Abstract
Free Technical Information
Agilent Automation Solutions
Application Note: Automation of a Magnetic Bead Workflow for Protein Biomarker Quantification
This new note demonstrates how the Bravo liquid handling system provides an efficient platform for automation of a SISCAPA Magnetic Bead Workflow for protein biomarker quantification by MS.
The authors describe an automated protocol implementing SISCAPA immunoaffinity enrichment of biomarker peptides before quantification by MS. In the described protocol, magnetic beads coated with antipeptide antibodies are used to bind specific target peptides from tryptic digests of plasma and serum samples, after which the beads are washed to remove unbound peptides, and the bound purified peptides are eluted in small volumes for injection and analysis in an LC/MS/MS system. Stable isotope-labeled versions of the same peptides are used as internal standards to enable accurate quantification. The Agilent Bravo automated protocol for this application enabled SISCAPA processing of 96 samples in less than 30 min, which is less than half the time required by traditional manual methods.
More: www.chem.agilent.com/Library/applications/5990-7360en_lo%20CMS.pdf
Reference Guide for Optimal Microplate Sealing
This new guide shares information about how to optimize microplate sealing processes to safeguard the integrity of samples. It includes a microplate sealing tips section, information on how to optimize sealing parameters when thermal sealing, an FAQ section, and an electronic PDF form designed to facilitate the capture of key information that is helpful when requesting technical or applications support.
More: www.chem.agilent.com/Library/datasheets/Public/5990-3483EN_LO.pdf
Fluidigm Europe
Technical Report: Precise and Accurate Measurement of Target Copy Number
This new technical note describes experimentation on a normal human genomic DNA sample using a prototype 200k Digital Array Chip on a modified BioMark System.
Fluidigm's Digital Array chips provide a platform to perform digital PCR and have been used in sample quantitation, rare mutation detection, haplotyping, and copy number variation studies. The new 200k chip prototype is more powerful and enables an even more precise and accurate measurement of target copy number. Two forms of commercial Digital Array chips are currently available, which have configurations known as 12.765 and 48.770 (with 9180 and 36,960 reaction chambers each).
This report shows a prototype 200,000 chamber version of the Fluidigm Digital Array chip and demonstrates that the experimental process is further simplified and the copy numbers of two single-copy genes (RNaseP and RPP30) can be measured at a much greater accuracy. The BioMark system used for the 200k chip experiments was modified by the addition of a higher resolution CCD camera.
More: www.fluidigm.com/home/fluidigm/Posters/Poster_AMN_2011_200K_dPCR.pdf
Application Areas
AMSBIO
Alvetex Cell Culture Scaffold
According to AMSBIO, Alvetex provides a stable and inert scaffold for cells to grow, mimicking in vivo growth and formation of tissues in the body. Alvetex has a highly porous architecture specifically tailored for 3D cell culture and designed to be compatible with existing cell culture techniques and post cell culture analysis. Alvetex enables the formation of complex 3D cellular structures, increases viability, decreases cell death, and enhances cell function. Alvetex is available in different formats for short- and long-term cell culturing. Alvetex allows cells to be visualized by confocal or live cell imaging or treated like tissue. Viable cells can also be isolated by Alvetex for passaging or flow cytometry.
PluriPCR Kit
The PluriPCR kit is designed as a quantitative, easy-to-use, and reliable assay of five genes strongly specific to pluripotency. These genes (Oct-3/4, Nanog, DNMT3b, Dppa4, and Rex1) are expressed by human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, and all are sharply downregulated during differentiation.
The PluriPCR kit is fully optimized for routine quality control using either two-step or one-step real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) methods. The assay kit combines multiple pluripotency and housekeeping markers and an analysis tool to assess the pluripotency of a cell line. The resultant PluriPCR Index is a simple method to understand if pluripotent stem cells are differentiating.
More: http://amsbio.com/Pluripotent-Cell-Line-Assessment-qPCR-Kit.aspx
Directed in Vivo Angiogenesis Assay Kits
According to AMSBIO, these new kits address the shortcomings of the traditional plug assay by controlling the site for angiogenesis, increasing reproducibility, conserving test compounds, and supplying more statistical data for quantitative analysis. This range of kits is designed to test for activation, inhibition, and tube formation. The directed in vivo angiogenesis assay (DIVAA) is the first in vivo system for the study of angiogenesis that provides quantitative and reproducible results. They provide implant grade silicone cylinders closed at one end, called angioreactors. The angioreactors are filled with 20 μL of AMSBIO's basement membrane extract premixed with or without angiogenesis-modulating factors. These angioreactors are then implanted subcutaneously in the dorsal flanks of nude mice. With the onset of angiogenesis, cellular vascularization proceeds to invade the angioreactor, and as early as 9 days postimplantation, there are enough cells to determine an effective dose response to angiogenic-modulating factors. The sleek design of the patented angioreactor optimizes sensitivity and allows for up to four units per mouse for a more controlled experiment and decreases the number of mice required for a study.
Tumor cells can be implanted into the angioreactor to study their angiogenic effects in an in vivo system. AMSBIO's DIVAA kit is provided with FITC-lectin for fluorescent quantitative analysis. Optional protocols are available for analysis with calcein-AM and dextran-FITC.
