Laboratory Focus May 2011

P h a r mac e u t i cal

C l i n i cal

C h e m i cal

food

w w w. b i o s c i e n c e w o r l d . c a

iPS Cell Generation

Characterizaation and Disease Modeling

Page 8

environment

May 2011 Volume 15, Number 3

Liquid Chromatography Analysis Sweeteners and Additives in Beverages

Page 11

R&D News.......................... 1 Appointments..................... 6 Pharma Notes..................... 7 New Products................... 14 Calendar........................... 17 Career Spotlight............... 18

Sanofi-Aventis funds innovative Canadian cancer research Over two million dollars of support has helped to create one of the world’s most successful tissue-based biomarker laboratories

Sanofi-aventis funds innovative Canadian cancer research. From left to right; Dr. Torsten Nielsen (Co-director, GPEC), Maureen Dodd (sanofi-aventis), Monique Furlan (sanofi-aventis), Doug Nelson (President & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation), Dr. David Huntsman (Co-director GPEC), Dr. Blake Gilks (Co-director GPEC), Brian Eccleston (sanofi-aventis), Stan Glezer (sanofi-aventis).

Photo: CNW Group/sanofi aventis

The Genetic Pathology Evaluation Centre (GPEC) has produced some of the most significant and

Publications Mail Registration Number: 40052410

groundbreaking oncology research in Canada. To celebrate these achievements, sanofi-aventis has

announced that the support they have provided to the lab over time has now surpassed $2 million.

Developed in late 2001, GPEC is a collaborative research venture of the Pathology Department at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), the Vancouver Prostate Centre at VGH, and the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA).

GPEC is supported through an unrestricted research grant from sanofi-aventis in Canada.

“GPEC researchers are pushing forward practical innovation with

an emphasis on translational research and quality assurance for clinical genetic testing. This ensures scientific advancements are applied directly to patient care and improve the quality of that care,” said Stan Glezer, VP Medical, sanofi-aventis Canada Inc. Under the leadership of Dr. Blake Gilks, Dr. David Huntsman and Dr. Torsten Nielsen, GPEC is responsible for a number of important cancer related initiatives, including a Canada-wide quality assurance initiative that provides a measurement of accuracy in lab testing where there was none previously.

This helps labs across the country do a better job serving the needs of patients and improves the ability of oncologists to find the best treatment for each cancer patient.

In addition, GPEC is leading an international study to look into the introduction of additional markers for breast and other cancers to be used in everyday clinical practice, above and beyond estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2. The lab has generated more than 250 publications over the past 10 years.

GPEC is uniquely positioned as a cancer research organization due to their state-of-the-art genetic analytical platform that is linked to the province’s tissue sample biobank and patient treatment/ outcomes data that is made available through the BCCA population based cancer management program. The support provided by sanofi-aventis to GPEC has Continued on page 2

2

May 2011 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

news Continued from page 1 changed the way multiple cancers are diagnosed and managed in Canada and gives the lab the opportunity to rapidly engage in a broad range of projects. The fund-

ing also provides a number of trainees with research opportunities and allows them to progress as new collaborators and GPEC team leaders.

“We are greatly appreciative of sanofi-aventis’ con-

tinued support as it has helped to make GPEC one of the world’s most successful tissue-based biomarker laboratories,” said Dr. David Huntsman, Medical director, Centre for Translational and

Applied Genomics, BC Cancer Agency. “Many of GPEC’s accomplishments would not have occurred without the commitment sanofi-aventis has shown to cancer research.”

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Terri Pavelic staff writer Shawn Lawrence CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amy Noble Njies Pedjie NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Patricia Bush

One source for innovation Fisher Scientific is proud to now offer products from

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Elena Pankova CONTROLLER John R. Jones MARKETING MANAGER Mary Malofy

Sartorius Stedim Biotech. Sartorius’ innovative technologies are enhancing accuracy and speeding

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR James Zammit circulation@promotive.net

up the pace of research and development in both industry and the public sector. Their portfolio is

OFFICE: 24-4 Vata Court Aurora, ON L4G 4B6 Phone: 905-727-3875 Fax: 905-727-4428 E-mail: laboratory_focus@ promotive.net

focused on solutions for instrumental analysis, cell cultivation, quality control, sample preparation and data management. All products are designed to be scalable and are suitable for use in both

SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES circulation@promotive.net Fax: 905-727-4428

automated and reproducible processes. Wider choice, superior technology – upgrade your lab with

Laboratory Focus is published 6 times per year by Promotive Communications Inc. Legal Depository: National Library of Canada ISSN 40052410 Subscription rate in Canada $35/year; USA $60/year; other countries $100/year.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent.

Fisher Scientific, your one source for the most trusted names in science.

Publications Mail Registration Number: 40052410 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to circulation dept: 24-4 Vata Court Aurora, ON L4G 4B6 E-mail: circulation@promotive.net If you would like to order hard copy or electronic reprints of articles, contact Sandra Service 905-727-3875 x228 reprints@promotive.net

Please contact your Fisher Scientific Sales Representative for more information.

1-800-234-7437 www.fishersci.ca

www.bioscienceworld.ca

Reply card #4428

ONE SOURCE. INFINITE SOLUTIONS.

www.fishersci.ca

www.bioscienceworld.ca Laboratory Focus

3

May 2011

news Xenon CSO, Dr. Michael Hayden receives Canada Gairdner Wightman Award

Centre for Regenerative Medicine opens at Toronto’s Mount Sinai The Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital recently celebrated the official opening of a new Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Musculoskeletal Research.

The new centre includes laboratory facilities and instruments to support the research of the hospital’s scientists, orthopaedic surgeons and pathologists in stem cell biology, arthritis, sarcoma, and osteoporosis, among other areas. The hospital says the initiative represents Canada’s first collaborative effort involving scientists and clinicians dedicated to discovering and applying new knowledge into bone and tissue regeneration, including the development of joint replacements.

“Through their investiga-

tions into the biology of stem cells and the mechanisms behind tissue regeneration, Lunenfeld scientists are leading research that will open the door to improved therapies and possible cures for spinal cord injury, damaged joints, arthritis, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, among other illnesses,” said Dr Jim Woodgett, director of research at the Lunenfeld.

“This centre will help Ontario build its reputation as an international centre of medical research,” added Glen Murray, the province’s minister of research and innovation, at the opening.

The centre includes 10,000 sq ft of research facilities, expanding on the Lunenfeld’s existing facilities at the same location, which include over 155,000 sq ft of laboratory space.

An author of more than 600 publications, Dr. Hayden is the most cited author on Huntington’s disease in the world. He is well known for having developed a predictive genetic test for Huntington’s disease, which was the first ever predictive test for any genetic disorder.

With Xenon he has also identified genes associated with rare disorders such as Tangier disease, juvenile hemochromatosis and congenital insensitivity to pain.

These discoveries are leading to novel approaches for treating common diseases

such as cardiovascular disease, anemia and pain.

The Gairdner Awards are a highly respected international prize. Ten of the last 24 Nobel Prizes in medicine or physiology have been awarded to past Gairdner recipients. Prior to Dr. Hayden winning the Wightman Award, the last British Columbian to receive a Gairdner Award was the late UBC Chemistry Prof.

Michael Smith, who won the 1986 Gairdner Foundation International Award and went on to win the 1993 Nobel Prize for Chemistry.

Dr. Michael Hayden

Associate Scientist Dr. Mira Puri explains stem cells to Ontario Minister of Research and Innovation Glen Murray

Dr. Michael Hayden, a Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. founder and chief scientific officer, has received the Canada Gairdner Wightman Award for leadership in medical science in Canada.

The Wightman Award is another major honour for Dr. Hayden, having previously been awarded the Order of Canada and Order of British Columbia, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Health Researcher of the Year Award, LifeSciences BC’s Genome BC Award for Scientific Excellence and the Prix Galien Canada.

“I am thrilled to receive this award,” said Dr. Hayden during the awards ceremony held last month in Toronto.

“As a physician scientist, to whom chance has given unusual opportunities, I am deeply aware of the degree to which my own success today is built upon the work, cooperation and struggles of others.”

“This is a wonderful moment for Michael and the Xenon team is extremely proud of Michael’s profound achievements. His scientific and entrepreneurial talents and the commitment he has made to finding novel cures for difficult to treat diseases have made us a better company and Canada a better scientific community,” said Dr. Simon Pimstone, a cofounder, president and CEO at Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Vancouver, Canada.

CSMLS campaign goes viral on YouTube A commercial created by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) to raise public awareness about the importance of laboratory testing has been posted on YouTube in an effort to reach 25,000 views so that it can air on national television.The commercial was part of a publicity campaign for National Medical Laboratory Week.

The campaign, called “Knowing Matters”, illustrates the vital contributions medical laboratory professionals make to Canada’s health care system. Joining in the celebration were medical laboratory technologists, diagnostic cytotechnologists, clinical genetics technologists and medical laboratory assistants from coast-to-coast.

“Even though our members

are part of the third largest health care profession in Canada, they are often over looked by the public as key contributors to patient care,” said Goldie Fagan, CSMLS president adding that the goal of the campaign was to shed some light on these hard working and dedicated professionals.

To watch the video, visit http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=o9ZZ_xl5sQU.

4

May 2011 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

news

$400k fund launched to spark new genomics research ideas

Dr. Mark Poznansky

The Ontario Genomics Institute (OGI) has launched a new $400,000 fund for high-impact, high-risk technology development research projects in genomics.

The SPARK program will provide four awards of up to $50,000 annually over the next two-years to be used for short duration research projects of six to 12 months, with a focus on projects that are unique and result in transformative technology development.

