Lab Management and Science Issue 4 2018

Issue 4 • 2018 • Vol. 37 • No. 4

Lab Management & SERVING THE LABORATORY COMMUNITY SINCE 1981

INSIDE

SciencE

NEWS: Stellenbosch boffins create early-detection device for cancer PRODUCT: Buchi Reveleris PREP system | BIOTECH: A survey of this extraordinary field

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C ONTENTS

18

DESTINATION BIOTECH

EDITOR’S NOTE 4 Welcome to the revolution

RAPID TESTING 26 Mycoplasma qPCR assays

NEWS 5 Revolutionising cancer screening 8 CSIR’s Mandela Mining Precinct churns out the goodies

LAB DIAGNOSTICS 29 Avoid manual processing

SCIENCE NEWS 10 Scientific discoveries and perspectives from across the globe LAB SAFETY 14 Lab accidents: Fails and wins LOCAL SCIENCE 16 SA adds to global knowledge

BIOTECHNOLOGY 30 Revolutionary ultrafilter 32 Authenticate your staining

32 33

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 33 Seamless spectrometry PRODUCT AND SERVICE INSIGHT 34 Single crystal x-ray diffraction 35 Smart laboratory software STRANGER THAN SCIENCE FICTION 36 The world of science can be a freaky place

THE CUTTING EDGE 18 Destination biotech 20 Going up! The Laboratory 4.0 lift

PRODUCT DIRECTORY 37 A comprehensive list of lab products

ANIMAL KINGDOM 23 From the Stone Age to lift-off

COMPANY DIRECTORY 40 A comprehensive list of contact details Bio-Logic SAS: www.Bio-Logic.info

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Bio-Logic SP-300 Modular research grade super potentiostat/ galvanostat/FRA

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

3

EDITOR ’ S NOTE

Welcome to the revolution

It is my privilege to welcome you to a new

knowledge) company in the US, for what the

era of Laboratory Management & Science

future lab could look like. The possibilities

(LMS), your go-to mag for local science and

are so varied and change so often that

laboratory news. LMS has been serving the

predicting the specifics of what future labs

laboratory community since 1981 – two years

will look like is impossible. The general

before I was born. Science (and society) have

features, however, are clear: increased

changed rapidly since then. A cursory look

integration between previously separate

at science news from 1981 reveals a scientific

technologies into one hyper-efficient,

culture not quite on board with technologies

mind-boggling whole.

like genetics or desktop computing. But

LMS hopes to be your indispensable

progress waits for no person, and 37 years

guide to the evolution of Lab 4.0 and its

later we are riding the crest of the fourth

implementation in South Africa. Our

industrial revolution: the merging of digital

labs lag behind the rest of the world,

and physical technologies.

partly due to funding constraints, as the

The impact this will have cannot be

National Laboratory Association has noted

overestimated. Some of the cutting-edge

before. We have a new section called The

you know spiders can fly?). As if that wasn’t

technologies that are being proposed

Cutting Edge dedicated to revolutionary

fun enough, we have cleared some space

for the lab of the future include vastly

tech, including the incredible field of

for an in-depth look at the good and bad

increased automation and AI capabilities

biotechnology (pages 18-19) and both

outcomes of lab accidents (pages 14-15).

coupled with (get this!) the augmented

current and future lab innovations on

reality technology first showcased in

page 20.

Pokémon Go! The idea is that lab technicians

This magazine is dedicated to informing and entertaining you in equal measure and

LMS aims to spotlight the amazing work

we want you to feel a rush of excitement

wearing augmented reality goggles will be

being done by our local researchers. An

when LMS arrives at your lab. Please reach

able to view information about elements of

exciting discovery by Prof Resia Pretorius

out to us via email at Conrad.Strydom@

the lab environment and get real-time info

and her team from the University of

newmediapub.co.za if you have any

on what they see.

Stellenbosch could change the screening

suggestions or solutions. We are also

process for diseases like cancer,

looking for contributors (see below), so if

it and your goggles will display the date it

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia (see

you have it in you to write articles (or even

was collected, where it was collected, blood

page 5, on the right). Our friends at the CSIR

columns) for this publication, send them to

type, whether or not the sample was taken

have also been hard at work, churning out

us and we’ll consider your submissions.

from a healthy individual, the nature of

innovative solutions to the problem of mine

their disease profile (if any), blood sugar

safety. You can see some of their exciting

levels, etc. Depending on how advanced

work on page 8.

Unsure about a blood sample? Stare at

genetic analysis gets (and it promises to

We also feature local (pages 16-17) and

get very advanced), your AR goggles could

international science news (page 10), as well

even display characteristics of the sample’s

as our usual look at the way-out and weird,

genome and include recommendations

Stranger than Science Fiction (page 36).

regarding what to CRISPR.

The animal kingdom is a constant source

Keep in mind that this is only one possibility, marketed by one (to our

Nullius in verba (‘don’t take anybody’s word for it’),

of wonder; we look at some interesting discoveries in that sphere on page 23 (did

Conrad Strydom

Lab Management & Science is looking for contributors.

Do you have something to say about the current state of the lab industry and science in South Africa?

Send us a story and we will consider printing it!

Send submissions to Conrad.Strydom@newmediapub.co.za 4

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

NE WS

Revolutionising cancer screening

South Africa has produced its fair share

Parkinson’s that is typically seen as a neuro-

from the University of Manchester, we were

of quantum leaps in healthcare. A recently

inflammatory condition, all of those have two

the first to discover that, in the presence

developed biosensor by Professor Resia

things in common: circulating, upregulated

of circulating inflammatory markers,

Pretorius and her team from Stellenbosch

pathological markers, and a bigger propensity

the circulating plasma molecules, called

University (SU) could join that list,

to form abnormal blood clots.”

fibrinogen, found in every individual’s blood

revolutionising and drastically lowering the

She explained that upregulated

can change structure in the presence of

cost of the screening process for some of

inflammatory molecules within the

circulating inflammatory markers, leading

the world’s most common and dangerous

bloodstream cause plasma proteins to clot

to an increased propensity for blood to clot.”

illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular

abnormally, inducing a pathological change

When they studied SAA they found that

diseases and Alzheimer’s. Lab Management &

to plasma molecules, forcing them to become

one of SAA’s most interesting features is its

Science was lucky to speak to Prof Pretorius

more hypercoagulable. During her team’s

amyloidogenic ability to cause changes to

about the nature of her discovery and its

research into this condition, they decided to

protein structure.

potential impact on treatment methods.

focus on specific biomarkers to determine if

Pretorius’ team showed that increased

novel markers could be found that are easily

SAA could be a biomarker that is one of the

Fascination with inflammation

detected but not currently focused on in most

Since she started her research career at

pathology laboratories. The reasoning behind

Tuks, Prof Pretorius’ main research focus

this was to see if there weren’t some novel

has been inflammatory conditions and

molecules that could be utilised for the early

their relationship to the haematological

detection of specific conditions, particularly

system. Using flow cytology, electron

cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

microscopy, confocal microscopy and thromboelastography (TEG) to study blood

Serum Amyloid A

clotting), she has managed to make some

One of Pretorius’ colleagues, Professor

surprising discoveries that could lead to a

Wim de Villiers (the current rector of SU)

much improved clinical capacity to detect

had previously worked on a molecule called

severe illnesses.

Serum Amyloid A (SAA), an inflammatory

“The golden thread in all inflammatory

molecule that is massively upregulated

conditions is upregulated inflammatory

during stage 4 cancer, to the point where a

markers that are circulating in a person’s

patient could have SAA levels a thousand

blood,” she explained. “This is an indication

times higher than a healthy individual’s.

of hypercoagulation, or increased propensity

Pretorius and her team decided to focus on

for blood to clot. So whether you have

this molecule as a possible novel biomarker.

diabetes, arthritis, even something like w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

“Together with Professor Douglas Kell

Professor Resia Pretorius

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

5

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NE WS causative agents for blood to

of a person whose blood has a

by reducing abnormal blood

and Alzheimer’s by reducing

become hypercoagulative.

higher propensity to clot, by

clotting.

abnormal blood clotting. These

“This was significant because

seeing if myloid formation is

The team also has a similar

patents for inflammation-linked

it meant that people with stage

present in fibrinogen proteins,”

patent for a device that

diseases still need to undergo

4 cancer will have a long track

Pretorius said.

will focus specifically on

clinical testing.

record of upregulated SAA

Perold delivered a

platelet activation. Currently,

presence, long before the cancer

nanobiosensor that is extremely

platelet activation is studied

actually happens. Also, during

cheap and battery-powered,

in pathology laboratories

the progressive stages of cancer

allowing for its deployment

using platelet aggregation

SAA levels will go up and up.”

in parts of Africa and the

equipment such as ELISA

Essentially, Pretorius and her

developing world where

and mass spectrometry, but

team suggested that SAA could

electricity is scarce. This could,

this is very expensive and

be used as an early warning

for example, revolutionise

requires highly skilled people

system for inflammation,

the early detection of cervical

to operate. The SU team’s

including cancer.

cancer, a condition which is

platelet activation device is

very rare in first world countries

much cheaper and could even

because of early detection

be used to track the efficacy of

technologies that are too

medication in samples.

“Upregulated inflammatory molecules within the bloodstream cause red blood cells to clot abnormally and induce change to plasma proteins, forcing them to become more hypercoagulable.”

“The great thing about having

expensive for the third world.

The device is extremely

“It could also be used to detect early warning signs

“In high-risk cases, a practitioner can use our device to track the activity of circulating fibrinogen and SAA activation levels”

simple: a material – paper

of stroke,” Pretorius said.

or cloth – is coated with a

“If a high-risk patient has

able to detect cancer will be

special compound called a bio-

been flagged, the medical

completed by the end of 2018

recognition element, on which a

practitioner can use our

and will be available in the

small electrical circuit is printed.

device to track the activity of

local market towards the end

This bio-recognition element

circulating fibrinogen and the

of 2019. Meanwhile InnovUS,

only binds to the protein that

activation levels of SAA that

SU’s innovations arm, has

the test is programmed to pick

are present.”

partnered with local healthcare

up. When the binding takes

In addition to the SAA-related

The prototype biosensor

startup Invenico Ventures to find

place, an electronic signal is sent

patents, Dr Pretorius has filed

investors willing to take this

confirming that an infection

four patents for methods of

breakthrough invention into

is present.

treating diabetes, Parkinson’s

international markets. M

AirPortMD8-91x129:Newsize 2018/07/09 8:23 AM Page 1

Saving lives in the developing world “Our vision is to see the device

a molecule that is upregulated

used in mobile clinics and

to such an extent during the

hospitals throughout Africa,”

early stages of cancer is that

Pretorius said. “A nurse can

if you pick it up early enough

use it to determine SAA levels

you could prevent the disease

and immediately refer the

from happening. And SAA

patient to an oncologist or

levels are not only upregulated

initiate screening procedures

during cancer, but also during

to determine the nature of the

cardiovascular diseases,

cancer. Many people die because

Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, type 2

they only get to the clinic at

diabetes and a host of others.”

stage 4, especially in the case of breast or cervical cancer, and by

Electronic SAA detector

then it is often too late.”

In order to turn this discovery

“It could also be used to

into clinical practice, Pretorius

detect early warning signs of

approached the SU engineering

stroke. If a high-risk patient

faculty’s Prof Willie Perold,

has been flagged, the medical

a renowned electronics

practitioner can use our

researcher who had previously

device to track the activity

built devices to detect the

of circulating fibrinogen and

binding of antibodies or

the activation levels of SAA

changes in biological structure.

that are present.” In addition

“We asked him if he could build

to the SAA-related patents,

us a very cheap device that

Prof Pretorius has filed four

could detect SAA levels via an

patents for methods of treating

antibody binding process and

diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease

detect changes in the system

and Alzheimer’s Disease,

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

7

NE WS

CSIR’s Mandela Mining Precinct churns out the goodies It’s no secret that the local mining sector has been faring poorly of late, with the revelation that most SA gold mines don’t turn a profit coming on the back of a R50b depreciation in the value of mining stocks.

The Mining Charter III document is often blamed for this state of affairs, but in the case of gold, for example, the issue isn’t so much policy but reaching ore deposits 4km underground without endangering worker safety.

It follows that, if SA mining is to survive, or at least withstand its coming transformation, it must have the technological edge necessary to do so. The newly-launched Mandela Mining Precinct at the CSIR’s facility in Melville is already The artificial mining stope at the Mandela Mining Precinct, which is used to simulate mine

churning out innovations to support

conditions and test mine vehicles like MONSTER.

this mandate. During a presentation of mining technologies at the precinct on 24 July, Dr Dave Roberts, the precinct’s principal researcher, presented a number of technologies particularly aimed at the issue of mine safety.

Innovating for mine safety “There’s a very strong economic case to be made for mine safety,” Roberts said.

“Fewer accidents mean fewer stoppages, and this becomes truer the deeper one goes because it takes longer to reach accident sites.” The CSIR’s focus on mining safety

Photo credit: CSIR.

has translated into a number of innovations, which were on display at the event; although researchers asserted that they would in all likelihood miss their goal of zero mining fatalities by 2020.

A variety of advanced geophysics, radar and rock imaging technologies were on display.

“The majority of fatalities are caused by rock falls, particularly when working at depth,” Roberts said. This year promises to be another high fatality year, with 47 miner deaths reported so far. To this end, the CSIR is looking into ambitious technologies like non-explosive rock breaking, which will enable workers to mine deeper than ever with much decreased rock fall risks. Another initiative is the Mechanised Drill and Blast programme which aims to completely remove humans from proximity to the most high-risk underground activities.

The precinct is also developing real-time information management systems that will allow mining managers to know exactly where workers are, what they are doing and what the status of their equipment is. “This is the sort of technology that is being used to great effect in factories,” Roberts said.

“Unfortunately it hasn’t made the leap into mining yet.” It is hoped that this technology

The MONSTER robotic explorer uses advanced machine learning to adapt rapidly to uneven terrain.

8

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

will provide a sorely-needed boost to productivity in local mines. w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

NE WS Radar, robots and fatigue

Mechatronics and Micro Manufacturing

important in an industry such as mining

A major innovation that was presented

division. According to Davrajh, the CSIR has

where long working hours could take their

on the day was geophysicist Dr Michael

created a pedestrian detection system for

toll and result in accidents or deaths.

van Schoor’s Ground Penetrating Radar

vehicle collisions underground, using an

technology (GPR). In his presentation,

advanced algorithm to determine whether

SiMine and a stope

van Schoor noted how GPR could transmit

collisions are possible or not. “Current

The visit ended with a tour of the artificial

radar pulses deep into the ground and use

detection systems don’t take relative speed

mining stope the precinct has built in a

reflections from subsurface discontinuities

into account, so they could stop vehicles

large shed. The angle of the stope can be

to create high-resolution 3D images. “It is

needlessly,” he said.

adjusted to track the mobility of tracked

buried objects

Photo credit: CSIR.

ideal for detecting layer boundaries, cavities,

One of the coolest innovations on display

vehicles like the MONSTER. Also housed

was the MONSTER robot, a tracked mining

on-site is an exciting new initiative called

exploration robot that can walk up steep

SiMine, a collaborative experiential

inclines effortlessly. MONSTER will be

learning platform that simulates project

especially useful in inspecting accident

management in the mining industry and

sites. “We are going to fit it with highly

is aimed at educating teams involved

device’s obvious

advanced imaging technology that will

in the industry.

treasure hunting

allow us to gauge the safety of the mine

potential. Its

after an accident,” he said. The MONSTER

communicate within groups and using the

most immediate

can also be used to evaluate risk, especially

mountains of data the digital revolution has

use, however, is

in hard-to-reach or inaccessible areas. It

given us to enhances our systems thinking,

the creation of 3D

is packed full of the latest tech, including

not complicate it,” managing director, Gary

machine learning and advanced neural

Lane said. The simulation uses advanced

networks that allow it to adapt quickly to

technology including VR. Participants are

extremely rugged terrain.

divided into mining companies and have

and artefacts,” van Schoor said, failing to mention the

volume images to assist in the evaluation of hanging walls in

Principal geophysicist Dr Michael van Schoor unveiled the precinct’s Ground Penetrating

rock engineering.