More: www.amsbio.com/in-vivo-Angiogenesis-Assay-kits-DIVAA.aspx
Cell Signaling Technologies
Rab8 (D22D8) XP Rabbit mAb #6975
Rab8 (D22D8) XP Rabbit mAb recognizes endogenous levels of total Rab8 protein. The Rab8 GTPase is a member of the Ras superfamily that functions in protein transport and membrane restructuring. Studies show that Rab8 is localized to the trans-Golgi network (TGN), basolateral membrane, and vesicular structures, where it helps regulate target protein transport between the TGN and basolateral membrane. Overexpression studies and mutation analysis of Rab8 and its associated Rab8GEF indicate additional roles in actin and microtubule remodeling during polarized membrane transport and membrane protrusion formation. Rab8 associates with myosin Vb and is required for translocation of GLUT4 after insulin stimulation in muscle. Control of target protein vesicle transport by Rab8 also regulates MT1-MMP activity during extracellular matrix formation and JRAB/MICAL-L2 at tight junction formation.
Smad1 (D59F7) XP Rabbit mAb #6944
Smad1 (D59F7) XP Rabbit mAb recognizes endogenous levels of total Smad1 protein. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) constitute a large family of signaling molecules that regulate a wide range of critical processes, including morphogenesis, cell-fate determination, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. BMP receptors are members of the TGF-β family of Ser/Thr kinase receptors. Ligand binding induces multimerization, autophosphorylation, and activation of these receptors. They subsequently phosphorylate Smad1 at Ser463 and Ser465 in the carboxy-terminal motif SSXS, as well as Smad5 and Smad8 at their corresponding sites. These phosphorylated Smads dimerize with the coactivating Smad4 and translocate to the nucleus, where they stimulate transcription of target genes. MAP kinases and CDKs 8 and 9 phosphorylate residues in the linker region of Smad1, including Ser206. The phosphorylation of Ser206 recruits Smurf1 to the linker region and leads to the degradation of Smad1. Phosphorylation of this site also promotes Smad1 transcriptional action by recruiting YAP to the linker region.
Mili (D14F5) XP Rabbit mAb #5940
Mili (D14F5) XP Rabbit mAb recognizes endogenous levels of total Mili protein. The Drosophila piwi gene was identified as being required for the self-renewal of germ-line stem cells. Piwi homologs are well conserved among various species, including Arabidopsis, Caenorhabditis elegans, and human. Miwi and Mili proteins are both mouse homologs of Piwi and contain a C-terminal Piwi domain. Miwi and Mili bind to Piwi-interacting RNAs in male germ cells and are essential for spermatogenesis in mouse.
Huntingtin (D7F7) XP Rabbit mAb #5656
Huntingtin (D7F7) XP Rabbit mAb detects endogenous levels of total huntingtin protein. Huntington disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by psychiatric, cognitive, and motor dysfunction. Neuropathology of HD involves specific neuronal subpopulations: GABA-ergic neurons of the striatum and neurons within the cerebral cortex selectively degenerate. The genetic analysis of HD has been the flagship study of inherited neurological diseases from initial chromosomal localization to identification of the gene. Huntingtin is a large (340–350 kD) cytosolic protein that may be involved in a number of cellular functions, such as transcription, gastrulation, neurogenesis, neurotransmission, axonal transport, neural positioning, and apoptosis.
Fluidigm
New Assays and Target-Specific Primers
DELTAgene assays for gene expression, SNPtype assays for single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, and Access Array Target-specific Primers for target enrichment for next-generation sequencing are now available and optimized for Fluidigm's integrated fluidic circuit (IFC) technology. According to Fluidigm, these new products are designed to deliver lower costs than standard solutions, at volumes appropriate for microfluidics, and flexible chemistries for the easy creation of highly multiplexed panels using off-the-shelf and custom content focused on particular research areas. Fluidigm provides assay primer locus sequences with every order.
More: www.fluidigm.com
192.24 Dynamic Array IFC
Designed to genotype 192 samples against 24 SNP assays in a single run and provide 4608 data points in just 1 h, the new 192.24 IFC is considered applicable to agricultural biotechnology and genome-wide association studies. Using the Fluidigm IFC Controller RX, the new Dynamic Array IFC enables sample loading within 30 min and thermal cycling in another 30 min. The 192.24 Dynamic Array chip addresses the high-throughput needs of genotyping by providing a fourfold increase in sample throughput when compared with the 48.48 Dynamic Array IFC. This accelerated workflow and increased throughput enables more data points, although the 192.24 chip retains Fluidigm's 99.75% or greater call accuracy and 99% or greater call rates. The new chip can be read using either the BioMark HD or the EP1 Systems.
More: www.fluidigm.com
GE Healthcare
Gravity Flow Columns
Protein A GraviTrap, Protein G GraviTrap, and rProtein A/Protein G GraviTrap gravity-flow columns enable single-step manual purification of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies from various species in milligram scale. The high-capacity columns deliver high-purity purification with a run time of approximately 30 min (dependent on sample). Designed for small-scale antibody purification, each pack contains 10 prepacked columns to facilitate multiple samples to be purified simultaneously, using a gravity format. Columns contain 1-mL bed volume and can bind milligram amounts of antibodies. The columns are reusable up to five times depending on the sample. With high affinity for various species of antibodies, rProtein A GraviTrap contains rProtein A Sepharose FF; Protein G GraviTrap contains Protein G Sepahrose 4 FF; rProtein A/Protein G GraviTrap contains 50% rProtein A Sepharose FF and 50% Protein G Sepharose 4 FF.