“With SPARK, we want to catalyze new research directions and increase the competitiveness of Ontario researchers,” commented Dr. Mark Poznansky, president and CEO. “Our

intention with the launch of this program is to fund projects that may not be readily funded by other mechanisms as they would be viewed as too risky or lacking in preliminary results.

SPARK is another example of our drive to support new ideas, fresh approaches and pioneering thinking.”

Available to researchers who will perform their research in Ontario, the program will target projects that focus on developing technologies such as instrumentation, software, experimental approaches or reagents, with potential for significant impact in the genomics sciences.

Applications are being accepted until June 15, 2011. Results will be announced by August 15, 2011.

“Ontario is home to some of the smartest, brightest and most creative thinkers and doers, but all too often they face barriers to obtaining initial funds to help them develop new ideas into ones that are more solid and tangible,” commented Dr. Mark Poznansky. “There is an urgent need in our province and country to foster such talent, encourage it and cultivate it if we are to remain competitive in the life sciences and be a successful hub for research globally.”

State of the art rehabilitation virtual reality laboratory launched at Ottawa Hospital

X Continuing

The installation of this system was made possible through the funding efforts of the community, which raised $500,000 for the laboratory at the General Campus of the Ottawa Hospital, and the CF, which contrib-

Organic nanoparticle

The Ottawa Hospital Foundation has unveiled a new state of the art rehabilitation virtual reality laboratory, housing the CAREN system at the Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre.

Education for Chemical Professionals

LABORATORY SAFETY COURSE June 7-8, 2011

Montréal, Quebec Dr. Steven Duckett and Commodore Hans Jung sign the memorandum while others look on. Photos by MCpl James Ross

For o Chemists and chemical technologists whose responsibilities include managing, conducting safety audits or improving the operational safety of chemical laboratories, chemical plants and research facilities.

Registration Fees* CIC Members $550 Non-members $750 Student Members $150

*includes Laboratory Health and Safety Guidelines 4th ed.

For more information, visit www.cheminst.ca/profdev

AD_Insertion_LF_switch_3.6235x4.735.indd 3

Reply card #4429

uted $1.5 million to the CAREN system. “The Ottawa Hospital Foundation is proud to play a role in making this state-of-the-art tool a reality at the Hospital,” said Foundation president and CEO Susan Doyle.

“The CAREN system is one of the reasons why The Ottawa Hospital has a reputation for providing worldclass care, and it’s only through the support of our generous donors that this is possible,” said Mrs. Doyle.

“When we reached out to the community to help us raise the $500,000, our donors and supporters responded, showing that they care about making a difference in the lives of patients undergoing therapy at the rehab centre.”

3/1/2011 11:55:09 AM

The CAREN will facilitate exposurebased therapy for military personnel requiring physical and mental rehabilitation. The system will allow participants to become part of his or her simulated environment and to interact and modify this environment.

“The CAREN is a safe, controlled, therapeutic learning environment for CF members to challenge their abilities in physical and mental rehabilitation,” said Rear Admiral Andy Smith, Chief Military Personnel.

“The CAREN allows therapists and researchers to look at more accurate measures and make very technical analyses that will lead to further improving evidence-based care.”

www.bioscienceworld.ca

5

Laboratory Focus May 2011

news Leading scientist helps launch Chair in Food Safety

as

A new Chair in Food Safety is being launched at McGill University, which the university says is the first of its kind in Canada.

The Ian and Jayne Munro Chair in Food Safety has been kickstarted with a $1.5-million gift from leading food safety researcher and McGill

graduate Dr. Ian C Munro, and his wife Jayne Munro, along with funding of $500,000 from the university. A further $1 million will be raised to ensure the chair will be endowed in perpetuity.

Based in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the chair will lead McGill’s newly

established Food Safety and Quality Program (FSQP) The FSQP will undertake collaborative research, offer undergraduate and graduate teaching programs, and provide the independent, third-party expertise needed for the Canadian food industry to address the complex scientific, legal

and policy issues of global food safety. The appointment of the first chair holder, a world-renowned scientist, is expected within the coming year.

Researchers create organic, non-toxic nanoparticle

Organic nanoparticle

A team of scientists from Princess Margaret Hospital have created an organic nanoparticle that is completely non-toxic, biodegradable and nimble in the way it uses light and heat to treat cancer and deliver drugs. (A nanoparticle is a minute molecule with novel properties).

The findings, published online in

Nature Materials on March 20, are significant because unlike other nanoparticles, the new nanoparticle has a unique and versatile structure that could potentially change the way tumours are treated, says principal investigator Dr Gang Zheng, senior scientist, Ontario Cancer Institute (OCI), PMH. “In the lab, we combined two naturally occurring molecules (chlorophyll and lipid) to create a unique nanoparticle that shows promise for numerous diverse light-based (biophotonic) applications,” says Dr Zheng. “The structure of the nanoparticle, which is like a miniature and colourful water balloon, means it can also be filled with drugs to treat the tumour it is targeting.”

“Photothermal therapy uses light and heat to destroy tumours. With

the nanoparticle’s ability to absorb so much light and accumulate in tumours, a laser can rapidly heat the tumour to a temperature of 60 degrees and destroy it,” says Jonathan Lovell, first author and a doctoral student at OCI. “The nanoparticle can also be used for photoacoustic imaging, which combines light and sound to produce a very high-resolution image that can be used to find and target tumours.”

He adds that once the nanoparticle hits its tumour target, it becomes fluorescent.

The research was financially supported by grants and fellowships from the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum/Brazilian Ball Chair in Prostate Cancer Research, and in part from the Campbell Family Institute for Cancer Research and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.

SAMPLE PREPARATION OF

SOLID BIOFUELS acc. to prEN 14780

1

MASS REDUCTION BY SAMPLE DIVISION

Q Sample splitters and rotation dividers available Q Up to 10 samples at a time www.retsch.com/assisting

2

SIZE REDUCTION

BY GRINDING

Q Cutting mill SM 300 with variable speed Q Defined grind sizes Q Moisture content is preserved www.retsch.com/sm300

VWR International, LLC agree to acquire Anachemia Canada Inc. WR International, LLC, a global leader in distributing laboratory supplies and services, announces that it has agreed to acquire the business of Anachemia Canada Inc. and its affiliates, pending customary closing conditions.

Based in Montreal, Anachemia is an industry leader for the sale and distribution of chemicals, laboratory supplies and equipment in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and Mexico.

In addition, Anachemia exports

3

certain products around the world.

The company has provided products and services to the research, environmental, industrial and mining industries since 1942.

“VWR’s acquisition of Anachemia strengthens our position in Canada and accelerates our expansion into South America. In addition, this acquisition will enhance VWR’s product portfolio and provide access to new customer segments like the mining industry,” stated Matt Malenfant, VWR’swww.retsch-us.com/superheroes senior vice president and president of North America, Lab Business and Services. “We are excited to add Anachemia’s complimentary business to VWR’s global laboratory supply and distribution business.”

Financial details of this acquisition remain confidential.

PARTICLE SIZE DETERMINATION

Q Widest range of particle sizing equipment worldwide Q Test sieves acc. to ISO 3310-1 or -2 www.retsch.com/sieving

Reply card #4430

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

Lab Focus 05May Biofuels.indd 1

14.04.11 15:26

6

May 2011 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

APPointMentS

Sirona Biochem appoints dermatology expert Dr. Stuart Maddin to its scientific advisory board. Dr.

Maddin is clinical professor emeritus at the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, where he is the director of the Clinical Trials Unit. He has served in an advisory capacity to the Health Protection Branch (Ottawa), U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (Rockville, MD), Es-

sential Drugs for the World Health Organization (W.H.O. in Geneva) as well as AAD - Therapeutics / FDA Liaison Task Force. Dr. Maddin has also served as a member of the board of Directors of the American Academy of Dermatology, Secretary and president of the Canadian Dermatology Association and also as vice president of the American Dermatology Association. He was the first Canadian to be elected to the International Committee of Dermatology (ICD) and was later appointed as Secretary-General of the ICD (International League of Dermatologic Societies). Dr. Maddin is a founding member of the Regional Dermatology Training Centre in Moshi, Tanzania.

Lorus Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the research and development of pharmaceutical products and technologies for the management of cancer, announces the appointment of Warren Whitehead to its board of directors and chairman of the Audit committee. Mr. Whitehead has held senior financial management positions in several

real miracle

Reply card #4431

biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, most recently as chief financial officer of ARIUS Research Inc. Prior to that he was CFO at Labopharm Inc. He is currently a member of the board of directors of PlantForm Corporation, a life sciences company that develops biosimilar antibody drugs for treatment of cancer and other critical illnesses.

CO2 Solution Inc. has appointed Thom Skinner as senior vice president finance and chief financial officer. He will be responsible for financial, accounting and information technology operations as well as the company’s investor relations activities. A career financial executive, Mr. Skinner’s professional experience spans more than 30 years and includes senior financial executive roles in the financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, life sciences and biotech sectors including extensive mergers and acquisition and capital raising work. He joins CO2 Solution from TS Business Solutions, a Québecbased business consultancy which he founded in 2001. In this capacity, he was chief financial officer of DiagnoCure Inc., a Québec-based biotechnology company where he managed the company’s successful financial turnaround and secured more than $25 million in new financing on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). He also served as interim vice president (finance and information technology) of sanofi aventis Canada. More recently, he acted as principal advisor to the chairman of Groupe Biscuits Leclerc Inc., a major Quebec-based agri-foods company.

Afexa Life Sciences Inc. has appointed William B. White as independent chairman of the board of directors. An experienced global business leader, Mr. White is the retired president of DuPont Canada Company. He has held a variety of global business unit leadership roles in his 34 years with E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

Prior to his 2006 appointment as president of DuPont Canada, Mr. White worked across DuPont leading businesses and programs focused on growth through marketing and sales transformation, the development of emerging markets, and step change business strategies. He is currently a partner in CBW Associates, a Canadian business consulting firm. A graduate of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana (B.Sc., Mechanical

Engineering), he is a 2009 Distinguished Engineering Alumnus and chairs Purdue’s Mechanical Engineering advisory committee.