Radar technology

Davrajh also spoke about the CSIR’s

“It’s about learning to effectively

to fulfil a variety of tasks, including ore extraction, inventory, order fulfilment and

advanced imaging techniques, sensors or

distribution. The purpose of the game is to

the use of many of his innovations on

cameras can track workers’ faces for signs of

provide participants with a broad view of

robotic platforms, the forté of the event’s

fatigue, including the rate of blinking, head

the day-to-day mining industry as it enters

next speaker, Dr Shaniel Davrajh of the

movements and yawning. This is particularly

the fourth industrial revolution. M

Dr van Schoor said that he envisioned

NAT

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fatigue detection technologies. Using

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w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

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LMS Issue 4 | 2018

9

S CIENCE NE WS

Scientific discoveries and perspectives from across the globe Method of cross-species DNA jumping discovered

While scientists knew that DNA could transfer itself between species, the exact method by which this occurred was not pinned down until recently.

According to research published in Genome Biology, as much as 50% of our DNA is the result of random DNA inserting itself into our genome.

The DNA, known as transferable elements (TEs), has transferred itself across the broadest spectrum of species possible in order to increase its chances of survival. Insects such as ticks and leeches, which feed on different species, are the most likely culprits for this transference, which can occur horizontally across species instead of vertically within genetic groups.

Voyager 1 and 2 still transmitting data to Earth

Over 40 years since they were first launched, legendary NASA space probes Voyager 1 and 2 are still transmitting data to Earth. While many of their data collection systems have failed by now, a surprising number are still functional.

Voyager 1, currently in the interstellar space between solar systems, is the farthest man-made object from Earth, while Voyager 2 is expected to enter interstellar space within a few years. Their functional devices include magnetometres, plasma spectrometres and the plasma wave subsystem that famously recorded the sound of electron plasma oscillations in the interstellar void.

Dying stars to thank for cheap cost of iron

Inside of a proton most pressurised environment on Earth

Protons contain the greatest amount of pressure of any substance known to man: over one million trillion times the strength of atmospheric pressure on Earth. The pressure is believed to emanate from the particle’s gluons, emitters of the strong magnetic force that holds protons together and is stronger than the pressure within neutron stars, the previous record holder. To determine the pressure within these extremely tiny particles, scientists used the CLAS particle accelerator in Virginia, USA, to fire electrons at proton-rich hydrogen and measured the way the electrons interacted with quarks within the protons.

10

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

You can thank nuclear fusion in dying stars for the low price of red paint and other iron-derived products.

Red ochre, the pigment in red paint, is a compound of iron and oxygen and is created when dying stars produce steadily heavier elements up to a cut-off point of 56 nucleons.

The most common element with 56 protons and neutrons in its stable form is none other than iron, which eventually finds its way into outer space where it can join other materials to form a planet, embed in the planetary crust, get mined and end up in your paint or as a breakfast spoon. w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

SP ONS ORED C ONTENT Reliability and reproducibility

Benchmarking of mycoplasma kits Among the world’s smallest bacteria mycoplasmas are capable of independent reproduction. They belong to the class of mollicutes and show a very slow and parasitic growth. Their contamination of cell cultures remains a major problem.

Alexandra Scholz (alexandra.scholz@sartorius.com) Stephanie Schweizer (stephanie.schweizer@sartorius.com Among the world’s smallest bacteria,

preparation using the kit Microsart® AMP

arginini (NCTC code 10129), Mycoplasma orale

mycoplasmas are capable of independent

Extraction (Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH),

(NCTC code 10112), Spiroplasma citri (NCTC

reproduction. They belong to the class of

were benchmarked against two other

code 10164) (Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH).

mollicutes and show very slow and parasitic

mycoplasma detection kits, which are also

These lyophilised standards can be easily

growth. Their contamination of cell cultures

based on DNA isolation, and subsequent

rehydrated by adding 1 mL of sample matrix

remains a major problem. An array of

real-time PCR analysis was performed.

for achieving a concentration of 10 CFU/mL.

physiological and biochemical parameters

The following test materials were used: the

These preparations are intended for safe and

are affected by the presence of mycoplasmas

10 CFU Sensitivity Standards Mycoplasma

reliable validation of Mycoplasma PCR assays.

in cells cultures because infection by these bacteria causes changes in metabolism, growth, viability, macromolecule synthesis, morphology, etc, and therefore sensitive routine testing for contamination of cell cultures is essential.

The traditional growth-based method requires a cultivation time of at least 28 days before contamination can be ruled out with certainty. In comparison, Nucleic Acid

Table 1: PCR results of DMEM+5% FCS with 10 CFU/ml of M. arginini/M. orale/S. citri using kits of three different suppliers Sample prep and PCR kit Supplier T Kit for sample preparation Real-time PCR kit

Amplification Techniques (NAT) allow the time it takes to obtain results to be reduced from days to just hours. As an alternative to the culture method, the NAT test system must be shown to detect 10 CFU/mL of mycoplasma.

Supplier R Kit for sample preparation Real-time PCR kit

For this reason, we tested the capability of three different mycoplasma PCR kits to detect maximum spikes of 10 CFU per mL in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium.

Experimental Setup and Results In this study, the Microsart® AMP Mycoplasma kit, including sample

12

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

Sartorius Stedim Biotech Microsart® AMP Extraction Microsart® AMP Mycoplasma

Sample material

Results

Standard deviations of CT values

10CFU M. orale Standard 4/4 positive (Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH)

0.8

10CFU S. citri Standard 4/4 positive (Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH)

0.5

10CFU M. arginini Standard 4/4 positive (Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH)

0.3

10CFU M. orale Standard 4/4 positive (Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH)

0.7

10CFU S. citri Standard 4/4 positive (Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH)

0.6

10CFU M. arginini Standard 4/4 positive (Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH)

0.4

10CFU M. orale Standard 4/4 positive (Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH)

0.4

10CFU S. citri Standard 4/4 positive (Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH)

0.3

10CFU M. arginini Standard 4/4 positive (Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH)

0.1

0.5

0.6

0.3

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

SP ONS ORED C ONTENT In these comparative studies, DMEM with 5 % FCS was used as a sample matrix.

For all three assays, the DNA isolation process and subsequent PCR setup were done according to the manufacturers’ respective instruction manuals. The Microsart AMP Extraction kit is based on a convenient silica column-based protocol, which can be completed within 30 minutes. The DNA isolation procedures of the competitor products are based on DNA precipitation according to a magnetic bead-based protocol.

Two of the three evaluated PCR assays include highly specific TaqMan probes, one of which is Microsart AMP Mycoplasma.

The third assay included SYBR Green in the detection mix, which makes analysis of the melting curve necessary after the DNA amplification cycles in order to differentiate between unspecific amplified DNA and mycoplasma amplicon DNA. Each species, M. arginini, M. orale and S. citri, was tested four times with each kit, which included the whole process of DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction and data analysis. The results are listed in Table 1.

Conclusion In these studies, Sartorius Microsart AMP Extraction und Microsart AMP Mycoplasma were benchmarked using mycoplasma

deviation for the results of one supplier, it was

reliable even when highly complex sample

real-time PCR kits, including sample

determined that Microsart AMP extraction

matrices are processed. DNA precipitation

preparation, against two other suppliers’

followed by amplification with the Microsart

or magnetic bead-based protocols tend to be

products.

AMP Mycoplasma kit resulted in the least

more laborious and less robust.

Each of the 36 DNA extracts showed positive signals in subsequent PCR analysis.

Therefore, all products tested are able to

variability and the highest reproducibility.

Another fact contributing to the reliability

The PCR kits, predominantly the three

of the Microsart Mycoplasma product range

different sample preparation methods,

is that all PCR reagents can be stored at

detect mycoplasma contamination with a

might have contributed to the difference

4°C to 8°C. Thus, a short interruption in the

sensitivity of at least 10 CFU per mL.

in reproducibility. Silica-membrane-based

cool chain will not lead to undesired thawing

procedures are known to be very robust and

of the reagents, which can otherwise

Upon closer examination of the standard

adversely affect the sensitivity of a PCR assay. In contrast, the mycoplasma detection kits of suppliers T and R have to be stored frozen, at -20°C. When tests are planned with these competitor products, additional time is required in order to wait for the PCR reagents to thaw before they can be used.

Furthermore, you need to consider whether a kit stored at -20°C might not have been used up completely within one PCR run, as several thawing and freezing cycles will also have negative effects on the PCR results.

Sartorius AG Otto-Brenner-Straße 20 37079 Göttingen, Germany www.sartorius.com Local contact Biotech Solutions Call 011 315 5444 for sales and service

Fig: 1: Amplification curves with the kit Microsart AMP Mycoplasma, using the example of Mycoplasma arginini (10 CFU/ml in DMEM + 5 % FCS), PCR Cycler MxPro 3005P. w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

sales@biotechsolutions.co.za www.biotechsolutions.co..za M

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

13

L AB OR ATORY S AF E T Y

Lab accidents:

FAILS and WINS

Those of you watching Strange Angel,

could continue his completely safe practice

rounds online, the staff at Texas A&M

the CBS series about famed rocket

of climbing into Icelandic water geysers

need to pay closer attention to the state of

science pioneer (and all-round weirdo)

and measuring their temperatures.

their liquid nitrogen cylinders. When the pressure relief and rupture disks in one

Jack Parsons, might be disappointed to learn that (spoiler alert) Parsons

Soviet smallpox shenanigans

of their tanks failed, someone decided it

blew himself up in a home laboratory

would be a good idea to remove them and

accident. While working on a rush order of

seal the tank off with a metal plug!

The inner tank eventually expanded

explosive material for a film set, Parsons miscalculated so severely that paramedics

until it touched the outer tank and, with

discovered him minus a forearm and most

nowhere else for the gas to escape, it burst out the bottom, propelling the hefty

of his face.

In 1971, when the lab technician of Soviet

chunk of metal through the ceiling, where

calamity. Thanks in large part to today’s

research ship the Lev Berg took plankton

it struck some water mains and flooded

stringent modern safety and hazard control

samples in the waters of the Aral Sea,

the building. The lab door and walls were

measures, lab accidents have become few

she unwittingly exposed herself to a

blown out into the hallway and all but one

and far between. Some have even been

government-produced strain of smallpox.

of the windows was smashed. Subsequent

instrumental in the history of science

According to General Pyotr Burgasov,

investigations failed to find the culprit.

and human progress.

the Red Army’s former chief physician, a

Thankfully, not all lab accidents lead to

strain of weaponised smallpox had been

Bunsen discovers burner, cheats death Robert Bunsen, the inventor of one of the world’s most ubiquitous pieces of lab equipment, was one of chemistry’s true characters. His eccentric personality resulted in enough humourous anecdotes to fill a book, entitled

introduced on an island in the Aral Sea to study its effects on wildlife.

When news broke of a smallpox outbreak in towns nearby, the military investigated, discovered the accidental infection and systemically covered it up. It was only in 2002 that the full story became known thanks to an article in the New York Times.

Bunseniana, produced by his Bunsen was equally famous for

Gas turns cylinder into nitrogen missile

escaping death in a series of

According to an accident report doing the

students after his death. But

lab disasters.

His discovery that cyanogen gas can be formed in blast furnaces, for example, came about largely because he opened a test tube embedded in a furnace and nearly choked to death on its contents.

He was prone to eye-related

Tert-butyl lithium accidents

accidents – while working with

At least two lives have been claimed in

organoarsenic compounds a tube of

the last decade by tert-butyl lithium, a

cacodyl and dimethylarsine cyanide

substance that ignites when it comes into

blew up in his face, permanently

contact with air.

blinding him in one eye. The

at Beijing’s Tsinghua University passed

same fate when Herr Professor

away after mishandling the compound, and

brought a lit candle too close to occluded hydrogen

14

Meng Xiangjian, a postdoctoral student

other eye almost suffered the

Sheri Sangji, a young research assistant at UCLA fatally suffered burns to half of

gas. Thankfully

her body due to lax safety measures at the

his remaining eye

university. Sangji’s death, in particular,

recovered and Bunsen

has led to increased calls for grant funding

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

L AB OR ATORY S AF E T Y Pemberton sampled it anyway, liked the taste and began selling it at a nearby pharmacy.

Elixir of Life tends to explode Chinese alchemists spent centuries looking for an Elixir of Life that could grant immortality. Little did they know that they would create gunpowder instead.

to be based on the quality of a research facility’s safety measures.

Little did the researchers who

Alchemists were especially keen on

discovered PETase in soil samples taken

experimenting with saltpeter, which they

at a Japanese plastics facility know that

considered a key substance for unlocking

Holiday + staph accident = modern medicine

their examination of the enzyme had

the secrets of life – if only the experiments

tweaked its structure, making it far more

wouldn’t take such a flammable turn! A 9th

Perhaps the best example of a lab accident

efficient at breaking down plastic than

century alchemist named Ge Hong noted

win is Alexander Fleming’s discovery of

before. PETase is named for its ability to

in his book Baopuzi (‘The Master Who

penicillin in 1928. After long months of

digest polyethylene terephthalate (PET),

Embraces Simplicity’) that a combination

toil, the Scottish researcher was fed up and

the most common strain of plastic, but the

of saltpeter, sulfur, realgar and dried honey

spontaneously decided to take a vacation,

improved strain even made short work of

had a tendency to explode. The invention

forgetting all about the staph cultures he

polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF). It is

was soon employed in fireworks and

had been working on. When he returned,

hoped that future modifications of PETase

the first artillery pieces.

Fleming was surprised to find that the

could completely remove unwanted plastic

cultures had transformed into a fungal

from the environment.

Out of the lab and into the frying pan

Assistant spills seltzer, creates soft drink empire

Some accidents are composed

Today, the Coca-Cola

polytetrafluoroethylene, better known

Making plastic-hungry enzymes hungrier

logo is recognisable

as Teflon.

A recent lab accident may one day remove

population. But if

discovered in 1938 when DuPont

plastic from our oceans. An enzyme called

Atlanta pharmacist

Chemical worker Roy Plunkett,

PETase, which could break down and digest

John Pemberton’s

messing around with refrigerants

plastic, was first discovered during an

lab assistant hadn’t

and TFE gas, found a strange white

examination of the bacterium Ideonella

spilled seltzer into

powder on the inside of a

sakaiensis. It is believed that this enzyme

a mixture of coca

canister he was working

was useful in the very distant past to strip

leaves and kola

on. The substance

the outer layers of plants. Unfortunately,

nuts in 1886,

was heat-resistant

PETase works too slowly to affect the large-

it would never

and almost

scale environmental contamination we

have existed.

completely

currently experience.

Pemberton was

frictionless.

experimenting

Little did

with the coca and

Plunkett

kola mixture in a

know,

bid to wean himself

however,

off morphine,

that his

which he became

discovery

addicted to after

would

sustaining wounds

give untold

in the American

numbers of

Civil War. When an

people cancer due

assistant spilled

to the prescence of

seltzer water on his

perfluorooctanoic acid

work-in-progress,

in non-stick cookware. M

growth. On closer inspection, he discovered that the fungus had killed the bacteria in its vicinity – and penicillin was born.

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

to 96% of the world’s

of equal parts win and fail. Take

The non-stick material was

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

15

LO C AL S CIENCE

SA adds to global knowledge CSIR plays key role in international forests and water study

Africa’s baobabs are dying

multi-stemmed tree by the growth of

A 12-year international study that the

new stems. The production of extra stems

University of Pretoria has been a part of has

provides additional support, as these stems

Top researchers from the Council for

found that these ancient trees, described

often fuse together at the base of the tree.

Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

as the ‘Tree of Life’ are dying. Nine of

They also produce additional tissue in their

have participated in a groundbreaking

the 13 oldest and five of the six largest

branches to provide buttressing or support

study into the state of interactions

individuals died during the 12 years that

for their heavy limbs.

between humans, forests and water.

the study was conducted in. Their deaths

Currently, more than seven billion humans

are a fairly recent phenomenon, and while

and approximately three trillion trees

the cause still needs to be confirmed,

Transnet develop new locomotive monitoring system

compete for the earth’s water resources.

researchers believe climate change is a

Engineers attached to Transnet and the

With increasing water scarcity challenges

major contributing factor.

CSIR have developed the first 13 units of

globally, the role of trees and forests in

During the study period, researchers

a system that monitors the condition of

the water cycle is at least as important as

obtained records of climatic conditions

Transnet’s locomotives. The system will

their role in the carbon cycle in the face of

for the past 1 000 years, particularly

enable Transnet to implement predictive

global change.

focusing on rainfall patterns. These

maintenance and detect rail infrastructure

records provide evidence

defects. Transnet Freight Rail requires

that the southern African

the ability to track and trace its fleet

climatic conditions have

of locomotives and determine their

and continue to change.

condition. Currently, the staff offload data

While these changes affect

from some of the systems on board the

general biodiversity, there

locomotives manually.

are some species that are most sensitive to climatic changes, particularly baobabs. The in-depth study started in 2005 to gain more information about the poorly understood aspects of the architecture, growth and age of the African baobab, particularly focusing on baobabs in Namibia, The report, launched during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York on

Botswana, South Africa and Zambia, as well as south-western Madagascar.

On studying the architecture of the

10 July 2018, was entitled The Forest and

African baobabs, incredible findings were

Water on a Changing Planet: Vulnerability,

revealed. These life-giving trees grow

Adaptation and Governance Opportunities.

as they do, reaching ages of over 2 000

Compiled by over 50 scientists from 20

years because of their ability to shift

countries, it looks at ways in which humans

from being a single-stemmed tree to a

The newly developed monitoring system provides an alternative, automated

can cooperate with forests to ensure the

solution, which gathers sensor and fault

sustainability of global water resources.

data through a real-time mechanism,

CSIR experts who contributed to the

which is then sent to the Transnet servers

report include the CSIR’s chief researcher,

automatically for evaluation. The system

Dr Emma Archer, research group leader

has a unique communications module that

Dr Mark Gush and Dr Marius Claassen.

integrates GPRS/3G, WiFi, satellite and

Trees and forests provide fibre, fuel, jobs

ultra-high frequency radio into a single

and other socio-economic benefits, but

module, allowing communication even in

when their establishment replaces other

adverse conditions. The platform has been

land use they also have significant positive

designed to allow easy expansion of both

and negative environmental impacts. Other

hardware and software capabilities and

key messages include a clear policy gap in

there are plans to implement on-board

forests-water-climate relations as well as

real-time data analysis. Through machine

the management of forests for resilience

learning and computer vision algorithms,

of water supplies to enable adaptation

the system is used to implement predictive

to change if locally relevant data and

maintenance, as well as detect rail

resources are available.

infrastructure defects. M

16

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

IND US TRY NE WS Local News

and monitor students individually during

Prof Daya Reddy elected first president of International Science Council

lab sessions. Every instrument in the lab can be tracked while a

South Africa’s Professor Daya Reddy has been

student is performing

elected as the first president of the newly-

set tasks. Instead of

formed International Science Council (ISC).

updating firmware

The elections took place during the inaugural

for each instrument

General Assembly in Paris, France on 5 July

individually in created. Consisting of 64 dishes providing

preparation for each

merger of the International Social Science

2000 unique antenna pairs, MeerKAT can

new class, this can now be done from the

Council (ISSC) and the International Council

produce high-fidelity images by detecting

server using Tektronix SmartLAB software.

for Science (ICSU). Prof Reddy previously

extremely faint radio wavelengths.

The equipment was donated by local lab

2018. The ISC was formed following the

held the position of president-elect of the

Built and operated by the South African

equipment specialists, Comtest.

ICSU since 2014. He is a recipient of the Order

Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO),

of Mapungubwe (Bronze), awarded by the

and a decade in design and construction,

president of South Africa for distinguished

the MeerKAT facility has already begun

contributions to science. Another renowned

science operations. An image obtained by the

SA scientist, Dr Saths Cooper, was elected to

telescope (above) was unveiled during the

the cohort of Ordinary Members.

event, revealing extraordinary details of the

Seeding Labs seeks applications for Instrumental Access programme

NGO News

region surrounding the supermassive black

Seeding Labs, a US-based NGO, is seeking

international science bodies agreed in a

hole at the centre of the Milky Way, an object

applicants for its Instrumental Access

historic vote in October 2017 to merge and

never viewed with such clarity before.

programme. Launched in 2003, the

Members of the world’s leading

create a unified organisation, whose vision

programme aims to make high quality

will be to advance all sciences as a global

laboratory equipment available to

public good. The agreement took place at a

universities and research institutes in low-

landmark joint meeting in Taipei of ICSU and

and middle-income countries. Through

the ISSC. The new ISC brings together the

Instrumental Access, participants select

current members of ISSC and ICSU, including

items to meet their needs from Seeding

40 international scientific unions and

Labs’ inventory of new and used equipment,

associations and more than 140 national and

glassware, and consumables. Selected items

regional organisations such as academies and

are then packed into a 20-foot shipping

research councils. It offers representation

container and sent to the nearest or most

across the natural (including physical,

convenient ocean port.

The fair market value of the items included

mathematical and life) and social (including

in a shipments typically falls between

behavioural and economic) sciences.

$60 000 and $150 000 based on its value on

TUT Electrical Engineering Lab gets cutting-edge test equipment

equivalent items new would usually be up to four times higher. In order to apply, you must

The Tshwane University of Technology’s

be an academic department at a degree-

(TUT) Electrical Engineering Department has

granting institution of higher education or

recently undertaken a major refurbishment

a university-affiliated or public research

of their Electronic Engineering Laboratory.

institute that is actively engaged in research

The newly configured laboratory is used by a

training as well as research in a low- or

total of roughly 450 Electronics 1, 2 and 3 and

middle-income country.

Design Project students, with 42 students

Ultra-sensitive MeerKAT telescope unveiled

the used goods market. The cost to purchase

Participation in the programme is

accommodated per laboratory session

economical, but not free. Awardees must

for electrical measurement experiments

pay a fee that is adjusted to the income level

and projects.

of their country. Those from low-income

Probably the greatest value of the new

countries pay $18 500, while lower-middle-

equipment is the ability to globally manage

income applicants pay $26 500 and uppermiddle-income countries

South Africa has unveiled the largest and

pay $33 500. Since its

most technically advanced radio telescope

inception, Seeding

in the world in the Northern Cape town of

Labs has shipped 184

Carnarvon. The telescope cost R3.2 billion

tonnes of equipment

to produce and is currently the world’s best

to 62 universities and

hope for finding extraterrestrial life. It is part

institutions around the

of the groundwork for the Square Kilometre

world. To apply, visit

Array project, which is projected to be the

their website at https://

most advanced radio telescopy array ever

seedinglabs.org/ M

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

17

THE C U T TING ED GE

Destination: biotech

Despite being one of the most radical

the most crucial biotechnology development

the Hepatitis B vaccine is a good example.

fields of human inquiry into the

of the early 20th century, since it enabled

Produced as a direct result of recombinant

unknown, our current understanding of

the massive population explosion we are

DNA, the vaccine is available for as little as

biotechnology has failed to keep up with

still experiencing, mushrooming from

R7.50 per dose in developing countries and

the discipline’s tremendous potential.

2 billion people in 1927 to 7.6 billion today.

has saved untold millions of lives.

It’s understandable; the field and its

The application of biotechnology to the

overwhelming pace seemed to arrive out of

medical field resulted in penicillin and the

nowhere. A scant 15 years ago the Human

mass production of steroids and cortisone

Genome Project was still decoding our 46

by the 1950s, providing the impetus for the

chromosomes; now, a subculture of ‘citizen

creation of new technologies that continue

biohackers’ are editing their own genes.

to increase human lifespan.

Lab Management & Science has put together

The latter half of the 20th century was

a primer on the past, present and future of

inaugurated with a craze for single-cell

this pioneering field.

proteins (SCPs), which it was hoped would end world hunger through an industrial-

From beer to single-cell proteins

scale effort to grow edible microorganisms

Turns out the use of biological processes

on oil. The Soviet Union even began to build

to improve our lot is actually quite

factories to utilise this process next to their

old. Probably the earliest example of

oil refineries. Public anxiety over traces of

biotechnology is the fermentation process,

petroleum in these foods eventually caused

GMOs

which gave us bread, cheese and beer. As

the project to be scrapped.

As we’ve seen, biotechnology has mostly

is often the case, the military kickstarted

focused on innovations in food supply

innovation in the field when they needed

Genetic engineering

rather than therapeutics. It follows that

to upscale fermentation processes to match

There has always been a Utopian tinge

a major outcome of the discovery of

the war effort. When Britain needed more

to public perceptions of groundbreaking

recombinant DNA was the creation of

acetone to produce more cordite for their

technologies, and this is especially true of

genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

artillery shells in World War I, they used

biotechnology. But its failure to address

The implications of this technology hit

a revolutionary method of turning maize

the global food crisis via SCPs or solve the

supermarket shelves in the US in 1994,

into acetone via fermentation. Animal

energy crises of the 1970s reduced faith in

courtesy of the Flavr Savr tomato. Walk into

feed shortages could also be eliminated by

biotech’s potential. It would take one of

a supermarket nowadays and over three-

mass producing yeast, German scientists

science’s true quantum leaps to inspire faith

quarters of the fresh produce is genetically

discovered during the war.

in the field again.

modified. As for those seed packets in the

Large-scale factory farming was perhaps

Crick and Watson, two affable chaps

many of them have a disclaimer at the

double helix structure of DNA in 1953, but it

back which reads ‘Contains genetically

wasn’t until the early 70s that the practical

modified content. Not intended for

application of gene technology came to be

human consumption.’

understood, thanks to the discovery that

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

But alarmism helps no one and GMOs

genes can not only be split into segments,

have consistently increased global

but also spliced together in new ways,

agricultural yields for years on end.

the latter technique being known as

Arguably, the risks outweigh the negatives,

recombinant DNA.

especially since future climate change

The implications were enormous: not only

18

gardening section? Flip the packet over;

from King’s College London discovered the

models predict severe famines in developing

is the inner structure of our microbiome

countries. The possibility of modifying

an open secret, we can actually tinker with

crops to be more resistant to changes in

it to our heart’s content. This opened the

climate and possibly even grow at unusual

door to tailor-made proteins, a vital early

times of year remains the best option to

step in gene-based medicine, of which

preempt this. New evidence even suggests w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

THE C U T TING ED GE that GMO crops can eliminate the need for

genome has not kept pace with our ability

pesticides, as demonstrated by Bt corn, a

to alter it, resulting in a situation in which

stem cells is the growth of custom-made

strain that even controls pests in non-GMO

unforeseen changes could wreak havoc.

replacement organs (or entire limbs)

crops planted close by.

There is also no guarantee that genetic

in a laboratory. One problem with this

changes will remain confined to a single

technology that has so far prevented

have unforeseen consequences, particularly

microbiome; the possibility of transferring

its widespread commercialisation is its

since innovations in the field are driven

catastrophically altered genes between

tendency to cause teratoma (tumours) in

almost entirely by market demands and not

organisms remains a very real threat.

laboratory mice.

But the concern remains that GMOs could

One potential application of pluripotent

health policy. Scientists are now introducing kill switches into their GMOs that activate once they leave a designated area. While this was originally meant to stop harmful GMOs escaping a lab environment it is being used by huge agriculture consortiums such as Monsanto to prevent theft of their patented gene materials. Little thought is given to the potential weaponisation of such a technology.

Despite the jargon, CRISPR is dead simple: identify and remove a genome sequence and replace it with one of your liking Nonetheless, only 5% of the nearly

Biotech education

6 000 diseases that are caused by genetic

The increased availability of technologies

mutations can be treated by current

such as CRISPR has made it possible

conventional medicine. Sickle-cell anaemia

for anyone to take part in the biotech

can be attributed to a single error in the

revolution, but the genome is a complex

nearly three billion base pairs that comprise

subject and acquiring enough knowledge

our DNA. The health benefits of CRISPR and

to make informed choices about which

new advances such as Cpf1 editing can’t be

parts of the genome to change requires a

ignored and besides, Pandora’s Box, once

significant time investment. This is why the

opened, has never been closed before.

formulation of a genetics and gene coding syllabus is being floated as a necessity.

Induced pluripotent stem cells

School science syllabi have traditionally

A cell’s potency is its ability to change

been a decade or so behind current

CRISPR

into other types of cell. It is particularly

scientific practice, but given the current

Confused laymen have been scratching

pronounced in stem cells that accompany

rate of scientific progress and the rise of

their heads for a while whenever the term

the growing foetus in the womb. Cell

‘citizen biohackers’ armed with CRISPR

CRISPR flashes across their screens. While

potency is what scientists wished to

kits and too much time on their hands,

the science underlying CRISPR can get

harness in the early years of the 21st century

the time to educate the public about these

rather byzantine, the technology itself is

when the reclamation of stem cells from

technologies was yesterday. The effort has

dead simple: Identify and remove a sequence

aborted foetuses was floated, but that

begun, however, with books like Dr Natalie

of the genome and replace it with one of

initiative was dead in the water as soon

Kuldell’s BioBuilder teaching students

your liking. The best, most expensive

as religious conservatives in the US’ Bush

to craft their own glowing bacteria and

CRISPR kit on the market will currently set

administration caught wind of it.

other experiments.

you back R2100 (plus shipping). Essentially,

But a Nobel-winning discovery by

The possibility is very real that the

it’s a cheap, DIY recombinant DNA kit you

Shinya Yamanaka and Sir John Gurdon has

current wave of biotechnologies are

could buy someone for Christmas.

demonstrated how adult stem cells can be

merely the initial stages of the next great

changed into pluripotent stem cells that

technological revolution, similar to the

perhaps impossible to grasp. Want to get rid

can replicate themselves and replace or

computer revolution of the last half of the

of wrinkles? Theoretically, at least, nothing

supplement other cells. This raises the

previous century. Whether we have passed

now prevents you from using CRISPR to

possibility of rapid tissue regeneration

the floppy disk stage yet remains to be seen,

increase the number of telomeres in your

beyond anything dreamed of a mere

but one thing is certain: the future will be

collagen cells. But our understanding of the

decade ago.

beyond belief. M

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LMS Issue 4 | 2018

19

THE C U T TING ED GE

Going up!

The Laboratory 4.0 lift The tech elevator is still on the ground floor – will SA labs get on?

Lab technicians are notoriously set in their ways. But what if the ways in question are subject to rapid and extreme change, courtesy of the fourth industrial revolution? Every technological advance increases the disparity between the current way of doing things and the potential way of doing them.

First floor: microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip Many of the functions of the lab can now be integrated into a single chip through the manipulation of biological samples and miniaturised devices. This unprecedented level of miniaturisation enables the division of a single drop of fluid into many thousands of component droplets and and allows the performance of preprogrammed operations on each droplet.

Platforms have been developed at institutions like Paris’ Ecole Polytechnique that can accommodate hundreds of thousands of single cell cultures. This allows them to rapidly test responses to controlled stimuli such as a certain drug or a mechanical signal and perform tests one cell at a time. This could generate big data that allows for a vastly more precise study of cellular behaviour and very exact statistics. It will also be possible to detect minority subpopulations of cells that have never been detected before. Additionally, very little sample is required, meaning precious or scarce samples can be conserved.