Integrated DNA Technologies
PrimeTime Predesigned qPCR Assays
These new assays are guaranteed to work for human, mouse, and rat transcriptomes. Users can search and select from the online database that contains thousands of assays. All assays are designed to span exons, protect against nonspecific amplifications, avoid known SNPs, and minimize the impact of secondary structure. Consisting of two primers and a hydrolysis probe, all three components are shipped in a single tube and are guaranteed to provide >90% efficiency. Users may select from five different dye/quencher combinations and choose a premixed primer to probe ratio from 1:1 to 4:1, thereby maximizing multiplexing capabilities.
More: www.idtdna.com
SciTools Online Oligo Design and Analysis Suite
Now available online at no cost, Integrated DNA Technologies's (IDT's) SciTools oligo design and analysis suite is for the in-depth characterization of oligonucleotides. The applications provided can determine the properties and optimal assay conditions of any sequence entered. The range of options available include IDT's OligoAnalyzer, PrimerQuest, and RealTime PCR design tools, as well as a dilution calculator, a resuspension calculator, and an application for analyzing oligo secondary structures.
OligoAnalyzer can be used to calculate the physical properties of any DNA or RNA sequence, whereas PrimerQuest and RealTime PCR simplify the design of PCR and qPCR primers and probes.
More: www.idtdna.com/scitools
Life Technologies and ProBioGen
Freedom CHO-S Kit
This new kit was codeveloped and built by Life Technologies and ProBioGen for developing stable high-yield production cell lines in less than 4 months and is based on Life Technologies' CHO-S cells. According to Life Technologies and ProBioGen, the kit's applicability and efficiency is confirmed in several studies in which antibody titers of 1–3 g/L are obtained. The Freedom CHO-S kit includes all major components to complete the cell line development workflow: cGMP banked CHO-S cells, a cloning vector for two genes, transfection reagent, competent cells, serum-free cell culture media, and reagents.
More: www.lifetechnologies.com
Porvair Filtration Group
Chromatrap ChIP Kits
Porvair's new ChIP kit contains 24 assays based on its Chromatrap Pro-A Chromatin ImmunoPrecipitation technology. The new kits use Chromatrap Pro-A spin columns that contain discs of an inert porous polymer to which protein A has been covalently attached. During an assay, the chromatin/antibody complex is retained by the disc. Flushing with three buffers and an elution step are all that is required to obtain the DNA fragments of interest. In independent testing, Chromatrap demonstrated levels of DNA pull down up to 25 times higher than those with traditional bead-based procedures, excellent DNA enrichment with signal-to-noise ratios typically 2–3 times better than competing procedures, and top performance even with samples with as few as 15,000 cells per assay.
More: www.chromatrap.com
Qiagen
Investigator Quantiplex Kit
Based on real-time PCR, this new kit confirms that forensic DNA samples contain sufficient DNA for genetic fingerprinting analysis. The kit quantifies the human DNA in samples and establishes whether they contain inhibitors that may interfere with downstream applications. It provides highly accurate data in less than 50 min with the Rotor-Gene Q thermocycler and also is compatible with other instruments. Reliable results are ensured by using the appropriate target sequence and an integrated internal control that tests for successful amplification or PCR inhibition. The overall sensitivity is less than 1 pg/μL. The procedure also is automatable on the QIAgility system for rapid, high-precision, automated PCR setup. External scientific partners validated the marker for the real-time PCR. No copy-number variation has been detected between genders or across populations.
More: www.qiagen.com
qBiomarker Somatic Mutation PCR Array System
Designed for rapid and accurate mutation profiling in basic research and drug discovery, these assays consist of collections of pathway or cancer-specific assays in 96- or 384-well plate formats with a number of pathways (EGFR, ErbB2, etc.) and cancer types. The experiments require approximately 2 h from sample to result and are considered easy to perform; the DNA is extracted from the sample, amplified if needed, and then used for the PCR array with any block-based real-time cycler. The mutations covered in the arrays have been selected from comprehensive databases and literature reviews based on their biological relevance and frequency of occurrence.
Automated Systems
Agilent Automation Solutions
BioCel System Accessories
New accessories for the BioCel System include the Agilent Labware MiniHub for presenting and storing SBS-format labware, a removable plate hotel, sliding shelves for devices up to 80 lb, and a new ultra high speed incubator. The new accessibility features for the BioCel System enable easier maintenance and offline use of devices. They also provide increased mobility and flexibility that permits rapid reconfiguration of robotic platforms.
Amnis Corporation
FlowSight Imaging Flow Cytometer
The FlowSight is a compact and affordable 12-channel flow cytometer with fluorescence sensitivity and the ability to produce imagery of every cell. The modular FlowSight can be upgraded in the factory or the field with up to four lasers, a 96-well AutoSampler, and a quantitative imaging package. The FlowSight complements the Amnis ImageStreamx imaging flow cytometer, a high-resolution microscope for cells in fluid suspension that enables numerous image-based assays in rare subpopulations.
More: www.amnis.com
Apricot Designs
ADDA System
At 8 s/sample in trap/elute mode and with eight unique injection ports, this dual-arm high-speed sample delivery platform is considered ideal for drug discovery laboratories. With the ADDA system, permeability, transport, metabolic stability, and drug–drug interaction screening, assays can be rapidly turned around with a single mass spectrometer system. The system achieves its speed and flexibility with two high-speed high-accuracy robotic arms, each equipped with a syringe and four injection ports. Batches can be submitted to use either one arm or both arms simultaneously. The plumbing can be set on a per-injection-port basis, allowing up to eight different gradients and columns to be left on the system. Four onboard valves simplify the plumbing for the system. Testing with multiple chromatographic setups, direct infusion and high-speed trap and elute experiments can be performed in a completely automated fashion.
