New Products

VISCOMETER

RheoSense Inc. introduces the VROC® initium, an automatic viscometer for viscosity characterization. Equipped with automatic sample loading and sample cleaning, VROC® initium measures absolute viscosity as a function of shear rate across a wide temperature range. This allows unique viscosity fingerprinting of the samples. Samples in 96 well plates as well as 40 vial racks can be tested automatically with the intuitive software. It can measure viscosity for sample volumes as little as 10 microlitres, making it suitable for early stage development of protein therapeutics . Automatic intrinsic viscosity measurements provide size of molecules in various formulations and in various conditions which help shorten development time. With the extreme repeatability and small footprint, the VROC® initium is the workhorse for both research and routine viscosity measurements. web: www.rheosense.com

CAMERAS

ZEISS has introduced two new digital microscope cameras, the ZEISS Axiocam 702 mono and ZEISS Axiocam 512 color, to its current portfolio. With ZEISS Axiocam 702 mono, ZEISS for the first time introduces a microscope camera with a scientific CMOS sensor. Users benefit from low read noise, excellent low light sensitivity and high speed for live cell imaging and acquisition of fast processes. ZEISS Axiocam 702 mono features a 1/1.2″ (13.3 mm diagonal) sensor with a resolution of 2.3 megapixels, making it an attractive entry into the world of scientific CMOS imaging. ZEISS Axiocam 512 color allows acquisition of large sample areas in one high resolution, true color image. The 12 megapixel CCD sensor with a size of 1″ (16 mm diagonal) delivers an excellent live image and high acquisition speed. ZEISS Axiocam 512 color in combination with low magnification and zoom objectives offers optimal resolution for imaging of large specimens without stitching. Both new camera models feature high-speed USB 3.0 connections and active thermoelectric cooling. web: www.zeiss.com

DNA EXTRACTION KIT

The NextPrep-Mag™ Urine cfDNA Isolation Kit from Bioo Scientific is an automation-friendly kit designed to extract cell free DNA from urine, using a magnetic bead format. The rapid procedure can be completed in only 30 minutes and does not require a vacuum manifold. Using the kit, sufficient cfDNA is recovered from urine sample volume ranging from less than 1 mL to more than 20 mL, to allow robust construction of libraries for targeted or whole genome sequencing. The cfDNA isolated using this kit can be used for applications including studies of circulating fetal DNA and cancer diagnostic-related liquid biopsy studies. web: www.biooscientific.com

PIPETTES

Unlike traditional pipettes which utilize a single rotating plunger to set volumes, the EVOLVE manual pipette from INTEGRA features three adjustable dials for setting each individual volume digit. Simply depress and twist the plunger to unlock the volume dials. Once unlocked, freely adjust the three dials to rapidly set the desired volume. This new approach allows users to set volumes more than ten times faster. The pipettes come in single, eight and twelve channel formats, covering a volume range of 0.2 to 5,000 μl. They are optimized for use with INTEGRA’s wide range of GripTips pipette tips. The GripTips simply snap into place with minimal tip loading effort, providing a secure connection. Additionally, the new INTEGRA linear stand can accommodate up to thirteen EVOLVE pipettes. It can also be converted into a charging stand to charge any INTEGRA electronic pipettes. web: www.integra-biosciences.com

IMAGING SYSTEM

Molecular Devices LLC announces the launch of its ImageXpress® Micro 4 HighContent Imaging System. Additionally, its latest version of MetaXpress® HighContent Image Acquisition and Analysis Software is now capable of 3D image analysis. For scientists conducting basic research or high-throughput screening, the ImageXpress System is an integrated and scalable toolset for optimal 3D image acquisition and analysis. With the new ImageXpress system and MetaXpress 3D software toolkit users can directly access a smooth and integrated workflow, eliminating the need for third-party tools and time-consuming bottlenecks for acquisition and analysis of complex 3D datasets. Its modular configuration allows researchers to customize the system to fit individual needs, now including the ability to add confocal capability with the AgileOptix™ spinning disc confocal module without disruption to existing workflows. web: http://go.moleculardevices.com/ixm-4

SAMPLE PREPARATION

Seward Ltd. has introduced the all new Seward Stomacher® 400 EVO laboratory blender, together with Stomacher® 400 ECO sample preparation bags. The Stomacher 400 EVO has been engineered and designed for easy use and silent operation. Laboratories can also save on consumables by using the blender with the new Stomacher ECO bags. These use significantly less plastic, saving waste and making them both economical and eco-friendly. Its unique, one-touch bag loading system means operators just need to place the bag in the loading slot, and by pushing the start button, the bag is sealed and blending begins. Together with the ‘no-fuss’ programmable screen display, operators can process samples quickly and efficiently. The Seward Stomacher 400 EVO’s rubber base, combined with a host of design and engineering developments, also helps to eliminate bench movements. A removable drip tray means that any spillages during the day can be quickly cleaned, and for thorough cleaning, the paddle chamber can be easily opened and the paddles removed, making the complete chamber accessible. web: www.seward.co.uk.