The CSIR was an early adopter of this technology, which is slowly becoming more prevalent in SA. The Africa Health Research Institute in Durban, which is affiliated with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, also houses a sizable microfluidics facility. Microfluidics hasn’t taken SA labs by storm yet, particularly in the public health sector, possibly due to the high rate of expertise and initial investment required to produce them.

Second floor: Automation and big data labs Modern lab scientists use their hands far less than they did a decade ago thanks to lab automation processes. It is seldom necessary to process samples manually when automated pipetting or liquid handling systems can do it for you, with zero rate of error.

An unintended consequence of lab automation technologies is that researchers now find themselves drowning in a sea of data.

Huge datasets are generated by machines that can handle hundreds of samples at once, or by the above-mentioned microfluidics technology, and researchers are increasingly turning to advanced machine learning, data mining and neural networks to make sense of their results, giving rise to the laboratory information management systems (LIMS) industry.

A 2015 survey found that only 24% of South African labs used LIMS for sample handling and only 14% for workflow automation. A key barrier to entry was the cost of the average system. However, 58% indicated that they were looking into LIMS as a priority investment via cloud technology. A further 25% were looking into implementing it via mobile devices.

Third floor: Augmented reality?

One of the most radical projections for Lab 4.0 is the use of augmented reality technology to display equipment info on the actual equipment in real time. This would require the kind of big data availability of information that LIMS has to offer, integrated with augmented reality technology in the form of goggles. While this sounds far-fetched, prototypes have already been developed by companies like BioBright in Boston, Massachusetts.

One of the great advantages of an augmented reality system is that it can be optimised to provide information pertinent to current experiments and can integrate with voice recognition software to allow voice retrieval and display of information. It can also record and review all activities in the lab. This would enable instant recall and reproduction of results.

Goggles aren’t required for augmented reality tech, since most augmented reality programmes run on smartphones, but this would slow down workflows. Augmented reality has the potential to change multiple industries, but for the moment it remains confined to multiple prototype initiatives in the developed world.

20

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

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SP ONS ORED C ONTENT

Largest zebrafish bioassay facility in SA gains ground The inaugural Zebrafish Interest Group South Africa (ZIG SA) at NWU.

The tiny Danio rerio, commonly known

slope with less water on one end to activate

Multilinking system

as the zebrafish, is securing momentous

fish for spawning. Fish weren’t fed the

Forming part of this Bioassay Facility

interest in scientific research as a useful

evening prior to breeding to avoid any

installation were four multilinking

model organism for multiple studies from

waste contamination with the embryos.

Techniplast tank systems, which can

gene function to vertebra development. In

The breeding tank was placed into a buffer

be expanded upon in future if required,

mid-2017, the largest zebrafish bioassay

water tank to establish and maintain the

and a water treatment unit. The water

facility in Africa and second largest in

temperature in the breeding tank between

treatment unit has a fine mechanical filter,

the southern hemisphere was officially

26 -28°C. Three gravid females and two

carbon filtration and high UV disinfection.

installed at North-West University (NWU).

sexually mature males were removed

Other technologies utilised include the

The impressive facility, which was funded by

from the housing tank placed into the 1.7L

recirculating pumps for optimal water flow

the National Research Foundation’s National

breeding tank and left there overnight.

control, pre-installed back up pumps for

One hour after dawn the adult fish

redundancy reasons, pressure reader and

was equipped with the Techniplast holding

were transferred to a hatching tank in

pressure equalizer for constant pressure

system technology courtesy of Labotec.

embryo media where the temperature

at tank level, automatic water exchange at

This state-of-the-art facility boasts four

was maintained between 26 -28°C, and

precise intervals, flow meter and cooling

zebrafish multi-linking housing systems,

the next morning translucent little eggs

system. The fully customised system includes

one quarantine standalone system, four

were everywhere. Ten days later there

a self-cleaning solution and an advanced

toxicity rack systems and two amphibian

were around one hundred and fifty free-

monitoring system with remote capability.

housing systems, which all occupy a

swimming larvae.

Nanotechnology Equipment Programme,

Starting ZIG SA

space of 515m2 in the newly constructed

Techniplast breeding tanks

In addition to the nanoecotoxicology

The Breeding tanks from Techniplast

studies by the Water Research Group at

Why zebrafish?

are available in various size designs

NWU, the zebrafish is being used as a

Zebrafish are thought to strike an excellent

depending on the research requirements,

translational model for pharmaceutical

compromise between system complexity

with external and internal tanks for

studies of relevance for neuropsychiatric

and practical simplicity. The transparent

small and larger groups. For instance, the

disorders, as well as psychobiology and

body of the embryo and juvenile zebrafish

Techniplast ISpawn-S at NWU, which is

drug action. As these and other research

where development can be visibly observed

also used for breeding, has a 13L capacity

projects involving zebrafish in South Africa

presents a complementary model that

to breed up to 20 couples of fish. A large

has increased substantially over the last

can be easily extrapolated to humans.

number of synchronised embryos are

few years, Dr Tarryn Lee Botha established

This makes the zebrafish an excellent test

collected with minimal labour and space

a support network for researchers

subject used in many laboratories to replace

requirements. These tanks are specifically

working with zebrafish from all sectors

higher vertebrate animals such as rats

designed to match the natural spawning

of academic research.

and mice. In addition, they reproduce very

behaviours of zebrafish and promote fish

easily, passing from the egg to larvae stage

mating behaviour.

Biological Sciences building.

in less than three days.

On 27 September 2017, the inaugural Zebrafish Interest Group South Africa (ZIG SA) seminar was hosted at NWU. Researchers

Automated feeding

had the opportunity to present their research

Full cycle journey

NWU are using the Techniplast Tritone

as well as exchange knowledge, experiences

The start of a zebrafish journey in the

automated diet delivery system to take

and ask questions relating to zebrafish.

newly installed Techniplast aquatic

the pressure off the labour required for

Topics discussed on the day included

housing system at NWU was first observed

feeding the aquatic fishes. This also

nanoecotoxicology, neuropsychobiology,

by Prof Victor Wepener from the Water

helps to reduce fish feeding costs, high

cardiomyopathy, epilepsy, wound healing

Research Group at NWU. His particular

variability associated with “more than

using medicinal plants, genetics, as well as

group are using Danio rerio as a model

one person” involved with the feeding

pharmaceutical and immunological research.

organism in nanoecotoxicology. Here

process as well as precise dispensing of

Four universities (University of Cape Town,

different toxicological endpoints are used

both liquid and multiple dry pellet sizes.

Tshwane University of Technology and

to determine the hazard of nanomaterials

The system also improves hygiene at tank

University of Free State) with researchers

when released into the environment.

level by minimising the amount of diet

from several different departments took

residues, improves ergonomics during diet

part in the seminar forming collaborations

for breeding. The tank has a grid which

distribution and system water quality by

to pave the way forward in African research

has a gravel textured bottom as well as a

reducing the risk of overfeeding.

using the tiny Danio rerio. M

A Tecniplast 1.7L slope tank was used

22

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

ANIM AL K INGD OM

From the Stone Age to lift-off A tribe of Panamanian monkeys just entered the Stone Age

Capuchin monkeys on Jicarón Island in Panama have been spotted using stone tools to break open nuts and shellfish, researchers claim. It is speculated that a capuchin with above-average intelligence first got the idea. Strangely, the behaviour appears to be localised to male monkeys in a particular region of the island and doesn’t occur among monkeys on islands nearby. This has puzzled researchers, especially since monkeys who switch tribes don’t take their knowledge with them.

Four groups of tool-using primates have been identified to date: the Jicarón capuchins, a second group of capuchins in South America, a group of West African chimps and a group of macaque monkeys from Thailand.

Koalas to kiss STDs goodbye thanks to gene mapping

You wouldn’t think it, but the greatest threat to koala survival is chlamydia. The STD, rife among Australia’s 329 000 koalas, leads to infertility, loss of vision and a painful condition that prevents them from urinating. If left unchecked, it could lead to the animals’ extinction.

Thankfully, a genome mapping of the adorable Aussie fluffballs has brought researchers much closer to developing a vaccine. It is hoped that one will be developed within five years thanks to the study. Scientists also uncovered the reason koalas can eat toxic eucalyptus leaves (their ‘cast-iron’ livers) and how baby koalas survive being born after just 35 days of gestation (their mothers’ milk is laced with immune boosters).

Spiders lift off using electric butt balloons

Entomologists have long known that certain small spider species can spin balloon-shaped webs that allow them to fly, but the supposition that they use air currents to fly has been proven wrong. Instead, researchers from the University of Bristol found that Linyphiidae spiders achieved lift-off and maintained flight using the natural static electrical charge found in air. When exposed to electric fields in a lab they ascended, but fell to earth when the fields were switched off. When electrical fields cause tiny hairs on the spiders’ legs stand on end, the insects produce a bubble of silk that lifts them skyward thanks to spider silk’s ability to conduct electricity.

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

23

SP ONS ORED C ONTENT New Hettich centrifuges donated to SANBS

sent to a laboratory for the preparation

The SANBS’ First Line Processing in

of pooled platelets, using five buffy coats

Pretoria, the blood processing centre for

from random donors with the same blood

an area including parts of Rustenburg,

group. A platelet additive solution is added

Pretoria and Limpopo, are handling double

to the pool and it is then centrifuged.

the number of blood units they used to

This is used for patients with low platelet

a decade ago - and demand is increasing

counts, or patients with cancer.

yearly. This centre is only one of the

The last component, the buffy coat, is

The decision to use Hettich centrifuges

recipients of the twelve Hettich Roto

in First Line Processing is due to their

lengthy preparation procedure. Emerging

Silenta centrifuges supplied by Labotec for

ruggedness and reliability. Currently

from the kitchen with many covered in

SANBS blood centres. This centrifuge at

around 600 blood units are processed and

flour, the staff sat down in the on-site

SANBS is an essential component for blood

componented here every day. The Hettich

restaurant, The Odd Plate, which was voted

processing and platelet production and

Roto Silentas are used for processing large

in the top twenty in the country, to enjoy

performs a vital role in the journey of a unit

capacities, and have historically proven to

the fruits of their labour.

of blood from donor to patient.

be reliable, fast and efficient workhorses.

For our country’s blood supply to be

The day ended with the annual Labotec prize-giving awarding the staff achievers,

from donors must be separated into it

Labotec teambuilding and the art of pasta making

components: red cells, plasma and the

For the first time, Labotec staff joined the

All Labotec/Batswadi employees have

buffy coat, which contains most of the

employees from Batswadi Group, their

removed their chef hats and returned to

white blood cells and platelets. Red cells

new holding company in an Italian themed

work inspired to help clients with quotes,

are immediately batched to the inventory

teambuilding day focused on learning to

queries and technical aspects of laboratory

department for distribution to various

make pasta at the world acclaimed Prue

equipment, but since they are all in the

blood banks. Every unit of blood saves up to

Leith Chefs Academy situated in Centurion.

know on how to make gnocchi or another

three lives if separated into its components

The staff were separated into teams and

Italian speciality pasta, you are welcome

of red blood cells, plasma and platelets.

embarked on learning the art of pasta

to ask.

This blood separation journey ensures the

making. From four cheese Tortellini with

most efficient and productive delivery of

tomato ragout, tagliatelle with classic basil

this vital life giving force.

pesto, linguine with steamed mussels

effective, the blood that is collected

Plasma, which can be used for

to classic lasagne, the Labotec/Batswadi

and the chefs’ nominations for the top three dishes made that morning.

Targeting drug delivery to the brain using inhaled microparticle agglomerates

clotting factors is blast-frozen to a core

team in their tall chef hats tackled the

temperature of minus 30°C within 45

homemade pasta recipes with the help and

Ultrapure water is a key reagent in a new

minutes. Timing is essential for plasma as

guidance of the chefs at Prue Leith.

study showing that a new inhaled powder

Dr Alison Halliday

it needs to be frozen between 6-18 hours

Some were amazed at just how easy it

formulation may be an effective way to

after donation. The plasma frozen within

can be to make basic pasta. Others decided

deliver an anti-viral drug to the brain,

6 hours is fractionated into bioplasma

that the more complicated dishes such

offering a new approach for treating central

which is used by patients with bleeding

as Oriechiette with broccoli and chilli,

nervous system (CNS) infections.

disorders. Plasma frozen between 6-18

Ravioli, prune-stuffed gnocchi with blue

hours is for patient use. After the 18 hours,

cheese sauce, and feta rotolo with walnuts

frequently, living in more densely

plasma is sent for fractionation to produce

and brown butter were best left to the

populated areas and coming into closer

immunoglobulins (e.g. rabies vaccine) and

connoisseurs to make, or those with oodles

contact with wild animals, the potential

Albumen which is used for burn victims.

of patience to painstakingly endure the

for emerging infectious diseases to spread

With people traveling much more

rapidly and cause global epidemics is a major concern.

Many emerging viral infections, such as the West Nile virus, involve the central nervous system (CNS) causing life-threatening complications including encephalitis or meningitis. Others, including the measles virus, can cause CNS complications soon after infection, or a few years later due to viral persistence.

But treating viral infections in the CNS is challenging, due to the difficulties of delivering antiviral drugs across the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Delivering drugs through the nasal passages offers an attractive option as it exploits an entry route directly into the CNS, bypassing the The team at SANBS’ First Line Processing in Pretoria with a Hettich large volume centrifuge used for separating blood into its components.

24

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

BBB. The antiviral drug ribavirin (RBV) has potential uses for treating infections both in humans and animals. M w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

«I want to know immediately what substance it is!»

Mira DS is the new handheld material identification system from Metrohm. Identify illicit substances and explosives faster and safer than ever!

• Powerful – Life saving decision making in the palm of your hand • Fast – get results in seconds • Flexible – be prepared for every treacherous situation • Robust – MIL-STD-810G and IP67 certified Watch a demo on metrohm.com/mira-ds Tel: 011 656 1918 Email: info@metrohm.co.za

R APID TE S TING

1

2

3

MYCOPLASMA qPCR ASSAYS

PULVERISETTE 19 CUTTING MILL

RAPID MICROBIAL SCREENING

Mycoplasma qPCR assays offer gold standard

Fritsch’s new PULVERISETTE 19 Universal Cutting

Celsis, a global leader in rapid microbial testing

performance, design and configuration flexibility,

Mill is ideal for size-reduction for a wide range

systems, offers the Celsis Accel system, a rapid

affordability, and manufacturing quality.

of different materials due to variable adjustment

microbial screening system designed specifically

of the rotational speed of the rotor, various knife

to provide operational value to small and medium-

advantage of the protocol, which fits perfectly to

geometries, replaceable blades, practical sieve

sized pharmaceutical, home and beauty product

your sample simply by design.

cassettes and an unmatched ease of cleaning.

manufacturers.

research, ATMPs or high-end confidence testing

Speed

Celsis Accel system delivers results in just 18-24

in production – well-designed kits for any need

It boasts variable rotational speed adjustment

hours of microbial limits for quality control testing

between 300-3000 rpm grinds with a maximum feed

(USP <61>) and 4-6 days for sterility testing (USP

size of 70 x 80 mm and a throughput quantity of up

<71>), allowing one to confirm more rapidly the

to 60 l/h fast and effectively dry, soft to medium-hard

quality of products and quickly release them to

advantage of the qPCR you already own and

sample materials as well as fibrous materials and

market. The ability of this rapid microbial detection

keep your investment low.

plastics with reliable reproducible results. One special

system to confidently confirm the absence of

advantage: straw, films and similar materials can be

contamination allows one to:

fed in their full length without additional preparation.

• Shorten production cycle times

Select the product you need and take

• Fast and reliable screening of cell cultures in

• Protocols for testing 2 μl, 200 μl or up to 18 ml are available • Open system, no hardware bundle – take

All three kits are based on easy-to-use real-time

Utilising state-of-the-art reagent technology, the

PCR technology for fast and reliable results.