Mr. White also serves on the board of directors of a number of nonprofit organizations, including the Schulich Center for Responsible Business (York University), MaRS Discovery District, the Ontario Science Centre, and the Sustainable Chemistry Alliance.

Miraculins Inc. has appointed David Howard to its board of directors. Howard is currently the chairman of Angiotech, a global specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company that discovers, develops, and markets innovative technologies and medical products, and is also a director of Via Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bioasis Technologies Inc, and Methylation Sciences Inc. He is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan and the Rotman School of Management and the Sauder School of Business in their Director education Programs.

Theralase Technologies Inc. appoints Jorge Córdoba general manager therapeutic division for Theralase’s line of proprietary therapeutic medical laser products. In this role Córdoba will have general management responsibilities over the sales, marketing, production, clinical services and regulatory affairs departments. Córdoba has over 16 years of experience in leading numerous high technology manufacturing companies. His last position, prior to joining Theralase, was as director of operations for a $17 million aerospace organization turnaround situation, in which Mr. Córdoba, through a number of different initiatives, achieved an increase in productivity of over 400 per cent in less than two years.

Prior to that, Mr. Córdoba, in the capacity of a Project Operations Manager, successfully launched a 250,000 square foot, $40 million facility for manufacturing high precision assemblies for a division of Magna Inc. Mr. Córdoba obtained a Master’s of Business from the Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario in 2005, a Master’s of Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology from the University of Manchester, Manchester, England in 1993 and a Bachelor of Mechanical-Electrical Engineering from the National University, Mexico City, Mexico in 1989.

www.bioscienceworld.ca

Laboratory Focus May 2011

PhArMA noteS

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (Montreal, QC) announces that its subsidiary, Valeant International SRL, received a commitment in principle to license Elidel (pimecrolimus 1% cream) from Sweden based Meda, in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Terms of the license will be disclosed after the parties have executed a definitive agreement. Meda also announced that it reached a definitive agreement to acquire global rights to Elidel from Novartis. Elidel is a patent protected specialty focused product for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Meda’s acquisition of Elidel is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including expiration or early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. VWR International (Radnor, Penn), a distributor of laboratory supplies and services, says it is acquiring the business of Anachemia Canada and its affiliates, pending customary closing conditions.

Based in Montreal, Anachemia sells and distributes chemicals, laboratory supplies and equipment in the US, Canada, Latin America and Mexico. In addition, Anachemia exports certain products around the world.

Anachemia has provided products and services to the research, environmental, industrial and mining industries since 1942. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Medicago Inc., (Québec, QC) a biotechnology company focused on developing highly effective and competitive vaccines based on proprietary manufacturing technologies and virus-like particles, has entered into a research collaboration agreement for the development of a non-influenza vaccine candidate with a top 10 global pharmaceutical company. Under the terms of the research collaboration, Medicago will

apply its transient expression system to develop a vaccine candidate for a non-disclosed target. Medicago is eligible to receive payments on achievement of specified milestones stipulated in the contract.

Nuvo Research Inc. (Mississauga, ON), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to building a portfolio of products primarily for the treatment of pain, has entered into an agreement to acquire ZARS Pharma, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The transaction is expected to close in the middle of the second quarter of 2011.

Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Nuvo will issue 101.5 million common shares to the shareholders of ZARS at closing, representing approximately 19.5 per cent of Nuvo’s shares after giving effect to the acquisition.

In addition, Nuvo will issue a $14.9 million promissory note to the ZARS’ shareholders upon the achievement of a milestone related to ZARS’ product Pliaglis® and Nuvo may issue up to an additional $8 million of promissory notes upon the occurrence of certain future events. Nuvo expects the transaction will be neutral

to its financial results in 2012 and accretive thereafter.

Quest PharmaTech Inc. (Edmonton, AB), a pharmaceutical company developing and commercializing products for the treatment of cancer announces a clinical development arrangement with U.S. based Hemispherx Biopharma Inc. to evaluate the clinical utility of combining Quest’s antibody immunotherapy technology with Hemispherx’s immune activator in a 30 patient clinical trial. Under the terms of the agreement the costs of the clinical trial will be shared equally

by Quest and Hemispherx.

In addition, Hemispherx will provide appropriate technical expertise and relevant data to support the regulatory process necessary to conduct the clinical trial. Hemispherx has also agreed to store and maintain clinical supply inventory of Oregovomab at their state of the art manufacturing facility in New Brunswick.

EnWave Corporation (Vancouver, BC) has completed the acquisition of all patents and know-how that it previously licensed from The University of British Columbia for Radiant En-

ergy Vacuum dehydration technology. The Acquisition considerably expands EnWave’s intellectual property portfolio in the field of vacuum microwave dehydration technology, EnWave no longer has any royalty or other financial obligations to UBC for the technology. As consideration for the Technology, EnWave has paid UBC and certain inventors who created the Technology, an aggregate of $3,087,500 in cash and 1,206,500 common shares of EnWave. The amount of cash that is paid to UBC is subject to adjustment based upon share price fluctuations occurring prior to the period ending 30 days after the end of the standard four-month hold period for the shares, such adjustment not to exceed $750,000.

Virbac, (Brazil) the eighth largest veterinarian pharmaceutical group worldwide, has concluded an exclusive distribution and trademark licence agreement with Prevtec microbia, a Canadian veterinarian laboratory, for the distribution of the Coliprotec® vaccine in Brazil. Coliprotec® is a live bacterial vaccine developed

by Prevtec microbia that prevents post-weaning diarrhea in pigs. Prevtec

microbia recently secured government approval for the distribution of its first vaccine in Brazil, through its subsidiary, Prevtec microbia do Brasil. Virbac will be its exclusive distributor in Brazil, which is the third largest producer of pork in the world.

Intellipharmaceutics International Inc. (Toronto, ON) announces the filing of an Abbreviated New Drug Application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a generic of Seroquel XR® (quetiapine fumarate extendedrelease tablets). Seroquel XR® is an oral psychotropic agent indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Sales of Seroquel XR® in the U.S. were approximately $823 million in 2010. Intellipharmaceutics now has five ANDAs awaiting FDA approval with reported sales for branded and generic versions of these products being approximately $8 billion in 2010.

The company develops both ANDA product candidates and new drugs through the New Drug Application (NDA) 505(b) (2) regulatory pathway.

H I G H P U R I T Y P RO D U C T S F O R L A B O R ATO RY C H E M I S T RY

Caledon Labs, proudly Canadian.

Celebrating

Reply card #4432 ISO 9001:2008 Certified call 877.225.3366 | fax 905.877.6666 service@caledonlabs.com

7

40 years!

8

May 2011 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

Feature

iPS Cell

Generation, Characterization

and Disease Modeling B y A m y N o bl e , P r o d u c t M a n ag e r , E M D M i ll i p o r e

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) offer tremendous potential for disease research and regenerative medicine. The traditional methods used to generate and characterize iPS cells from adult somatic cells, however, can be time-consuming and inefficient.

Initial reports described creation of induced pluripotent stem cells from adult human fibroblasts via infection with four transcription factors (Oct-4, Klf4, Sox-2 and c-Myc).1 The conversion of fibroblasts to iPS cells required simultaneous co-infection of fibroblasts with four separate retroviral expression vectors, each vector carrying one of the transcription factors.

Figure 1. Human iPS cells generated using STEMCCA.

www.bioscienceworld.ca

To generate iPS cells using this method, a sufficient number of each virus must deliver the four factors simultaneously to the same cell. The high number of integrations that occur during reprogramming poses a safety risk if the derivative cells are to eventually be used in the clinical setting.

Furthermore, the vectors integrate in random locations, potentially disrupting normal gene expression patterns, and one of the transgenes (c-Myc) is a known oncogene.

The requirement for multiple vectors presents an additional drawback as cells may receive one, two, three, or all four transcription factors, leading to a heterogeneous population.

Generation of human and mouse iPS cells can now be accomplished using a single polycistronic lentiviral vector which efficiently delivers all four transcriptions factors described by Yamanaka.

STEMCCA reprogramming kits (EMD Millipore, Billerica, MA) use a single lentiviral vector that expresses a “stem cell cassette” containing the four transcription factors. Lentiviral-based reprogramming yields cells that form multilayered, tightly packed colonies with well-defined borders.

Cells stain positive for alkaline phosphatase and express embryonic stem cell markers and form embryoid bodies and differentiate into all three germ layers (Figure 1).

Use of a single vector significantly reduces the number of viral integrations required for the derivation of iPS cells – in some cases, iPS clones possessing only a single viral integrant can be isolated.2 The STEMCCA vector is available with LoxP sites (34 base pair sequences) flanking the transgenes. The presence of LoxP sites allows for Cre recombinase-mediated excision of the exogenous transgenes once reprogramming is complete. Removal of the vector has been shown to improve the developmental potential of iPS cells and significantly increase their capacity to undergo directed differentiation in vitro.3 Excision of transgenes is also a requirement for the utilization of iPS technology for disease models and clinical therapies.

Characterizing Reprogrammed Cells In addition to fully reprogrammed cells, transcription

9

Laboratory Focus May 2011

factor-induced reprogramming can generate undifferentiated cells that are not completely pluripotent.1,4 These partially reprogrammed cells (pre-iPS or Class I iPS cells) have global gene expression and DNA methylation patterns distinct from ES cells

despite similarities in colony morphology and the ability to propagate extensively in culture. Partially reprogrammed cells can be characterized by continued expression of the viral transgenes, the incomplete expression of pluripotent genes such as Nanog, SSEA-4

feature and TRA-1-60 with human cells, down regulation of somatic cell marker genes, and the inability to generate adult chimeric mice and transmit through the germ line.

