European Biotechnology News Special 4/2012 - analytica 2012

European Biotechnology News Science & Industry

April 2012

II Bioanalytics Bioanalytik

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BIOCOM AG | Lützowstraße 33–36 | 10785 Berlin | Germany www.biocom.de | Tel. +49 (0)30 264921-0 | Fax +49 (0)30 264921-11

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Nº 4 | Volume 11 | 2012

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Special aNaly tica 2012 Intro

Biennial analytic tools fair opens gates Europe’s largest congress and fair for lab equipment, analytic tools and biotechnology has grown steadily in the past decade. Last time 33,000 visitors (2008: 32,500/ 2006: 27,200) from 120 nations headed to the Analytica for the latest developments in the fields of analytics and biotech presented by 1,038 exhibitors (2008: 1,032/ 2006: 847). this year, the organisers from Messe München have added some novelties to attract even more people to the show, which will take place from 17-20 April in Munich.

At its last incarnation in 2010, the Analytica saw 33,000 visitors from 120 nations.

For the first time ever, parts of halls B1, B2 and A3 will be transformed into genuine laboratory environments enabling visitors to view exhibited equipment in live operation on laboratory benches.

Daily presentations will inform about developments in the fields of forensics and clinical diagnostics, plastics analysis, and food and water analysis. ”By introducing the Live Labs, we are establishing new elements that allow visitors to exchange information about products and discuss specific applications with manufacturers under actual working condi-

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tions directly at the fair,” explains Exhibition Director Katja Stolle.

As in previous years, the trade show is the heart of the Analytica. Hall A3 is the most relevant for biotechnologists. It will house 85% of the approximately 300 biotech exhibitors. During the first three days (17-19 April) of the fair, diverse forums will also take place there. Biotech topics will include bioanalysis, diagnostic techniques, fluorescence techniques, immunoanalysis, high throughput screening, drug discovery, and bioprocess engineering. On the last day, a

finance forum will showcase brief company presentations, as well as lectures from venture capital firms and players in the field of industrial biotech. The latest developments in lab instrumentation and analytic equipment will be featured in different forums that take place in hall B2.

Headlining the accompanying Analytica conference are topics like progress in bioanalytical liquid chromatography/ mass spectometry (LC-MS), proteomics, next-generation sequencing, clinical metabolomics and diagnosis, bioinformatics, drug testing and screening, and food analysis.

From clinical diagnostics to next-gen sequencing New technologies are emerging rapidly, especially in the upcoming field of molecular diagnostics. In this issue, Kathrin Hagel gives us an update on the novelties that will be showcased (see page 34). Up to now, patient stratification has been aided by biomarker tests – the current gold standard for selection of targeted therapies. They include for example BRAC assays from Myriad Genetics, which recently opened its European headquarters in Munich (see page 38).

However, brand new studies performed

by UK researchers have underlined that valid diagnostic biomarkers for predicting cancer development can’t be revealed by simple standard molecular diagnostic tests due to genetic intratumour heterogeneity. They recommend making use of ultradeep next-generation resequencing at multiple malignancy sites (see page 40). Next-generation sequencing could be useful for monitoring outbreaks of human pathogens. In animals, however, classic PCR tests and ELISA assays like those being currently developed for the dangerous Schmallenberg virus by French company IDVet remain the diagnostic of choice because of their high reliability and low cost (see page 36).

If you are coming to Munich for the fair, don't miss your chance to visit the EuropEan BiotEchnology nEws at the BIOCOM booth 112 (Hall A3).

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Nº 4 | Volume 11 | 2012

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Special aNaly tica 2012 AnAlyticA 2012

New impetus for the industry From the 17 – 20 April, around 1,000 exhibitors will be presenting the latest develop­ ments in instrument analysis, laboratory technology and biotechnology at the An­ alytica trade fair and congress in Munich. this year’s event features a new attrac­ tion: the “live labs”, which will whisk visitors away to the world of real laboratories with a focus on topics that includes forensics and clinical diagnostics. in addition to exhibits, biotech will be the focus of lectures at the Analytica conference and at the event’s Biotech Forum. Other highlights that involve the industry are the latest de­ velopments in genetic analysis, along with the most recent discoveries in cell cul­ ture and instrument bioanalysis.