• The TaqMan® assay design reduces the number

• Decrease working capital requirements as well

Solves gentle comminution

of reactions needed, as it enables the use of

Because of variable rotational speed adjustment

internal controls. This increases the reliability

between 50-700 rpm, this cutting mill offers a

and reduces the costs of the tests

combination of an extremely low cutting rate and

• The lyophilised Mycoplasma Mix contains all

extreme cutting forces and is the ideal solution for

reaction components including the polymerase

all cases where, for example, thermal damage, the

and can be easily reconstituted with the

loss of easily volatile substances or a larger fine

rehydration buffer included in the kit. It comes in

share is to be avoided.

aliquots of 25 reactions for highest convenience

as safety stock • Reduce inventory requirements and warehouse space costs • Receive early notification in the event of a contamination • Respond to contamination and conduct investigations faster To allow maximum flexibility with sample size and sensitivity, Celsis adapted the familiar sample

Especially for the food and pharmaceutical industry

tube platform to a precision movement carousel

of cell culture materials in research and

The PULVERISETTE 19 is also available in

ability to run 30 assays at a time. A fourth injector

development

both variable rotational speed versions in a

position gives the system flexibility to use new

corrosion-resistant stainless steel 316L version.

reagent technologies as they are developed. From

It has an increased resistance to corrosive

reagent bottle access to sample loading, the

media such as alkalis, acids and especially

ergonomic design puts everything easily at the

chloride-containing media.

fingertips of the user.

sales@labotec.co.za

frances.renwick@microsep.co.za

and long-term stability.

• Microsart® RESEARCH Mycoplasma – Testing

• Microsart ATMP Mycoplasma – Testing of autologous cell transplants (ATMPs) • Microsart AMP Mycoplasma – Regulated in-process and lot-release testing. sales@biotechsolutions.co.za

26

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

for easy loading and speedy processing with the

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

Celsis, a global leader in rapid microbial testing systems, offers the Celsis Accel system, a rapid microbial screening system designed specifically to provide operational value to small and medium-sized pharmaceutical, home and beauty product manufacturers.

Utilising state-of-the-art reagent technology, the Celsis Accel system delivers results in just 18-24 hours of microbial limits for quality control testing (USP <61>) and 4-6 days for sterility testing (USP <71>), allowing one to confirm more rapidly the quality of products and quickly release them to market. The ability of this rapid microbial detection system to confidently confirm the absence of contamination allows one to: • Shorten production cycle times • Decrease working capital requirements as well as safety stock • Reduce inventory requirements and warehouse space costs • Receive early notification in the event of a contamination • Respond to contamination and conduct investigations faster To allow maximum flexibility with sample size and sensitivity, Celsis adapted the familiar sample tube platform to a precision movement carousel for easy loading and speedy processing with the ability to run 30 assays at a time. A fourth injector position gives the system flexibility to use new reagent technologies as they are developed. From reagent bottle access to sample loading, the ergonomic design puts everything easily at the fingertips of the user. frances.renwick@microsep.co.za

R APID TE S TING

4

5

6

FASTEST SAMPLE BREAKDOWN

EZ-FLUO DETECTS SPOILAGE

IDENTIFYING ILLICIT MATERIAL

Hygiena, a leader in rapid food safety and environmental

EZ-Fluo™ is a non-destructive method that enables

Metrohm’s Mira DS is a new handheld material

sanitation testing, offers the BAX rapid testing system

you to continue to grow microorganisms after

identification system for police, hazmat teams,

which breaks down samples at the genetic level, using

they have been stained to identify them using any

bomb technicians and military personnel. At the

the power of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to

standard ID technology. This is a big advantage

push of a button, Mira DS identifies illicit substances

detect harmful bacteria and other microbes in food

compared to other rapid test systems, which cannot

and explosives.

and environmental samples with certainty. These

ID microorganisms using the same sample that was

highly reliable results help food companies make

tested to detect the contamination.

professional first responders. While providing ease

product release decisions with confidence.

• Rapid technology capable of providing results in 1/3

of use and speed, Mira DS addresses the need for

Hygiena has partnered with FoodCheck Systems

of the time required using traditional techniques

and now offers the Actero™ Elite Enrichment Media,

• Flexible approach based on standard membrane

validated for use with the BAX system real-time PCR

filtration and reduced incubation on media plate

assays for Listeria and Salmonella. The two Actero Elite Enrichment Media formulations, produced by

• Non-destructive method, compatible with any ID technique

Mira DS was developed in close cooperation with

safety of drug task force officers, hazmat teams, and bomb technicians in particular.

Mira DS features a whole array of dedicated sampling attachments for illicit material identification.

Responders could use it to identify substances

FoodChek Systems, are known in the industry for

• Cost effective solution.

in glass bottles or plastic containers, even from a

superior quality, single-step enrichment allowing

More and more QC laboratories are switching

distance, using the Stand-off Attachment, or with

for reduced sample handling, reduced enrichment

to rapid methods for the detection of microbial

no concern for proper focus using the Contact Ball

media volumes and faster results.

contamination. Traditional methods require several

Probe Attachment.

The Actero Elite Enrichment Media is formulated to

days to provide results and are of limited value when

Mira DS provides powerful mixture matching and

suppress the growth of non-target organisms while

it comes to releasing product to the market faster, or

its rugged design complies with MIL SPEC 810G.

promoting the growth of target organisms. Together,

to conducting quick investigation. EZ-Fluo can detect

For important decision making in critical situations,

Actero Elite Enrichment Media and the BAX system

and quantify microbial contamination in any filterable

first responders can interface Mira DS with the

can provide environmental detection results in 22

sample. Potential applications include testing of:

HAZMASTERG3 Software App to get additional,

hours for Listeria and 16 hours for Salmonella.

• Raw materials

vital information about the substance they are facing.

For Listeria species assays, time to results can

• In-process samples

To increase the sensitivity of Mira DS, it is

occur between 18-26 hours depending on sample

• Final product

compatible with Surface Enhanced Raman

source, and they feature single-step enrichment. For

• Environmental samples

Scattering (SERS) substrates. This technology

Salmonella species assays, time to results can occur

The EZ-Fluo Rapid Detection System reduces time

enables the detection illicit drugs even when they are

between 14-26 hours depending on sample source,

to result, address contamination events sooner and

present in trace quantities. SERS substrates kits are

and they feature single-step enrichment.

better control of manufacturing process.

available directly through Metrohm.

frances.renwick@microsep.co.za

labsupply@merckmillipore.com

ravii@metrohm.co.za

Bruker: Your Solution Partner The ideal technological solution for each analytical question • Magnetic Resonance • Analytical X-Ray • Vibrational Spectroscopy • Mass Spectrometry • Chemical Analysis Innovation with Integrity

28

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

Bruker South Africa | Tel: +27(0)11-463-6040 | info.za@bruker.com | www.bruker.com/za w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

L AB DIAGNO S TIC S 1

AVOID MANUAL PROCESSING

Rapid Automated Microbial Detection System

The 800 TS Absorbance Reader is an affordable, high quality microplate reader for assays in 6- to 384-well formats. The colour touchscreen provides a visual user interface, making programming simple. A USB drive allows convenient data export. The on-board software includes ‘quick read’ and custom protocols, with results viewed immediately after measure.

The software also stores a history of programmed assays and recent plate readings for instant recall. The 800 TS can be configured to include

for cell-based assay washing.

In addition, available biomagnetic

temperature control and shaking,

separation and vacuum filtration

ideal for assays like short- or

modules make the 50 TS an

long-term kinetics, which is enabled

excellent, affordable choice for

under computer control via the

automating the wash steps of

available Gen5 Software.

magnetic or polystyrene bead

The 50 TS Washer is a compact

assays. Used in conjunction with the

microplate washing system. Its

800 TS Absorbance Reader or other

colour touchscreen provides a

detection system, the 50 TS offers

visual interface with menu-driven

a welcome upgrade from manual

programming that makes creating

processing – bringing convenience

protocols fast and intuitive. Its

and quality to your laboratory’s plate

performance for conventional plate

washing workflows.

washing is excellent, but the 50 TS offers much more than that. It is ideal

support@adpsa.co.za

2

QUALITY BLOOD SEPARATION

Soleris offers rapid and accurate spoilage and sterility testing of foods and beverage samples. You can trust in the Soleris system which has been tried and tested on a variety of raw materials and finished products (AOAC-RI validated).

Combining classic microbiology with rapid, reliable results in hours, as opposed to days for traditional methods, Soleris guarantees reduced labour and handling through automated reading and results.

Results within 24 hours for quality indicators

Histopaque® and ACCUSPIN™ products are aqueous, ready-to-use,

• Range of density gradients available.

density gradient media used in whole blood cell separation applications. For

Benefits

over 30 years, our company has made

• Quick centrifugation procedure

quality the top priority in manufacturing

• Optimal recoveries of viable cells

Histopaque. We offer Histopaque

• Permits selective separation of

products with sterility and performance

blood cell lines

specifications, as well as endotoxin

• Prevents cell distortion

testing to better meet your needs.

• Minimal extraneous cell

Features

• Consistent, reliable results

• Sterile solution, ready to use

• Preserves cell viability

• Endotoxin level tested

• Aseptically filtered solutions

• Each lot is performance-tested for

• Stable at 2 – 8°C for at least two

Results within 42 hours for spoilage

100

organism

95

interference

cell viability and yield • 30+ years of density gradient media experience

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

25

years when protected from light

5

• Facilitates the recovery of large numbers of viable mononuclear cells.

• Produced under ISO certified quality management system 13485

75

Analytical & Diagnostic Products Unit 13 The Gardens Business Park,Ateljee Street, Randpark Ridge Ext 52, 2156 S.A. Tel: (011) 794 5959 • Email: support@adpsa.co.za • Website: www.adpsa.co.za

0

labsupply@merckmillipore.com

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

29

BIOTECHNO LO G Y

1

2

3

CELL CULTURE LOCKER SYSTEM

REVOLUTIONARY ULTRAFILTER

OLYMPUS CKX53 MICROSCOPE

Cell culture laboratories working with sensitive

For scientists and lab technicians who need to

With improved image quality and easy handling,

cell types can now benefit from a patented

quickly and safely concentrate biological samples

the Olympus CKX53 delivers stable performance

new technology, developed to revolutionise cell

from 4 to 15 ml up to 100 fold, Sartorius offers the

and a more efficient cell culture process for a

culture management and ensure optimal sample

Vivaspin Turbo 15 ultrafilters. This revolutionary

variety of cell culture needs including live cell

security across gene therapy, cell therapy and

product allows for the fastest sample concentration

observation, cell sampling and handling, image

regenerative medicine applications development.

with the highest recoveries possible.

capture, and fluorescence observation.

Enabling the segregation of sensitive cells

Vivaspin Turbo 15 is a centrifugal concentrator.

Acquire clear, reproducible, and high contrast

into individual, removable and protected

This new UF device is the highly innovative

images with a wide visual field, made possible

chambers within the same incubator, the

improvement of Vivaspin 15 and 20. Within 10 - 30

by the CKX53’s long-life LED and iPC system.

Thermo Scientific Cell Locker system, available

minutes biological samples can be concentrated

Additionally, the newly developed inversion

exclusively from Labotec, offers enhanced

with macromolecular recoveries in excess of

contrast (IVC) technique provides clear three-

protection, stability and flexibility for even the most

95%. Vivaspin Turbo 15 allows easy and complete

dimensional views.

challenging cultures.

recovery of the concentrate, while delivering the

The new Cell Locker system is available for

fastest ultrafiltration on the market.

The high contrast achieved by the CKX53 iPC system provides a clear view of cells at 4x,

the Thermo Scientific Forma Steri-Cycle i160

The Vivaspin Turbo family is the optimal

CO2 incubators, which have been optimised

alternative to currently available centrifugal

exchange or re-centre the ring slit. The new

with a six-segmented inner door configuration to

concentrators:

phase contrast system facilitates simple and

accommodate the individual chambers. Each Cell

10x, 20x, and 40x without the user having to

efficient cell observation for a faster, more

Locker chamber can hold nine T-75 cell culture

Maximum process speeds

flasks, 20 six-well plates or 24 96-well plates,

• Large twin vertical membrane

meeting a wide range of application needs.

• Sleek internal profile

Easy and efficient

• The optimised design and the PES membrane

CKX53 offers easier and more efficient cell

For added versatility, the design allows users to use all six Cell Locker chambers or combine

minimise protein polarisation.

a few Cell Locker chambers with traditional shelf space.

Dividing an incubator into six separate autoclavable polycarbonate chambers, the

comfortable workflow.

sampling and handling in a clean bench environment, because of its small size and

Complete high recoveries • Angular dead stop pocket to collect complete concentrate in the smallest possible volume area

lightweight design.

The user-oriented design and simple operation of the holder and manual stage maximize

Cell Locker system is designed to quarantine

• Easy access to the concentrate with a pipette

performance and usability. Equipped with a

different cell types or projects, making it safe to

• Very low binding membrane and plastics

standardized camera port, the CKX53 can be

keep different cultures within close proximity.

• No filtration to dryness.

optionally paired with an Olympus camera,

Independent testing has demonstrated that

allowing users to quickly obtain clear images in

microbial contaminants cannot penetrate or

Highest chemical resistance

brightfield illumination, phase contrast, newly

escape a closed chamber, greatly reducing cross

• Chemical resistance: pH 1-14

developed inversion contrast, and fluorescence

contamination potential.

• Stable shelf life, even in humid environments.

imaging modes.

sales@labotec.co.za

sales@biotechsolutions.co.za

marketing@wirsam.com

30

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

INDUSTRY LEADING MANUFACTURER OF HARDNESS TESTERS

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BIOTECHNO LO G Y

4

5

6

VACUUM DRYING CHAMBER

AUTHENTICATE YOUR STAINING

ULTRAPURE WATER SYSTEMS

Binder’s VDL 115L vacuum drying chambers

With high quality ISOSLIDE® control slides you’ll

The Sartorius compact arium® mini laboratory

are an ideal solution for dealing with flammable

have no question about the validity of your

water systems have been designed for Type

solvents. A Binder safety vacuum drying oven of

histological staining procedures.

1 ultrapure water requirements of 10 litres

the VDL series ensures maximum safety when

Simply compare your preparations with

drying organic solvents in accordance with the

the control tissue specimens to be sure of

of buffers, media and samples, both in life

standards of TÜV/GS. The inner chamber of

your results.

sciences applications and in analytical laboratory

the VDL safety vacuum drying oven is designed

Certified quality in every box - ISOSLIDE

according to multiple following ATEX guidelines.

products are IVD registered, CE certified, and

It features an innovative control concept

come with comprehensive documentation. So

per day and are ideal for use in preparation

procedures, especially critical applications, such as HPLC/UHPLC. Regardless of the type of feed water available,

for regulation of the entire temperature range

they not only support your investigation, but also

use the arium mini or arium mini plus featuring

without overshooting. In addition to gentle

streamline lab accreditation and audits. For further

unique bagtank technology, or connect arium mini

drying throughout the chamber interior, it also

security, all the slides in one box are produced

essential directly to a deionised water supply line

features direct heat transfer through large thermal

from the same block of animal tissue.

in the lab.

conducting plates and atented, flexible positioning of the expansion racks.

Important characteristics • Temperature range: room temperature plus 15°C to 200 °C • APT.line™ preheating chamber technology

Now including ISOSLIDE H&E control slides.

optional integrated UV lamp (185/254 nm) to

staining patterns in histological applications with

reduce TOC to < 5 ppb. This ensures reliable

ISOSLIDE H&E control slides.

production of ultrapure water that is virtually free

These slides enable the clear detection of nuclei, epithelia, muscle and connective tissue elements.

• Controller with time-segment and real-time programming

The arium mini can be equipped with an

Verify your standard hematoxylin and eosin

of organic components.

With the unique bagtank technology there is no need for time-intensive cleaning and rinsing procedures.