More: www.apricotdesigns.com
Avid Nano
W130i Dynamic Light Scattering System
According to Avid Nano, this new high-sensitivity dynamic light scattering system for size and molecular weight measurement of proteins, biomolecules, and nanoparticles delivers outstanding performance from only 5 μL of sample in seconds.
Critical to the W130i's performance is the integration of Avid Nano's SABRe (stabilized antiback reflection) optical design. The result is an optimized measurement performance that is immune to reflections and permanently mechanically stable. The BladeCell cuvette combines a disposable sample holder with the measurement quality of a quartz cuvette. Built-in compatibility with standard fluorescence cuvettes and flow cells make the W130i versatile.
More: www.avidnano.com
Beckman Coulter
CESI 8000 High-Performance Separation-ESI Module with OptiMS Technology
This CESI sprayer combined with new capillary electrophoresis (CE) instrumentation is designed for MS, enabling an interface of CE with MS while providing a broad range of analyte coverage complementary to LC–MS and GC–MS. OptiMS Technology integrates an intrinsically low flow CE separation (as low as 10nL/min) with electrospray ionization (ESI) in a single process referred to as CESI. To achieve CESI, the distal end of a capillary is porous to ion flow, allowing the electrophoresis circuit to be bridged and ESI to be initiated within the same device.
CESI-MS is capable of generating separations of peptides with a high peak capacity (>320), allowing the analysis of very complex samples at the proteome level. The ultra-low flow rates used by CE reduce ion suppression and enable it to detect posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation and sialylation, which typically hamper efficient ionization. High-separation efficiency and sensitivity permit the detection of peptides present in low abundance at concentrations in the picomolar range. The selectivity of CE in front-end separation further enables the characterization of intact proteins, their isoforms, cleaved fragments, and complexes.
CESI 8000 with OptiMS Technology from Beckman Coulter also provides fast and efficient separations of drugs, drug metabolites, organic acids, amino acids, low-molecular-weight amines, peptides, nucleic acids, and nucleosides. Molecules often missed or altogether undetectable by technologies like reversed phase LC–MS now become visible with CESI 8000.
Easy switching between LC–ESI–MS and CESI–MS allows the addition of CESI to existing workflows.
More: www.beckmancoulter.com
Solentim
Cell Metric
Engineered to provide a high-throughput workflow solution to screen for colonies from single-cell cloning experiments, Cell Metric uses its non–image-based focusing to identify every healthy viable cell clone from large multiwell screening projects and to track the visual history of the colonies back to single cells by imaging the whole well, right up to the edge. The Cell Metric system's imaging technology overcomes the problems of shadowing and edge effects associated with current imagers. The platform provides complete and accurate cell measurements, without removing the cells from the culture plate and without the addition of stains and dyes, to ensure cells are suitable for use in downstream experiments.
Cell Metric is programmed to provide real-time user-defined metrics on the cell number, confluence or density, colony count and variations in cell morphology, including viability and mitotic index, and rapidly process samples in lidded 6-, 12-, 24-, 96-, or 384-well microplates. Linking the Cell Metric system with a robotic arm and plate stacker provides a complete walk-away solution, with environmental control for large plate numbers and multiuser projects, or where long-term growth and kinetic studies are required.
More: www.solentim.com
TAP Biosystems
CompacT SelecT Automated Cell Culture Systems
Three new options for the CompacT SelecT automated cell culture systems enable scientists to automate processing of T75 flasks, pipette chilled reagents at low volumes, and alter oxygen levels to optimize conditions for reproducibly culturing complex cell lines.
The new T75 Flask Processing Adapter, with unique barcodes on each adapter, allows Corning T75 or BD Falcon T75 flasks to be uncapped and processed alongside T175 format flasks. This allows users to easily automate the generation of traceable reproducible quality individual cell lines for low-throughput applications, such as electrophysiology.
The new Low Volume Reagent Dispensing Option provides chilled storage at 6 °C for up to six different reagents (40 mL each), and its pipette adapter allows 100 μL–1 mL to be aseptically dispensed into flasks. This feature can reduce the costs of screening studies by programming their CompacT SelecT to automatically add small quantities of expensive reagents, such as growth factors and transfection reagents, to cell lines.
For users requiring hypoxic incubator conditions to enhance expansion of stem cells, control stem cell differentiation, or mimic intratumor conditions, there is the new Incubator Oxygen Control Option. This reduces O2 levels using displacement via a separate N2 gas supply to generate a low percentage O2 environment and ensures that ideal conditions for continuous unattended culturing of stem cells are easily achieved.
More: www.tapbiosystems.com
96-Well Version of Real Architecture for 3D Tissue
TAP's Real Architecture for 3D Tissue system for the generation of consistent multicellular 3D tissue models now is available in 12-, 24-, and 96-well plate configurations, and a 24-well system with permeable membrane inserts for barrier assays.
More: www.tapbiosystems.com
Tecan
Infinite M1000 High-End Multimode Microplate Reader
Tecan's Infinite M1000 now offers luminescence scanning to complement its existing 3D and ultrafast absorbance and fluorescence scanning capabilities. This new feature allows the emission spectra of stable luminescent signals to be recorded at 1-nm resolution using the instrument's emission monochromators. Format flexibility is also expanded, allowing Tecan's NanoQuant Plate for very low volume absorbance measurements to be used alongside virtually all 6- to 1536-well plate formats. Other new features include double orbital shaking for reagent mixing, an Optimal Read function for cell-based measurements, and a completely new injector module offering precisely controlled pipetting for triggering fast kinetic reactions and bulk dispensing.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Scientific RapidStak and TTP LabTech Mosquito X1 Offer Automated Nanoliter Hit-Picking Platform
According to Thermo, an efficient, new, high-throughput platform for hit picking of compounds for secondary screening has been developed in collaboration with TTP LabTech for BioFocus. It integrates the Thermo Scientific RapidStak microplate mover and the TTP LabTech mosquito X1 nanoliter pipettor to provide high-speed plate handling; precision low-volume sampling from high-density formats; and walk-away capabilities.