Quicker, more affordable and still reliable – genetic analysis is developing at an ever-accelerating pace. One of the highlights in this sector awaits visitors to the Live Lab on Forensics & Clinical Diagnostics in Hall A3 on the first day of the fair. There, Germany’s best-known criminal biologist Mark Benecke will show how DNA testing can help convict perpetrators. Exhibitors will also present new developments in the field of genet-

ic analysis. Stratec Molecular is presenting its SalivaGene Collector, which collects and preserves DNA from spittle. Thanks to a lyophilised stabilisation buffer, the DNA remains intact at room temperature for up to a year. In the Biotech Forum in Hall A3, LGC Genomics will present high-throughput techniques for sequencing, SNP genotyping and PCR analyses. And bio-reagent manufacturer Bioline is also introducing monitoring

the Analytica depicts the entire process chain in the laboratory.

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tools for the quality assurance of realtime PCR assays.

cell cultivation made easy Besides allowing visitors to gather information about the latest analysis techniques, this Analytica will depict the entire process chain in the laboratory. For biotechnologists, that includes cell cultivation. When it comes to miniaturising large-scale setups, Greiner Bio-One will present the CELLreactor, an innovative 50-millilitre tube with adjustable holes for the exchange of gasses and a membrane that keeps the contents sterile.

To automate cell-culture experiments, Eppendorf has developed the epMotion 5070 CB pipetting system, which fits into all common tissue-culture hoods.

As a result, key processes such as cellseeding, media change and cytotoxicity analyses are possible without manual intervention. And Rowiak has automated cell monitoring. Its CellMonitor, which can be used for imaging at a depth of just a few hundred micrometres, monitors even the most sensitive stem-cell cultures under standard conditions over longer periods of time.

instrumental bioanalysis Classic chemical analysis techniques are also getting better at meeting bioanalyst needs. For example, chroma tography manufacturers are responding to requirements in the Life Science sector with new column and filling materials. Möller Medical for example combines the inert plastic PEEK with pressure -resistant stainless steel to make capillaries for the chromatography of proteins and other metal-sensitive biomolecules. The exhibition will be rounded out by major manufacturers such as Analytik Jena, Axel Semrau, Shimadzu and Waters, which will display high-resolution bioanalysis systems that are handier and more user -friendly than ever.

Additional information about the exhibitors and the programme of events at the Analytica 2012 is available at www.analytica.de.

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Nº 4 | Volume 11 | 2012

Euro|Biotech|News

Special aNalY Tica 2012 CliniCal DiaGnOSTiCS

First ELISA to detect Schmallenberg virus Philippe Pourquier (CEO), IDvet, Montpellier

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is the name that’s been given to a vector-transmitted orthobunyavirus that was initially reported in november 2011 as the cause of congenital fetal malformation and stillbirth in cattle, sheep, and goats. The pathogen has since been detected in Germany, the netherlands, Belgium, France, luxembourg, italy and the United Kingdom, and looks set to be a major veterinary concern in Europe, both in 2012 and beyond. Specialist in veterinary diagnostics iDvet is now launching the first commercial EliSa for the detection of SBV antibodies.

The Schmallenberg virus is causing birth defects in livestock across western Europe.

The reason for the sudden appearance of SBV in the same countries that suf­ fered from a Bluetongue disease out­ break in 2006 is still unknown, but this pathogen will probably be one of the ma­ jor veterinary concerns in Europe in 2012 and beyond.

When the Bluetongue virus (BTV) first appeared in northern Europe in 2006, commercial BTV diagnostic tests were readily available. But the Schmallenberg virus is a new one. No diagnostic methods existed prior to its discovery in November 2011, and teams around the world have

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been working hard to develop both mo­ lecular (PCR) and serological (IFAT, VNT and ELISA) diagnostic tools for it.

