Abstract
Robbins introduces FlexChem™
Robbins Scientific (Sunnyvale CA) is introducing the FlexChem modular system for high throughput, parallel synthesis of small molecules. The center of the system is a disposable 96 chamber reactor block. Reusable, independently removable sealing covers attach to the reactor block for the addition of resin and reagents without leaking. Up to 384 simultaneous reactions can be performed with the rotating oven, which provides temperature control and agitation of four sealed reactor blocks; resin and reagents can be added to the 96 chambers of a reaction block simultaneously.
New Metabolism Database from Synoposys
Synopsys Scientific Systems Ltd. (Leeds UK) announces the first release of its
This database covers the metabolism of drugs, agrochemicals, food additives and industrial and environmental chemicals in vertebrates within the animal kingdom. The database is designed to offer ready access to structural information on the parent compounds and their metabolites within industry-standard searching software such as ISIS TM, ORAC, REACCS and Accord. In addition to being compatible with MDL's IRDAS and Reaction Browser applications, the database also contains navigation tools under ISIS.
The
New Software for Fluorescence Microscopy
Three new MetaMorph™ software modules are available for researchers using multicolor immunofluorescence microscopy to work with multiple fluorescent proteins, multiple fluorescent probes, or immunohistochemistry. “Acquire multiple wavelengths” allows researchers to choose settings for both a camera (exposure, averaging, binning, region of image) and illumination devices (filter wheels, shutters, monochromators) for each fluorophore in the sample. The researcher can then collect images in one, several or all wavelengths. The camera exposure settings may also be set automatically. “Overlay fluorescent images” provides a tool for combining fluorescent and transmitted light images. With this, the researcher can combine the images from two fluorescent probes or proteins with a monochrome image into a single color image. Using color balancing algorithms, the researcher can choose the transparency and color of the fluorescent images so as not to obscure details in the monochrome transmitted light images. “Colocalize” provides a tool for analysis of two images representing two fluorescent proteins or fluorescent probes. This tool quantitates the overlap and non-overlap between the two fluorescent proteins or probes as a measure of co-localization. Results can be stored as text files or transferred to a spreadsheet.
The GENESIS Series from TECAN
TECAN (Hombrechtikon Switzerland) has introduced low volume pipetting to the GENESIS series of Robotic Sample Processors (RSPs). The GENESIS RSPs can pipette into many different containers, including 384-well microplates. They can also be fitted with a Robotic Manipulator (RoMa) arm for transporting microplates of other containers to integrated systems, such as microplate readers.
The Flexible Assay Composer and Task Scheduler (FACTS) software is also available. The combination of a RoMa arm, the FACTS software, and an RSP then creates the GENESIS workstation, resulting in less downtime. For example, a user can prepare an assay at the same time that the RoMa arm is moving other plates to an incubator or plate reader. There is also an option to add an emergency assay without interrupting the programmed workflow.
Greiner America Releases New Microplates
Greiner America (Lake Mary, FL) has introduced a 384 well microplate. The SBS standard footprint allows use with manual or multichannel automated and robotic liquid handling and detection systems. The plates are manufactured under ISO-9002 international certification standards.
The 384 well plates are available in clear, white (opaque) and black with clear bottoms for luminescence and fluorescence detection methods utilizing transmitted light.
Greiner has also introduced a 1536 well micro-assay plate for high throughput screening with the SBS standard 96 well plate footprint. The new microplate approximates sixteen typical 96 well plates. Plates are injection molded from polystyrene through an ISO-9001 certified standard process. Total well volume is 12 μ liters with a working volume between 2 and 8 μ liters. Well spacing is 2.25 mm; well area is 2.3 mm2. Plates are available in clear (general purpose), black (fluorescence) and white (luminescence); black and white plates with clear bottom wells are also available. Both standard and low-profile lids are available.
Cybertab Introduces New Microplate Handling Workstation
Cyberlab, Inc. (Brookfield CT) has introduced a new robotic workstation with independent Z axis tools for the handling of microplates. With pipetting tools and a plate gripper, the workstation is capable of performing many of the steps in a method without operator attention, including: stacking a plate, reading a bar code, obtaining data processing details from a file, printing and applying a label, pipetting/transferring liquid, and restacking the plate. The deck can hold standard or deep well plates and boxes of pipette tips. Different pipetting options are available, among which are fixed and disposable tips, single and multiple channels, and fixed or variable spacing. Multichannel pipetting can be 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, or 96 channels simultaneously.
Other options on the deck of the workstation include heating, cooling, mixing, centrifuging, label printing and application, plate washing and plate reading. By rearranging trays for plate stacks, pipette tip boxes, and plate delivery positions, the workstation can be reconfigured for runs with varying numbers of master plates, daughter plates and tip boxes. The Run Screen can be written to accept these changes with inputs at the start of the run.
Biotage Parallex HPLC Clears Combinatorial Purification Bottlenecks
Biotage, a Division of Dyax Corp (Charlottesville, VA) displayed its new Parallex™ HPLC system at the recent Pittsburgh Conference held in New Orleans.
Designed for high throughput purification, Biotage's Parallex HPLC is a fully automated system capable of handling up to 40 samples per hour. The system offers rapid HPLC purification of organic libraries and features four columns that run in parallel. Each column includes an individual pump head, a dual wavelength UV detector and a PC-automated fraction collector.
The Parallex HPLC purifies compound libraries using injection and fraction collector trays to organize microtiter plates, and a barcode reader to track all samples and fractions. A Microsoft Access database provides easy import and export of all information.
Unlike traditional instruments, the Parallex HPLC lowers cost-per-compound by providing fully automated operation, intelligent fraction collection for high purity, faster cycle time and consuming less solvent.
Footnotes
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All modules require the MetaMorph™ imaging system version 3.0 or higher from Universal Imaging Corporation (West Chester PA).