New Products

Reagent kit for toxicokinetic studies

Gyros Protein Technologies AB, announces a new reagent kit for early-stage biotherapeutic toxicokinetic (TK) studies. The new Gyrolab Generic TK Kit adds to a growing list of ready-to-use kits, and allows researchers to more efficiently quantify human therapeutic antibodies (IgG) in automated, nanoliter-scale Gyrolab xP and Gyrolab xPlore systems. The Gyrolab Generic TK kit complements the Gyrolab Generic Pharmacokinetic (PK) Kit, introduced earlier in 2017, which is based on the same reagents. The TK Kit addresses a higher concentration range compared to the PK Kit, making it more suited to toxicokinetic studies. Together the kits more fully meet the needs of Gyrolab system users performing PK/TK assays in preclinical and clinical studies. The kits eliminate the need for assay development, as they are supplied in a ready-to-use format, and enable increased productivity as results are generated in just 70 minutes. The two kits cover a combined range of 5 logs, minimizing dilution steps and repeats when performing human IgG quantification in early biotherapeutic development. The kits are designed for use with several species of preclinical animal models, including mouse and cynomolgus monkey. https://www.gyrosproteintechnologies.com/

Pulsatile blood pumps

The Harvard Apparatus Pulsatile Blood Pump is ideal for numerous cardiovascular studies. It closely mimicks the ventricular action of the heart, to provide physiological advantages for perfusion, blood transfers, blood cellular profile studies and more. The positive piston action prevents changes in flow rates, overcoming any variations in resistance or back pressure. The external control interfaces allow for the generation of advanced waveforms and increased control over pressure curves. The ventricular action provides physiological advantages in blood flow for perfusion in cardiovascular and haemodynamic studies. It is ideal for isolated organ perfusion, whole body perfusion, blood transfers, hydration/dehydration procedures, and blood cellular profile studies. A positive piston actuator and ball check valves provide the proportioning action. The product of stroke rate times stroke volume is an accurate indicator of the flow rate. Positive piston action prevents changes in flow rates, regardless of variations in resistance or back pressure. The piston always travels to the end of the ejection stroke, independent of the volume pumped, and the pump completely empties at each cycle. Harvard Apparatus offers the pumping head in polysulfone. The standard models use acrylic which must be sterilized using ethylene oxide or other methods. This new material makes it much easier to maintain sterility. The pump can be controlled from an external voltage source – 0 to 10 volt DC signal can be used to control the stroke rate and phasing of the pump. External control interfaces the blood pump with a computer to generate advanced cardiovascular waveforms and more control over pressure curves. https://www.harvardapparatus.com/

Assays for liquid biopsy

Thermo Fisher Scientific expands its Oncomine portfolio with new assays for liquid biopsy and immuno-oncology to complement its comprehensive solutions for clinical research.

Pan-Cancer Cell-Free Total Nucleic Acid Assay

The Ion Torrent Oncomine Pan-Cancer CellFree Assay allows reproducible detection and analysis of tumour DNA and RNA across all major classes of somatic mutations (SNVs, indels, CNVs and fusions) from a single vial of blood with as little as 1ng of nucleic acid input within two days. It targets more than 50 genes across multiple cancer types, including lung, colorectal, breast, pancreatic, thyroid and others. Analysis of tumour DNA and RNA from blood has rapidly become a non-invasive alternative to sequencing tissue samples. It also holds promise as a method to accelerate targeted clinical trials, targeted therapy selection, disease monitoring and drug resistance.

Tumour Mutation Load Assay Joins Growing Immuno-Oncology Portfolio

The Ion Torrent Oncomine Tumour Mutation Load Assay is based on a carefully selected set of 409 genes that can be sequenced using as little as 20 nanograms of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) DNA. The assay is designed to improve potential selection strategies for immune therapy clinical trials. The Oncomine Immune Response Research Assay characterizes gene expression in a tumour microenvironment for immune response pathways. Each of the new assays integrate with Ion Torrent sample preparation, targeted sequencing and downstream bioinformatics and reporting tools. http://www.thermofisher.com/ca/en/home.html

Assay plates

Eppendorf twin.tec PCR Plates LoBind are designed to maximize the yield of target molecules. DNA is less likely to bind to polypropylene and will thus remain within the liquid of the reaction. The plates improve recovery of nucleic acids by reducing their absorption to the tube wall. With a combination of special manufacturing technologies and selected polypropylene batches, they will ensure nearly 100 per cent recovery of DNA/RNA molecules-without surface coating to eliminate the risk of sample contamination. twin.tec PCR Plates LoBind are batch-tested and certified by an independent laboratory to be free from DNA, DNase, RNase and PCR inhibitors. The plates feature LoBind material that guarantees maximum sample recovery for improved assay results. They are a one-piece design that combines a polycarbonate frame and polypropylene wells for optimum performance. The extremely thin-walled polypropylene wells guarantee optimum heat transfer to the sample, with raised well rims for effective sealing to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and an exceptionally solid and torque-resistant polycarbonate frame. The OptiTrack matrix for faster sample identification and fewer pipetting errors and is ideal for quantitative real-time PCR. http://ccc.eppendorf.com/

