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6 LAB-ON-A-CHIP ANALYZES CELLS

Researchers in British Columbia have developed a silicone chip that could make genetic analysis far more sensitive and rapid.

contents 5 7 10

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INDUSTRY NEWS

LAB PRODUCT NEWS • 08/11 • labcanada.com

Expansion of MaRS Centre Phase 2 gets go-ahead M

aRS Discovery District has announced that construction of its Phase 2 in downtown Toronto is proceeding. The 20-storey state-of-art convergence centre will enable the organization to accelerate its role in supporting new science and technology businesses. Phase 2, directly adjacent to the existing MaRS Centre facility near the University of Toronto and the University Health Network, will combine advanced laboratory and office space, communications and IT capabilities and collaboration opportunities. “The MaRS Centre has been at capacity since it opened six years ago, when we first started working with entrepreneurs building new growth companies,” says Dr Ilse Treurnicht, CEO, MaRS Discovery District. Phase 2 will double the facility’s size to over 1.5 million sq ft, making it one of the largest urban innovation hubs in the world.

Two major players have already announced plans to occupy space in the new facility: the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), which conducts translational cancer research and commercialization programs, and Public Health Ontario, which is a central player in the province’s public health research and policy and infectious diseases management. The OICR also recently announced it will receive $420 million over five years from the Ontario government to support its expansion and to continue its research. “As a hub organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of all Ontarians, renewal and advancement of our laboratories is essential for Ontario’s continued response to emerging public health threats,” says Dr Vivek Goel, president and CEO of Public Health Ontario. “Location of our laboratories at MaRS will enhance academic, healthcare and private sector partnerships.” Completion of Phase 2 is expected in September 2013.

Left, Dr Ilse Treurnicht, CEO, MaRS Discovery District. Below, Construction is underway.

IN BRIEF

IMAGES COURTESY OF MARS DISCOVERY DISTRICT.

Sanyo and BD Biosciences say they have entered into an agreement to promote life science research tools together, in the area of cell culture and cell therapy research. Among other things, the companies will research new ways to combine their product offerings and technologies. Novus Biologicals, supplier of antibodies and antibody-related products to bioscience researchers, has opened a Canadian office in Oakville, ON. Customers can now receive customer service and technical support in French as well as English.

COMING EVENTS September 12-15 - 43rd Annual Canadian Mineral Analysts Conference and Exhibit, Sudbury, www.2011cma.com September 13-15 - Stem Cells USA & Regenerative Medicine Congress, Boston, T: 212-379-6322, F: 212-379-6319, enquiry.us@terrapinn.com, www.terrapinn.com September 29-October 1 - BCSLS Congress 2011, Castlegar, BC Society of Laboratory Scientists, T: 604-714-1760, F: 604-738-4080, bcsls@telus.net, www.bcsls.net

October 2-6 - FACSS 2011, Reno, Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies, T: 505-820-1648, F: 505-989-1073, facss@facss.org, http://facss.org/facss October 11 - Annual Meeting of the Society of Craniofacial Genetics, Montreal, T: 780-492-5194, F: 780-492-1624, gsperber@ualberta.ca, http://craniofacialgenetics.org October 11-15 - 12th International Congress of Human Genetics, Montreal, American Society of Human Genetics, T: 301-634-7300, F: 301-634-7079, paulinem@ashg.org, www.ashg.org/

INDUSTRY NEWS

Microfluidic chip analyzes cells individually.

Facility researches waste-to-biofuels

new $12.5-million waste-to-biofuels research facility – that houses both a pilot plant and laboratory – recently celebrated its opening. The Advanced Energy Research Facility is a partnership between the Alberta government, the City of Edmonton, and waste-to-biofuels/chemicals company Enerkem. Researchers at the facility will focus on developing technologies to convert non-hazardous waste from the oil and gas, agricultural, forestry and municipal sectors into transportation fuels and chemicals, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Funding for the city-owned facility comes from the Alberta government, while Enerkem is providing the anchor technology. Dr Esteban Chornet, Enerkem’s chief technology officer who is a specialist in the development of fuels and chemicals from waste, will be leading some of the company’s research at the facility. The research will focus on the conversion of various waste Celebrating the official opening (r-l): materials into bioStephen Mandel, mayor of Edmonton, Dr chemicals and will Esteban Chornet, Enerkem’s CTO , and Greg Weadick, Alberta minister of advanced expand the comeducation and technology. pany’s technology platform to include polymers and higher alcohols.

Edmonton’s Advanced Energy Research Facility.

COMING EVENTS October 16-20 - MS&T 2011, Columbus, American Ceramic Society, T: 614-794-5829, F: 614-794-5882, mmecklenborg@ceramics.org, http://ceramics.org October 16-21 - AIChE Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, T: 203-702-7660, F: 203-775-5177, jeffw@aiche.org, www.aiche.org October 23-27 - AAPS Annual Meeting, Washington DC, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, T: 703-243-2800, F: 703-243-9054, MayS@aaps.org, www.aapspharmaceutica.com

RESEARCHERS CREATE GENETIC ANALYSIS CHIP

niversity of British Columbia (UBC) researchers have invented a silicone chip that could make genetic analysis far more sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective by allowing individual cells to fall into place like balls in a pinball machine. The device – about the size of a 9V battery – allows scientists to analyze 300 cells individually and simultaneously by routing fluid carrying cells through microscopic tubes and valves. Once isolated into their separate chambers, the cells’ RNA can be extracted and replicated for further analysis. The device, described and validated in the August 1 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was developed by UBC’s Dr Carl Hansen and team, in collaboration with researchers from BC Cancer Agency and the Centre for Translational and Applied Genomics. Dr Hansen is an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Centre for HighThroughput Biology. The device’s ease of use and cost-effectiveness arise from its integration of almost the entire process of cell analysis – not just separating the cells, but mixing them with chemical reagents to highlight their genetic code and analyzing the results by measuring fluorescent light emitted from the reaction. Now all of that can be done on the chip. “Single-cell genetic analysis is vital in a host of areas, including stem cell research and advanced cancer biology and diagnostics,” says Dr Hansen. “But until now, it has been too costly to become widespread in research, and especially for use in health care. This technology, and other approaches like it, could radically change the way we do both basic and applied biomedical research, and would make single-cell analysis a more plausible option for treating patients.”

October 26-29 - CDA/CSEM Conference, Toronto, Canadian Diabetes Association, T: 416-363-0177, F: 416-408-7117, info@diabetes.ca, www.diabetes.ca October 27-29 - CAN Annual Scientific Conference, Quebec City, Canadian Arthritis Network, T: 416-586-4770, F: 416-586-8395, can@arthritisnetwork.ca, www.arthritisnetwork.ca November 7-9 - HealthAchieve 2011, Toronto, Ontario Hospital Association, T: 416-205-1434, F: 416-205-1340, mromero@oha.com, www.healthachieve.com November 16-19 - MEDICA 2011, Dusseldorf, Germany, T: 416-598-1524, F: 416-598-1840, messeduesseldorf@germanchamber.ca, www.messe-duesseldorf.de

CHROMATOGRAPHY & SPECTROSCOPY

LAB PRODUCT NEWS • 08/11 • labcanada.com

Quantifying cell signalling dynamics A new method has been developed for quantifying cell signalling dynamics.

