surface damage in the final polishing steps of thin sample preparation. The Helios NanoLab 660 DualBeam supports FEI’s technology, such as the EasyLift nanomanipulator for thin sample preparation using the in situ lift-out method and the MultiChem gas injector system for gas-assisted etching and beam-induced deposition of materials.
NanoBuilder 2.0, a second-generation nanoprototyping toolset now on the Helios NanoLab 660, automatically fabricates 3D prototypes of nano- and microscale devices, such as nanosensors from computer-generated models. Starting with a CAD design, the NanoBuilder software directs FIB milling and deposition to build intricate 3D structures with features ranging in size from nanometers to millimeters.
More: www.fei.com
Fluxion Biosciences
BioFlux Quattro High-Throughput Array System
The Quattro Array system for physiologically relevant live-cell analysis is now available as a separate component that can expand the capabilities of any existing BioFlux 200 or BioFlux 1000/1000z system. The Quattro Array runs up to four BioFlux plates at the same time. Plates can be read by a microscope or high-content screening system as a time-point or end-point assay. The increased throughput is considered valuable for lead optimization applications where the ability to closely simulate in vivo conditions is critical to identifying the best candidates for clinical development.
More: www.fluxionbio.com
Hamilton Robotics
Genomic STARlet
Hamilton has collaborated with kit manufacturer MACHEREY-NAGEL to create the Genomic STARlet, an automated liquid-handling workstation that extracts nucleic acids from biological samples and purifies PCR products in a non–in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment. One instrument can run up to eight preinstalled protocols and accommodate different input samples, including bacterial, eukaryotic cells, tissue, blood, plants, and others. More than a dozen nucleic acid MACHEREY-NAGEL kits have been tested on the instrument, which processes 96 samples in 60 to 144 minutes depending on the kit, enabling several runs to be performed each day.
The instrument package includes easy-to-use software with an intuitive user interface for easy MACHEREY-NAGEL vacuum protocol selection, and users can switch protocols easily. The Genomic STARlet features real-time clot detection, uses no aerosols due to forceless tip pickup and ejection technology (CO-RE), and minimizes contamination risks with features such as Anti-Droplet Control (ADC) design. The hardware saves space with an integrated, small-footprint vacuum system, and the CO-RE Gripper provides fast and convenient on-deck transport.
More: www.hamiltonrobotics.com
Microlab ELISA STARlet
A new module for the Microlab STAR workstation automates enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) by integrating precision liquid-handling instrumentation with multiple devices and software.
This module can expand productivity by processing up to 10 plates with minimal hands-on time, enabling walk-away automation and time efficiency. Plates exit into a holding space, rather than the waste container, and enable the user to visually inspect and read the plate on a different instrument or follow any specific directions for disposal. Easy-to-program software calculates all consumable and disposable needs based on sample workflow.
For automation of especially difficult protocols, Hamilton’s application support team can review manual protocols and make suggestions on how to program the instrumentation. Hamilton’s software adheres to IVD specifications with seamless sample tracking, configurable user access rights, and monitoring for all plate transfer steps.
More: www.hamiltonrobotics.com/hamilton-robotics/standard-solutions/elisa-star
Life Technologies
EVOS FL Auto Imaging System
The EVOS FL Auto Imaging System is a fully integrated platform capable of meeting a broad range of research applications, from image tiling and multiposition well scanning to automated cell counting. When combined with the incubator system, which controls environmental temperature, oxygen, and humidity directly on the instrument stage, the cell imaging system enables longer live-cell culture monitoring sessions and time-lapse imaging. The system is designed for novice and experienced users alike with minimal upfront training requirements. The system’s EVOS LED light cubes reduce operational costs, eliminating the need to replace burned-out arc lamps.
More: www.lifetechnologies.com
Molecular Devices
ImageXpress Micro XLS System
According to Molecular Devices, this high-content imaging system offers speed and application flexibility through acquisition and analysis of more than 50,000 wells per day, choice of light sources, intuitive software for advanced analysis, and automated analysis of time-lapse data.
More: www.moleculardevices.com
Roche
cobas 8100 Automated Workflow Series
Using intelligent robotics, the cobas 8100 series automatically prepares blood samples for immediate testing and postanalytical processing, providing high-speed processing of up to 1100 samples per hour. The system offers dynamic and efficient sample transport options and flexibility, allowing laboratories to automate both routine and STAT tests. The cobas 8100 series can be added onto Roche’s existing cobas analyzers, and its modular design allows laboratories to grow over time as demand increases.
More: www.roche.com
SAW Instruments
sam X Platform
Based on SAW’s Surface Acoustic Wave technology, the sam X Platform’s biosensors measure changes in mass and viscoelasticity at the chip surface based on changes in the high-frequency acoustic oscillations running across the chip surface. This innovative approach is complementary to other biophysical techniques, such as SPR and QCM for measuring protein interactions, and can also be used for samples and applications that can be difficult to analyze by other methods.
The sam X platform is considered ideally suited for the study of native membrane proteins and protein complexes such as the 7TM G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), either as membrane fragments or within liposome or vesicle particles.
Separate conformational data from the sam X platform (i.e., measuring the change in the acoustic wave amplitude) when using small-molecule candidates against protein targets or vesicles can provide information on compounds whose binding induces structural changes in their targets.
The eight channels of the dual-chip sam X system provide more sensors for a higher throughput and flexible fluidic channel routing that allows different samples or reagents to be delivered to discrete channels or combinations of channels on the chip. Different proteins can also be immobilized at separate sensor positions while the chip is online, enabling loading of the surface to full capacity and allowing for a degree of quantification, which can improve data quality and assists interpretation.
More: www.saw-instruments.com
Tutela
Genesis II and Tutela Wireless Medical Monitoring Systems
The Genesis II wireless monitoring system comprises a range of sensor transmitters that communicate with a Tutela Wireless Alarm Repeater Panel (WARP) via Tutela’s self-healing T-Mesh network that heals itself using intelligent repeater modules with a wireless sensor module to find an alternative signal path to the WARP panel. WARP is a wall-mounted panel that displays the data from up to 254 sensors connected via wireless transmitter modules, and any deviation from any sensor in the system is flagged in red for immediate action on a large easy-to-read LCD color display.
Tutela Genesis II installation is nonintrusive with minimal local IT integration or support needed. The WARP and transmitter models are designed to be discretely wall mounted and, with the ability of the Tutela wireless repeater modules, to seek the optimum signal paths. Genesis II can operate standalone or, when connected to a LAN, can be interrogated via an intuitive web interface. Electronic records are securely accessible 24/7 anywhere in the world on any device able to support a web browser through the Tutela GUI.
A full range of NIST traceable sensors is offered by Tutela covering cryogenic LN2, freezer, refrigerator, ambient, incubator, humidity, gas differential pressure, and many more. Each transmitter module can support up to 2 sensors and can locally store historical records for up to 7 days. The Tutela Genesis II monitoring system is designed so that a single monitored unit can be expanded seamlessly up to multiple fixtures, departments, and even buildings, all via standard Ethernet. The 24/7 Tutela remote alarm-monitoring center is manned by personnel in the United Kingdom who call specified staff with any deviation to ensure that action is taken before it becomes a compliance issue and/or serious financial loss.
More: www.tutelamedical.com
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