A range of kits and reagents

is available to assist researchers in their characterization of iPS cell cultures. Access to optimized tools and protocols can help accelerate research as more and more labs that are new to the stem cell field

Choice Matters CHOICE MATTERS Because No Two Labs are Completely Alike Science should never be limited by a lack of options. Every lab deserves the freedom to find tools perfectly suited to specific needs. VWR is committed to offering broad product choice to a world of accelerating scientific advancement. We give you direct access to the world’s most respected equipment, supplies, chemicals, furniture, and more.

Talk to us about the needs of your lab. We are ready to help you succeed.

Contact your VWR Sales Representative, visit VWR.com, or call 1.800.932.5000 today.

VWR, forms of VWR and the VWR logo and/or design are either registered trademarks ® or trademarks™, or service marks SM of VWR International, LLC in the United States and/or other countries. ©2011 VWR International, LLC. All rights reserved.

CA_Add template_final.indd 1

Reply card #4433 3/16/2011 2:43:52 PM

10

May 2011 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

A rapid, efficient flow cytometry-based process originally developed to characterize human embryonic stem cells can also be used to evaluate the expression of markers reflecting the degree of pluripotency of iPS cell lines.

Photo:. Benchtop flow cytometry systems provide easy, affordable monitoring of cellular markers. begin to leverage iPS cells.

Assessment of whether an iPS clone is a fully or partially reprogrammed colony can be rapidly accomplished using a multiplex real-time RTPCR reaction kit (STEMCCA Viral Gene Detection, EMD Millipore). The kit detects viral transgene expression and ES/iPS cell pluripotent markers. Because the STEMCCA lentivirus leverages a single polycistronic vector containing the transcription factors, all four transgenes are transcribed as a single mRNA molecule; the transgene analysis therefore represents the gene expression level of the entire cassette.

A rapid, efficient flow cytometry-based process originally developed to characterize human embryonic stem cells can also be used to evaluate the expression of markers reflecting the degree of pluripotency of iPS cell lines.

The kit (FlowCellect hESC, EMD Millipore) contains validated fluorescent antibodies to Oct-4, SSEA-4 and SSEA-1, a marker for monitoring transition of undifferentiated stem cells to a differentiated state. The labeled antibodies are optimized for cytometric analysis on the guava EasyCyte™ benchtop flow cytometer (EMD Millipore; Photo).

Typical cytometric results show iPS cell cultures having a distinct Oct-4 and SSEA-1 positive population of cells with significant separation from parent fibroblasts. A shift in fluorescence intensity indicating a gain in Oct-4 and SSEA-4 expression reflects acquired pluripotency.

In contrast, the population of iPS cells expressing SSEA-1, a marker that coincides with human embryonic stem cell differentiation is reduced.

This same cytometric technique can be used to compare different clones of the same iPS cell line.

Enhancing Efficiency Even with use of a single vector, however, reprogramming human somatic cells remains a highly inefficient and timeconsuming process. Small molecules targeting specific signaling pathways are being investigated for their ability to enhance reprogramming and/or replace the transcription factors required for reprogramming.

Efforts are underway to screen libraries of chemical compounds in order to identify small molecules that can enhance the efficiency and quality of reprogramming.

Early results from our lab indicate that a combination of the single lentiviral vector and a novel small molecule “boost cocktail” was able to increase the number of iPS colonies by two to three fold and reduce the time to establish fully reprogrammed colonies by nearly 50 per cent.

Disease Modeling iPS cells provide the ability to recapitulate both normal and pathological tissue formation in vitro, and can yield a genetically diverse set of patient- and diseasespecific cells. Following wellestablished protocols, a disease researcher can take a skin biopsy from a patient and reprogram the isolat-

ed fibroblasts into iPS cells.

Those iPS cells can then be differentiated into the cell types that are affected in the disease being studied – given the appropriate culture conditions.

A barrier to realizing the full potential of iPS cells is the ability to direct their differentiation into the cell types of interest. Identifying the right cocktail of media conditions, supplements, and growth factors that successfully drive iPS cells toward a desired lineage on a reproducible basis is a time-consuming, iterative exercise. A carefully choreographed series of signals must be recreated to guide cells down the chosen pathway. This laborintensive work has already been done for a number of cell types. Kits and media containing an optimized set of factors necessary to differentiate stem cells to a chosen lineage are commercially available for generating neurons, oligodendrocytes, mesenchymal cells and osteocytes. iPS technology enables researchers to culture cell types that would normally be a challenge to access such as those affected by neurological disorders. Diseases with long latency periods such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, or Parkinson’s, however, may prove difficult to model in relatively short term in vitro cultures.

It may be unrealistic to expect a phenotype to be revealed after a few weeks in culture of a late onset disease that takes decades to appear in patients. An additional complicating factor

is that cells derived from iPS cells are more fetal in nature, reflecting a young developmental stage. External factors mimicking some type of environmental stress may be required to speed the in vitro aging process.

The true power of iPS technology is the potential to create multiple cell types from a single patient that are believed to interact in the development and progression of complex diseases. As multiple cell lineages are incorporated into disease models, researchers are exploring ways to recreate the threedimensional in vivo setting for these models. Advances in tissue engineering will enable multiple cell types to interact and communicate with each other in a manner that more closely resembles their in vivo environment. Incorporation of advanced scaffolds and matrices may reveal phenotypes that are not obvious with single cell types or even multiple cell types co-cultured in a two-dimensional environment.

The ability to differentiate iPS cells into a wide range of lineages has created new opportunities in both clinical and research settings.

Use of these cells for disease modeling, drug and toxicity screening can help overcome the limitations of current methods, enable

construction of human models of complex diseases, and reveal important insights that can lead to a more personalized approach to medicine. Alongside their potential to reshape the research and clinical landscape, these remarkable cells have presented researchers with new questions to explore, challenges to address, and applications to discover.

Amy Noble is a Product Manager in the stem cells and specialty media team at EMD Millipore.

References: 1. Takahashi et al., Induction of pluripotent stem sells from adult human fibroblasts by defined Factors. Cell. 2007; 131(5):834-5.

2. Sommer, CA, et al. iPS cell generation using a single lentiviral stem cell cassette. Stem Cells.

2009; 27(3): 543-9.

3. Sommer, CA, et al. Excision of reprogramming transgenes improves differentiation potential of iPS cells generated with a single excisable vector.

Stem Cells; 28(1): 64-74.

4. Jaenisch, R. and Young, R. Stem cells, the molecular circuitry of pluripotency and nuclear reprogramming. Cell 2008, 132(4), 567-82.

learn more about Disease Modeling on our Whitepapers Web Portal at www.bioscienceworld.ca

www.bioscienceworld.ca

11

Laboratory Focus May 2011

B y N j i e s P e d j i e , P e r k i n Elm e r , S h e l t o n , C T

feature

Analysis of Common Sweeteners

and Additives in Beverages through Liquid Chromatography

Introduction

ing habits is effective in fightExperimental ing obesity and preventing or Sweeteners are low or zerostandard The use of artificial sweetenersAisworking regulated in most solution Table 1. Detailed UHPLC system and chromatographic managing diabetes. calorie sugar substitutes that containing 200 µg/mL of acecountries. In the U.S., artificial sweeteners are part of the conditions.

The use of artificial sweetare added in drinks, prosulfame potassium, potasGenerally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) ingredients. However, eners is regulated in most cessed foods and pharmasium benzoate, aspartame, Autosampler: Flexar FX UHPLC the FDA has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for countries.

In the U.S., artificeutical products to provide and 100 µg/mL of saccharine Setting: 50 µL loop and 15 µL needle volume, allsweeteners sweeteners.

Therefore manufacturers are required to list cial are part of the the sweet taste of table sugar, and caffeine was prepared partial loop mode the typeRecognized and amount sweeteners on a foodneat label.

This Generally AsofSafe which is also called sucrose. by dissolving material (GRAS) ingredients.

However, Sweeteners, especially artiwater.

Injection: 4 µL for UHPLC column, application note presents a fastinand robust liquid chromathe FDA has established ficially sweeteners, contain Repeatability was studied 10 µL for HPLC column tography method to testAcwidely used artificial sweeteners ceptable Daily Intake (ADI) practically no calories bewith six injections of the worksuch as acesulfame potassium, saccharine and aspartame.

Detector: Flexar FX PDA UHPLC Detector for all sweeteners. Therefore cause their metabolism foling standard. Linearity was A common stimulant and a preservative, namely caffeine Analytical Wavelength: 214 nm manufacturers are required lows a different pathway than determined across the range benzoate were of tested asµg/mL well. The method toand list potassium the type and quantity that of sucrose. On the other 2-200 concentration.

Pump: Flexar FX-15 UHPLC Pump developed 3 µm LC column achieve verycola high ofwas sweeteners on ausing food alabel. hand, the intake of sucrose About 20 to mg/mL of two UHPLC Column: Restek® Pinnacle® DB C18, 3 µm, 100 x throughput at note a low flow rate to reduce thetwo testing time This application presents and the calories that derive drinks from major com2.1 mm (Cat # 9414312) a and fast solvent and robust liquid from its metabolism is one of petitive brands were prepared usage.

Thechrothroughput was compared to that of HPLC Column: PerkinElmer Brownlee™ Analytical C-18, matography method test with the leading causes of obesity by dilution water.

About a conventional HPLCtoanalysis a 5 µm with particle column.