Using disposable micropipettes, the mosquito X1 provides precision sampling from any individual well in any plate, and the accurate delivery of compounds in nanoliter volumes negates the need for a further dilution step before secondary screening. Coupling this technology with the Thermo Scientific automated microplate handler enables throughput to be increased.
The hit-picking platform is controlled by the mosquito CherryPicker software, which converts a CSV file of transfers (pick lists) from a laboratory information management system into an optimized protocol for the mosquito X1 and RapidStak before managing the run. Barcoded plates can be stacked in any order in the RapidStak, using buffer nest technology that allows for the high-speed parallel processing of stacking and plate loading.
As a plate is loaded, the barcode is read and the correct transfers for that plate are carried out. CherryPicker automatically optimizes all mosquito protocols for efficient tip usage and optimal dispense heights and can also track the source plate volumes for subsequent reporting. A multidispense option can dispense into multiple wells or wells within multiple plates from a single aspiration.
KingFisher Duo Nucleic Acid Purification System
According to Thermo, the low- to medium-throughput package, which includes the KingFisher magnetic particle processor instrument, optimized DNA/RNA isolation kits, plastics consumables, and the Thermo Scientific BindIt software, provides a flexible fully automated workflow. With the ability to process a variety of sample types in volumes up to 5 mL, users can obtain high yields of pure product for accurate downstream analysis. The system is considered ideal for research and diagnostic laboratories that require nucleic acid purification, and it can be easily modified for use in proteomics and cell isolation.
The flexible open system of the KingFisher Duo enables users to select from a variety of starting materials, from blood and other body fluids to cells and tissue samples, allowing a single instrument to be used for a variety of applications. As a stand-alone instrument, it is able to save and run log files, and when used in combination with BindIt software, it provides absolute traceability and complete data management. Protocols can also be developed and protected using this dedicated software, which can be imported directly to the instrument via a USB stick.
Users can create a complete nucleic acid purification and analysis workflow using the Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo, the range of KingFisher purification kits, and the portfolio of PCR instruments and reagents.
TTP LabTech
Acumen eX3 Microplate Imaging System
With the addition of a new 561-nm laser, it is now possible to perform additional high-throughput cell-based assays with the Acumen eX3 high-content microplate imaging system. This new addition enables the use of a new range of dyes to increase multiplexing capabilities. This platform collects and analyzes more than 40 images/s, at a resolution equivalent to a 20× objective lens. Because it can rapidly scan the entire well area, the Acumen eX3 has been used for the analysis of colony-forming units from bone marrow and stem cell cultures and neutrophil adhesion assays. According to TTP LabTech, the Acumen eX3 is the only high-content cell-based screening system capable of performing simultaneous screening and data analysis, providing read times from as fast as 6 min for 24- to 3456-well plates.
More: www.ttplabtech.com
Zinsser Analytic
EDC Biosystems ATS
The new EDC Biosystems Acoustic Transfer System (ATS) transfers chemical and biological compounds in the nanoliter range to miniaturize cell-based assays and gene sequencing preparation.
Sound waves transfer liquid volumes as low as 1 nL from a source plate directly into any destination plate. All commercially available acoustic microtiter plates can be used with the ATS.
More: www.zinsserna.com
Instrumentation and Hardware
Biohit
Roboline
According to Biohit, this new type of tool for automated pipetting is a small, quiet and compact, automated, liquid-handling instrument that can be placed anywhere in the laboratory. Easy programmability and a fast drag-and-drop function make the tool easy to use and suitable for a wide range of laboratory applications. The Roboline enables users to simply automate a single work stage or a whole application. The robotic dispensing module guarantees that results are accurate and precise without the risk of human error. The instrument is considered particularly suitable for low- and medium-throughput laboratories.
More: www.biohit.com
Biotage
Initiator Peptide Workstation
This new workstation uses a microwave peptide vial available in two sizes: 2–5 mL for 75–150 μmol scale and 10–20 mL for 250–500 μmol scale synthesis. It enables simple workflow for microwave-assisted peptide synthesis in a Biotage Initiator microwave synthesizer without system modifications. Synthesis is performed directly in the specially designed microwave vial, then filtered, and washed using the wash station. Material can be collected in a standard GL 45 laboratory glass bottle, 50-mL centrifuge tube, or even a round bottom flask. According to Biotage, the workstation is a solution for types of chemistry using microwave irradiation under atmospheric conditions at temperatures up to 100 °C, including solution and solid-phase synthesis, organic, peptide (Fmoc and Boc), peptoid, and peptide nucleic acid synthesis.
More: www.biotage.com/peptides
Pressure+
Biotage now offers two new instruments that use positive pressure for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of analytes in a wide variety of applications. The Biotage PRESSURE+ processes 96-well SPE plates, and the Biotage PRESSURE+ 48 processes up to 48 SPE columns simultaneously.