group of scientists in Ontario, including Drs Nicolas Bisson and Tony Pawson at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital, have highlighted the combined power of affinity purification with selected reaction monitoring (AP-SRM) as a new mass spectrometry-based strategy to assess the dynamic nature of protein interactions associated with specific cellular responses. This methodology is expected to help accelerate scientists’ understanding of signalling pathways implicated in cancer and other complex illnesses. The study was published online on June 26 in the biomedical journal Nature Biotechnology. To date, scientists have had little quantitative information regarding the kinetics with which signalling networks assemble and dissolve, and had thought protein complexes to be fairly static. It has been especially difficult to assess the role and effects of adaptor proteins that link activated receptors to their cytoplasmic effectors. “To address this problem, we designed and employed a large-scale mass spectrometry assay coupled with affinity purification of protein complexes, which was used to investigate quantitative changes in proteins interacting with the adaptor protein GRB2, an important hub protein in growth factor signalling,” said Dr Bisson, first author of the study and a post-doctoral fellow at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Insti-

tute of Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr Bisson noted that the APSRM method can measure and quantify large numbers of proDr Pawson teins as well as the dynamics by which they interact. After determining the network of proteins that interact with GRB2, the researchers used an AB Sciex QTRAP® 5500 mass spectrometer coupled to a Eksigent nanoLC Ultra + cHiPLC Nanoflex liquid chromatography system to quantify all of the proteins comprising the extended GRB2 interaction network in a single assay. The assay was employed to address the dynamics with which 90 of the GRB2associated proteins assemble in response to growth factors that signal through tyrosine kinase receptors. “AB Sciex has had a long-standing collaboration with the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, which has some of the top biomedical researchers in the world,” said Dave Hicks, vice president and general manager of the pharma and omics business at AB Sciex. “Their trust in using our QTRAP 5500 system and Eksigent technology to develop and conduct an innovative multiple reaction monitoring-based technique for high specificity helped uncover previously unseen kinetic insight into protein interactions, which could lead to pushing the limits in disease research.” Traditional mass spectrometry stud-

ies, focused solely on identifying proteins at a given point in time, do not provide scientists dynamic and contextual data associated with protein assemblies. This new quantitative analysis allowed the study group to, for the first time, identify the distinct GRB2-containing complexes that form upon stimulation by different growth factors, and how these complexes change over time. “These results underscore the precision that can be achieved with SRM measurements in deciphering the dynamic temporal behaviour of protein interaction networks,” said Lorne Taylor, study co-author from the Ontario Proteomics Methods Centre at the Lunenfeld. “With this method, we also revealed that different GRB2-binding partners have distinct kinetics of complex formation. GRB2 shows remarkable versatility in growth factor signalling and is involved in the formation of a myriad of highly specific protein complexes.” “By focusing on key hub proteins we have identified, this AP-SRM method can be easily extended to obtain a truly quantitative view of the dynamics of signalling networks in cells stimulated by various classes of extracellular signals, said Dr. Bisson. “As well, we can compare these changes, for example, between normal and cancer cells.” For more information circle reply card # 15 or request online at www.labcanada.com/rsc.

CHROMATOGRAPHY & SPECTROSCOPY

labcanada.com • 08/11 • LAB PRODUCT NEWS

MINI SPECTROMETER HAS NEW TRIGGERING OPTIONS Triggering functions have been added to miniature spectrometer to provide accurate timing and synchronization between the spectrometer and other devices. Four low-jitter trigger modes and normal (free-running spectral acquisition) operating modes are now possible. Applications include pulsing a light source to occur when acquiring a spectra and synchronizing spectral acquisition to coordinate with samples moving through a process stream or sensors reaching a certain temperature level. The spectrometer has a small-footprint, high-speed CCD-array design that makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. Ocean Optics Reply card # 20 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

FT-IR UNIT HANDLES MULTIPLE CHALLENGES

SPECTROPHOTOMETER HAS EXPANDED FUNCTIONALITY Monochromator-based microplate spectrophotometer combines high performance and high value in microplate-based absorbance readings. The optics allow flexible, filter-free 200-999 nm wavelength selection in 1 nm increments, and spectral scanning for 6- to 384-well microplates. An optional cuvette port expands functionality to cuvette-based assays and also aids in assay miniaturization to microplates or the 2 μL volumes used with the manufacturer’s micro-volume plates. Offers temperature control with incubation up to 65°C. Linear, orbital and double orbital shake modes are customizable for easy assay optimization in biofuel research, cell proliferation, cytotoxicity studies and many more applications. BioTek Instruments Reply card # 21 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

Powerful, configurable FT-IR spectrometer offers multiple optimized sampling options. Its optical flexibility enables the addition of many specialized accessories to meet a wide range of sampling challenges; whether checking for batch conformity or micro contamination. A modular and upgradeable platform combined with good signal-to-noise ratio provides strong spectral performance for near-, midand far-infrared spectroscopic analysis. The automated range changing capability allows multiple techniques to be used at the touch of a button, with the flexible optical system also permitting the addition of microscopy and imaging systems for detailed materials analysis. PerkinElmer Reply card # 24 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

INSTRUMENT HANDLES HIGHSPEED ROHS/ELV SCREENING Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) fluorescence spectrometer is designed for screening elements regulated by RoHS/ELV directives. Its automated analysis functions improve operability without sacrificing a high level of inspection reliability. It is equipped with a detector that does not require liquid nitrogen, thereby achieving lower operational costs and easier maintenance. It has been optimized for the RoHS/ELV screening of materials, individual parts and other samples that are substantially homogenous. The spectrometer is suited to screening a limited range of samples for fixed control criteria. Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Reply card # 26 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

BENCH-TOP NMR SPECTROMETER IS PORTABLE Miniature nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer is designed to be affordable, portable, and easy to use for multiple applications. The 45-MHz spectrometer resolves proton chemical shifts with a resolution of 100 parts per billion using a very small sample volume of less than 20 microlitres. Liquid samples are simply injected into an internal capillary via front-panel fittings. The complete liquid-phase proton NMR system includes permanent magnet, transmitter, receiver, data acquisition, programmable pulse sequencer, Ethernet interface, and intuitive web-based control software. Cole Parmer Reply card # 23 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

IMPROVED ICP-OES OPTICS GIVE BETTER RESOLUTION Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) has the features and functionality for users not requiring deep VUV performance. It is particularly suited for demanding analytical applications such as ultra-trace environmental analysis, line-rich spectra for metal research or the analysis of organic materials in petrochemistry. The instrument’s high performance results from two completely new major components: optics offering a focal length of 750 mm, which improves resolution by a factor of two, and technical improvements giving the generator an excellent lifetime. Manufacturer says the instrument is faster than its predecessors, creating and processing a complete spectrum in two seconds. SPECTRO Analytical Instruments Reply card # 22 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

CHROMATOGRAPHY & SPECTROSCOPY

LAB PRODUCT NEWS • 08/11 • labcanada.com

CERTIFIED CHROMATOGRAPHY VIALS ARE GUARANTEED Family of chromatography vials, caps and inserts are lot-tested and certified to meet strict specifications for consistent performance and recoveries. Manufacturer says they exceed industry standards. The borosilicate glass has low ion content, while airtight, leak-free seals ensure safe sample transfer. The certified vials have undergone additional processing for low bleed, while special mass spec quality vials and caps are designed to meet additional specifications needed for mass spectrometry detectors. The line includes convenience kits and mix-and-match cap choices, including crimp, snap or screw, all with pure septa material, which is available in pre-slit or non-slit formats. Phenomenex Reply card # 25 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