PCR can be used to detect recent infec­ tions, but it is not useful for disease sur­ veillance and prevalence studies, as RNA is naturally and rapidly eliminated from the animal. In contrast, antibodies may be detected long after infection. For an­ tibody detection, European reference lab­ oratories have developed virus neutral­ isation (VNT) and immuno fluoresence (IFAT) tests. These techniques however are time­consuming, difficult to imple­

ment for large numbers of samples, and do not offer standardised result inter­ pretation.

French biotechnology company IDvet develops, manufactures and sells veteri­ nary diagnostic reagents, mainly based on the ELISA serological method. Founded in 2004, the company has rapidly developed its activities. Today, IDvet employs 40 peo­ ple and sells products in over 80 countries around the globe. The firm’s close rela­ tionships with leading veterinary scien­ tists worldwide puts it at the cutting edge of veterinary diagnostics.

impact on disease management IDvet is pleased to announce the launch of the first commercial ELISA for the de­ tection of antibodies against the Schmal­ lenberg virus. The test, which is based on technology developed entirely in­house, is currently pending approval by refer­ ence laboratories in Europe, including the Friedrich ­Loeffler­Institute (FLI) in Germany and the French agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES). Preliminary re­ sults are very encouraging, showing high test specificity and correlation with oth­ er serological techniques. In addition, the test is rapid, cost­effective, and au­ tomatable, allowing for high­through­ put testing.

The availability of such rapid sero­ diagnostic tests for SBV are key both to understanding the spread and the trans­ mission of the disease and as an impor­ tant tool for the authorities in disease management. The IDvet Bluetongue kit was extensively used during the BTV out­ break in 2006. Once again, the company is providing expertise in the field of vet­ erinary diagnostics through the rapid de­ velopment of the first commercial ELISA test for Schmallenberg virus.  Contact Philippe Pourquier 167 rue Mehdi Ben Barka 34 070 Montpellier , France Tel: + 33 4 67 41 49 33 idvet.info@id­vet.com www.id­vet.com

28.03.2012 16:53:22 Uhr

n g & PR rketi fo Ma h in N R r c e t o W i B

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Nº 4 | Volume 11 | 2012

Euro|Biotech|News

Special aNaly tica 2012 IntervIew

ic testing, then we’re successful. If we can touch one or two lives, then I’ll be happy with any investment we’ve made in Europe.

“Commitment to patients in Europe”

Euro|BioTech|News

?

But of course you have some expectations for how the site should develop in a commercial sense?

US-based biopharmaceutical company Myriad Genetics offers rapid genetic testing for hereditary cancers. with its BrACAnalysis test, the company has already tested a million patients who might have a genetic mutation that causes breast cancer. now Myriad has begun expanding globally. In March, the company opened a new central lab in Martinsried, just around the corner from the m4 personalised medicine cluster there. Along with its european headquarters in Zurich and offices across europe, the lab in Germany has been set up to service markets in the eU. euroBiotechnews spoke with Peter D. Meldrum, President and CeO of Myriad, about his company’s plans for europe.

!

MelDrUM: Our goal at the moment is to perform around 20,000 tests annually. We hope to reach this goal within five years.

Euro|BioTech|News

?

Some of your patents covering the BRAC1 and BRAC2 genes, which play an important role in hereditary breast cancer, are currently under dispute in the US...

!

MelDrUM: Myriad has 23 patents issued in the US covering 500 patent claims. Under dispute in the patent case are 9 of the 500 claims. Regardless of how the Supreme Court decides on the question of patents of DNA and genetic materials, Myriad would close to 500 valid patent claims that are not involved in this current discussion.

The Court of Appeals of the Federal Circuit has ruled that the patents are valid.

We believe that patents on isolated DNA sequences are valid and appropriate, and we hope that the US Supreme Court will agree with us.