new ProductS

Air bearing motion controller systems

Physik Instrumente (PI) LP releases a new high-performance motion controller designed to handle 4, 6 or 8-axes of PIglide air bearing positioning stages and precision automation subsystems. Air bearings provide many advantages compared to mechanical bearings. Some of these are a no-particle generation, frictionless, vibration-free motion, highly constant velocity control, nanometer-precision repeatability, and optimal geometric performance. The A-82x controllers combine a closed-loop digital servo control, drivers, and power supply in one convenient rackmount design. Depending on the number of axes, the total output of power is 1100W to 2000W with peak power at 3900W. They can be operated in stand-alone mode running on stored programs in the integrated flash memory. Highresolution incremental encoders with sine/cosine output and absolute encoders based on BiSS-C protocol are supported. The new controllers also feature ACS ServoBoost which provides better, more consistent and stable servo performance that is indifferent to noise or changes in the system. http://www.pi-usa.us/index.php

Portable isolators

The Purair FLEX is a containment product that redefines when and where glove bags can be used. It is designed to be a flexible and portable film isolator with easy setup and containment capability. It is constructed of ArmorFlex film which offers complete visual clarity and excellent solvent resistance across a range of chemicals as confirmed by independent product testing. ArmorFlex film complies with FDA 21CFR and 2002/72/EC standards for minimal outgassing, solvent and biological reactivity and static resistance. The materials are FDA approved and pharmaceutical grade with a large workspace. The product has a fiveyear shelf life without using phthalates, latex, silicone or anti-static additives. The HEPA Filtration filter is 99.97% efficient at removing solid and liquid particles, including those containing oil. Composed of 3M’s Advanced Electret media, the filter provides a lightweight, easy breathing combination that is better than fiberglass. The filter meets NIOSH Pseries test criteria and is flame and water resistant. The nitrogen barb also allows users to create an oxygen-free workspace. https://www.airscience.com/

Aseptic liquid filling machine

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG) releases its Flexicon PF7 peristaltic tabletop aseptic liquid filling machine optimised for operation in GMP regulated industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and diagnostics. Engineered with Flexicon’s trademark precision performance, the PF7 adds a more intuitive, validation-friendly operator interface to reduce the risk of costly filling errors. The instrument has precision dispensing by weight or by volume using Accusil tubing, and the PF7 is designed to work with single-use fluid paths such as asepticsu, to remove any cross-contamination. Altering the fluid path can be done in as little as 60 seconds. The adaptable filling parameters will achieve optimum accuracy for desired application needs and will store and password protect up to 200 user programmable ‘recipes’ for future use. A simple and powerful user interface featuring large keys and a colour display aids operation while working in gloves or behind glass within a RABS or LAF unit. The unit can connect to a range of balances and printers for error-free calibration and batch reporting to help compliance with GMP and regulatory demands. The PF7 will also connect to a variety of bottle handling systems such as the FlexFeed 15, 20, and 30, or other third-party systems, to facilitate integration with automated filling lines. http://www.watson-marlow.com/gb-en/

Field emission scanning electron microscope

ZEISS releases the new field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) ZEISS GeminiSEM 450 that combines ultra-high-resolution imaging with the capability to perform advanced analytics while maintaining flexibility and ease-ofuse. The instrument has high resolution, surface sensitive imaging and an optical system that ideally supports experiments in obtaining the best analytical results, even when working with low voltages. High-throughput electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis and low voltage X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) deliver first-rate results due to its ability to precisely and independently control spot size and beam current. With the Gemini 2 design, it is possible to work under optimized conditions as the system can switch effortlessly between imaging and analytical modes at the touch of a button. This makes the field emission scanning electron microscope ZEISS GeminiSEM 450 the ideal platform for the highest demands in imaging and analytical performance. Additonally, the ZEISS GeminiSEM 450 caters for a broad variety of sample types from classical conductive metals to beam sensitive polymers, particularly the variable pressure technology reduces charging on non-conductive samples without compromising Inlens detection capabilities. At the same time, it enables high resolution EDS analysis by minimizing the skirt effect. The instrument is suited to a broad variety of applications in materials science, industrial labs and life sciences. https://www.zeiss.com/

Syringe pump

The KD Scientific Legato 100 syringe pump is used in the new Drop-Seqtechnology developed to allow biologists to investigate large numbers of individual cells simultaneously using RNAseq. The Drop-Seq1 method isolates thousands of cells with sets of uniquely DNA-barcoded primer beads in tiny nanodroplets. Three Legato 100 syringe pumps provide the three required independent flow streams of cells, microparticle buffer and oil through a specifically designed microfluidic device. The Drop-Seq method allows standard biology labs a uniquely low-cost, high yield and high purity method for investigating and sequencing complex tissues. The Legato 100 single syringe infusion pump has a flow rate range of 1.26 pl/min to 88 ml/min (syringe size dependent) with 30 lb. (13.6 kg) of adjustable force across the entire flow range. This syringe pump can hold syringe sizes 0.5 µl to 60 ml. Legato 100 Syringe Pump features a high-resolution, chemically resistant, colour touchscreen display for easy convenience, with a USB, footswitch and TTL Interfaces for external control. It has a rugged construction with cold rolled chassis and an integrated spill dam. https://www.kdscientific.com