FT-IR SPECTROMETER IS AFFORDABLE, COMPACT Small-footprint Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer features an open-architecture sample compartment that accepts a wide variety of sampling accessories. Specialized software provides the spectrometer with flexibility to address many challenging applications, ranging from manufacturers to forensic laboratories and chemistry classrooms. Suitable for raw materials, impurities and mixtures identification. The instrument, which the manufacturer says provides performance comparable to larger sized spectrometers, can be used for product assurance testing, basic troubleshooting and chemistry teaching. Thermo Fisher Scientific Reply card # 28 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

MINI GC HANDLES ETHANOL TESTING A new miniature gas chromatograph is specifically tuned for ethanol testing in foods and beverages. Manufacturer says the GC and accompanying methods have provided ethanol testing in various wine operations and results matched those on the bottle’s labels as well as tests results from outside laboratories. This capability is now easily accessible in any workspace, as the instrument is the size of a shoebox and weighs less than 3 lbs. On-column, direct injection makes it easy to use and sample preparation is practically non-existent. With a new, heated injection port, the GC quantitatively analyzes ethanol percentages in most fluids. Forston Labs Reply card # 29 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

SFC ANALYTICAL SYSTEM IS UPLC-BASED Ultra-performance supercritical fluid chromatography (UPSFC) system is a holistically designed analytical system combining the advantages of sub-2-micron particle technology and the efficiency of supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). Built on the manufacturer’s ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) technology, the new system offers up to 10X shorter run times, reduces solvent usage by as much as 95%, and cuts the cost of analyses by as much as 99% while giving laboratories a greener alternative to normal phase chromatography for chiral and achiral separations. Waters Reply card # 27 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

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INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT

labcanada.com â&#x20AC;˘ 08/11 â&#x20AC;˘ LAB PRODUCT NEWS

Air jet sieving of bulk materia

article size analysis and particle size distribution are important criteria for quality control of bulk materials. In a running production process, the results of a quality check must be available quickly to allow for immediate adjustment of the production parameters. Depending on the expected particle size and sample volume, different sieving methods and sieving machines are suitable for analysis. The method used for particle size analysis is primarily determined by the fineness of the material to be sieved. The classic methods of sieving bulk goods with vibratory, horizontal or tap sieve shakers are limited to sizes above 40 microns. When using vibratory sieve shakers for wet sieving, it is possible to push the limit to 20 microns. However, this method involves dispersion of the sample in liquid, filtration after sieving, drying and, finally, weighing the obtained fractions.

Principle of air jet sieving For dry sieving of samples with particle sizes below 40 microns, air jet sieving is the method of choice. It can also be a faster alternative to vibratory sieving for particle sizes up to 200 microns (figure 1). All methods mentioned here are suitable for determining the particle

Figures 2 & 3 clearly show that a high speed is beneficial to break down agglomerates. It is also possible to regulate the negative pressure generated by the vacuum cleaner which allows variation of the impact speed of the particles. This, together with the selection of the sieve height, greatly improves sieving of sensitive materials.

Figure 1: Comparison of sieving times of commercial flour with vibratory sieve shaker and air jet sieve.

size (sieve fraction) as well as the particle size distribution of a sample. In contrast to other methods, air jet sieving is usually carried out with one sieve only. Together with the sample material, the sieve is placed on the unit and covered with a lid. A powerful industrial vacuum cleaner generates a strong jet of air which disperses the particles on the sieve through the slotted nozzle rotating below the sieve mesh. Thus the particles are dispersed with

INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT

LAB PRODUCT NEWS • 08/11 • labcanada.com

g rials each rotation and are distributed over the complete sieve surface. Now two effects occur: • The jet of air causes a continuous new orientation of the particles on the sieve surface. Particles with sizes smaller than the sieve apertures are sucked in by the vacuum cleaner or are collected in a laboratory bottle if the optional cyclone is used. • When using sieves of 25 mm height, the inflowing air causes the particles to impact on the lid which helps to destroy agglomerates. The speed of the nozzle which rotates below the sieve is usually fixed. However, a variation of the speed, as is possible with Retsch’s air jet sieving machine, can be very helpful. Sensitive sample materials, for example, should be sieved with a low speed to minimize stress on the material. This can be further reduced by using a sieve of 50 mm height because the impact of the sample against the lid is less strong. For samples which tend to agglomerate, sieving with high speed is more effective. The impact frequency of the particles against the lid is substantially increased and even strong agglomerates are dissolved after short sieving times.

Application example Two identical samples of ZrO2 powder were sieved with the air jet sieving machine at different speeds (figures 2 & 3). The parameters are as follows: • sieve: diameter 203 mm, 25 mm height acc. to ISO 3310-1, aperture size 63 µm • material: 20 g of ZrO2 powder with agglomerates

Air jet sieving machine

• speed: 20 rpm (sample 1) and 55 rpm (sample 2) • sieving time: 10 sec. and 2 min. negative • pressure: approx. 35 kPa

Reproducibility and performance Fine-meshed sieves are particularly susceptible to so-called nearmesh particles which block the sieve gauze. This not only has a negative effect on the sieving results but also leads to premature wear of the sieve. Retsch says the open mesh function on its jet has proven to be a very helpful feature to maintain the performance of the sieve and, subsequently, the reproducibility of results and to minimize time and effort for cleaning. This function lets the nozzle move according to the principle “two steps forward, one step back” which means the nozzle first moves forward by 20° and then backwards by 10° instead of rotating uniformly (figure 4). Thus near-mesh particles are blown very effectively from the gauze so there is no material lying on the sieve surface to obstruct the air jet. Figure 5 shows the gauze of a Figure 4: Open mesh 45-micron sieve after sieving quartz sand function.

INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT

Figure 5: Gauze of a 45-µm sieve after sieving quartz sand without (top) and with open mesh function (bottom).

labcanada.com • 08/11 • LAB PRODUCT NEWS

Figure 6: Sieve analysis with the standard method (above) and the ‘Swiss’ method (below).

with and without the open mesh function. It is clearly visible that some sieve apertures are blocked with particles where the sieving was done without the function, whereas it is completely free where the function was activated. By gently cleaning the sieve, this special feature helps to improve the reproducibility of the sieve analysis as well as the lifetime of the sieves, compared to other air jet sieving machines.

Particle size distribution Although only one sieve can be used with the air jet sieving machine, it is still possible to determine particle size distributions with this unit. Two different methods can be used:

A) Standard method: The complete amount of material to be sieved is placed on the sieve with the finest mesh size. After sieving and weighing the fraction, the oversize is placed on the next larger sieve and sieved again. This procedure is continued until the complete sample is separated into fractions (figure 6)

B) ‘Swiss’ method: The sample is first divided into the number of size classes to be determined and then each part is sieved individually with the cor-

responding sieve (figure 6). This method can only provide reliable results if the sample division was carried out representatively to keep the particle size distribution in all part samples identical. The best results are obtained by rotary sample dividers, which divide the initial material into 6, 8 or 10 identical part samples. For the standard method, less sample material is required, but the Swiss method is more exact. Software-based evaluation not only facilitates and accelerates the data processing; it also eliminates user errors during data transfer and calculation. The software guides the user through the whole sieving process. It controls the sieve shaker and reads the weighing data to generate a protocol in accordance with standards. In summary, air jet sieving is an important method of quality control of fine bulk goods. Modern technologies and the possible variations of sieving parameters in combination with reliable evaluation software ensure reproducible sieving results over a long period of time. LABPN Retsch designs and manufactures equipment suitable for air jet sieving, including the AS 200 air jet sieving machine, PT 100 rotary sample dividers, and EasySieve® software. For more information, circle reply card # 16 or request online at www.labcanda.com/rsc.