Peter D. Meldrum (l.) at the opening ceremony for the new lab in Martinsried. He has been Director of Myriad Genetics since its inception in May 1991, and President and CeO of the company since november 1991. Prior to joining Myriad, he was President and CeO at the venture capital group Founders Fund.

Euro|BioTech|News

?

Myriad in Europe – how important is this market for your firm?

!

MelDrUM: We are very excited to be expanding beyond the United States and benefiting patients worldwide. We’ve always focused on improving patient healthcare through understanding the genetics of human disease. Opening the lab in Munich helps demonstrate Myriad’s commitment to patients in Europe. This important step will

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Euro|BioTech|News

allow us to enhance the speed and quality of genetic testing available to patients and physicians there.

Euro|BioTech|News

?

The American Civil Liberties Union has claimed that you use your patents to limit a patient’s options for genetic testing.

?

What has to happen to make the investment worthwhile?

!

MelDrUM: I think what excites Myriad employees most is having a positive impact on patients. If we can accelerate people’s understanding of the importance of genet-

!

MelDrUM: We very much disagree with that. An independent study performed at Duke University that examined the topic came to the conclusion that Myriad not only did not restrict patient access, but actually improved it through public awareness programs.

Myriad has spent hundreds of millions of dollars educating physicians and creating public awareness about the benefits of genetic testing, as well as on how patient healthcare can be better managed.

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28.03.2012 16:54:50 Uhr

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Nº 4 | Volume 11 | 2012

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Special aNaly tica 2012 BiomaRkeR DiscoveRy

Digging deep into the tumour genome current cancer DNa tests give an incomplete picture of the genes driving the disease, according to a systematic sequencing study published at the beginning of march (New eNgl. JourNal of MediciNe 366, p. 883-892). The results of the study headed by charles swanton from the London Research institute throws cold water on the idea that DNa profiling of a single cancer biopsy could be used to match a patient’s tumour with targeted drugs.

When the researchers conducted deep exome resequencing on renal tumour samples derived from multiple sites in the malignancy, they found that gene mutation patterns varied wildly. only 40 out of 128 mutations were common to all cancer tissues. additionally, cancer prognosis tests based on the expression of 110 cancer-related genes gave either positive or negative results, depending on the part of the tumour from which the analysed tissue sample was taken. The results clearly demonstrate that researchers have to dig deeper into the cancer genome to provide enough reliable information for patient stratification, tumour staging, and selection of targeted treatments.

The technique of RGB labelling enables researchers to trace back the origin of tumour cells to their respective cell clone.

“It’s a sobering finding,” said study co­ author Andrew Futreal from the Sanger Institute, “you might miss the connection between the mutation and whatever out­ come you are looking at.” Medical oncolo­ gist Dan Longo from the National Institute on Aging (Baltimore) commented that the results point to a “serious flaw in the im­ agined future of cancer.” Most of the so­ called personalised medicine approaches rely on the detection of a single biomarker as a prerequisite for the prescription of a

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targeted therapy. Swanton warns that this practice “should be applied with great cau­ tion...until more is known.” Tumour varia­ bility could explain why cancer grows re­ sistant to targeted drugs, since resistance mutations may be present from the begin­ ning in some regions of the tumour.

Other researchers told EuroBiotEchNEws that the results of the ultradeep sequenc­ ing analyses offer new opportunities, as they open up a better understanding of tu­ mour biology. “The results do not come as

a surprise to those familiar with tumour biology. The idea that you would only need to detect a few cancer mutations to find the solution to a cancer is completely naive,” said Prof. Dr. Christof von Kalle, Director of the National Center for Tumor Diseas­ es (NCT) in Heidelberg. The good news, according to von Kalle, is that “there is a convergent evolution with regard to some genes.” These convergent mutations point to key pathways required for survival of a tumour that could be specifically ad­ dressed with drugs.