Benefits

Easily operate the arium mini using the large all-

• 2 aluminum expansion racks

• High quality nuclear and cytoplasmic staining

in-one touch-activated colour display with direct

• Inert gas connection

• Used to determine batch-to-batch consistency

access to all important dispensing functions:

• Shatterproof, spring-mounted safety glass panel

• Supports the QA process in pathology

manual, volume-controlled or predefined volumes.

• Class 2 independent adjustable temperature

• CE-certified, IVD product

safety device (DIN 12880) with visual alarm

• A box of slides contains 25 paraffin-embedded

With a width of only 28 cm, arium mini will readily fit into any laboratory environment. This

• Computer interface: RS 422

tissue specimens on glass slides, including one

handy device will give you the flexibility you need

• 2 relay outputs, 24 V DC (max. 0.4 A)

pre-stained control slide and 24 unstained slides.

in integrating it into nearly any location.

sales@verder-scientific.co.za

32

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

2018-03-LMSStripAdvert-Fluke729-Rev1-0

labsupply@merckmillipore.com

frances.renwick@microsep.co.za

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

ED U C ATION AND RE SE ARCH

1

2

3

SEAMLESS SPECTROMETRY

RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

INVESTIGATE CORROSION EASILY

The latest in chromatography solutions for compact

SPELEC RAMAN is the first fully integrated

In the petrochemical and biofuel industries,

mass spectrometry, the Advion AVANT series offers:

synchronised Raman spectroelectrochemical

corrosion is a common problem that threatens

• HPLC and UHPLC

instrument for the research lab. SPELEC RAMAN

man and machine and generates significant

• UV and UV-Vis DAD

is the world’s only equipment on the market for

production costs.

• Modular and stackable design.

performing RAMAN spectroelectrochemistry

The AVANT series also offers seamless integration

studies, combining in only one box a lightsource,

pipeline corrosion accounts for a loss of over

with Advion’s expression Compact Mass

a bipotentiostat/galvanostat and a spectrometer.

US$20m per year. Metrohm Autolab offers a

Spectrometer. Advion’s range of AVANT high-

All the components are perfectly fitted

It has been reported that in the USA alone

complete product range for investigating the

performance liquid chromatography systems can

and synchronised, thus offering for first time

be used standalone with UV and UV/Vis detector

in the market a fully integrated synchronised

options, or with the expression compact mass

Raman spectroelectrochemical instrument. The

spectrometer to provide seamlessly integrated

equipment can also be used independently as

The instruments available for corrosion research are:

LC/CMS under the full control of Advion’s simple,

a Raman spectrometer or as a bipotentiostat/

• Autolab PGSTAT101: This is an affordable

intuitive Mass Express software suite.

galvanostat. SPELEC RAMAN can be used

potentiostat/galvanostat which doesn’t

Modular, stackable design with many options,

with electrochemical sensor or electrochemical

compromise on quality and specifications,

provide custom solutions for both HPLC and UHPLC

cells with three electrodes: working electrode,

making it an ideal instrument for students

needs. From the simplest manual injection HPLC

reference electrode and auxiliary electrode. It

• Autolab PGSTAT128N: This is a low current,

to fully automated, streamlined UHPLC systems

can be used for investigating and identifying

low noise and fast potentiostat/galvanostat

and everything in-between, the Avant series can be

electroactive species and redox reactions

capable of measuring maximum 800 mA, with a

configured to fit analytical requirements.

products. It can be applied in various research

The Avant (U)HPLC series is the latest in

fields, such as: new materials characterisation,

corrosion properties of materials.

compliance voltage of 12 V • Autolab PGSTAT302N: This high end, high

Advion’s innovative line of sample inlet devices for

photochemical energy conversion, photovoltaic

current potentiostat/galvanostat, with a

the expression CMS which include:

cells and analytical chemistry. It can be used

compliance voltage of 30 V and a bandwidth

• Plate Express for automated mass assays from

in bipotentiostat mode, with a two-working

of 1 MHz, combines with our FRA32M module

electrodes system sharing the same reference

and is specially designed for electrochemical

TLC plates • The ASAP direct analysis probe for solid, liquid and even air sensitive, samples • vAPCI for analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from head spaces, breath and other gas samples • Flow chemistry interfaces All these techniques can be simply, simultaneously,

and auxiliary electrodes. SPELEC RAMAN is

impedance spectroscopy.

controlled by the DROPVIEW SPELEC software.

There are various modules to enhance

• Time resolved RAMAN

research, including FRA2 for EIS, ECN for

• Real Time panel that collects the generated

electrochemical noise, ECD a low current

spectra not only during the electrochemical

amplifier and MUX, which is a multiplexer for

measurement but continuously at any time

sequential measurements.

• Spectroscopic measurements in Counts,

Autolab also has a range of corrosion cells from

interfaced with the CMS so that the chemist can

Counts minus Dark, Raman, Raman Shift during

400ml to 1 litre, as well as rotating disk electrodes

move quickly and effortlessly between workflows.

the electrochemical process.

to simplify your research.

bruno@bslc.co.za w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

ravii@metrohm.co.za

ravii@metrohm.co.za

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

33

PROD U C T AND SERV ICE INSIGHT

1

2

3

BOOST SEPARATION ABILITY

BUCHI REVELERIS PREP SYSTEM

SINGLE CRYSTAL X-RAY DIFFRACTION

Waters Corporation has introduced the ACQUITY™

The Buchi Reveleris PREP chromatography

A new family of very promising silver-based

UPLC PLUS series which comprises three new

system is advanced and powerful enough to

anti-cancer drugs has been discovered by

ACQUITY UltraPerformance LC™ (UPLC™) systems

enable the chemist to see previously missed

Prof Meijboom, Prof Cronje and Dr Engelbrecht

that build off of the success of Waters’ industry-

components and impurities. This system will

from the University of Johannesburg in

leading ACQUITY UPLC separations platform.

also provide maximum purity and recovery of

South Africa.

By embracing a philosophy of continuous

target compounds in a minimal amount of time.

The most promising silver thiocyanate

product improvement, along with customer

In addition, the system can help to reduce solvent

phosphine complex among these, called UJ3 for

feedback, Waters designed the new ACQUITY

and waste cost and improve target purities of the

short, has been successfully tested in rats and in

UPLC H-Class PLUS, H-Class PLUS Bio, and

analyte. With improved purities before moving to

human cancer cells in the laboratory. In research

I-Class PLUS systems for unparalleled flexibility,

the analytical HPLC step, column wastage and

published in the journal BioMetals, UJ3 is shown

performance and ease-of-use. From applications

unnecessary repeat of the process becomes a

to be as effective against human esophageal

as complex as peptide mapping to routine

thing of the past.

cancer cells, as a widely-used chemotherapy

product release testing, ACQUITY UPLC is helping

The Reveleris® PREP is fitted with three

thousands of academic, pharmaceutical, food, and

UV-detectors and an integrated ELS detector,

known to become resistant to current forms

chemical industry laboratories meet their research,

allowing for synchronized detection from four

of chemotherapy.

development and quality control objectives.

signals. This helps simplify fraction collection,

The ACQUITY UPLC H-Class PLUS and H-Class PLUS Bio systems are quaternary UPLC systems designed for high-resolution, high-sensitivity

drug in use today. Esophageal cancer cells are

The Rigaku XtaLab mini was used to investigate

reduce post purification work and maximises the

and confirm the composition of the compounds

recovery of target molecules.

using single crystal X-Ray Diffraction. This

The built-in, large touch screen display enables

Benchtop X-ray crystallography system is a

separations of complex samples with the flexibility

simple modification of parameters even while

compact single crystal X-ray diffractometer

and robustness to run all modes of chromatography

running a method. With no hardware connections

designed to produce publication-quality

– ion exchange, size exclusion, hydrophilic interaction,

the system can easily be switched between Flash

3D structures.

hydrophobic interaction and reversed phase –

and Preparative HPLC modes with a single touch

independent of the type or size chromatographic

of the screen.

column particle the method specifies.

The intuitive capabilities of this system allows

The perfect addition to any synthetic chemistry laboratory, the XtaLAB mini will enhance research productivity by offering affordable structure

The ACQUITY UPLC I-Class PLUS system

for the purification of a broad range of samples

analysis capability without the necessity of relying

is a binary UPLC system designed to generate

with complete control. This includes automatic

on a departmental facility.

ultra-efficient, narrow peaks and to improve

cartridge and rack identification, automatic valve

• Affordable design with low operating costs

the sensitivity of optical detection or mass

rinsing and an injection valve for preparative

• Requires minimal training and support

spectrometry. With industry-leading, ultra-low

chromatography. It detects chromophores and

• Automatic structure solution software

dispersion and delay volumes, it is an ideal

non-chromophores

• Provides definitive structural information

system for laboratories seeking the highest

Intuitively, doesn’t feature time-consuming

• Ideal supplement for a NMR spectrometer

chromatographic resolution and productivity

fluidics changes and allows you to maintain

• Perfect self-serve departmental lab instrument

possible in a UPLC system.

custody of your sample.

• Ideal teaching instrument

louis.vanhuyssteen@microsep.co.za

sales@labotec.co.za

marketing@wirsam.com

34

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

PROD U C T AND SERV ICE INSIGHT

4

5

6

SMART LABORATORY SOFTWARE

PRECISE DOOR CONTROL

RESISTANCE THERMOMETER

Mettler Toledo’s LabX instrument software, allows

The new Mimic EDIL100 double door security

Instrotech is proud to offer Kobold’s TNK

the user to fully control measurements from

booth or airlock controller by ADDA Systems is

resistance thermometers, suitable for monitoring

anywhere in the laboratory or office. LabX can be

due for release. The EDIL100 is a basic two-door

the temperature of diesel engines due to their

installed on a computer or server inside or outside

interlock control module. It will lock or unlock two

extreme insensitivity to vibration, impact and

the laboratory and can be connected via Ethernet

doors so that only one door is open at a time.

shock load. The robust measuring devices are

to a variety of instruments. The software comprises

Applications include simple security

best suited for shipbuilding and mechanical

several modules designed to accompany Mettler

booths, factory and laboratory airlocks for

engineering and meet all the technical

Toledo instrumentation, such as precision and

temperature and positive pressure control, and

requirements set by leading shipbuilders like

analytical balances, density meters, refractometers,

other applications.

Germinsche Lloyd and Deutsche Bahn.

autotitrators, Karl Fisher titrators, melting point

Provision is made for door closed and lock

Different sensor types, lengths and materials

instruments, Quantos dosing systems, pH meters

engaged signals of switchable polarity. These can

make it possible to design the measuring device

and UV/VIS (Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy)

be operated in either AND mode (both signals)

to best suit the application. The measuring

systems, and offers complete instrument control,

or in an OR mode (only one of either signal is

resistances can be replaced without having to

user friendly data management and integration into

required).

remove the fitting. These superior instruments,

LIMS. LabX offers these smart functions:

The AND mode is for higher security operation

available as 2-, 3- or 4-lead versions, cover

Smart data management: Full network

where it is important to know the door is closed

measuring ranges from -80° C to 150° C. The

capabilities, inbuilt reporting capabilities, complete

and locked. A typical use is where using a

maximum pressure is 16 or 50 bar, depending on

security and compliance support.

magnetic lock, one input can be used for the

the type of the chosen connection.

Smart instrument control: Complete overview of

internal reed sensor showing the mag lock has

running tasks, easy development of methods and

engaged the armature or locking plate. The

aluminium connection casing provides secure

workflows, the same look/feel for all instrument types.

other output could be used with a standard door

protection. Besides the standard industry

Smart instrument management: Keep track of

contact showing the door is closed (therefore the

solutions for engines, cable connections can be

your instruments and status, enable total control of

door is closed and locked).

chosen that conform to DIN 89280 or VG 88812

the usage and their resources, makes maintenance

The module has enough flexibility to use with

The saltwater-resistant, protection type IP 65

for use in ships or for military purposes. Materials

easy – schedule adjustments and checks.

most locking devices such as electric strikes,

used are brass, saltwater resistant bronze or

Smart integration: Makes instrument control part

electric locks, electric solenoid dead bolts,

stainless steel.

of workflow, fully integrate instruments via LabX into

electromagnet, magnetic locks, magnetic shear

LIMS or other data management systems, uses built-in

locks, electrical door and gate operators plus

engines, engine building, mechanical engineering,

reporting or carry out analysis with third party tools

many others.

and power unit construction.

rudy.maliepaard@microsep.co.za

don@mimic.co.za

sales@instrotech.co.za

JOHANNESBURG CAPE TOWN DURBAN PORT ELIZABETH VAAL TRIANGLE

T T T T T

: : : : :

+27 +27 +27 +27 +27

11 21 31 41 16

482 386 709 365 931

TNK finds application in shipbuilding, diesel

1060 9020 0199 2060 1731

www.wirsam.com w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

35

S TR ANGER THAN S CIENCE F IC TION

The world of science can be a freaky place China develops actual laser rifle

According to reports first published in the South China Morning Post, a Chinese company has developed a real-life laser rifle capable of hitting targets over a distance of 800 metres.

The ZKZM-500 can be fired 1000 times for two seconds per shot before its lithium ion batteries need a recharge, but the beam is not strong enough to be used for anything except nonlethal engagements. Mass production is also unlikely given the weapon’s current R200 000 price tag.

Lab grows mini caveman brains

A lab at the University of California, San Diego is growing miniature Neanderthal brains in petri dishes to settle the debate around their extinction. The most prominent theory about Neanderthal extinction is that they died off because they didn’t have the same brain capacity as the new kids on the block, Homo sapiens. Researchers believe that the mini brains, which will measure 0.2cm each when mature, can provide a key to solving this mystery.

36

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

‘Rain of blood’ showers Siberian town

When blood started raining from the sky recently in Norilsk, a drab industrial town in Siberia, residents understandably thought the end of the world was nigh. The explanation was far more pedestrian: cleaning staff at a local factory forgot to cover rust scrapings they had removed from the factory roof. Strong winds lifted the particles into the air where they mixed with rainwater and fell back to earth in a crimson shower.

Red rain in Europe is often caused by dust particles from the Sahara.