CRUCIBLES ARE HEAT AND CORROSION RESISTANT Ceramic and glass crucibles come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials for applications where heat and corrosion resistance are essential. Standard sizes range from 0.03 ml to multilitre capacity, and materials include alumina (dense or porous), boron nitride, magnesia, quartz, silicon carbide, titanium diboride, vitreous carbon and zirconia. They can also be fabricated to customer specifications. Depending on the size and material, the crucibles can be made by slip casting, injection moulding or chemical vapour deposition. Some crucibles can be coated on the inside to further enhance performance. Goodfellow Cambridge Reply card # 39 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

NANOSCALE RESOLUTION WITH QUANTITATIVE CL MICROSCOPE Quantitative cathodoluminescence (CL) system features nanoscale resolution and picosecond timing in an easy-to-use platform. Manufacturer says the instrument runs the full spectrum from UV to IR while maintaining 10nm spatial resolution, and full temperature range from 15K to 300K, all with 100x larger field of view and up to 100x more collection efficiency than prior CL technology. Instrument combines nanoscale imaging and pico-second time resolved spectroscopy. The heart of the instrument is a newly designed scanning electron microscope that contains an embedded optical microscope, a 9-axis cryo nano-stage, and a fully integrated (not just interfaced) cathodoluminescence system. Attolight Reply card # 35 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

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UV to ure p to ment

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INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT

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HEAVY-DUTY LAB GLASSWARE IS SHOCK RESISTANT Glassware has thick, highly uniform walls for increased safety and durability with extra mechanical strength and thermal shock resistance. The line includes beakers, bottles, centrifuge tubes and flasks. Low-form beakers are suitable for hot plates. Volumetric flasks have wide-mouth neck openings for easier pipette access, large volume markings and flat interior bottoms for stirring with standard stir bars. Heavy-wall filter flasks improve safety in vacuum filtration applications. Screw thread centrifuge tubes have a heavier wall tubing to withstand high centrifuge speeds and come with tapered or round bottoms. Kimble Chase Reply card # 31 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

HIGH-SENSITIVITY SPECTROFLUOROMETER OFFERS FAST SCANNING Spectrofluorometer combines high sensitivity, fast spectral scanning and analysis-oriented functionality. The instrument is suitable for advanced materials research and biochemical analysis applications. Numerous accessories are available for integration with sophisticated control and analysis applications. Features include sensitivity of >5000 RMS; fastest scan speed of 60,000 nm/min; and dynamic range of >6.5 orders of magnitude. System has auto-gain and auto-SCS (sensitivity control system); automatic higherorder diffraction cut filter; rapid 3D spectra measurements; and expanded features for phosphorescence measurements. JASCO Reply card # 32 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

FLUORIDE ION SELECTIVE ELECTRODE CAN BE CLEANED Fluoride specific electrode reference and fluoride crystal sensor is built for high-speed testing, rugged enough for all applications and accurate enough for research purposes. The electrode has a renewable junction that overcomes the problem of contamination and clogging. The reference junction is a double junction, one sealed internal junction and one external junction that is removable and cleanable. The fluoride crystal is embedded at the tip of the electrode that measures quickly and accurately, due to a concentric annular junction on the end of the electrode near the crystal membrane. Ionode Reply card # 33 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

AFM SYSTEM PROVIDES OPTIMAL IMAGING Atomic force microscopy (AFM) system provides optimal imaging in air and liquid for single molecules, polymers and nanomaterials. The tip-scanning head equipped with a flexure scanner gives great flexibility for a large variety of different samples. Modular design coupled with multiple operation modes and accessories makes it suitable for multiple users and applications. With extremely low tip-sample interactions, samples are never damaged. System is extremely stable to drift and can detect the smallest cantilever deflections. Comes with a vapour barrier, encapsulated piezos and dedicated liquid cells for applications ranging from single molecule experiments to corrosion in an electrochemical environment. JPK Instruments Reply card # 36 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

IR TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAS USB INTERFACE Infrared (IR) temperature sensor provides a reliable and economical method for most PC-based non-contact temperature monitoring. The unit features an IR sensor/signal conditioner installation with a direct USB connection and free user software that converts a PC into a temperature meter, chart recorder or data logger. The emissivity is adjustable from 0.10 to 1.0 and it measures -18 to 538ºC. Some typical temperature monitoring applications are where the object to be measured is moving; where the object is surrounded by an EM field, as in induction heating; where the object is contained in a vacuum or other controlled atmosphere; or in circumstances where a fast response is required. Omega Reply card # 34 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

PEN COMBINES COUNTING AND MARKING Counter pen is a combination marker and digital counter. Each time a black mark is made with the felt-tipped pen, it automatically sounds a beep, and an LCD displays the counts. It can be used to count cell growth on petri dishes, inventory parts, and tally samples received. Touch, sound and count occur simultaneously. Even when the user is interrupted, the marks hold the place and the counter holds the total. Durable ABS plastic unit provides audio/visual counts to 99999 with reset button, on/off switch, and pen cap. Control Company Reply card # 38 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

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CUSTOMIZING COTS TESTING SYSTEMS BY JEFF ELLIOTT

y definition, the off-the-shelf modular instruments used to create automated test and measurement systems are designed to be general purpose, programmable, and flexible enough to handle a variety of input ranges and types, speeds, and functions. However, 100 percent commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) are generally The system shown here includes instruments from Kinetic Systems and high-speed digitizers from GaGe, inadequate for complex, commercialsemi-customized to work as a complete system. ized measurement systems. Often these instruments, built into systems within a chassis or PC, are used in a laboratory or R&D environment, with tech- system project his company completed for niques or information that was not previ- an automotive component testing application. It involved temperature-controlled ously available. “Flexibility is built into these types of test chambers to simulate worst-case encards so they can deal with multiple condi- vironments. Accelerator pedals were metions,” said Steve Krebs, of KineticSystems, chanically cycled continuously for months a company that offers CompactPCI/PXI and while the system recorded the position and VXI data acquisition (DAQ) modules for test monitored the motion profile to ensure the and measurement applications. “Manufac- pedal was performing as designed. In some turers cannot anticipate everything, partic- instances, stress was also measured. The original ATE system developed for ularly in cutting-edge applications, so custhis purpose was a proprietary non-stantomization still enters into the equation. “With modular instruments there is this dards based system no longer supported idea that you can buy different pieces from by its manufacturer. Later, the system was different vendors and stick them together updated with VXI components from Kinetin a system and that’ll be it,” he said. “But icSystems, but was still largely proprietary. “Every time they purchased a new system once you put these modules together, there are often issues with interoperability, input they made incremental improvements, but ranges, synchronization, signal amplitude never came up with a standardized solution or conditioning, and other performance they could easily duplicate,” he said. “Now they wanted a smaller, more economical socharacteristics.” Although some customization can be lution they could standardize on globally.” KineticSystems was able to satisfy the handled by the customer’s engineering staff, modifications are a time-consuming and ex- requirements with four modular off-thepensive activity that consume resources and shelf eight-channel CompactPCI/PXI modules with signal conditioning and ADC in a detract from a company’s core activity. As a result, it is a good idea for manufac- rack mounted enclosure. The customer also wanted to perform turers to partner with instrument providers willing to semi-customize COTS prod- more frequent calibration of the instruucts. Kreb notes that smaller instrument ments in its own metrology labs. Typically, manufacturers such as his company are calibration is performed annually at the often willing – free of charge or at nominal manufacturer’s facility. However, calibrating in-house would minimize downtime cost – to provide semi-custom solutions. By way of example, he pointed to a PXI and expense. KineticSystems developed a