Stopping oversimplification “The discovery of somatic mutations and germ line alleles of relevance for cancer progression represents the beginning of a new era of individualised cancer diag­ nosis and therapy,” stressed Axel Ullrich, co­inventor of Herceptin (Roche) from the Martinsried­based Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry. Brian Druker, who helped develop the blood cancer drug Glivec (No­ vartis), said the findings show “that we need better tools to identify cancer at earlier stages, when it is far less complex.” Von Ka­ lle acknowledges deeper sequencing, mul­ tiple fine­needle biopsies from different tu­ mour regions, and tumour samples taken during drug treatment may be needed in the future to acquire useful information.

For systems biology expert Hans Lehrach from the Berlin­based Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, the concept of trust­ ing “a single biomarker to treat a complex tumour with complex drugs is very optimis­ tic. We must stop oversimplification of com­ plex diseases.” In his view, stratification of patient groups corresponds to “the state of the weather forecast mid­19th Century,” and “what we need in medicine is to ana­ lyse millions of data points.” To cope with the complexity of cancer, he says, tumours should not be stratified but modelled on the basis of individual genomic data and affect­ ed pathways so that one can select the best treatment. Lehrach and his colleague Hans Westerhoff (see EuroBiotEchNEws 3/2012) have just developed a software that can in­ tegrate image and omics data from individ­ ual cancer patients into a general cancer model.

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28.03.2012 16:55:06 Uhr

European Biotechnology Net work

Join the European Biotechnology Network!

The European Biotechnology Network is dedicated to facilitating co-operation between professionals in biotechnology and the life sciences all over Europe. The network is run by the European Biotechnology Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Brussels. Do you want to know more about the advantages of a (free) membership? Just have a look at our website: www.european-biotechnology.net

European Biotechnology Foundation | Rue d‘Egmont 15 | B-1000 Bruxelles, Belgique Tel: +32 2 50 08 531 | Fax +32 2 64 92 989 info@european-biotechnology.org | www.european-biotechnology.net

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N –º 4 | Volume 11 | 2012

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Produc ts & serVices AMS BioteChnology

BioMetrA

Profiling kits

Compact power supply

A Abingdon – AMSBIO provides an exten­ sive portfolio of bromodomains (BRDs) and kits suitable for bromodomain profiling, in­ hibitor screening assays, and drug discov­ ery. BRDs are domains that are 110 ami­ no acids long found in many chromatin­ associated proteins which can interact spe­ cifically with acetylated lysine. The ability of bromodomain regulators to alter chro­ matin status and control gene expression is important in the development of cer­ tain human cancers, adipogenesis, ener­ gy metabolism and inflammation. Along­ side HATs and HDACs, BRDs are emerging as a new class of targets that will be im­ portant in drug discovery in the future, as there are more than 50 proteins containing one or more of them. Better understanding of bromodomains will also lead to the bet­ ter design of epigeneticallydirected ther­ apeutics. For further information, please visit www.amsbio.com/search­results. aspx?value=bromodomain.

Founded in 1987, AMS Biotechnology (AMSBIO) is recognised as a leading inter­ national provider of products and custom services for life sciences research. The AMSBIO key research areas include apopt­ osis, cell invasion and migration, and cell signaling as well as 3D culture, electro­ phoresis, glycobiology, post­translational modification and stem cell biology.

D

A göttingen – Biometra GmbH, an Analytik Jena company, has extended its electro­ phoresis portfolio with a new extremely compact Power Supply: the Mini Power Pack PS300T. The Power Supply requires the space of a DIN­A5 piece of paper. It has been designed for any researcher using horizontal or vertical gel electrophore­ sis and combines small size, versatility and reliability. Providing constant volt­ age as well as constant current in 1V or 1mA steps, the power supply is perfect for running both agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis experiments. The sys­ tem provides two pairs of outlets, allow­ ing you to run two mini or standard­sized gels simultaneously. The integrated timer allows continuous or timed electrophore­ sis runs. The Power Supply is construct­ ed with robust and high­quality compo­ nents, and takes all safety standards into

account. This guarantees a long life cycle and perfect experimental results. All mini and standard­sized horizontal and ver­ tical Biometra electrophoresis systems are compatible with the Mini Power Pack PS300T. D Contact Tel.: +44­(0)3641­77­9281 presse@analytik­jena.com