AI outperforms humans in GP exam

An artificial intelligence (AI) programme developed by the UK’s Babylon Healthcare Services has outperformed humans in the Royal Society of General Practitioners’ GP exam. The software maintained a score of 81%, better than the average score of 72% required to pass. The AI also correctly diagnosed the most common patient ailments 98% of the time. GP in Hand, a mobile app by the same company, can be selected as a primary care provider by National Health Service users. ww w w.lm w.lm s ms m a gaagzain z ie.c n e o. .c o. z az a

PROD U C T DIREC TORY

Refer to Company Directory for contact details Amino acids analysis • Anatech Instruments • LabDynamics • Shimadzu South Africa

Anaerobic workstation • Labotec

Atomic absorption • Anacon • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Merck Pty Ltd • Shimadzu South Africa

Atomic force microscopy • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Chemetrix • Shimadzu South Africa

Autoanalysers & Consumables • Anatech Instruments • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment

Autoclaves • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • The Scientific Group

Autoimmune • The Scientific Group

Automation • Anatech Instruments • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • The Scientific Group

Balances/Counting scales • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • LabDynamics • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • Shimadzu South Africa • The Scientific Group

Battery testing • Bruker South Africa • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic)

Biohazards (see Laminar Flow) • Labotec

Biotechnology equipment & consumables • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Kuhner) • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo) • National Separations

Bitumen testing • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • Verder Scientific

Blood grouping • Davies Diagnostics • The Scientific Group

Blood transfusion equipment & accessories • The Scientific Group

Blood virus • The Scientific Group

Blot kits (southern, northern, western) • Merck Pty Ltd • The Scientific Group

Boiling point apparatus • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Calibration service & equipment • Air Filter Maintenance Services • LabDynamics • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations

Calorimeters • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • LECO Africa

Carbon/Hydrogen/Nitrogen sulphur analysers • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • LECO Africa • Verder Scientific

Cement testing • Bruker South Africa • Metrohm SA • Monitoring & Control Labs • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa • Verder Scientific

Centrifuges • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Labotec

w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

• Merck Pty Ltd • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations • The Scientific Group

Certified reference materials & standards • Anatech Instruments • Davies Diagnostics • Industrial Analytical • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters, ERA & Romil) • Monitoring & Control Labs • PANalytical

Chemicals & reagents • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Industrial Analytical • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters, Romil & Recipe) • Monitoring & Control Labs

Chemiluminescence consumables • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Hygiena International) • National Separations

Chromatography data systems & software • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • LabDynamics • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters)

Chromatography ion/gas/liquid/thin layer • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa

Circulating coolers • Analytical Solutions

Circulators • Analytical Solutions • Labotec

Clean room equipment • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Labotec • Microsep (Lighthouse) • National Separations

Cleaning agents • Merck Pty Ltd • The Scientific Group

Climatic chambers/environmental • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs

Clinical analysers • The Scientific Group

Cloud point apparatus • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Coagulation • The Scientific Group

Coal analysis equipment • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Labotec • LECO Africa • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • PANalytical

COD analysers • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Colony counters • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Microsep (Interscience) • National Separations • The Scientific Group

Colour measurement • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Columns • Anatech Instruments • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa

Compressors • Labotec

Computer equipment, software & repairs • LabInfo (TSI)

Concrete testing equipment • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs

Conductivity • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs

Corrosion • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic) • Metrohm SA

Crucibles • Verder Scientific

Cryo equipment • Labotec

Culture media & accessories • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Davies Diagnostics • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep • National Separations

Cuvettes & cells • Anacon • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd

Data integrity • Microsep (Hanson Research)

Data loggers & systems • Hanna Instruments • Monitoring & Control Labs

Deionisers • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep • National Separations

Densitometers • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs

Density specific gravity meters & scales

• Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs

Distillation • Chemetrix • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd

DNA testing • Anatech Instruments • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Shimadzu South Africa • The Scientific Group

Dropping point apparatus • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Drug testing • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Davies Diagnostics

Dryers • Labotec

Dynamic mechanical analysers • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Electrochemical analysers • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic) • Labotec • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Electrodes • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Electron microscopes, equipment & consumables

• Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Derivatizing agents • Merck Pty Ltd

Dessicators • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • National Separations

Detectors • Anatech Instruments • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters) • PANalytical

Dewar flasks • Labotec

Diabetes monitoring • The Scientific Group

Diagnostic standards • Industrial Analytical • Microsep (Recipe)

Diamond knives • The Scientific Group

Diffractometers • Bruker South Africa • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa

Digestion • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd

Digital cameras • Advanced Laboratory Solutions

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Discrete analysers • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Labotec

Disintergration • LabDynamics • Microsep (Hanson Research)

Dispensers/dosing • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Interscience, Mettler Toledo & Rainin) • National Separations

Dissolution • Chemetrix • LabDynamics • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Hanson Research)

Dissolved oxygen • Hanna Instruments

• Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Chemetrix • The Scientific Group

Electrophoresis • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd

Elemental analysers • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • LECO Africa • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa • Verder Scientific

Elisa equipment & reagents/test kits • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Davies Diagnostics • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mabtech) • National Separations • The Scientific Group

Em sample preparation • Advanced Laboratory Solutions

Embedding media • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd

Environmental monitoring/equipment • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters, Mettler Toledo, ERA, Horiizon Technology & Lighthouse) • Shimadzu South Africa

Fat determination • Analytical Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Fermentors - lab • Analytical Solutions • Labotec

Fermentors - process • Labotec

Fibre optics • Labotec

Filtering equipment & consumables • Anatech Instruments • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations

Fine chemicals • Industrial Analytical

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

37

PROD U C T DIREC TORY • Merck Pty Ltd • Monitoring & Control Labs

Flash chromatography • Anatech Instruments

Flash point testers • Monitoring & Control Labs

Flow injection • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments

Fluorescence • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Davies Diagnostics • LabDynamics • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters) • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa • The Scientific Group

Food analysis equipment • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters, Mettler Toledo, Vicam, Hygiena International & Interscience) • National Separations • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa

Fraction collectors • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Shimadzu South Africa

Freeze dryers • Labotec

Freezers/ultra low freezers • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical Solutions • Labotec • The Scientific Group

Fridges • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Labotec • The Scientific Group

FTIR • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Shimadzu South Africa

Fuel cell • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic) • Metrohm SA

Fume hoods/cupboards • Labotec • National Separations

Furniture • Air Filter Maintenance Services

Furnaces • Verder Scientific

Fusion equipment/consumables • Industrial Analytical • PANalytical

Gas analysers • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Labotec • Scientific Supply Services

Gas generators • Afrox • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Davies Diagnostics • LECO Africa

Gas installations • LECO Africa

Gas testing • Chemetrix • Microsep (Lighthouse)

Gases - specialty • Shimadzu South Africa

GC/GC-MS • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters) • Scientific Supply Services • Shimadzu South Africa

Gel permeation chromatography • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa

38

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

Refer to Company Directory for contact details General laboratory consumables • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • LabDynamics • Merck Pty Ltd • National Separations • The Scientific Group • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment

Genetic disorders • Anatech Instruments

Genomics • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd

Genotyping • Anatech Instruments

Germinators

• Chemetrix • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa

Image analysis/data processing • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Bruker South Africa • Labotec • LECO Africa • Microsep (Interscience)

Imaging instruments • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Shimadzu South Africa • The Scientific Group

Immuno-haematology

• Labotec

Grain grading equipment • Bruker South Africa

Green histology solutions

• Davies Diagnostics • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd

Grinding vessels • Verder Scientific

Haematology equipment • Davies Diagnostics • Merck Pty Ltd • The Scientific Group

Hardness • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Labotec • LECO Africa • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters)

Headspace analysers • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Shimadzu South Africa

Heating & cooling blocks • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Monitoring & Control Labs

Heating mantles • Labotec

Histology equipment & consumables • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mabtech)

Hollow cathode lamps • Anacon • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • LabDynamics

Homogenisers • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd

Hot plates/stirrers • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations

HPLC/GC/MS equipment & consumables • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • LabDynamics • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters) • National Separations • Shimadzu South Africa • The Scientific Group

HPLC/MS • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Advion) • Chemetrix • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa

Humidity measurement • Hanna Instruments • Labotec

• Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mabtech)

Impact testing • Advanced Laboratory Solutions

Incubators (See Ovens, furnaces & incubators) • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations

Infra-red spectroscopy • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Ion analysis • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo) • Shimadzu South Africa

Karl Fischer water content analysers • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Kjeldahl • Analytical Solutions • Labotec • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Laboratories - accreditation • Air Filter Maintenance Services

Laboratory & GMP training • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy

• Merck Pty Ltd • Monitoring & Control Labs

Hygrometers • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs

ICP & consumables • Chemetrix • Merck Pty Ltd • Shimadzu South Africa

ICP-MS • Anatech Instruments

Melting point apparatus • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Mercury analysers • Metrohm SA

Metallurgical sample prep/metallography • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • LECO Africa

Microanalysis • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Davies Diagnostics • Labchem • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep • National Separations

Microfiltration • Anatech Instruments • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep • National Separations

Microplate readers/ harvesters/washers • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Merck Pty Ltd • The Scientific Group

Microscopy • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Analytical Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • The Scientific Group • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment

Microtomes & accessories • Labotec • The Scientific Group

Mixers/blenders • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Interscience)

Moisture analysis • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • LECO Africa • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Shimadzu South Africa

Mortuary equipment

Laminar flow/biohazards • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Labotec

Laser systems • Labotec

Leak detectors • Chemetrix • Labotec • National Separations

LIMS • Bika Lab Systems • LabInfo (TSI) • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo)

Lubricants • PANalytical

Luminometers & reagents • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Microsep (Celsis & Hygiena International)

Magnetic stirrers • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations

Magnets

Hydrometers

Melt flow index • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Microbiology

Immunology equipment

• Merck Pty Ltd

• Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • PANalytical • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment

• Labotec

Mass spectrometers • Anatech Instruments • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Advion) • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • LabDynamics • Labotec • LECO Africa • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa

Material sectioning • LECO Africa

Materials testing • Advanced Laboratory Solutions

• Labotec

Mycotoxin analysis • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Chemetrix • Microsep (Waters & Vicam)

Nanotechnology • Analytical Solutions • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic) • Labotec • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters & Lighthouse) • National Separations • PANalytical • The Scientific Group

Near infra-red analysers • Analytical Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Labotec • Metrohm SA • PANalytical

NMR • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Merck Pty Ltd

Oil testing • Bruker South Africa • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • PANalytical

Optical emission • Chemetrix • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa

Orbital shakers • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs

Ovens, furnaces & incubators • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Kuhner) • LabDynamics • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs

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PROD U C T DIREC TORY

Refer to Company Directory for contact details • National Separations • Verder Scientific

Paint testing equipment • Bruker South Africa • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs

Particle size measurement • Analytical Solutions • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo & Lighthouse) • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations • Shimadzu South Africa • Verder Scientific

Pathogen testing equipment • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Merck Pty Ltd • National Separations

PCR/real-time PCR instruments & Consumables • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Davies Diagnostics • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo & Lighthouse) • National Separations

Petroleum testing • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Hanna Instruments • LabDynamics • Labotec • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment

pH instrumentation • Analytical Solutions • Chemetrix • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs

Photometers • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA

Pipettes/diluters • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Davies Diagnostics • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo & Rainin) • The Scientific Group

Plant growth chambers & rooms • Labotec

Plastic labware • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Merck Pty Ltd

Plastics testing • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • PANalytical

Platinum laboratory ware • PANalytical

Polarimeters • Monitoring & Control Labs

Porosimeters • Advanced Laboratory Solutions

Potentiostats/galvanostats • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic) • Metrohm SA

Power supplies • Analytical & Diagnostic Products

Protein analysis • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Labotec • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters) • Shimadzu South Africa

Proteomics • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters) • National Separations

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Pumps • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • National Separations

Purge & trap systems • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix

Pycnometers/density measurements • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Quality control • Bruker South Africa • PANalytical • The Scientific Group

Raman analysers • LabDynamics • Metrohm SA

Spectrometers • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Labotec • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • PANalytical

Spectrophotometers • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • Shimadzu South Africa

Spectroscopy - accessories

Rapid diagnostic test kits • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Davies Diagnostics • Microsep (Recipe) • National Separations

Reactors • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Real-time reaction monitoring • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Reference cultures/ quality control organisms • Anatech Instruments • Davies Diagnostics • Industrial Analytical

Refractometers • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs

Repair & maintenance • Anacon • Anatech Instruments • LabDynamics • Labotec • Metrohm SA

Rheometers • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Monitoring & Control Labs

Rotary evaporators • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd

• Anacon • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Chemetrix • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • PANalytical

Spray dryers • Labotec

Stirrers • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • National Separations

Surface/surface area analysis • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Labotec • LECO Africa • Microsep (Celsis & Hygiena International) • National Separations • PANalytical

Surface tension • Advanced Laboratory Solutions

Synthesis workstations • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Syringes • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • National Separations

Temperature & humidity • LabInfo (TSI) • Monitoring & Control Labs

Safety equipment & accessories • Merck Pty Ltd

Salt spray chambers • Labotec

Sample preparation equipment/ consumables • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Industrial Analytical • Labotec • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Waters, Mettler Toledo & Horizon Technology) • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations • PANalytical • Verder Scientific • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment

Samplers • Anatech Instruments • Microsep (Mettler Toledo & Lighthouse) • PANalytical

Scientific analytical equipment • Bruker South Africa • Hanna Instruments

Sensor development • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Bio-Logic)

Sieves & shakers • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Kuhner) • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • The Scientific Group • Verder Scientific

Slip melting point apparatus • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Sodium analysers • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Softening point apparatus • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Soil testing equipment • Bruker South Africa • Labotec • Microsep (Waters, Mettler Toledo & Horizon Technology) • Monitoring & Control Labs • Verder Scientific

Temperature measurement/ thermometers/thermostats • Davies Diagnostics • Hanna Instruments • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA

Tensile/compression testing • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Shimadzu South Africa

Textile testing • ATS Laboratory

Texture analysers • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Bruker South Africa • Monitoring & Control Labs • PANalytical

Thermal analysis • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Shimadzu South Africa

Thermal desorption • Advanced Laboratory Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • Shimadzu South Africa

Thermal optical analysis • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Thin layer chromatography (TLC/HPTLC) • Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy (Camag)

Tissue culture chambers & rooms • National Separations

Tissue processors • Labotec • The Scientific Group

Titrators • Analytical Solutions • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

TOC analysers • Analytical Solutions • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Mettler Toledo & Lighthouse) • Shimadzu South Africa

Tubing • Labotec • National Separations

Turbidity • Anatech Instruments • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo)

Turnkey laboratory design • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment

Ultrasonic baths • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations • The Scientific Group

UV transilluminators • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Labotec • The Scientific Group

UV/visible spectrophotometry • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Analytical Solutions • Anatech Instruments • Chemetrix • LabDynamics • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep (Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • Shimadzu South Africa

Vacuum coating • Labotec • The Scientific Group

Vacuum systems & measurement • Chemetrix • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • National Separations

Validation • Air Filter Maintenance Services • LabDynamics • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo) • PANalytical

Viscometers • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs

Water analysis equipment • Analytical & Diagnostic Products • Anatech Instruments • Bruker South Africa • Hanna Instruments • Labotec • LECO Africa • Merck Pty Ltd • Metrohm SA • Microsep (Waters & Mettler Toledo) • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations

Water baths • Air Filter Maintenance Services • Analytical Solutions • Labotec • Monitoring & Control Labs • National Separations

Water distillation/purification • LabDynamics • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd • Microsep • National Separations • The Scientific Group

Water samplers • Labotec • Merck Pty Ltd

Weathering testers • Labotec

Western blot kit (See Blot Kits...)

• Anatech Instruments • Merck Pty Ltd • The Scientific Group

X-ray analysis • Bruker South Africa • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa • Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment

X-ray crystallography • Bruker South Africa • PANalytical

X-ray diffraction • Bruker South Africa • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa

X-ray fluorescence • Bruker South Africa • Monitoring & Control Labs • PANalytical • Shimadzu South Africa

Zeta potential • AMS Laboratory Technologies • Analytical Solutions • Micron Scientific • SMM Instruments

LMS Issue 4 | 2018

39

C OMPANY DIREC TORY

your testing solutions partner

Sample Preparation Mechanical Testing

Rheology

Precision matters in everything we do

Thermal Analysis

HiQ - Precision matters in everything we do, which is why our HiQ range of gases and equipment provides the accurate solution you need for optimum control in all specialised laboratory applications.

Microscopy Spectroscopy

AFROX Customer Service Centre: 0860 020202 Email: customer.service@afrox.linde.com www.afrox.com

Surface Science

SmartCall: 086 0000 ALS (257)

SmartFax: 086 1111 ALS (257)

E-mail: info@advancedlab.co.za

Web: www.advancedlab.co.za

Branches: Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town

Twitter: @advancedlab

AFMS provide certification and supply of biological safety cabinets, laminar flow benches and fume hoods. We supply and install Bsl 3 Laboratories and Bio Containment Facilities and are the authorised dealers for Baker products (www.bakerco.com). We also offer Certification of Clean Rooms and are suppliers of Incubators, Ovens, Water Baths and Circulators.