standalone software application to perform periodic calibration with report generation for NIST traceability. The customer also required the ATE to perform ad-hoc data acquisition experimentation without having to write any code. This was achieved through configurable data acquisition software that provided access to all of an instrument’s features through a simple point and click GUI. In another semi-customization example, a US manufacturer of electromagnetic (EM) compliance systems required an 8-bit high speed digitizer for data acquisition. After some research they selected GaGe, a manufacturer of high-speed PCI/ PCIe digitizers. However, the customer required more memory than was currently available on even the largest available digitizers. This was an extraordinary requirement as GaGe offers some of the highest on-board memory in the industry, up to 4 GS/s. But the customer still needed more. GaGe solved the requirement with a twocard solution, with each card’s memory designed to fill in succession. Due to timing delays between cards, a special triggering signal was added to activate the second card when the first card was full. The manufacturer provided a procedure to figure out the delay between the two cards and provided its customer with custom software that could be used to align data acquisition between the two cards easily through a visual representation of the signals. The application also required a subtle adjustment to the sampling rate in order to cover the entire EM frequency spectra. According to the Nyquist Theorem, the sampling rate must be at least twice the highest analog frequency for completely accurate analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) of the signal. The card delivered a 2 GS/s sampling rate, but the customer wanted to be able to accurately identify signal frequencies up to 1 GS/s. To build in flexibility, the customer

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM PROTECTS SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS

specified 2.1 to 2.2 GS/s sampling rate for the card. Because GaGe used fixed oscillators, it had to look elsewhere for a solution. Fortunately, each digitizer has a built in 10 MHz reference input as part of its standard reference circuitry that, multiplied by 200, provided the 2GS/s. Engineers at the company modified the normally fixed reference input to be adjustable between 9 and 11 MHz so the sampling rate could be tuned to 90-110% of 2 GHz which delivered a 1.8 to 2.2 GS/s sampling rate. Unlike the previous, more expensive solution that used a spectrum analyzer to scan at specific frequencies over the course of an event, with its modifications, the GaGe solution provided 100% coverage, capturing all the data at all frequencies over an eight second event of interest. LABPN For more information, circle reply card # 18 or request online at www.labcanada.com/rsc. A Torrance, CA-based technical writer, Jeff Elliott has researched and written about industrial technologies for the past 15 years. Mottlab_gm2753.qxd 12/5/05 12:46 PM

Scientific instrumentation is typically housed in enclosed rooms, with just enough access for operation or service. The heat generated from equipment and personnel can affect the performance of sensitive instrumentation. To help maintain a consistently cool environment without adding air turbulence, a special radiant cooling system for the instrument laboratory is now available. The system is custom-designed and fitted to each room, with consideration for heat load, local weather, facilities, and instrument requirements. It consists of wall-mounted water circulating panels, acoustic absorbing materials, a water chiller, plumbing, an optional air exchange system, and a wall-mounted remote controller. JEOL Reply card # 40 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

SPECTRODENSITOMETERS HAVE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KITS Available in two models, spectrodensitometers are lightweight, handheld instruments that can measure density and colour while taking into account the fluorescence of the paper substrate. Both models provide repeatable data and also have good inter-instrument agreement when communicating colour. Software development kit allows 3rd party software developers and integrators to interface their software with the device. Developers can now incorporate measurements that directly correspond to the latest ISO 13655.2 guidelines. Konica Minolta Sensing Reply card # 37 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

Page 1

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INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT

labcanada.com • 08/11 • LAB PRODUCT NEWS

CAMERA BOOSTS

MICROFLUIDICS RESEARCH L

ooking through the microscope, a scientist takes a deep breath, and holds it. Random and jerky droplets appear, but move too quickly to be studied accurately. Using a high-speed digital camera, the scientist freezes the droplets in a series of images that can later be properly analyzed. This scientist could be studying the mixable properties of new paint colours, or he could be working on a revolutionary new vaccine.

The world of microfluidics Introduced in the 1980s, microfluidics is an offshoot of the more commonly known lab-on-a-chip technology. It is applied in the fields of chemistry, physics, biotechnology, and engineering, in which small volumes of fluids are analyzed. Microfluidics technology exists in many everyday objects, including liquid pumps, gas valves, and consumer inkjet printers. The printer manages to place millions of miniscule droplets of ink accurately on a glossy sheet of photo paper because the printhead is finely calibrated to deliver the same tiny amount

of ink in the correct place, over and over again. Microfluidics technology is also used in the development of DNA chips, micropropulsion, and micro-thermal imaging. Gaining momentum as a viable research tool, microfluidics is proving to be particularly useful for scientists researching cell structure and function. For more detailed analysis of their work, cell researchers are combining microfluidics with the use of high-speed cameras. High-speed imaging is already being used in the lab-on-a-chip field, which is the integration of several lab functions on a chip, where it has significantly helped advance the discovery of new scientific data. “The lab-on-a-chip field is increasingly using high-speed cameras,” said Jon Edd, PhD, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. “High-speed cameras with short exposures allow us to visualize dynamics of fastmoving objects on a microscope without blur, such as a sample of micro-particles in water, a sample of blood, or a mixture of different fluid phases such as oil and water,

or water and gas. Without these cameras, all we see is still images or blur. They are extremely useful in helping us figure out if the research we’re doing is working at all,” he added. Dr Edd’s areas of research include inertial and drop-based microfluidics (BioMEMS), fluid mechanics, heat transfer, non-equilibrium thermodynamics, cryopreservation, and cryosurgery. “The primary use of high-speed cameras in my field right now is for research and testing of prototype designs. Without them, it would be difficult to understand how my network of microfluidic channels is being experienced by the cells, particles, and droplets which flow through except in an average sense,” he said. Vision Research came to his attention during his postdoctoral fellowship at the BioMEMS Resource Center in Massachusetts. “I had never used a high-speed camera, though I knew we needed one for my lab, and I wanted to find the right set of specifications for our purposes of track-

Samples of micro-particles in liquid. Images courtesy of Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology.

INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT

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Phantom v310 high-speed digital camera with CineMag interface.

ing individual cells or particles in flow,” he explained. Some of his colleagues had already begun using high-speed cameras for cell study. After assessing digital imaging needs, Dr Edd recommended the purchase of the Phantom v4.2 high-speed camera from Vision Research to better facilitate the research efforts of the BioMEMS Resource Center. Upon starting his own lab at Vanderbilt University, he then purchased Vision Research’s Phantom v310 highspeed camera for studying cells travelling within a high aspect ratio microchannel, for example. The v310 is a one megapixel high-speed digital camera with a custom-built 1280 x 800 CMOS sensor. All of Vision Research’s digital cameras use the company’s own CMOS sensors, which are designed for high-speed use. The custom CMOS sensor balances sensitivity, speed, and resolution supporting high-speed applications. Additionally, unlike a CCD sensor, CMOS will not “bloom” (creating fringes of light around very bright objects in an image). Being able to set the v310’s exposure to as little as one microsecond was a key factor in Dr Edd’s choice of camera. “In doing my research, I needed a camera with a short exposure time, something like one microsecond in most cases, especially when there are particles that are moving quickly relative to their size,” he said.