The Biotage PRESSURE+ uses a consistent uniform flow of positive pressure that effectively displaces both low- and high-viscous samples. Individual wells operate independently, increasing the overall reproducibility of analyte recoveries. The PRESSURE+ manifolds are ideally suited for Biotage ISOLUTE Supported Liquid Extraction (SLE)+ plates and columns. SLE+ in conjunction with PRESSURE+ manifolds offers an alternative to traditional liquid–liquid extraction for bioanalytical sample preparation, extracting aqueous samples up to 10mL. ISOLUTE SLE+ provides high analyte recoveries, eliminates emulsion formation, and reduces sample preparation time by up to 50%.
Clear Automation
Flexible Robot Loader for Fill and Dispense Applications
This new system handles bottles from boxes and trays on a filling line. Capable of handling plastic or glass bottles, the system automated cell is database driven to accommodate a variety of boxes and trays each with its own row and column configuration. The servo axis on the robot adjusts the pitch of the tooling to match the pitch of the box, and the cell is operated via a touch-screen graphical HMI interface.
Boxes and trays are automatically positioned beneath the robot. Pucks are delivered on a conveyor belt and centered for the robot. The robot picks the bottles from the box and transfers them to the pucks. A servo-driven feed screw indexes the pucks out of the cell to downstream processing. Boxes and trays can be introduced to the cell with an auxiliary tray elevator, and the robot can be fitted with either vacuum or mechanical end of arm tooling. Bottles also can be inverted and cleaned between the pick and place.
More: www.clearautomation.com
Esco
Swift Spectrum 96 Real Time Thermal Cycler
Swift spectrum series combines amplification and detection PCR. This integrated platform includes absolute quantification, SNP, and relative quantification. It has eight channels and a six-color optical for access to a broader range of fluorophores; customized Peltier for a thermal cycling system that can accommodate 96 wells with 0.2-mL tubes; and a bottom detection system that is designed for better sensitivity, although its X–Y scan system runs in a relatively short time. It offers up to a 96-sample capacity with broad range linear detection. The block design minimizes the risk of overshoots and undershoots and guarantees accuracy and temperature uniformity. It is possible to divide the block into four segments, allowing the analysis of up to four different sample groups.
More: www.escoglobal.com
GE Healthcare
IN Cell Analyzer 6000
The IN Cell Analyzer 6000 is a high-performance, laser-based, confocal imaging platform designed for demanding high-content cellular assays and screens, including live cell assays, 3D imaging, colocalization studies, and imaging of assays with low signal. In contrast to conventional fixed aperture confocal systems, the IN Cell Analyzer 6000 has an optical system that features a variable iris-like aperture that mimics the action of the eye. The fully adjustable aperture is intuitively controlled via the user interface and can be adjusted to be used in open mode to maximize speed; full confocal mode to maximize image quality and background rejection; or any setting in between to optimize the imaging performance of a specific biology for each channel of an assay. Incorporating the latest generation scientific CMOS camera, which delivers a 4× larger field of view with 5× less noise than traditional CCD cameras, the IN Cell Analyzer 6000 delivers significantly increased sensitivity and reduced exposure times.
Streptavidin Mag Sepharose Magnetic Beads
According to GE, these new magnetic beads support reliable sample preparation for downstream analysis and have more than a 400-fold enrichment factor to enable an increased identification rate of target proteins. The magnetic beads are hydrophilic with a high density to ensure that the beads do not aggregate, so avoiding sample loss and increasing yield. Available in two pack sizes: 2 × 1 mL and 5 × 1 mL.
MagRack Maxi
This new magnetic rack provides easy handling and supports sample capacities of up to 50 mL to provide capture of low-expressed target proteins from larger sample volumes. MagRack Maxi is a direct scale-up of the MagRack 6, used for small-scale purification. The MagRack Maxi consists of an anodized aluminum housing with a detachable plastic bar containing a neodymium magnet, one 15-mL tube, and one 50-mL tube and can be placed in the rack.
Harvard Apparatus
OEM Syringe Pumps
This new line of OEM pump modules is capable of operating over a wide flow rate range, from picoliters per minute to hundreds of milliliters per minute. High-pressure models can handle viscous solutions with a linear pumping force in excess of 400 lb.
More: www.harvardapparatus.com
PHD ULTRA 4400 Syringe Pump
According to Harvard Apparatus, this high-pressure infusion/withdrawal programmable pump offers enhanced flow performance, high accuracy, and smooth flow from 3.06 pL/min to 215.8 mL/min. It delivers more than 200-lb linear pumping force with accurate and smooth flow, force is also adjustable for more flexibility. It is considered ideally suited for stainless steel syringes. Stand-alone, remote, satellite, and OEM models are available with easy-to-use touch screens and color LCD with icon interfaces. The pump also offers advanced programming features, allows users to effortlessly transfer methods to other pumps and/or download from PCs, and optimizes bench space with the user's choice of horizontal or vertical orientation for both displays and mechanisms. Flexibility in connectivity can be achieved with a footswitch input, USB serial port, RS-485 ports for daisy chaining, and a digital I/O. RS-232 (RJ-11) ports are optional as are a full range of other accessories.
More: www.harvardapparatus.com
Integrated DNA Technologies
Double-Quenched Probe
According to IDT, this probe is designed to increase the accuracy and reliability of 5′ nuclease qPCR experiments. It positions an internal ZEN quencher nine bases from the 5′ fluorophore, which when combined with the standard 3′ quencher significantly decreases background fluorescence and increases sensitivity. Because of the incorporation of ZEN, the initial background fluorescence signal is much lower, making subsequent changes easily detectable although assay sensitivity is increased. As a result, low background is obtained, even at 40 base pairs or longer, thus increasing specificity without any loss in sensitivity or quenching efficiency.
