Online trace gas analysis

Ionicon Analytik of Innsbruck, Austria, has launched a new generation of proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS) systems for volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere. 

The PTR-TOF 8000 is capable of analysing a whole mass spectrum in a split second with a mass resolution of up to 8000. Even isobaric species can be separated with virtually no instrumental mass range limitation and a linearity range over six orders of magnitude. 

The new PTR-TOF 2000 achieves an outstanding sensitivity and therefore reaches a detection limit in the single-digit pptv-range. The PTR-TOF 2000 delivers results in real-time with a mass resolution of up to 2000. 
support@ptrms.com

Liquid handling 

Integra of Chur, Switzerland, has announced that, following its recent merger with Viaflo, it is now able to offer a complete range of handheld pipetting systems offering accurate liquid handling from 0.5l to 100ml. 

The Pipetboy range of pipettors can be used with plastic or glass pipette tips with volumes of 1-100ml and gives precise and reliable pipetting by applying varying finger pressure to the operating buttons and by adjusting the pump speed. The Pipetboy is powered by a high-performance NiMH battery that alerts you when it needs recharging.  

Complimenting these products is the complete range of Viaflo handheld electronic pipettors, including the Voyager range of handheld 8 and 12 channel electronic pipettors, which offer accurate high productivity parallel pipetting from 0.5-1250l, for applications including sample reformatting, PCR reaction set-up, Elisa sample transfers and Taqman assay set-up. 
info@integra-biosciences.com   

Plastics additives

International Speciality Products of Wayne, US, has launched Flexidone, a new family of additives for plastics applications based on alkyl pyrrolidone chemistry. 

A series of four offerings lend specific performance attributes based on differences in alkyl chain lengths. Short- to mid-length chains support a high level of solvency efficiency and end-product flexibility, while the long alkyl chain length offerings lend superior stability and durability to products that must hold up in hot conditions. 

Flexidone products dissolve PVC at low temperatures quickly and completely, cut dry blend times, reduce processing temperatures and decrease gelling temperatures in plastisol processing.  
plastics@ispcorp.com  

Benchtop EDXRF

Rigaku of Austin, US, has introduced the NEX CG benchtop energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. The NEX CG delivers rapid qualitative and quantitative determination of major and minor atomic elements in a wide variety of sample types with minimal standards. 

The NEX CG can non-destructively analyse elements from ¹¹Na to ⁹²U in solids, liquids, powders and thin films. Employing polarised excitation for lower detection limits and unique software that reduces the volume of standards required, the instrument provides part per billion level detection limits for aqueous samples when used with the patented UltraCarry sample holder. A simplified user interface, EZ Analysis, enables routine operation by non-technical personnel.  

NEX CG is powered by RPF-SQX analytical software, featuring Rigaku Profile Fitting technology. The software allows semiquantitative analysis of almost all sample types without standards - and rigorous quantitative analysis with standards. Especially well suited to the semiquantitative determination of elemental content in complete unknowns, the superior analytical power, flexibility and ease-of-use of the NEX CG add to its broad appeal for research, industrial and inplant monitoring applications. 
scott.fess@rigaku.com 

Cannabinoids in baked goods

Thermo Fisher Scientific, of San Jose, US, has announced a new method for identifying marijuana cannabinoids in complex food matrices such as baked goods. 

The method uses ultra high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (UHPLC-MS), and is faster, easier to use and requires less sample preparation than previous detection routes.

Using the Thermo Scientific Accela ultra high performance liquid chromatography system, the Thermo Scientific MSQ Plus Mass Detector, a single quadrupole mass spectrometer, and Thermo Scientific Xcalibur analysis software, the system detected marijuana cannabinoids - 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol and cannabidiol in the baked goods in less than six minutes.  
analyze@thermofisher.com