“This brings up another problem; the signal-to-noise ratio must still be high enough to capture a clear image, and sometimes a short exposure will work against this. “I’ve found the solution is to increase the intensity of the transmitted light source and/or reduce the bit-depth of the images from the software interface,” he added. “This was easy with the v310 since it supports 8- and 12-bit pixel depth.” The camera’s wide aspect ratio is also critical for scientific research and study. This feature allows moving subjects to stay in frame longer, which in turn allows more time to view the event being recorded.

High-speed app with speedy results As a high-throughput camera with the ability to record at 500,000 frames per second, the Phantom v310 offers the largest resolution for a fixed frame rate and enabled Dr Edd to reveal detail unseen to the human eye. The camera’s active pixel size of 20 microns also exceeded his expectations. “I’m very impressed with the fast frame rate and high pixel count of this camera, especially over its predecessor, the v4.2,” he said. “Frame rate is very important when using a high-speed camera to track individual cells or particles in flow. It is necessary to capture several video frames as they transit the microscopic field of view, and this can sometimes be tens or hundreds of microseconds. Frame rate isn’t something

that can be compromised.” He said the camera allowed him to dramatically improve the quality of his research and discern the high-speed motions of cells and particles. “In particular, we’ve been able to better understand flow conditions, which result in pattern formations in microchannels,” he said. “This is when cells or particles evenly space themselves, allowing single-cell encapsulation in picolitre droplets at some kHz frequency. It would have been much more difficult to see what was occurring without using a high-speed camera. “As an alternative, we could have looked at still frames with short exposures, but it wouldn’t have been as efficient. It helps immensely to see how the behaviour of a particular group of cells or particles evolves with passing through the view region,” he noted. LABPN For more information, circle reply card # 17 or request online at www.labcanada.com/rsc.

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SYSTEM SIMPLIFIES DECONTAMINATION OF ELECTRON COLUMNS Decontamination system simplifies the control and operation of plasma radical sources (PRS) for both column and desktop cleaning of specimens for electron columns used in scanning electron microscopes, transmission electron microscopes and focussed ion beam systems. System simplifies the control and operation of multiple PRS modules on columns and desktops. With a new integrated controller and vacuum chamber, operators can easily select which PRS is active via the system front panel and seamlessly switch between column cleaning and desktop decontamination of parts destined for use in the microscopes. XEI Scientific Reply card # 41 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

WATER BATH HAS QUICK-SELECT TEMPERATURE CONTROLS Compact 4 L water bath features easy-to-use digital controls that allow the user to quickly select and monitor temperature. The microprocessor control ensures temperature precision and accuracy. For additional convenience, the unit features a simple in-lab user calibration function – eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming professional calibration procedures. The unit’s hinged lid provides a secure, covered environment and can be flipped open or completely removed. It also comes with tube racks for 50 ml, 15 ml and 1.5/2.0 ml tubes. This allows the user to quickly set up and use it without having to search for correctly fitting racks. Benchmark Scientific Reply card # 42 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

BENCH-TOP CENTRIFUGE INCLUDES APPLICATION PACKAGES Medium-capacity centrifuge is suitable for general research use and clinical sample preparation. The compact, 18-in-wide instrument is available individually or packaged with the appropriate rotors and labware to provide high-level performance in a range of applications. Two new rotors are also available: a 1.6-L swinging-bucket rotor and a microplate rotor that accommodates 3 x 2 microplates or 2 x 1 deep-well plates. The swinging-bucket rotor and 15 and 50 mL conical tube adapters comprise a cell culture application package. Blood sample processing and microplate application packages also provide everything needed – centrifuge, rotor and adapters. Beckman Coulter Reply cad # 44 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

ELECTRO-DIALYZER SYSTEM PROVIDES SPEED, CONVENIENCE Sample prep system can be used for electro-dialysis, electroelution, electro-filtration, electro-fractionation or electroconcentration for running a sample simultaneously into multiple molecular weight cut off (MWCO) fractions. System is suitable for the rapid purification of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and other biomolecules. With a run-time of 3 to 10 minutes, it provides speed and convenience, even at the very low currents (5 to10 mA) used by the system. New reusable sample chambers are made of PTFE for high sample recovery and have been redesigned to provide larger membrane surface areas for even faster dialysis rates. Harvard Apparatus Reply card # 46 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

EVAPORATOR IS INERT AND CORROSION-PROOF Designed using advanced technology in evaporation science, centrifugal evaporator is suitable for sample concentration and complete drying in both quality assurance and research labs. The evaporator uses inert and corrosion-proof materials to enable it to withstand high concentrations of up to 12 molar hydrochloric acid and other acid chlorides. These can be routinely removed from samples without any loss of performance or long-term deterioration in the system. Acid-resistant components in the evaporator include a PTFE-coated evaporation chamber, a glass condenser and all metallic parts coming into contact with removed solvent manufactured from acid-resistant Hasteloy® C steel. Genevac Reply card # 51 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

BENCH-TOP FREEZE DRYER IS PROGRAMMABLE Laboratory bench-top freeze dryer comes with a restyled exterior, easier shelving adjustment, and is equipped with the same process control software used on the manufacturer’s larger freeze dryers. The controller provides scientists with the ability to develop a complete freeze-drying recipe, together with the flexibility to program and control individual pressure and temperature settings at each step of the process. Incorporating silicone flooded shelves, the unit maintains a precise level of temperature control the manufacturer says was previously available only in pilot/production scale freeze dryers. SP Scientific Reply card # 43 or www. labcanada.com/rsc

SAMPLE PREP

LAB PRODUCT NEWS • 08/11 • labcanada.com

GENERAL-PURPOSE CENTRIFUGE IS HIGHLY VERSATILE Capable of accommodating a variety of tube sizes as well as microplates, general-purpose centrifuge offers a cost-effective spin-down solution for many biomedical, biochemical and life science applications. A powerful and extremely quiet motor with soft-start and run-down functions provides spin speeds of up to 3000 rpm for tubes and 2000 rpm for microplates. Set up is fast and easy using convenient push buttons and an LCD display. Features robust and durable construction and comes with a three-year warranty. Suitable for use in cold rooms and incubators, it has an operating temperature range of 4 to 45°C. Grant Instruments Reply card # 48 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

FREEZER PROTECTS SAMPLES SECURELY Ultra-low-temperature freezer provides sample protection while maintaining high standards in energy efficiency, capacity per footprint and security. The unit comes equipped with a touch-screen control panel that has an event log, a health-monitoring system and controlled access options. The freezer maximizes sample storage capacity while minimizing its footprint inside the lab. Model capacity ranges in size from 421 to 949 L and provides a number of options to suit different storage and lab space requirements. A new cabinet design and vacuum panel insulation allows storage of up to 70,000 2mL tubes. Thermo Fisher Scientific Reply card # 45 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