new Products

HOT PLATES

Torrey Pines Scientific has released its new EchoTherm™ Model HS65 programmable digital stirring hot plate for use in chemical, pharmaceutical, environmental, biochemical and other laboratories. With the EchoTherm™ Model HS65, programming is done through the front panel membrane switch and full-functioned custom liquid crystal display. It comes with five-stirring positions allowing for reproducible, accurate, hands-off sample preparation. The unit can store 10 programs in memory of as many as 10 steps each where each step is a temperature, temperature ramp rate (if wanted), stirring speed and time. Each program can be made to repeat itself automatically from 1 to 98 times or infinitely. All programs are stored electronically. Each stirring position can be set to the same speed or to individual speeds. Non-programmed operation can be done as well. Heater plates are 12″ (30.5 cm) x 12″ (30.5 cm) white, solid ceramic glass for excellent chemical resistance and quick heating. The plate surface can be heated from ambient to 400°C. Plate surface temperature or solution temperature is controlled directly to 1°C of the target. Accuracy is 1% of the reading using platinum RTD circuitry. The units are supplied with immersion probe and temperature calibration certificate traceable to NIST. Stirring speed is 100 to 1500 rpm and controlled by optical coupler to 10 rpm. Count down timer with alarm, user settable Auto-Off, and RS232 I/O port are standard with the unit. The Model HS65 is available in 100, 115, and 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz models. All units are UL, CSA, and CE certified. web: www.torreypinesscientific.com

BIOCHEMISTRY ANALYSIS

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences has unveiled its new low sample volume bioanalyte analyzer, the ViCELL MetaFLEX*. Built for micro to large-scale cell culture applications, the biochemistry analyzer delivers fast, accurate bioanalytical analysis (measuring pH, pO2, pCO2, glucose, lactate, electrolytes and more parameters). The compact Vi-CELL MetaFLEX is designed to be operational more than 22 hours a day, with a turnaround time of less than 60 seconds. The magic is in the sensor cassette. The sensor is based on thick-film technology – several layers of ceramic slabs, microelectrodes and membranes; miniaturization of conventional electrodes. The result is a shorter measuring time, and smaller sample size. The instrument is able to store up to 2,000 results on-board, with an automated sampling arm so that samples can be introduced from a syringe, tube, microfuge or Vi-CELL sample cup. Testing is quick and intuitive. The only consumables required are the sensor cassette and solution pack. The solution pack includes reagents, wash solutions, QC controls and waste collection. Inserting a new cassette and solution pack is the only maintenance needed. The Vi-CELL MetaFLEX’s quality management system automatically measures on three dedicated QC solutions, detecting and correcting any failures, and locking out any parameter that fails QC. web: beckman.com

CELL IMAGING

BioTek Instruments announces the launch of its Lionheart™ FX Automated Live Cell Imager with Augmented Microscopy™. Lionheart FX is optimized for kinetic live cell imaging, with up to 100x air and oil immersion magnification in a variety of slides, dishes, microplates and flasks. Imaging channels include brightfield, colour brightfield, phase contrast and fluorescence, with both image-based and laser autofocus. A unique environmental control cover provides convenience beyond that of typical digital microscopes, allowing for incubation up to 40º C and gas control, while the optional humidity chamber and dual reagent injectors enhance environmental support for live cell imaging workflows. Gen5™ 3.0 Software provides automated image capture and analysis, plus annotation and movie maker functions, offering ease and simplicity across a broad range of live and fixed cell applications. Augmented Microscopy is the combination of all of these features in one compact system. Lionheart FX is ideal for live and fixed cell applications including kinetic live cell assays, 3D spheroid imaging, translocation and colocalization studies, cell migration and invasion, proliferation, viability, toxicity and many more. web: www.biotek.com.

ASSAYS

Aushon BioSystems has released its new Ciraplex™ ULTRA Ultrasensitive Assays with multiplexing capabilities. The assays with femtogram/ml (fg/ml) levels of detection address multiple biomarkers in a wide range of therapeutic areas. These kits offer enhanced sensitivity and an extended dynamic range providing quantification below standard detection limits. As well, intuitive Cira™ software streamlines the data management process providing exceptional data control. web: www.aushon.com

CELL CULTURE

Nova Biomedical has added the BioProfile FLEX 2 to its BioProfile line of cell culture chemistry analyzers. BioProfile FLEX 2 incorporates Nova’s maintenance-free MicroSensor™ Card technology that eliminates sensor maintenance and maximizes workflow efficiency. BioProfile FLEX 2’s very small sample volume allows for automated cell culture analysis for small volume culture systems, such as the Sartorius Ambr® microbioreactor systems. BioProfile FLEX 2’s innovative design provides comprehensive analysis of 16 key cell culture chemistries including Gluc, Lac, Gln, Glu, NH4+, Na+, K+, Ca++, pH, pCO2, pO2, Osmolality by freezing point depression, and Total and Viable Cell Density and Viability by trypan blue dye exclusion method. The full panel of tests can be run in under four minutes with just 265 microliters of sample, and users can select from manual sampling or two modes for batch sampling: 96-well plates or the builtin 24-position tray. Designed for small volume, early stage cell culture development through GMP manufacturing, BioProfile FLEX 2 provides 21CFR Part 11 compliance, OPC connectivity, full networking functionality, and support with all validation needs. web: www.novabiomedical.com