MiCroniC

Sample storage management A graz – Europe’s largest biorepository uses sample storage consumables and data management software from Micronic Europe to safeguard its blood, serum and plasma samples. After a comprehensive evaluation of commercially available con­ sumables, the biobank selected Micronic 0.75 ml and 1.2ml fits together with screw caps and Roborack storage racks to pro­ vide high­integrity, long­term storage for human blood, serum and plasma samples at ­80°C. Micronic 0.75ml and 1.2ml sam­

ple storage tubes are manufactured from medical grade polypropylene, and com­ ply with US and European pharmacopoeia tests. The tubes resist many organic sol­ vents, may be autoclaved clean and can be repeatedly freeze­thawed without loss of product performance. A unique 2D code on the bottom of each tube provides an easy and unambiguous means of storing and identifying samples. The optimised internal shape of each Micronic sample storage tube ensures the lowest possible dead volume and maximum sample re­ covery. Designed to fit 96 individual tubes into a standard footprint rack, it also op­ timises use of valuable freezer space and ensures automation compatibility.

D

Contact

Contact

Tel.: +44­(0)1235­828200

Tel.: +31­(0)320­277070

info@amsbio.com

sales@micronic.com

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N –º 4 | Volume 11 | 2012

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Produc ts & serVices Porvair

radLeyS

Easy-to-use electronic pipette filler Improving productivity A Leatherhead – The Ultrajet pipette controller from Porvair Sciences is an easyto-use electronic pipette filler. Ergonomically designed, the Ultrajet is quick and simple to operate and can be used for extended periods of time without discomfort. Large buttons on the hand grip enable precise fine control of aspiration and dispensing of liquids. An integral LCD display displays selected aspiration

speed which can be simply set with a button under the display. A removable neoprene nozzle grips most standard laboratory pipettes firmly and efficiently, allowing users to accurate transfer liquids into plates, vials or flasks. Compact in size, the Ultrajet is perfect for use even in confined spaces such as cabinets and fume hoods. Over-filling protection is provided by a disposable 0.45um filter in the nose of the controller. Ultrajet uses a rechargeable lithium battery, so there are no unsightly cables trailing from it and it comes complete with a self-adhesive bench holder for storage. EC compliant, each Ultrajet controller is supplied with an appropriate mains charger. D

tosol – all of which favour the delivery to the nucleus. Special cell-type-specific PromoFectin variants are also available that have been developed for the efficient but gentle transfection of cells such as endothelial cells (e.g. primary HUVECs), hepatocytes, macrophages, or neuronal cells.

D

A Saffron Walden – Radleys have chosen the forthcoming Achema 2012 to launch an extended range of jacketed reactors and parallel synthesisers designed to improve the productivity of busy medicinal and process chemistry labs. Visitors to Stand D36, Hall 4.2 will have the chance to see Radleys’ range of jacketed lab reactors, including the NEW Reactor-Ready pilot scale lab reactor. Radleys unique reaction systems offer process development chemists and chemical engineers the option of single or multiple jacketed or vacuum jacketed reactors, from 100ml to 20 litres in a single system. This saves space, money and time.

The systems are available with optional software control and data-logging. Also on show will be Radleys’ range of benchtop chemistry productivity tools. These include Carousel 6 Plus, for 6 vessels from 5-250ml; the Carousel 12 Plus for 12 vessels from 1-50ml and the popular Heat-On blocks for single round bottom flasks up to 5 litres, plus a range of other reaction tools.