DISPOSABLE CUVETTE IMPROVES DLS PRODUCTIVITY Manufacturer says dynamic light scattering (DLS) sample preparation time is improved by a factor of 8 with disposable curvette compared to using traditional quartz cuvettes. The 5µl cuvette combines the convenience of a disposable sample holder with the measurement quality of a quartz cuvette. Precision moulded in black polycarbonate, the cuvette requires no sample preparation beyond centrifuging to reduce the possibility of dust contamination. To fill, sample is simply pipetted against the walls of the liquid trap where it is retained by surface tension. The prepared cuvette can be analyzed by DLS in seconds. Avid Nano Reply card # 49 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

SAMPLE PREPARATION

for the Food and Feeds Industry

AUTOMATIC UNIT SLICES TISSUE QUICKLY AND PRECISELY Oscillating tissue slicer automatically sections fixed or fresh tissue. Engineered for maximum stability, the slicer head minimizes Z-axis vibration, allowing for even the most delicate tissue to be cut successfully. The unit features a user-programmable cutting window to minimize time between harvesting consecutive slices, allowing the section-cutting range of the blade to be customized to the specimen sample. Samples can be sectioned in two different modes: one section at a time, altering tissue thickness between manually triggered passes, or multiple uniform slices performed automatically. Warner Instruments Reply card # 47 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

Knife Mills GRINDOMIX GM 200 and GM 300 ■ Ideal for samples

high in water and oil content

■ Homogenization of up to

700 ml (GM 200) or 4.5 liters (GM 300) sample material ■ Variable speed from 2,000 – 10,000 rpm (GM 200) or 500 – 4,000 rpm (GM 300) ■ Autoclavable grinding tools ■ Sturdy industrial motor

74 Walker Lane Newtown, PA 18940 1-866-4-RETSCH info@retsch-us.com

Reply card # 115 or request online at www.labcanada.com/rsc

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COMPACT CENTRIFUGE SUITABLE FOR MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS Bench-top centrifuge is designed for use in a variety of industrial and clinical applications, including sedimentation of urine and blood samples. It uses minimal bench-top space, offers variable speeds, and accommodates both 15 mL and 50 mL centrifuge tubes, blood tubes, and microcentrifuge tubes. The product enables researchers to use one centrifuge for multiple applications as needed. It comes with a large digital display control panel and a convenient turn knob for setting parameter values. Speed ranges from 200 rpm to 6,000 rpm with ten levels of acceleration and deceleration. The unit is cold-room compatible. Corning Reply card # 50 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

CHILLING/HEATING INCUBATORS HAVE TEMPERATURE RAMPING VORTEXER AND CENTRIFUGE IS COMBINED IN ONE UNIT System combines the functions of a vortexer and a centrifuge into a single product. It can be programmed to function as a vortexer, a micro-centrifuge, or set to a sequential spin/vortex/spin (SVS) mode to re-suspend samples and mix enzyme reactions. It comes complete with 2 rotors, a 12-place rotor for micro-centrifuge tubes and a 32-place rotor for 4 x 8 strip PCR tubes. It can be used to resuspend bacterial pellets, DNA and RNA. Comes with a comprehensive 2-year warranty. Bioneer Reply card # 52 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

Fully programmable, chilling/heating, bench-top incubators come with temperature ramping and are suitable for use in pharmaceutical, biotech, biochemistry, clinical, general chemistry and other laboratories. Typical applications include protein crystal growth, culture growth above, below, or at room temperature, enzyme reactions and deactivations, incubating marine cultures, ligations, hybridizations, storing ooytes and DNA libraries. Temperature range is from 4 to 70°C with control to 0.1°C (even at room temperature). The controls can store three routines in memory with each routine capable of ten steps. Torrey Pines Scientific Reply card # 54 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

CHAMBERS SIMULATE FREEZE/THAW CYCLES

DISPOSABLE TIP PIERCES TUBE AND MICROPLATE SEPTA A disposable piercing tip for the manufacturer’s automated liquid-handling platforms has been introduced. The new proprietary tip is designed to pierce septa, sealing mats and foils on tubes and plates. The tip is reinforced with carbon fibre and vertical ribbing increases rigidity and strength, and a tip bore prevents blockage and ensures consistent pressure. While reducing the risk of cross-contamination typically associated with steel needles, the tip also offers enhanced accuracy and precision when pipetting to and from septacovered tubes and plates. Hamilton Robotics Reply card # 53 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

Freeze/thaw chambers come in 25- and 33-cu-ft sizes and precisely control a wide range of temperature and (optional) humidity settings. Ramp and soak deluxe controllers are standard and allow the user to program a specific profile needed for their application. The automatic and versatile cycling between setpoints enables rapid simulation of the real world conditions scientists need to replicate freezing and thawing during product testing. Temperature range is -25 to 70°C and the optional humidity range is 20 to 98%, which offers the flexibility to simulate a broad range of climatic conditions. Caron Products & Services Reply card # 55 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

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s…

SAMPLE PREP

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SYSTEM FILTERS EIGHT SAMPLES AT ONCE Filtration system provides an easy, high-throughput alternative to syringe-tip filters for chromatography sample preparation. It allows up to eight chromatography samples – even those with high viscosity or particulates – to be simultaneously vacuum-filtered in seconds. As a result, it eliminates the bottleneck and stress created by repetitive, manual sample prep techniques. Samples are quickly and easily loaded using a pipettor and are filtered directly into LC vials. The filtered samples are immediately ready for subsequent analyses. The system provides relief from the repetition of manual filtration and offers a throughput capacity well-aligned with the needs of most labs. EMD Millipore Reply card # 56 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

KF OVEN EASES WATER CONTENT ANALYSIS Karl Fischer (KF) oven sample changer is designed to make analyzing for water content easier, from low ppm to 100%. The compact unit works in tandem with both coulometric and volumetric titrators. A simple keypad controls the process: the user simply inputs the number of samples, oven temperature and gas flow. Small footprint allows the unit to fit easily on a crowded lab bench. After weighing samples, up to 18 hermetically sealed vials can be placed on the sample changer rack. Headspace vials are used as the oven chamber, eliminating messy tube ovens or drying balances. Metrohm Reply card # 58 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

FLASKS ARE SECURE WITH SHAKER’S CLAMPING SYSTEM Orbital shaker has a rugged drive mechanism and new tool-free clamp system. Suitable for shaking a variety of laboratory vessels, it uses active feedback control and is driven by a long-lasting brushless DC motor. It offers quiet operation and constant shaking speed independent of the load. Comes equipped with a special movement sensor target that prevents the shaker from ‘walking’. The new clamping system allows flask clamps and test tube racks to be placed or reconfigured at any time. The flask is firmly held in place by rollers and a soft moulded base, so glass flasks don’t screech against hardened steel. LabStrong Reply card # 59 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

MODULE MINIMIZES OUT-OF-SPEC RESULTS Auxiliary module provides gravimetric dispensing of liquids and solvents and is a new approach to the way reference standards and sample solutions are prepared in analytical labs. Manufacturer says that adding the module to the dosing system for its 0.1 mg or 0.01 mg analytical balances will improve efficiency and savings, and significantly help to curtail out-of-specification results. Until now, the amount of solution to be prepared was determined by volumetric glassware tolerances and minimizing measurement subjectivity, not by the amount needed. Using the module, users can prepare single-use solutions with high speed and accuracy to achieve exact concentrations in the amount needed for the analysis. Mettler Toledo Reply card # 57 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