PO Box 459, Honeydew 2040 30 Summit Road, Midrand, Gauteng Tel: 086-111-2367 | Fax: 011-462-1489 Email: afms@afms.bz | www.afms.bz

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A N A LY T I C A2017/12/11 L& DIAGNOSTIC PRODUCTS

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Instrumentation

Anacon supplies analytical consumables for all major instrument manufacturers and is the sole agent for the PHOTRON range of hollow cathode and deuterium (D2) lamps. Our product range includes: hollow cathode lamps (1.5 and 2”) - coded, uncoded and lumina type; deuterium Lamps for AA, UV, and HPLC detectors; graphite furnace tubes and platforms; and glass or quartz cells (cuvettes).

a Cell Image Multi-Mode Readers a Electrophoresis Equipment a Hygiene Monitoring Systems a Image Analysis a Microplate Instrumentation a Radiation Monitoring Systems a Robotic Liquid Handling Systems a Rapid Microbial Detection Systems a Dry Bath Incubator / Shaker Incubator a Rocker Shaker Vortex a Centrifuge a Magnetic Stirrer

Anacon also provides support for older generation Varian instruments. This includes routine and breakdown servicing, operator training, and assistance with sourcing obsolete and scarce spare parts such as keyboards, disk drives, and printed circuit boards.

a a a a a

For more information on our products or our range of preowned equipment please check our website.

PO Box 6378, Weltevreden Park, 1715

PO Box 731003, Fairland 2030 | 180 Kessel Street, Fairland 2195 Tel: 011-476-5690 | Fax: 011-476-7833 Email: Anacon@iafrica.com | www.anacon.co.za

Reagents & Supplies Dehydrated Culture Media Ion Chromatography Resins Petrifilm Pipettes Sampling Sponge/Swabs

Analytical Solutions specialises in the supply of scientific equipment to academic, research and analytical laboratories.

Elisa Kits

a Bacterial Pathogens a Food QC / Allergens a Mycotoxins a Pesticides Residues a Plant Diseases/Viruses

Tel: 011-794 5959 Fax: 011-794 5963 Email: support@adpsa.co.za website: www.adpsa.co.za

We are agents for Eppendorf, Erweka, Jasco, Unity Scientific, Biocontrol, AMS France, Dani Instruments, SI Analytics, Microtrac, Velp Scientifica, Fedegari autoclaves, Julabo, Ohaus, Schmidt+Haensch and Microfluidics.

Gauteng Tel: 087-610-0900 Fax: 011-704-7713 Western Cape Tel: 087-610-1000 Cell: 079-699-7987 KwaZulu Natal Tel: 087-610-1100 Cell: 082-872-3235 info@analyticalsolutions.co.za www.analyticalsolutions.co.za

LMS Company & Product Directory block- Renewals Friday, January 6, 2017 12:37:02 PM

Assuring you of our commitment to quality products and service • Mass Spectrometry • Water & Electrochemistry • Molecular Biology • Life Sciences • Chromatography • Spectroscopy

www.anatech.co.za PO Box 98485, Sloane Park, 2152 T: 011 462 6776 F: 011 704 6490 sales@anatech.co.za

Quality Control Instruments to ISO BAMR is a family run business that supplies, repairs, services and calibrates instruments in the Coatings, Corrosion, Physical Paint Test and Allied Industries since 1946.

Instruments include: Abrasion, Adhesion, Climate, Coating Thickness (Elcometer), Density, Elasticity, Film Applicators, Fineness of Grind, Gloss (Elcometer), Reflectometers, IQ gauges (Rhopoint), Hardness, Moisture (Max Doser, Protimeter, Tramex), Pinhole and Spark, Surface Profiles, Salt, Dust and Cleanliness, Ultrasonic Material Thickness, Viscosity Cups and Rotational Testers

PO Box 23973, Claremont 7735 Tel: 021-683-2100 Email: sales@bamr.co.za www.bamr.co.za

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LMS Issue 4 | 2018

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C OMPANY DIREC TORY

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Bruno Steiner Lab Consultancy is a supplier of the following high technology lab equipment for the sub-saharan countries: â&#x20AC;˘Â Advion: Compact and affordable high performance Mass Spectrometer â&#x20AC;˘Â Bio-Logic: High performance instruments for the research lab - Electrochemistry, Battery & fuel cell, Sensor development, Nanotechnology and Corrosion â&#x20AC;˘Â Camag: The world leader in Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC/TLC) â&#x20AC;˘Â Kuhner: The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most reliable Shaker/ Shaking Incubator from grams uo to 2 tons Office: +27 11 804 3503 fax: +27 86 719 2778 email: bruno@bslc.co.za www.bslc.co.za Address: PO Box 773, Gallo Manor 2052

Davies Diagnostics (Pty) Ltd

Authorized Distributor

Chemical Analysis Solutions Clean Room Maintenance offers an unparalleled quality service in the maintenance & validation of containment systems and supply of consumables in the air filtration & purification industry. Proudly and expertly for 30 years and more to come, we supply; install and service all types of Fume Hoods, biohazard safety cabinets; HVAC units and laminar flow units. We provide objective particle count testing of cleanrooms; hospital theatres and we also supply and fit all types of primary, secondary and HEPA filters for all your air purification needs.

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Chemetrix (Pty) Limited | 400 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16th Road | Block H Central Park | Midrand Tel +27 11 541 9801 | Fax +27 11 541 9802 Countrywide support call centre 0860-AGILENT (0860 244 5368) Website : www.chemetrix.co.za Email lynnettel@chemetrix.co.za

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+27 11 777 7600

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+27 11 787 6917

Email: mkt@daviesdiag.co.za www.daviesdiagnostics.co.za

Innovative Solutions for Your Laboratory Requirements!

Your trusted source for 26 years!

Hanna Instruments produce the following products: Chemical Test Kits, pH, Conductivity, TDS, ISE, Titration, Dissolved Oxygen, Multi-Parameters Meters, Magnetic Stirrers, Photometers, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Turbidity, Refractometers, Temperature, Relative Humidity, Lux, Process Instrumentation and Dosing Pumps.

Head office (JHB) 6 Vernon Road, Morninghill, Bedfordview T: (011) 615 6076 | F: (011) 615 8582 | E: hanna@hanna.co.za CAPE TOWN BRANCH Unit B, 18 Bellville Business Park, Belville, Cape Town T: (021) 946 1722 | F: (021) 946 1723 | E: ct@hanna.co.za DURBAN BRANCH 2 Sunnyside Centre, 48 Sunnyside Lane, Pinetown T: (031) 701 2711 | F: (031) 701 2706 | E: durban@hanna.co.za

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Laboratory Design & Supply â&#x20AC;˘ Scientific & Precision Equipment â&#x20AC;˘ Calibration & Services

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Industrial Analytical (Pty) Ltd. (part of LGC Standards), an ISO 9001:2008 certified and BBBEE rated company, specialises in the supply of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs)/ reference standards, ISO accreditedSolution Standards for ICP/ AAS, Fine Chemicals (high purity metals/compounds and HPLC solvents) and Claisse fusion equipment. ISO Certificates of Analysis (COA), with guaranteed purities (up to 99.999999% pure) and MSDS supplied with our products.

PO Box 12897, Vorna Valley 1686 Tel: 011-466-4321 | Fax: 011-466-4611 Email:â&#x20AC;&#x201A;sales.za@lgcgroup.com www.lgcstandards.com LMSâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; Issue 4 | 2018â&#x20AC;&#x192;

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Raman HPLC

grow, nurture, evolve...

LECO Africa is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the privately owned company LECO Corporation, USA, servicing the South African Analytical and Metallographic industries since 1976.

Visit our new website www.labotec.co.za

Chromatography parts & consumables

We provide LECO Analytical, Metallographic, Spectrographic and Separation Science equipment, Consumables and related spare parts manufactured and assembled in the USA.

Dissolution Software Columns Water systems

Labotec is your guarantee of

WORLD CLASS LAB EQUIPMENT

with South African-based after-sales support and service

Tel. 011 675 1266 Cell. 082 498 1111 labdynamics@mweb.co.za www.labdynamics.co.za

Merck (Pty) Ltd

Merck is an innovation-driven life science company offering a broad spectrum of proven tools and technologies, together with performance solutions that help our customers succeed in the research, development and production of biotechnology and pharmaceutical drug therapies.

www.merckmillipore.com

Tel: 086-006-3725 Fax: 086-052-2329 Email: labsupply@merck.co.za PO Box 1998, Halfway House, 1685

011 315 5434 | 021 531 7660 | 031 566 4870 sales@labotec.co.za

Metrohm SA is the sole agent for the following Metrohm products: • Titration, pH and conductivity, Karl Fischer, Ion chromatography and Voltammetry • Autolab potentiostats • Applikon online process analysers • Near-infrared systems for lab and process • MIRA - portable Raman analyser.

Microsep (Pty) Ltd www.microsep.co.za

Microsep is a supplier of high technology scientific, analytical, laboratory and weighing instrumentation in Southern Africa.

Our focus is to provide high quality scientific products and innovative solutions to satisfy the needs of our customers in the general laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and beverage, chemical and petro-chemical, environmental and industrial markets. Market leading brands include Waters Chromatography and Mettler Toledo.

Our products are widely used in industries such as environmental, pharmaceutical, food, mining, electroplating, petrochemical and tertiary institutions for teaching/research.

2 Saturn Crescent, Linbro Business Park, Frankenwald Ext. 30, Sandton, 2196

Postnet Suite 587, Private Bag x29, Gallo Manor 2052 Tel: 011-656-1918 Fax: 011-656-2698 Email: info@metrohm.co.za www.metrohm.co.za

NAT

10 Village Crescent, Linbro Business Park, Gauteng Jbg: 011-608-4664 Cpt: 086-010-9259 Dbn: 031-914-2912 sales@moncon.co.za exports@moncon.co.za www.moncon.co.za

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LMS Issue 4 | 2018

Tel: 011-553-2300 021-914-0393 021-886-9157 031-701-4705/6

041-365 5168

Fax: 011-553-2400

Email: info@microsep.co.za

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Service Workshops and Sanas Laboratories for Viscosity and Temperature Calibrations in Johannesburg and Durban.

LA

Supplying Laboratories with Instrumentation & Chemicals for 26 Years

IONAL

Monitoring & Control Laboratories

Tel: 011-974-1681 Fax: 011-974-1848 www.lecoafrica.co.za

H AFRICA

Service Validation Calibration

LECO Africa serves the entire Sub-Saharan region, with offices in Gauteng, Western Cape, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal, and distributors in the Eastern Cape, Namibia, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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National Separations www.natsep.com National Separations (NATSEP) is the supplier of laboratory filtration, water purification and consumable products for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food & beverage and industrial industries. NATSEP, a subsidiary of Microsep (Pty) Ltd, is the official Southern African distributor for Sartorius Stedim Biotech, Albet and Amazon Filters.

NATSEP provides the most cost effective filtration solution, by combining excellent products with years of filtration expertise and exceptional service.

Tel: Jhb: 011-553-2300 Fax: 011-553-2400 CT: 021-914-0393 021-886-9078

CT: 021-886-9157

DBN: 031-701-4705/6

PE: 041-365-5168 Email: salesjhb@natsep.co.za / info@microsep.co.za w w w.lm s m a g a z i n e .c o. z a

C OMPANY DIREC TORY © Copyright LMS 2018

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PANalytical is a leading supplier of analytical instrumentation including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Near Infrared (NIR) and cross belt analysers. PANalytical provides the total X-ray solution by means of the latest innovative technology in X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Using the best specialists in South Africa, PANalytical offers XRF and XRD training courses. The variety of courses can either be presented at the customer’s site or at the PANalytical offices in Rand Park Ridge, Johannesburg.

PANalytical (PTY) LTD Unit 4, Bush Hill Office Park Jan Frederick Avenue Rand Park Ridge South Africa

T +27 11 577 0880 F +27 11 577 0882 M +27 82 575 2628 wynand.smit@ panalytical.com

SSS is a highly specialised company dedicated to offering superior support in niche markets in Chromatography and related disciplines. SSS is an OEM distributor for Vici and an accredited distributor for all Varian consumables; Vici Valves and GC Detectors; Precision Sampling Syringes; ChromPerfect Data Systems; Hamilton Syringes; SGE Syringes & Supplies; National Scientific Vials, Septa, Syringe Filters, Caps etc; Bohlender Teflon Products; GL Science Leak Detectors; Specialised and Refurbished Instruments; Capillary Columns; Solid Phase Extraction; Nikepal Syringes.

Training is a priority at SSS and regular hands-on courses are offered. The range is expanding annually and SSS also manufactures specialised Inlet Systems for sample introduction of gases and semi-gaseous mixtures.

Tel: +2711 476 8065 | www.ssscc.co.za

EDITORIAL EDITOR: Conrad Strydom Cell: 084 815 4260 lmseditorial@newmediapub.co.za SUB EDITOR: Gill Abrahams LAYOUT & DESIGN: Allison McCallum ADVERTISING ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Merinda Lottering - Cell: 071-765-5702 Merinda.Lottering@newmediapub.co.za DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS Felicity Garbers felicity.garbers@newmediapub.co.za PUBLISHING TEAM GENERAL MANAGER: Dev Naidoo PUBLISHING MANAGER: Johann Gerber Johann.Gerber@newmediapub.co.za PRODUCTION MANAGER: Angela Silver ART DIRECTOR: David Kyslinger CONTACT

Shimadzu SA (Pty) Ltd

• CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS • LIFE SCIENCES • POINT OF CARE

www.shimadzu.co.za Shimadzu SA (Pty) Ltd. offers direct sales, service and support to customers in the Southern African Region for all of their analytical and measuring instruments including instruments for chromatography, massspectrometry, spectroscopy, elemental analysis, surface analysis, materials testing, life scienice research, weight measurement, thermal analysis, particle size analysis and TOC analysis.

PO Box 384 Welobie 1714

Wild Fig Business Park Units 37-40 1494 Cranberry Street Honeydew Roodepoort 2170

Tel: 011-795-2608

Fax: 011-795-1493

Email: info@shimadzu.co.za

Johannesburg Office: Ground floor, Media Park, 69 Kingsway Avenue, Auckland Park, 2092 Postal Address: PO Box 784698, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2146 T +27 (0)11 877 6111 F +27 (0)11 713 9024 www.lmsmagazine.co.za PRINTING Printed and bound by Paarlmedia COVER PRICE R40.00 VAT Incl.

Published on behalf of Media24 Magazines by New Media Publishing (PTY) Ltd.

The Scientific Group, 14 Roma Street, Cosmo Business Park, Randburg, 2188 p 087 353 5600 | f 086 557 2874 e tsgenquiries@ascendismedical.com w www.ascendishealth.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Aileen Lamb CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Bridget McCarney EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: John Psillos NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Irna van Zyl Head Office: New Media House, 19 Bree Street, Cape Town, 8001 Postal Address: PO Box 440, Green Point, Cape Town, 8051 Tel: +27 (0)21 417 1111 Fax: +27 (0)21 417 1112 Email: newmedia@newmediapub.co.za

Unless previously agreed in writing, LMS owns all rights to all contributions, whether image or text.

SOURCES: Shutterstock, supplied images, editorial staff.

While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of its contents and information given to readers, neither the editor, publisher, or its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom.

All rights reserved. © LMS. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners.

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LMS Issue 4 | 2018

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HOW TO PICK UP YOUR MINERALOGICAL ANALYSIS?

AERIS MINERALS EDITION • The most intuitive X-ray diffractometer • Direct mineralogical information to improve geometallurgical models • Designed for operator use

EMPYREAN The multipurpose X-ray diffractometer for phase identification, quantification, mineral mapping and 3D imaging

MINERALS EDITION OF ZETIUM Integrated SumXcore technology combines WDXRF and EDXRF elemental analysis. It can also include a small spot analysis tool for fast element distribution mapping

EPSILON 4 • Multi-functional instrument to comply with international regulations • Highest sensitivity on the market • Significant savings on operational costs

www.malvernpanalytical.com

Unit 4, Bush Hill Office Park T +27 11 577 0884 Jan Frederick Avenue F +27 11 577 0882 Rand Park Ridge M +27 82 575 2628 wynand.smit@panalytical.com South Africa