More: www.idtdna.com
Sartorius Stedim Biotech
UniVessel SU Bioreactor
This single-use bioreactor with 2-L working volume is considered suitable for mammalian, insect, and plant cell culture. Typical applications range from small-scale protein expression to media or process optimization studies. UniVessel SU is irradiated before delivery and ready to use out of the box. It is designed to the same safety standards required for classical multiuse bioreactors. The complete culture vessel is disposed after use, reducing cleaning time, eliminating autoclaving and reinstallation, and eliminating risks of cross-contamination.
The single-use vessel can be connected to all Sartorius BIOSTAT benchtop bioreactor controllers and other controllers for conventional glass reactors. When working with existing systems, classical pH and DO sensors as well as Pt100 temperature probes can be inserted via top plate ports.
Made of USP class VI conform polycarbonate, the UniVessel SU includes several ports for media addition, sampling, harvesting, and spare ports for insertion of classical sensors or other equipment suitable for pg 13.5 ports. Three-blade segment impellers and an L-sparger provide optimal conditions for use in cell culture applications. The torospherical bottom and the height/diameter ratio of the UniVessel SU are similar to the design of the classical glass UniVessel.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Smart-Vue Wireless Monitoring Solution
According to Thermo, Smart-Vue protects samples by continuously monitoring key laboratory parameters, including temperature, CO2 concentration, humidity, and differential pressure. It can be installed by the user on most laboratory equipment, including ultra-low temperature freezers, laboratory refrigerators, CO2 incubators, and clean rooms. This intuitive wireless monitoring solution is designed for controlled laboratory environments where sample protection and monitoring is a priority. Smart-Vue provides immediate remote alarm notifications and full audit-trail traceability.
Fiberlite LEX Rotor Series
According to Thermo, this next generation of high-capacity Fiberlite rotors couples the durability of corrosion- and fatigue-resistant carbon fiber rotors with up to 60% reduction in weight. Considered the lightest of their kind, the Fiberlite F10-4×1000 LEX and Fiberlite F12-6×500 LEX rotors provide RCF up to 16,880g and 24,515g, respectively. The Fiberlite LEX rotors provide multiple levels of protection against biological agents and infectious substances and are considered ideal for use in biomedical and microbiological laboratories. Lower weight, combined with the rotor's lifting handle, improves ergonomics. Fiberlite LEX rotors feature a dual-locking lid that provides sample containment by enabling the rotor to remain sealed while being transported to a biocontainment hood. Fiberlite LEX rotors also feature Bioseal technology and enhanced liquid containment.
Labware and Lab Supplies
Computype
Cryo Hold TS994 Labels for Plastic and Glass Labware
Made to withstand extreme conditions in laboratory environments, Computype's new Cryo Hold TS994 labels are suitable for flexographic imaging, thermal-transfer imaging, and automatic application and are compatible with all Computype label applicators. Enduring temperatures as low as −196 °C, the Cryo Hold TS994 is suitable for liquid nitrogen immersion and is resistant to chemicals, including xylene, isopropanol, DMSO, and hydrochloric acid. Cryo Hold TS994's adhesive formulation is designed to adhere to plastic and glass, including frosted surfaces, when exposed long term to liquid nitrogen during cryogenic processes. Featuring an enhanced face stock, the Cryo Hold TS994 is engineered to provide superior flexographic and thermal-transfer printability. It can even be applied to frosted surfaces as cold as −20 °C.
More: www.computype.com
Sheldon Manufacturing
SHEL LAB Model LI20P Incubator
Designed for low-temperature applications, this new incubator uses thermoelectric cooling technology that eliminates the need for a refrigeration compressor. The result is a low-temperature incubator that uses 78% less power than alternative models, whereas reducing room air conditioning loads by producing 75% less heat. The LI20P has a 75-lb capacity per shelf. The unit can hold up to 300 BOD bottles, and temperature uniformity allows use of all shelving space without sample degradation.
More: www.shellab.com
Torrey Pines Scientific
EchoTherm HP40A Programmable Digital Hot Plate
According to Torrey Pines, this new model is ideal for use in precisely heating solids, such as silicon wafers, electronic chips, displays, and adhesives and for doing photoresists. The unit can store 10 programs in memory of as many as 10 steps each, where each step is a temperature, temperature ramp rate if wanted, and time. Each program can be made to repeat itself automatically from 1 to 98 times or infinitely. Heater plates are 8 in. (203 mm) × 8 in. (203 mm) milled-flat cast aluminum. The plate surface can be evenly heated from ambient to 400 °C in less than 10min. Plate surface temperature is controlled directly using the PID control loop to 1 °C of the target.
Accuracy is 1% of the heater setting over the entire range. Temperature sensing is by platinum RTD built into the heater plate. The units are supplied with temperature calibration certificates traceable to NIST.
WHEATON
KeepIT Freezer Box
These biobank storage boxes are designed to work with the 2D barcoded CryoELITE Cryogenic Vials to enable management and tracking of biological samples for cryopreservation. The boxes can be color coded to match the CryoELITE vials. KeepIT boxes have openings in the bottom tray allowing the 2D barcode bottom inserts on the CryoELITE vials to be scanned, while the vials remain secure in the closed KeepIT box. The bottom openings also allow for the quick draining of liquid nitrogen.
The KeepIT-100 stores up to 100 internal-threaded 1.2–2 mL CryoELITE vials, and the KeepIT-81 accommodates up to 81 external-threaded 1.2–2 mL CryoELITE vials. Sturdy pegs keep vials centered for top readings or bottom code scanning. The KeepIT boxes are constructed of Eastman Tritan, a bisphenol-A-free shatter-resistant resin that withstands extreme freeze/thaw cycles, moisture, and exposure to solvents, such as DMSO.