5 µm, 250 x 4.6 mm (Cat #N9303514) widely used artificial sweeten-comparisons, and its related health probof 2 mg/mL of two popular In addition to throughput method conditions ers such as acesulfame potaslems including heart disease sugar substitutes were preColumn Temperature: Ambient, 30 °C and performance data including precision and linearity are sium, saccharine and asparand diabetes. People with pared individually by dissolvpresented. The results of the method applied to two popular Mobile Phase: A: 0.1% TFA in water tame. A common stimulant diabetes are unable to proping the sample in water folB: 0.1% TFA in acetonitrile soft drinks and two popular coffee sweeteners are reported. and a preservative, namely erly metabolize sucrose causlowed by two min. vortexing.

(HPLC grade solvent and ACS grade reagent) caffeine and potassium bening an abnormally high conThe solutions were thoroughly zoate were tested as well. centration of it in the blood mixed and filtered with a 0.2 Experimental Conventional C18 HPLC column The method was developed stream with damaging effects µm nylon membrane prior to A working standard solution containing 200 µg/mL of Time (min) Flow rateThe (mL/min) B % analysisCurve Excellent method performance was achieved. linearity of the achieved using a 3 µm LC column to on blood vessels and other testing.

1.0 tested and10-35 1 acesulfame potassium, potassiumAbenzoate, aspartame, aFlexar® R-squared value of at least6 0.999 for each additive precisions values achieve very high throughput vital body organs. In 2007 PerkinElmer FX4 1.0 70 1 100flow µg/mL of while saccharine caffeinesystem was ranged prepared atand a low rate re- and there were 23.6 million peo15 UHPLC fittedfrom with0.9 - 1.5% RSD. Details of the method performance and results of 2 1.0 70 1 ducing solvent neat consumption. ple in the US living with diaa Flexar FX PDAthe photodiode by dissolving material in water. sample tested are presented in Table 2 and Table 3.

The throughput will be combetes with an alarming 1.6 array detector was used. The UHPLC C18 column Repeatability studied with separation six injections of achieved the working pared to that ofwas a conventionmillion new cases each year was us(min) Flow rate (mL/min) B% Curve Tableof2. DB Precision andTime linearity. alstandard.

HPLC analysis withwas a 5 determined µm at an annual cost of $174 biling aacross Restek® Pinnacle Linearity the range 3.5 0.7 5-40 1 particle column.concentration.

In addition About lion. Worldwide, about 247 C18, 0.5 3 µm, 100ofx 2.1 2-200 µg/mL g/mL twomm colacol- Acesulfame K Saccharine Caffeine Aspartame Potassium Sampling Rate: 5 pt/s todrinks throughput comparisons, million people live with diaumn.brands The run time was 3.5 benzoate from two major competitive were prepared method conditions and perforbetes, with another seven min with a back pressure of Software: Chromera Version 3.0 by dilution with water. About of 2 mg/mL of two%RSD popular (n=6) 0.9 1.5 1.3 1.3 1.0 mance data including precimillion more cases each year 6050 PSI (417 bar). sugar substitutes were prepared individually by dissolving r2 0.9997 0.9995 0.9993 0.9993 0.9999 sion and linearity are presentmaking it a global epidemic. the sample in water followed by two min. vortexing.

The ed. The results of the method Substituting sucrose with arResults and decision Range 4-200 2-100 2-100 4-200 4-200 solutions thoroughly and filtered with awas 0.2 deµm Results And Discussion applied to were two popular softmixed tificial sweeteners in addition Initially, the method (µg/mL) Excellent method performance was achieved. The linearity of the analysis achieved drinks two popular to getting regular physical exveloped with a conventional nylonand membrane priorcoffee to testing.

Initially, the method was developed with a conventional aercise R-squared value of at leasteat0.999 for each additive tested and precisions values sweeteners are reported. and having healthy C18, 250 x 4.6 mm, 5 µm particle size HPLC column. The ranged from 0.9 - 1.5% RSD. DetailsA of the method results of fitted with a ® performance Flexar® FX-15and UHPLC system PerkinElmer Table 3.

Amount of additives in rate samples. optimal flow of this method was determined to be the sample tested are presented in Table and Table 3.

Flexar2FX PDA photodiode array detector was used. The 1.0 mL/min. at ambient temperature.

All the eluted2 Compound Cola Drink 1 Cola Drink 2 Sweetener 1 peaks Sweetener separation was achieved using a Restek® Pinnacle® DB C18, (mg/12 oz) (see(mg/12 within 12 min.

Figureoz) 1). By(mg/g) using a shorter(mg/g) column 3 µm, 100 x 2.1 mm column. The run time was 3.5 min Table 2. Precision and linearity. withND smaller particle particle Acesulfame K NDsize (C18 100 NDx 2.1 mm, 3 µmND with a back pressure of 6050 PSI (417 bar).

Acesulfame K Saccharine Caffeine Aspartame Potassium size)ND suitable for UHPLC, the runND time was dramatically Saccharine ND 30 benzoate reduced from 12 min. to about 3.5 min. at 30 °C (see Figure 2).

Caffeine 47 35 ND ND %RSD (n=6) 0.9 1.5 1.3 1.3 1.0 Aspartame 181 40 In addition to the 157 more than threefold reduction inND r2 0.9997 0.9995 0.9993 0.9993 0.9999 Potassium benzoate 71 74 time, the flow ND rate was reduced ND to chromatographic run Range 4-200 2-100 2-100 4-200 4-200 0.7 mL/min. from 1.0 mL/min.

Thus, 70% reduction in testing ND = None detected (µg/mL) time and 80% reduction in solvent usage was achieved by moving to the UHPLC method. This is important not only A spectrum of each component obtained from theofanalysis of the solvents, standard because of thewas relatively high cost HPLC-grade Table 3. Amount of additives in samples. solution over a range of 190 nm to 700 nm, and the wavelength maximum but also because far less solvent must be disposed of aswas Compound Cola Drink 1 Cola Drink 2 Sweetener 1 Sweetener 2 determined, enabling the selection of a suitable wavelength setting for the analysis. waste. This results in a much lower cost of ownership and a (mg/12 oz) (mg/12 oz) (mg/g) (mg/g)

12

May 2011 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

Feature Figure 1

Chromatogram from the analysis of a standard with conventional HPLC C18 250 x 4.6 mm, 5 µm column.

Figure 2

Chromatogram from the analysis of a standard UHPLC C18 100 x 2.1 mm, 3 µm column.

Figure 1. Chromatogram from the analysis conventional Figure 2. Chromatogram from the analysis a standard UHPLC C18UHPLC 100 x C18 100 x Figure 1. Chromatogram fromof thea standard analysis ofwith a standard with conventional Figure 2. Chromatogram fromofthe analysis of a standard Figure 1. Chromatogram from the analysis of a standard with conventional Figure 2. Chromatogram from the analysis of a standard UHPLC C18 100 x HPLC x 4.6 mm, 5particle µm column.

2.1 mm, 3 µm column.

HPLC 250 x 4.6 mm, 5 µm column.

2.1 mm, 3 µm column.

C18, 250 x C18 4.6 250 mm, 5C18 µm HPLC C18 250 x 4.6 mm, 5 µm column.

2.1 mm, 3 µm column. size HPLC column. The optimal flow Chromatogram of the analysis of Sweetener 1 and the assessment of the peak purity.

Figure 3 rate of this method was determined to be 1.0 mL/min. at ambient temperature. All the peaks eluted within 12 min. (see Figure 1). By using a shorter column with smaller particle size (C18 100 x 2.1 mm, 3 µm particle size) suitable for UHPLC, the run time was dramatically reduced from 12 min to about 3.5 min at 30 °C (see Figure 2).

In addition to the more than threefold reduction in chromatographic run time, the flow rate was reduced to 0.7 mL/min from 1.0 mL/min.

Thus, 70 per cent reduction in testing time and 80 per cent reduction in solvent usage was achieved by moving to the UHPLC method. This is important not only because of the relatively high cost of HPLC-grade solvents, but also because far less solvent must be disposed of as waste. This results in a much lower cost of ownership and a much greener lab operation.

Excellent method performance was Figure 3. Chromatogram of the analysis of Sweetener 1 and the assessment of the peak purity. achieved. The linearity of the analysis achieved a R-squared value of at The method was shown to be linear and the peaks were Conclusion Chromatogram of the Cola Drink 1 and Figure 4 least 0.999 for each additive tested wellspectra resolved. library Both of confirmation. the soft drinks tested were sweetened The application of UHPLC to the analysis of artificial and precisions values ranged from with aspartame: 181 mg/12 oz for Cola Drink 1 and 157 mg/ sweeteners and soft drink additives resulted in 70% reduction 0.9 - 1.5 per cent RSD. Details of the 12 oz for Cola Drink 2. The level of caffeine in drinks was in run time, as well as 80% reduction in solvent usage. The method performance and results of similar to the label claim of 45 mg/12 oz for Cola Drink 1 PerkinElmer Flexar FX-15 UHPLC system and Restek® Pinnacle® the sample tested are presented in and 35 mg/12 oz for Cola Drink 2. Both of the drinks have Figure 3.

Chromatogram of the analysis of Sweetener 1 and the assessment of the peak purity.

DB C18, 3 µm, 100 x 2.1 resolved all fivepeak additives Figure 3. Chromatogram of the analysis of Sweetener 1 and themm assessment of the purity. similar amounts of potassium benzoate: 71 mg/12 oz for Table 1 and Table 2. studied in about three and half minutes.

Cola Drink 1 and 74 mg/12 oz for Cola Drink 2. The PerkinElmer A spectrum of each component was The method was shown to be linear the peaks werepeaks were Conclusion obtained from the analysis of the The method was shown toand be linear and the Conclusion standard solution over a range of 190 well resolved.