All of these synthesis systems are designed to make your chemistry faster, safer, cleaner, more efficient and improve yields. D

Contact

Contact

Tel.: +49-(0)6221-649340

Tel.: +44-(0)1799-513320

info@promokine.info

sales@radleys.co.uk

Contact Tel.: +44-(0)1372-824290 int.sales@porvair-sciences.com

PromoCeLL

Efficient transfection of primary cells and cell lines A Heidelberg – PromoFectin provides highly efficient and reproducible delivery of nucleic acids into a variety of cell types, including many hard-to-transfect cell lines and primary cells. It consists of a nonliposomal polymer that is stable, watersoluble and free of any components of animal origin. PromoFectin also shows very low toxicity, and is therefore ideally suited for the transfection of sensitive cells, yielding optimal transfection efficiencies and gene expression. Transfection with PromoFectin requires no medium change, and it can be used for adherent and non-adherent cells. It compacts and protects the nucleic acid of interest, enables efficient transport into the cells via endocytosis and allows for a rapid and almost complete release of the intact nucleic acid into the cy-

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44

N –º 4 | Volume 11 | 2012

Euro|Biotech|News

Produc ts & serVices Zinsser AnAlytic

ttP

Live cell picking

Hit-picking excellence

A Maidenhead – Current trends in high content analysis and cell assay applications require the ability to dispense a variety of cell types – of varying robustness, volume and quantity – into different sample formats, including slides, plates, and non-standard formats. Workflow demands require the printing of cells for these applications be fast, precise, reliable, reproducible, and contamination-free. Sample solutions need to dispense cells and cell media successfully while maintaining cell viability. The CellJet Cell Printer incorporates Digilab’s proprietary synQUAD liquid dispensing technology,

A cambridge – An exciting technological collaboration integrating TTP Labtech’s mosquito® X1 automated nanolitre pipettor with a well-known microplate mover has been set up, bringing an innovative hit-picking solution to the University of Michigan. This fully automated system is being utilised by the University’s High Throughput Screening (HTS) Core, Centre for Chemical Genomics, to automate the selection and processing of compound hits from screens using their 150,000 strong library. The mosquito X1 and microplate mover automated platform is fully controlled by the mosquito CherryPicker software. The unique design of the mosquito nanolitre pipettes allows for multiple aliquots of compound from each pipette, rapidly preparing serial dilution and dose response plates for secondary screens. In addition, the abil-

ity of the mosquito X1 to dry spot compounds from the source plates overcomes the commonly encountered issues caused by aliquoting labile molecules in aqueous solutions in advance of the screening experiment.

D contact Tel.: +44-(0)1763-262626 sales@ttplabtech.com

therMo Fisher scientiFic

New syringe filters offering both on-the-fly and drop-by-drop non-contact cell printing while maintaining the viability of even the most delicate cells. This extremely flexible technology offers users full control over critical dispense parameters such as height of dispense and dispensing speed, which allows printing of both viscous solutions and fragile cells. The Digilab CellJet prints using a valve-free fluid path, which greatly reduces cell damage.

The printer also includes full wash capability, an easy-to-clean and sterilise evaporation cover, and an effective instrument design for hassle-free maintenance. CellJet’s user-friendly software makes it easy to programme printing protocols.

D

A san Jose – Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, the world leader in serving science, has launched the Thermo Scientific Titan3 and Target2 ranges of single-use syringe filters for sample preparation. These robust syringe filters significantly enhance sample preparation workflow by accommodating greater burst pressures and providing exceptional flow-through characteristics.

Previously supplied as the SUN-Sri TITAN2 and National Scientific Target ranges, these filter units have been enhanced by Thermo

Fisher to offer improved reliability and performance, including an improved housing design that prevents leakage during filtration. The premium Titan3™ range provides further confidence with color-coded housings for easy membrane selection and an integral ring that withstands even greater burst pressures, with 30mm models resistant to pressures of up to 120psi. Both the Titan3 and Target2™ filter ranges are fully HPLC-tested and incorporate low extractable membranes and housings. Titan3 and Target2 syringe filters are available in a wide range of filtration membrane types and porosities and are suitable as a high-quality filtration solution for a range of chromatography filtration applications.

D

contact

contact

Tel.: +44 (0)1628 773202

Tel.: +1-(0)408-965-6022

info@zinsser-analytic.com

stephanie.kubina@thermofisher.com

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