www.laboratoryfocus.ca
Laboratory Focus November 2012
NEW PRODUCTS
Protein Characterization The new Zetasizer Nano ZSP from Malvern Instruments is a high specification dynamic light scattering system that delivers unique protein characterization capabilities in a single, easy to use instrument. This top-of-the-range addition to Malvern’s established Zetasizer Nano family enables highly sensitive measurement of zeta potential, for rapid, reliable measurement of the electrophoretic mobility of proteins, and subsequent calculation of the key parameter of protein charge. The Zetasizer Nano ZSP requires only 20 microliters of sample and measures at concentrations down to one mg/mL. A suite of protein calculators has been added as part of the software developments that accompany the launch of the Zetasizer Nano ZSP, which are included with the instrument as standard. These include a dynamic DLS Debye Plot which allows calculation of the DLS interaction parameter, especially useful in protein formulation for biological therapeutics. There is also the ability to calculate protein charge from protein mobility, F(ka) from the Henry equation, interparticle distance, and thermodynamic diameter (virial radius).
Web: www.malvern.com/nano-zsp
Pumps The Cavro Centris Pump from Tecan is now available with a range of glass syringes and plastic valves to complement the existing portfolio of long-life ceramic components. These new options provide customers with a greater choice of materials to suit their instrument design, bringing the advanced features of the Cavro Centris Pump to a wider range of precision liquid handling applications. The Cavro Centris Pump is a compact, UL-recognized syringe pump module for use in OEM laboratory instruments. Offering exceptional liquid handling characteristics, with flow rates from 5 nl/s up to 5 ml/s, it sets new industry standards for accuracy, reliability and precision.
Web: www.tecan.com/cavropumps
Extruder Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. launches its Thermo Scientific Pharma 11 parallel co-rotating twin-screw extruder. The 11 mm extruder is designed for pharmaceutical applications including reducing material costs, making the device easier to use and optimizing lab space. The benchtop Pharma 11 uses a minimal amount of sample material (20 g) and features a user-friendly touchscreen with integrated feeder control. For the first time, the Pharma 11 offers a complete strandline, containing air-cooled conveyor belt and adjustable pelletizer, all with the convenient footprint of a standard fumehood. The new extruder features a throughput of 20 g/h to 2.5 kg/h and is easily convertible from hot melt extrusion (HME) to twin screw granulation (TSG) applications. Ideal for a wide variety of drug development applications, including drug delivery systems, implants, tablets and granules.
Web: www.thermoscientific.com
Spectrometer The combined FT-IR spectrometer/rheometer introduced by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. provides a powerful analytical workstation for quickly optimizing the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. This Thermo Scientific Rheonaut module enables the Thermo Scientific HAAKE MARS III rheometer to be coupled with either a Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS10 or Nicolet™ iS™50 FT-IR spectrometer to help researchers easily identify and quantify changes in product properties. The Rheonaut module was developed as a piece of analytical equipment by Resultec in Illerkirchberg, Germany, for exclusive resale by Thermo Fisher Scientific. The new spectrometer/rheometer features a rapid multi-technique assessment that is deployed in under 60 seconds for fast-changing samples. The seamless coupling of the instruments enables identical sample and simultaneous test conditions, as well as reliable correlation of results.
Web: www.thermoscientific.com
Pipettes Eppendorf presents its new electronic pipette Eppendorf Xplorer plus®. The intuitive operating concept and ergonomic display of the Xplorer sets new standards in simplicity, precision and reproducibility. The Eppendorf Xplorer is specially designed for users working with complex or long pipetting series requiring the utmost in exact setting of parameters, maximum reproducibility and low operating force. Now with the release of the Xplorer plus there are additional intelligent applications, adjustable fixed-volumes, and individual programming tasks are performed much faster and easier. The Xplorer plus also includes a history function that automatically saves the last parameters for faster handling. A password can be entered to guarantee the highest degree of protection for personal programming and settings. These features mean no more delays due to complicated programming or inflexible processes. Instead, get precisely adjustable parameters, maximum reproducible results, fatigue-free work and consistent, full control over the pipetting processes.
Web: www.eppendorf.com/xplorer
Mills Retsch Cyclone Mills are ideally suited for temperaturesensitive samples and the grinding of solids depending on the material properties. The rotation of the mill’s rotor or a connected vacuum cleaner produces a rotating air flow inside the cyclone, thus optimizing the air throughput. As a result, sample and grinding tools are cooled and material discharge is improved. These effects are particularly beneficial when grinding temperature-sensitive materials. Further advantages are the complete recovery of the sample material as well as the possibility to process larger sample volumes. Retsch line of laboratory mills includes various models which can be equipped with a cyclone. Whereas the rotor mill TWISTER has an integrated cyclone, the Ultra Centrifugal Mill ZM 200 can be optionally equipped with a cyclone and collecting vessels of various sizes.
Web: www.retsch.com
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