Both of the soft drinks tested were sweetened well resolved. Both of the soft drinks tested were sweetened The application of UHPLC of to the analysis of artificial The the application nm to 700 nm, and wavelength UHPLC to the analysis of artificial with aspartame: 181 mg/12 oz for Cola Drink 1 and 157 mg/ with aspartame: 181 mg/12 oz for Cola Drink 1 and 157 mg/ sweeteners and soft drink 70% reduction sweeteners and additives soft drinkresulted additivesinresulted in 70% reduction maximum was determined, enabling 12 oz for Cola 2. The level caffeine drinks was 12 ozDrink for Cola Drink 2. of The level ofincaffeine in drinks was in run as well as as 80% in solvent in usage.

Theusage. The the choice of time, a suitable wavelength in run time, wellreduction as 80% reduction solvent similar to the label claim of 45 mg/12 oz for Cola Drink 1 Drink 1 ® ® 4 settingPerkinElmer for the test. Flexar FX-15 UHPLC system similar to the label claim of 45 mg/12 oz for Cola ® ® Pinnacle and Restek PerkinElmer Flexar FX-15 UHPLC system and Restek Pinnacle PerkinElmer’s Chromera and 35 mg/12 oz mg/12 for ColaozDrink 2. Both of 2. theBoth drinks havedrinks have and 35 for Cola Drink of the DB C18, 3DB µm, 1003 software xµm, 2.1 100 mm xresolved five additives C18, 2.1 mmall resolved all five additives helps in assessing the purity of each similar amounts of potassium benzoate: 71 mg/12 oz for similar amounts of potassium benzoate: 71 mg/12 oz for studied instudied about three andon half minutes. about three and half minutes. peak by comparing the in spectra Cola Drink Cola 1 andDrink 74 mg/12 Colaoz Drink 2. The PerkinElmer 1 and oz 74for mg/12 for Cola Drink 2. The PerkinElmer the upslope and the down slope of the peak. Because a pure peak has matching spectra throughout the peak, a ratio of upslope/down slope absorbance greater than 1.5 could be an indication of a co-elution. The spectrum and the purity of one of the tested are presented in 4 sweeteners 4 Figure 3.

Figure 4. Chromatogram of the Cola Drink 1 and spectra library confirmation.

FX PDA detector provides rugged and accurate detection over a range of 190 nm to 700 nm, encompassing UV and visible wavelengths. PerkinElmer’s Chromera software offers

References 1. American Diabetes Association. 2007 National Diabetes Facts; Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes – 2008;

www.bioscienceworld.ca

13

Laboratory Focus May 2011

feAture Although in liquid chromatography peak identification is usually based on the retention time, Chromera’s ability to collect and store spectra offers another way of identification by matching any peak spectrum to spectra stored in its library. This feature of Chromera adds another level of confidence in the analysis as the same relative retention time does not necessarily mean the components are the same. Confirmation of the presence of caffeine, aspartame and potassium benzoate in the Cola Drink 1 sample is shown in Figure 4. In that Figure, the spectra at the peak apex of each peak is compared with the spectra of the standard stored in the library. When a match is made, the name of the matching spectrum appears on each peak in question, confirming its identity.

search function allowed the storage of standard peaks spectra that were later used for peak identification confirmation in the sample.

References 1. American Diabetes Association. Standards of

Medical Care in Diabetes -- 2008. Diabetes Care.

2009; 32:S13-S61, 2009.

2. FDA, Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) 21 CFR 170.30(b), 170.30(c) and 170.3(f).

3. Leo M.L. Nollet. Food Analysis by HPLC. Mar-

cel Dekker, NY, 2000, pp.

523-565.

4. Food Ingredient and

Conclusion The application of UHPLC to the analysis of artificial sweeteners and soft drink additives resulted in 70 per cent reduction in run time, as well as 80 per cent reduction in solvent usage. The PerkinElmer Flexar FX-15 UHPLC system and Restek® pinnacle DB C18, 3 µm, 100 x 2.1 mm resolved all the five additives studied in about three and half minutes.

The method was shown to be linear and the peaks were well resolved. Both of the soft drinks tested were sweetened with aspartame: 181 mg/12 oz for Cola Drink 1 and 157 mg/12 oz for Cola Drink 2.

The level of caffeine in drinks was similar to the label claim of 45 mg/12 oz for Cola Drink 1 and 35 mg/12 oz for Cola Drink 2. Both of the drinks have similar amounts of potassium benzoate: 71 mg/12 oz for Cola Drink 1 and 74 mg/12 oz for Cola Drink 2.

PerkinElemer FX PDA detector provides rugged and accurate detection over a range of 190 nm to 700 nm, encompassing UV and visible wavelengths. PerkinElmer’s Chromera software offers many data acquisition and processing features: spectral library creation, and peak purity, spectra 3D and contour maps, which are powerful tools for interrogating the information content of a 3D photodiode array chromatogram. The spectra library

Reply card #4434

Colors IFIC and FDA, November 2004, revised 2010.

learn more about Advances in liquid Chromatography on our Whitepapers Web Portal at www.bioscienceworld.ca

14

New Products Dosino® PCR delivery system The new Metrohm 887 UV/VIS detector is paired with an 881 Ion Chromatograph and Dosino® PCR delivery system for ultra-low determination of hexavalent chromium. In fact, calibration levels down to 12.5 ppt have been achieved. Key features of the 887 UV/VIS detector include a diode array with 512 diodes, and the ability to select up to 8 variable wavelengths from 190 – 900 nm. The system is capable of recording the spectrum any time during the run, and up to 10 absorption maxima of any spectrum may be obtained to optimize the wavelength for a particular application. As is customary with all instruments available through Metrohm, 887 is backed by expert application and service support.

Reply Card #4435

Transfection Kit EMD Millipore launches its new NovaCHOice™ Transfection Kit that accelerates protein production from the suspension Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line. This new reagent is the first kit optimized specifically for this popular cell line, which produces active, soluble forms of recombinant proteins used in research, drug discovery, preclinical studies, or patients. Suspension CHO cells are widely used for recombinant protein production because they are easy to scale-up for cell culture and protein purification. However, suspension CHO cell transfection has been challenging because few optimized transfection reagents were available.

EMD Millipore’s NovaCHOice transfection kit overcomes this challenge by enabling efficient delivery of DNA into the cells, resulting in high levels of gene expression and superior protein yields. The NovaCHOice transfection kit can also improve the large-scale production of therapeutic recombinant proteins, such as therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, of which kilogram-scale yields are required per batch.

Reply Card #4436

NMR tubes Kimble Chase Kontes brand NMR tubes are available in 3mm, 5mm and 10mm diameters, round or flat bottomed tubes, and specialty tubes equipped with valves or threaded openings. All Kontes brand NMR tubes are constructed using KIMAX® borosilicate glass with two grades available to meet every scientist’s needs; KG-33 glass is the lowest thermal expansion glass tubing offering the highest degree of thermal shock resistance for high temperature applications; and, N-51A is low thermal expansion glass tubing to accommodate ambient temperature applications. Available NMR tube closures include pressure caps comprised of polyethylene or PTFE, and red or white rubber septa. Polyethylene pressure caps are supplied with tubes ordered with caps included.

Reply Card #4437

May 2011 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

Cyclone Mill The Retsch cyclone mill TWISTER is specially designed for the processing of foods and feeds for subsequent NIR analysis. The optimized form of rotor and grinding chamber generates an air jet which carries the ground sample through the integrated cyclone into the sample bottle. The air jet prevents the material from heating up, thus preserving the moisture content. The provided sieves guarantee an optimum particle size distribution so that it is not necessary to recalibrate the NIR spectrometer. The rotor speed can be adjusted in three steps allowing for perfect adaptation to the sample requirements. Cleaning the mill is quick and easy as the air jet affects a complete discharge of the material from the grinding chamber.

Reply Card #4438

Moisture analyzer Shimadzu Scientific Instruments announces the availability of the MOC63u moisture analyzer with UniBloc sensor technology for reliable laboratory testing. First introduced

by Shimadzu for precision balances in 1989, UniBloc ensures stable temperature characteristics, excellent response time and stable corner-load performance during analyses. The MOC63u features a variety of measurement modes, including multiple ending and drying modes, to suit the sample characteristics.

The easy-start mode allows for a fast response time during testing, and the simple keypad permits easy operation. The long-life halogen heater prepares samples efficiently for quick and accurate measurement. In addition, this compact analyzer has a built-in USB port, a large pan size and an illuminated easy-to-read display. Windows® Direct capability lets users integrate weighing results with laboratory software without a special application.

Reply Card #4439

Freezer SANYO biomedical solutions division introduces its new, larger 25.7cubic foot Twin Guard Series -86°C Ultralow Temperature Freezer, the MDFU700VXC, featuring dual cool technology. Designed to preserve the most sensitive, high-value biological, the MDF-U700VXC serves as the ideal critical storage appliance in repositories and medical research facilities. The new freezer has more flexibility in storage space, storing up to 576 boxes (2-inch). The larger storage cabinet combines with dual refrigeration systems for maximum protection. Because of the two-in-one freezer design, no additional backup freezer or its additional footprint and energy use is necessary. The cool safe refrigeration compressors feature innovative refrigerant feedback processes to reduce compressor temperature, extending compressor life and minimizing heat output.

Reply Card #4440

www.bioscienceworld.ca

Laboratory Focus May 2011

Eporator The newly launched Eppendorf Eporator® offers a fast, simple and safe way to transform bacteria, yeast and other microorganisms with DNA / RNA. Results are highly reproducible and compared with chemical methods, electroporation yields to significantly higher transformation efficiency. Exposing bacteria or yeast strains to short, high voltage electrical pulses enables macromolecules, such as plasmid DNA, to diffuse into the cell through temporary pores in the cell membrane. Designed to deliver ideal conditions for electroporation of bacteria and yeast, the Eppendorf Eporator® has been shown to give transformation efficiencies 10 times higher than with chemical transformation (heat shock method). Two new program buttons allow storage and recall of most commonly used parameters and simple one-button operation ensure intuitive use for faster sample handling. Eppendorf Eporator has a compact, space-saving design for easy storage and transport and comes with a USB port facilitating export of data for analysis and GLP-compliant documentation.