PIPETTE’S TIP EMPTIES QUICKLY AND COMPLETELY Electronic pipette is designed for dispensing small volumes of liquid. The liquid is dispensed from the pipette tip very rapidly, which ensures that the tip is completely emptied. Thus there will not be the usual drop of liquid left at the tip and no need to touch the receiving vessel wall during pipetting. This means the handling of the liquid is contamination free, more precise and faster than with other pipettes. The pipette is suitable for handling 0.1 - 5 mL of liquid and is targeted particularly for molecular biology laboratories. Biohit Reply card # 60 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

FREEZER BOXES HELP TRACK CRYOGENIC VIALS Durable, colour-coded biobank storage boxes work together with the manufacturer’s 2D barcoded cryogenic vials, enabling researchers to manage and track biological samples destined for cryopreservation both rapidly and accurately. Offered in six colours, the boxes can be colour-coded to match the vials, enabling faster batching and easier sample identification. For digital traceability, the boxes have openings in the bottom tray allowing the 2D barcode bottom inserts on the vials to be scanned, while the vials remain secure in the closed box. The bottom openings also allow for the quick draining of liquid nitrogen. Wheaton Reply card # 63 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

CLINICAL & LIFE SCIENCES

labcanada.com • 08/11 • LAB PRODUCT NEWS

SYSTEM CAPTURES E COLI FOR FASTER DETECTION

CAPSULE-FILLING MACHINE IS EXPANDABLE Upgraded capsule filling machine produces small batches right in the laboratory for R&D or clinical purposes. The production parameters required later during production, such as the machine speed, can be fully simulated. For lab use, a specially designed filling station, known as the mini-bowl, was developed for small product batches between 100 and 300 mL, which gives higher powder yields. This is especially suitable for expensive and limited powder volumes during the development phase, providing an economic filling solution. Its modular design allows the machine to be re-tooled for future filling needs. Bosch Reply card # 64 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

With the rapid isolation and identification of verocytotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli a high priority, the manufacturer says its immunomagnetic separation (IMS) technique allows part of the conventional enrichment to be omitted, helping labs achieve faster results. The system uses antibody-coated microscopic paramagnetic particles for the specific immunomagnetic separation of micro-organisms. The beads have a magnetite core and a ceramic zirconium oxide coating and are designed for the immunomagnetic separation of target bacteria from enrichment cultures. The technique offers greater speed and can be a less damaging alternative to the use of antibiotics and other harsh reagents. Lab M Reply card # 65 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

PLATFORM SUPPORTS CELL- AND BEAD-BASED ASSAYS System produces accurate, quantitative data for a wide range of applications using fluorescent cell- and bead-based assays. Intuitive workflows provide full flexibility to optimize and standardize assays from the first image acquisition step through to data analysis and reporting. Typical applications include bead-based assays for hybridoma screening, quantifying antibody production and secretion of cytokines or hormones and cell-based assays for cell cycle analysis, cytotoxicity studies or monitoring protein translocation. The system enables scientists to increase throughput without compromising image or data quality. In addition, the accuracy of the quantitative data can be substantially improved compared to conventional approaches. Genetix Reply card # 69 or www. labcanada.com/rsc

MICROWAVE SYNTHESIZER ALLOWS REACTIONS UP TO 300ºC Upgraded microwave synthesizer enables difficult reactions and improves yields on critical reaction steps. The system has simple, intuitive software, an integrated control system and a very large touch-screen interface. It allows the user to drive reactions to as high as 300ºC and up to 30 bar pressure. An optional fibre-optic temperature measurement device enables in-situ reaction monitoring. The 30 bar pressure range allows for increased flexibility in the choice of solvents. Low boiling point solvents can be used at higher temperatures and reactions performed at maximum speed. Biotage Reply card # 66 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

EASY-TO-USE LABEL CONSERVES LAB SPACE Histology cassette label is a high-performance, resilient label that is resistant to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. It is very easy to use and requires no additional label attachment equipment, thus conserving lab space. The label works with automated pathology systems. Permanently adhering to cassettes, the label is highly reliable. With no complexities, the label saves time and trouble in the lab environment. Computype Reply card # 68 or www.labcanada.com/rsc

TECHNICAL LITERATURE

LAB PRODUCT NEWS • 08/11 • labcanada.com

LABORATORY LITERATURE REVIEWS EXPANDED EZ-2 PERSONAL SOLVENT EVAPORATOR RANGE

NEW LINE OF WOOD LAB CASEWORK FROM MOTTLAB Mottlab’s great, new line of wood lab casework offers a wide range of sustainability options, extensive custom options and very competitive pricing. This product can be seamlessly integrated with our fume hoods and mobile lab solutions. For more information visit: www.mottlab.com. MOTTLAB

Genevac has expanded its iconic EZ-2 personal evaporator range with the new Elite model, which is designed to work with high boiling point solvents and stubborn samples. The latest, fully updated, EZ-2 brochure is available now. http://www.genevac.com/Elite GENEVAC LTD

Circle Reply Card no. 151

Circle Reply Card No. 150

NEW HORIZONS® IN TEMPERATURE, PRESSURE, FLOW AND MORE!

For 40 years NuAire® has provided Laboratory professionals with reliable products for demanding environments. Our Life Science equipment includes BioSafety Cabinets, CO2 Incubators, Animal Handling Stations, Barrier Isolators, Ultra-low Freezers. http://www.nuaire.com/experience/ergonomics/index.htm NUAIRE, INC.

DILBERT™ CONTROLCAT NEW HORIZONS® Version No. 28 Contains over 150 full color pages of state-of-the art products separated into 7 sections: Automation, Sanitary, Temperature, Electric Heaters, Wireless/Data Acquisition, Pressure/Strain/ Force, and Flow/Level/Environmental.   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.omega.ca/literature/ controlcat28/ OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC.

Circle Reply Card No. 152

Circle Reply Card No. 153

BEST PRODUCTS, BEST PERFORMANCE, BEST PROTECTION

AMINO ACID ANALYSIS EXPLAINED

NEW CYCLONE MILL TWISTER FOR NIR ANALYSIS:

Pickering Laboratories is a pioneer in the Analysis of free Amino Acids in complex Matrices. This document describes 16 examples of Amino Acid analysis in different matrices including physiological fluids, food and feeds.

The NEW Cyclone Mill TWISTER is designed for processing forage and feed samples for NIR analysis. The TWISTER generates a stream of air carrying the ground sample through its integrated cyclone and into a 250 ml collection bottle.

PICKERING LABORATORIES www.pickeringlabs.com

www.retsch-us.com RETSCH, INC.

Circle Reply Card No. 154

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Advertisers’ Index RC#

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150...............Genevac...............................23 114...............Mottlab................................ 15 151................Mottlab................................23 116...............Messe Dusseldorf ..........OBC (MEDICA 2011)

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111................Nuaire................................IFC 152...............Nuaire..................................23 112...............Omega Engineering..............3 153................Omega Engineering............23

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113................Pickering Laboratories.......... 9 154...............Pickering Laboratories.........23 115................Retsch..................................19 155................Retsch..................................23 Also in this issue: Mottlab product card

Nov 16 – 19, 2011 Düsseldorf • Germany www.medica.de Reply card # 116 or request online at www.labcanada.com/rsc

Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc. Your contact: Stefan Egge 480 University Avenue, Suite 1500 Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1V2 Tel.: (416) 598-1524 Fax: (416) 598-1840 E-mail: messeduesseldorf@ germanchamber.ca

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04.05.2011 · MEDICA 2011 / Canada · 206 x 276 mm · 4c · Laboratory Product News

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