More: www.wheaton.com
Informatics and Computing
BioTek
Liquid Handling Control Secure Software
According to BioTek, its new Liquid Handling Control (LHC) Secure Software offers increased electronic record keeping and security for the Biotek EL406 Microplate Washer Dispenser, ELx405 Washer, and MultiFlo Dispenser. LHC Secure is fully 21 CFR Part 11 compliant for the GxP laboratory or any laboratory requiring safe record keeping. LHC Secure offers flexible multiuser permission levels and electronic protocol and system audit trail signing. It also offers the same features as standard LHC software, including assay-specific programming and StepWise protocol creation for simple to complex liquid-handling routines. Automatic protocol validation, dual-mode control, and custom maintenance reminders are also available with both LHC Secure and LHC versions.
More: www.biotek.com
ISaGRAF
ISaGRAF Version 6.0.1
According to ISaGRAF, its new version 6.0.1 IEC 61131-3 and IEC 61499 compliant firmware and workbench for building industrial automation products includes a free version of ISaGRAF 6. This latest release bundles all available ISaGRAF 6 plug-ins and includes a series of training videos and tutorials for various ISaGRAF 6 features and topics, such as structured text, ladder diagram, function block diagram, i/o wiring tool, project and templates, functions and function blocks, how to simulate/download/debug a project, how to create and use variables, arrays, and structures.
ISaGRAF 6.0.1 also includes a new free version, consisting of the ISaGRAF Free Firmware running on XP Embedded, 32- and 64-bit Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7, and a fully functioning version of the ISaGRAF 6.0.1 workbench, with which developers can create complete applications. The ISaGRAF Free Firmware includes a Modbus TCP Client, Modbus TCP Server, and new video tutorial that shows users how to build an application from scratch.
More: www.isagraf.com
Micronic
Track-IT Information Management System Version 4.6
Track-IT is an out-of-the-box LIMS/LIS solution for reorganizing and tracking tubes and samples.
Fully compatible with most commercial barcode readers, scanners, and Tubesorter systems, Track-IT is customizable to match workflows and aspects of different sample types.
More: www.micronic.com/products/74/sample-management-database
Synbiosis
ProtoCOL 2 System Colony Counting and Zone Sizing System
Major additions to the ProtoCOL 2 include a module designed for rapid accurate total viable counts (TVCs) of colonies and zone measurement, an improved set of edit functions, and a new database feature for the transfer of batch setup and experimental results. The new ProtoCOL 2 enables the use of modules that perform applications, including rapid TVC of colonies, spiral plate counting, Ames test counts, inhibition zone measurement, and OPKA assay counts. Software updates are available for existing users.
More: www.synbiosis.com
TAP Biosystems
ambr Micro Bioreactor System Software
TAP's new ambr software, which controls all the programming, processing, and data generation activities of its ambr workstation, can be set up for prearranged or on-demand e-mail alerts and reports in text or graph formats that can be downloaded to smart phones. This function enables ambr users to access data or check that all the microbioreactors on the ambr workstation are running at optimum efficiency. The ambr software also can be accessed via remote desktop, allowing users to monitor and control the functions of a number of ambr systems located at different sites. Other enhancements include features such as a simpler user interface, a quicker method of integrating new labware into the system, and a data report feature for easier export into Excel spreadsheets.
More: www.tapbiosystems.com
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Multiskan GO Microplate Spectrophotometer Software Protocol Library
A new downloadable software protocol library for the Thermo Fisher GO Microplate Spectrophotometer equipped with SkanIt Software currently includes 20 ready-made protocols covering a variety of applications, including a broad range of ELISAs and protein and cell viability assay kits. The protocols are free to download and include all the measurement and calculation parameters defined in the associated assay kit instructions. The site also provides clear instructions on how to import the protocols into the Thermo Scientific SkanIt PC Software.
Two Fold Software
Enhanced Qualoupe LIMS Software
This new generation of Two Fold's LIMS solution features a simplified intuitive user interface for improved clarity and flexibility. It also allows users to define sequential sample numbering by laboratory, batch, or project. The Web-based Qualoupe user-customizable interface is principally icon driven with screens that use a Just Enough Information Model that requires minimal mouse clicks to operate.
More: www.twofold-software.com
Enhanced Qualoupe Run Manager Software
The enhanced interface design and user-friendliness of the Run Manager software module of the Qualoupe next generation of LIMS solution enables the rapid setup of queues of samples to be processed through a specific laboratory instrument for a given method.
More: www.twofold-software.com
Services
Oxford Gene Technology
Next Generation Targeted Sequencing Service
OGT now offers targeted sequencing, including whole exome sequencing, and custom targeted sequencing of any genomic region of interest. The average next generation sequencing experiment generates several hundred megabases of sequence, which can be a serious obstacle to researchers in terms of data management, storage, and analysis. To meet this challenge, OGT's in-house bioinformatics team performs all the standard alignment and quality control processing that maximizes data quality, as well as additional intelligent filtering of the information. OGT's entry offering provides results as a user-friendly HTML report that places features, such as insertions, deletions, and SNPs into context.
This includes the identification of affected genes and proteins, possible disease associations, and links to external databases. OGT's “advanced” and “expert” services provide an even greater depth of analysis, such as multigenome comparison; the exclusion of variants from a baseline genome; identification of variants shared by all affected samples; and bespoke meta- or focused-analysis.