Reply Card #4441

Spectrometer Ocean Optics has launched a family of aberration-corrected holographic concave diffraction grating spectrometers that delivers low stray light, high throughput and excellent thermal stability for applications ranging from absorbance measurements of optically dense solutions to fluorescence measurements in solutions and powders. Torus is a compact visible spectrometer (360-825 nm) with greater throughput and less stray light (~0.015% at 400 nm) than planar-grating and other miniature spectrometers.

A flat field optical design and a reflective holographic concave grating disperses light; the concavity of the Torus’ grating reflects and focuses the light and the grating groove pattern disperses the light. The toroidal nature of the grating further enhances the aberration correction and efficiency. For convenient experiment setups, the Torus Spectrometer interfaces to a computer via its USB port and couples to Ocean Optics accessories. The Torus model is available with a variety of slits, filters and other optical bench accessories for optimizing configurations. Free-space optical coupling is accommodated with standard C-mount adapter.

Reply Card #4442

Spectrometer Thermo Scientific introduces the iCAP 6200 inductively coupled optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES).

Designed for a wide variety of applications, including food and consumer safety, environmental, mining and WEEE/RoHS testing, the iCAP 6200 ICP-OES is a powerful and costefficient trace elemental analysis solution. The iCAP 6200 ICP-OES now incorporates a wider wavelength range of 175-847nm. This enables users to measure a broader range of analytes during multi-element analyses and access more sensitive wavelengths for improved analyte detection capability. The instrument is a simple, multi-element analysis solution for laboratories that perform routine analyses of up to 100 samples per day.

With its enhanced specifications, the iCAP 6200 can now measure sulfur as part of a multi-element method in addition to the most sensitive mercury, thallium, carbon, tin, phosphorous, arsenic and iodine wavelengths.

Enhanced analytical performance is combined with award-winning design features that reduce running costs and simplify operation. Compact, the iCAP 6200 ICP-OES requires minimal bench space and ensures excellent signal stability, analyte detection and wide dynamic range.

Reply Card #4443

New Products Fume hoods Air Science introduces its new Purair ECO™ line of energy-saving ductless fume hoods designed for both chemical and particulate protection over a broad range of laboratory and industrial applications. The Purair ECO is available with a choice of controllers including the new ECOair™ touchpad control with color display interface. An optional BACnet network interface connects all cabinet control, monitoring and alarm functions to an open-source facility monitoring system. The system is based on an industry-wide, non-proprietary ASHRAE compliant protocol for green building management. The Purair ECO is available in five standard sizes from 30” wide to 69” wide.

Reply Card #4444

Flash Touch The MINIFLASH Touch is the latest addition to the Grabner® Instruments line of portable flashpoint testers to determine the flashpoint of liquids and solids. It combines all of the field-proven advantages of the MINIFLASH tester line with a new colorful touch screen design. The MINIFLASH Touch’s large color screen runs on Microsoft® Windows® software and features an intuitive menu navigation that requires no training for flashpoint testing. Along with its touch screen design, the MINIFLASH Touch offers an extended temperature range from 0 to 400ºC, hassle-free communication with USB, Ethernet, LAN, RS232, LIMS and PCs, and nearly unlimited storage capacity for programs and results. The unit’s continuously closed cup design and small sample volume ensures maximum safety, avoids offensive fumes in the testing area, and reduces sample waste. Its fast thermoelectric cooling and user friendly design further reduce labor costs. The unit’s compact size and rugged housing make it the perfect solution for mobile labs and for military and other demanding applications.

Reply Card #4445

Columns SpinColumns™, by Harvard Apparatus, are ideal for quickly desalting, removing unbound markers, and for purification of proteins, peptides and DNA. The SpinColumns™ are designed for purification of small samples (10µl to 150µl) in either single column or highthroughput 96-well or 384-well formats. Centrifugal force drives the separation process in the SpinColumns™. SpinColumns™ are offered pre-filled with a wide selection of chromatographic materials including gel-filtration, ion-exchange, silica-based reverse (C18) and normal phase materials. Specific materials such as charcoal, cellulose, and IMAC contained by frits and/or caps are also available. Simple to use, place the SpinColumns™ into a centrifuge tube or plate rotator and spin for two minutes to separate your samples. The column material binds and purifies the sample according to size, shape, chemical composition, charge or other physiochemical properties.

Reply Card #4446

15

16

May 2011 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

NEW PRODUCTS Titrator

mized dead-space and buret head position sensor eliminates improper assembly. Additionally, the new sample changer accommodates a wide selection of test tubes, beakers and conical flasks. It also is equipped with an auto shut-down function.

The large sized colour touch screen allows for easy monitoring of any station and provides for real-time pH calibration and stability. One

JM Science’s new Potentiometric Titrator (COM-1700) allows up to four different titrations to run in parallel at the same time. The COM-1700 has reliable high-speed communications with no response time lag and results appear in real-time. The compact design reduces bench space by 25 per cent. Longer-life syringe with top dead-center rest position with mini-



may easily store data on a USB jump drive. Reading, recalculation and redetection of titration results, and use of data by using other application software is possible by simply downloading the data to a laptop or PC for storage or processing. Data may then be exported to any of several types of file formats including Excel, CSV, HTML, etc.

Reply Card #4447

Company & Advertiser Index SRC103

I wish to receive/continue to receive a complimentary subscription to

Yes

LABORATORY FOCUS

No

Format Preference:

Print option

Digital option

Signature:________________________________Date: ____________________________ Name: ____________________________Job Title:_______________________________ Company: _________________________Dept: _________________________________ Business Address : _______________________________________________________ City: _________________________Prov: ________Postal Code: ___________________ Telephone: ___________________________Fax: ________________________________ E-mail: ___________________________________________________________________ On occasion, LABORATORY FOCUS will send third-party information on products & services related to the lab and life science industries. These may be cancelled at any time. Please check here if you do NOT wish to receive these.

JOB TITLE 70 Laboratory Dir. / Mgr. 71 Laboratory Purchaser 72 Laboratory Technician 73 Research Scientist 99 Other:____________________ ____________________________

C75 10 11 12 13 14 15

C87 A B C D

C90

COMPANYs PRIMARY BUSINESS ACTIVITY 50 Industrial Laboratories 51 Academic Laboratories (except medical) 52 Medical Laboratories and Pharmacies within Hospitals and Universities (clinical and research)

55 Government Laboratories 54 Pharmaceutical Companies including Pharmaceutical Wholesalers 57 Private (Independent) Lab 99 Other:____________________ ____________________________

Primary Work Field Aerospace Automotive Biological Sciences Chemicals Electrical/Electronics Energy

16 Environmental Science 17 Food/Beverages/ Agriculture 18 Forensics 19 Genetic Technology 20 Material Science

27 Plastics/Rubber 28 Supplier – Instruments/ Consumables 29 Manufacturing 30 Construction 99 Other: ____________

21 Clinical Sciences 22 Metallurgy 23 Paints/Coatings 24 Paper/Pulp 25 Petroleum 26 Pharmaceuticals

Products Used in your Laboratory Analysis Instruments Basic Lab Equipment Chemicals/Biochemicals Chromatography – Gas

E F G H

Chromatography – Liquid Filtration, Water Purification LIMS Liquid Handling & Sample Prep

I J K L

Microscopes, Optics, Cameras Safety & Hygiene Spectroscopy Testing Systems/Equipment

M Vacuum Equipment

To subscribe to our e-mail newsletters, please check

1 Biotechnology Focus Weekly 2 Laboratory Focus Product Update

3 Drug Discovery 4 Commercialization

5 Energy 6 Nutritional Products 7 Bio IT

PLEASE ENTER THE READER SERVICE CARD NUMBER TO RECEIVE INFORMATION

Numbers for advertised products can be found on the ad and in the advertisers’ index

For a quick response please fax: 905-727-4428 or e-mail: circulation@promotive.net

COMPANY

Page

RC

Afexa Life Sciences Inc.......................6.........................

Air Science......................................15................4444 BC Cancer Agency.............................1.........................

Canadian Society for Medical.........................................

Laboratory Science............................3.........................

Caledon Laboratory Chemicals.........7.................4432 Chemical Institute of Canada............4.................4429 Children’s Miracle Network............6.................4431 C02 Solution Inc................................6.........................

EnWave Corporation..........................7.........................

EMD Millipore..................................14................4436 Eppendorf....................................15, 20...4441, 4449 Fisher Scientific...............................2.................4428 Gairdner Foundation..........................3.........................

Grabner Instruments........................15................4445 Harvard Apparatus...........................15................4446 Intellipharmaceutics . ...................................................

International Inc................................7.........................

JM Science......................................16................4448 Lorus Therapeutics Inc.......................6.........................

Kimble Chase Kontes.........................14................4437 McGill University...............................5.........................

Medicago Inc.....................................7.........................

Metrohm Canada.........................14, 19...4435, 4448 Miraculins Inc....................................6.........................

Nuvo Research Inc.............................7.........................

Ocean Optics....................................15................4442 Ontario Cancer Institute.....................5.........................

Ontario Genomics Institute.................4.........................

Ottawa Hospital Foundation................4.........................

Quest PharmaTech Inc.......................7.........................

Retsch..........................................6, 14....4430, 4438 sanofi aventis....................................1.........................

Sanyo biomedical..............................14................4440 Shimadzu Scientific...........................14................4439 Sirona Biochem.................................6.........................

Theralase Technologies Inc..................6.........................

Thermo Scientific..............................15................4443 Valeant Pharmaceuticals...............................................

International Inc................................7.........................

VWR International.........................5, 9...............4433 Wyvern Scientific...........................13................4434 Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.................3 ........................

www.bioscienceworld.ca

Laboratory Focus May 2011

MAY May 14-18 CALAS Annual Symposium Venue: Toronto, ON Tel: 416-593-0268 Fax: 416-593-9984 Email: office@calas-acsal.org Web: www.calas-acsal.org

May 19 The Crossroad for BioTransfer Venue: Montreal, QC Tel: 514-496-6250 Email: biotransfer@cnrc-nrc. gc.ca Web: www.biotransfer.ca

47th Annual Meeting Venue: Chicago, IL Web: www.diahome.org

June 27-30 BIO International Convention Venue: Washington, DC Tel: (202) 962-9200 Fax: (202) 488-6301 Email: info@bio.org Web: www.convention. bio.org

AUGUST August 7-11 Microscopy and Microanalysis 2011 Venue: Nashville, TN Tel: 703-234-4115 Fax: 703-435-4390 Email: Association Management@ microscopy.org Web: www.microscopy.org

Calendar August 28-31 ICASS and CCACC 2011 Symposia Venue: Toronto, ON Fax: 905-589-0059 Email: janette@etpsymposium.com Website: www.csass.org

September 17-23 National Biotech Week Web: www.biotech.ca

OCTOBER October 5-6

SEPTEMBER

BioContact Quebec Venue: Québec, QC Web: www.biocontact.ca Medicine

May 24-27 Canadian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences Symposium Venue: Montreal, QC Tel: (780) 492-0950 Fax: (780) 492-0951 Email: bberekoff@ cspscanada.org Web: www.cspscanada.org

May 31-June 1 BioFinance Venue: Toronto, ON Tel. 1-866-342-4933 Fax: 1-866-342-4934 Email: mstinson@biofinance.ca Web: www.biofinance.ca

JUNE June 4-8 Canadian Laboratory Medicine Congress Venue: Vancouver, BC Tel: 613-531-8899 Fax: 613-531-0626 Email: office@cscc.ca Web: www.cscc.ca/

June 5-9 Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition Venue: Montreal, QC Tel: 613-232-6252 Fax: 613-232-5862 Email: acampbell@cheminst.ca Web: www.chemistry.ca

June 6-9 Canadian Biosafety Symposium Venue: Toronto, ON Tel: 204-946-0908 Fax: 204-946-0927 Email: info@icid.com Web: www.icid.com

June 10-13 Labcon2011 Venue: Halifax, NS Tel: 905-667-8688 Fax: 905-528-4968 Email: labcon@csmls.org Web: www.csmls.org

June 19-23 Drug Information Association

IS HOSTING

ITS ANNUAL READERS’ CHOICE

AWARDS

AND WANTS YOUR OPINION ON WHAT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ARE VALUABLE TO YOU. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO VOICE YOUR OPINION IN PRINT Enter your nomination in each of the 10 categories listed on our website.

Encourage your colleagues to vote for their favourites as well.

Look for the finalists to be announced in the November issue.

TO PARTICIPATE, VISIT

17

18

May 2011 Laboratory Focus

that’s a wrap on Pittcon 2011!

The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry & Applied Spectroscopy (Pittcon 2011), the world’s largest annual conference and exposition for laboratory science, recently convened in Atlanta, Georgia.

This year’s event featured more than 950 exhibitors, each trotting out their latest and greatest instruments. In addition to the exhibition, Pittcon 2011 offered a diverse technical program with over 2,200 abstracts and technical presentations. Another cool feature of the exposition was the skill-building courses offered to attendees to enhance their educational experiences. Courses ranged in length from one half day to two days, and were taught by experienced professionals and experts in their fields. Whether it was these skillbuilding sessions, face-to face meetings or networking sessions, the event proved very interactive.

In a time when many industry trade shows are losing attendance, the mood at this year’s Pittcon was both optimistic and encouraging.

In fact, organizers said they were very happy with the attendance figures at this year’s meeting, with 17,098 registered attendees, up about one per cent from Pittcon 2010.

A highlight of every Pittcon is the Editors’ Awards for top instruments and products at the show.

Competition for these awards is always intense, with exhibitors pulling out all the stops to catch the attention of the voting journalists and scientists in attendance. Two instruments, WITec’s True Surface Microscopy system and Leco Corp.’s Citius LC-HRT (LC-high-resolution TOF-MS) system, a mass spectrometer aimed at the LC-MS market shared this year’s Editors’ Gold Award, while the Silver award went to the EMD Millipore’s Samplicity, a product that uses a semiautomated approach to filter samples of various viscosities. Cambridge-based AstraNet Systems AstraGene UV spectrometer won the Bronze award.

In addition to the editor’s awards, SelectScience.net also named the winners of its Select Science awards. The winners were the Xplorer® Electronic Pipette by Eppendorf for best new general lab product of 2010; the Agilent 1220 Infinity LC System by Agilent Technologies for best new separations product of 2010; and the Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS5 by Thermo Fisher Scientific for best new Spectroscopy Product of 2010. Exhibitors and attendees enjoyed a champagne reception at the SelectScience booth where the winners were presented with their commemorative plaques.

The event went so well that organizers said that Atlanta will host the conference and exposition again in 2016. As for Pittcon 2012, it will take place March 11 to 15 at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida.

CAreer SPotLiGht Bio-economy Career Profile Compiled by BioTalent Canada Position: Terrestrial Biologist Name: Mike Crowell Company: Jacques Whitford Salary Range: $30,000 to $60,000 per year

What I do:

I work as a Terrestrial Biologist. I conduct natural history surveys identifying species sensitive, rare, or vulnerable to human contact; I am sort of a nebulous naturalist who works in identifying plant and wildlife ecology for government or private organizations seeking environmental approvals for projects such as highway building. From May to September, I work in the field about 90 per cent of the time. I conduct bird, mammal and plant surveys to identify whether rare species exist in the prescribed area. My survey determines whether the proposed project will have adverse effects on the environment or impact on socio-economic activities in the area. It is my role to ensure that the project will cause a minimal impact on the environment. From October to April, I usually work at my office preparing proposals and reports from the field research conducted earlier in the year.

What education and skills do candidates need for this position?

I have a Masters in Forest Ecology from Dalhousie University. Many people in this industry have a Masters degree, but not all. University can only develop your ability to work in this area. Candidates should have good report writing skills and natural-history knowledge. A large part of the job involves report writing, so it is important that you have the technical knowledge while also being able to write well for the client. You must also have natural history skills and abilities, and be a student of lifelong learning, so that you are up to date in the field. A specialized skill that is very useful in this position is the ability to identify birds just by hearing them. The more natural history skills you have, the more flexible you can be. You should find out as much as you can about the job before diving in headfirst. At first, you may think that the job sounds great, but after researching the position, you may discover some aspects might not be to your liking. I encourage you to develop your natural history skills by joining a field naturalist club. Also remember: this is a career that is developed over time.

What are the best parts of your job?

For me, it is really about being paid to pursue my hobby. I enjoy working outdoors and look forward to field season every year.

&$1

The best of Brinkmann is now

Metrohm Canada! /QNCTBSR ENQ XNTQ K@A

m 3HSQ@SHNM @MC TSNL@SHNM m (NM "GQNL@SNFQ@OGX m 3Q@BD "52 M@KXRHR m O' (2$ @MC "NMCTBSHUHSX m +HPTHC '@MCKHMF 2DQUHBDR ENQ XNT

m +NB@K 2@KDR 2ODBH@KHRSR m %HDKC 2DQUHBD /QNEDRRHNM@KR m (M GNTRD OOKHB@SHNMR "GDLHRSR

,$31.', VVV LDSQNGLB@ BNL

" - ! +%. { ,DSQNGL "@M@C@

6DiQD QD@CX SN RDQUD XNT ADSSDQ SG@M DUDQÞ

Reply card #4448

5HRHS NTQ RHSD ENQ RODBH@K CD@KR

&$1 $ /)2 LQGG

30

ENA.A1.0143.A © 2011 Eppendorf AG

Eppendorf—your complete liquid handling solution.

MMBKALOC BPB>O@E® plus MMBKALOC PBQP > KBT PQ>KA>OA FK MFMBQQFKD EB RIQO> IFDEQ MMBKALOC BPB>O@E MIRP MFMBQQB JBBQP QEB EFDEBPQ KBBAP FK MOB@FPFLK >KA >@@RO>@V©@LJ?FKBA TFQE ultimate ergonomics and increased flexibility. ‡

ODLKLJF@P Feel the difference in weight and pipetting forces.

Don’t over-exert yourself when trying to attach tips.

Let the spring-loaded tip cone do the work for you!

Take notice of the tight fit to the tip, but extremely low ejection forces.

‡

Flexibility Manually adjust your Research plus to your needs, autoclave the entire pipette or only the lower part.

Choose among single-channel, multichannel and fixed-volume pipettes in an increased number of different sizes.

‡

L?RPQKBPP Made with space-age materials, the Research plus has set a new standard. Resistance to chemical, thermal and mechanical stress is continuously achieved.

For more information visit TTT BMMBKALOCK> @>¥OBPB>O@E¦MIRP

TTT BMMBKALOC @LJ Þ J>FI FKCLµBMMBKALOC @LJ In the U.S.: Eppendorf North America, Inc. 800-645-3050 • In Canada: Eppendorf Canada Ltd. 800-263-8715

Reply card #4449

CENA.A1.0143.A.CA.11-LFO 1

Full page tabloid core ad Lab Focus – LFO

4/13/11 2:10 PM