Cell migration assay 

AMS Biotechnology of Abingdon, UK, has brought to market a new cell migration assay for fully automated high-throughput screening (HTS). The Oris Pro 384 uses high content screening (HCS) and high content imaging (HCI) systems. A biocompatible gel (BCG) makes a temporary cell-free zone on cell culture surfaces in a 384-well format. After cell seeding, the BCG dissolves to reveal a detection zone. Cell migration into this zone can then be observed either straight away or after further experimental processing. According to the company, the product improves assay efficiency and reduces costs.

info@amsbio.com 

 

Liquid waste

Integra Biosciences of Zizers, Switzerland, has launched a product for the disposal of liquid waste, the VacuSafe laboratory vacuum system. The company says it facilitates the safe and convenient disposal of 'almost any liquid'. The VacuSafe has a range of safety features including a liquid waste level sensor to prevent overfilling of the bottle and two hydrophobic filters that block potentially dangerous aerosols from escaping. Once the tubing has been disconnected, the self-sealing quick connectors prevent spills. A wide range of VacuBoy adapters are included. According to the company, using these, laboratory staff can remove liquids from 'virtually any container format'.

info@integra-biosciences.com

 

FTIR spectroscopy for liquids

A2 Technologies of Danbury, CT, US, has launched a new integrated Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyser for the analysis of liquids. The unit combines the ML analyser, an existing FTIR spectrometer that takes up about 50cm² on a lab bench, with DialPath technology, a new development for A2. The DialPath technology features a tumbler-like optical head that can be rotated to select one of three sample pathlengths of between 30 and 250m m. A drop of the sample liquid is placed on a stationary infrared-transparent window and a second window rotated into position, sandwiching the sample between the two. The company says this makes the pathlengths between the two windows highly reproducible. The DialPath-equipped ML analyser can accommodate samples with a wide range of viscosities, it adds. Cleaning is as simple as rotating the window away from the fixed window and wiping the liquid off. 

info@a2technologies.net

 

New software

Sherwood Scientific of Cambridge, UK, has added new software to its model 420 and model 425 flame photometers - both now come with 420 BlueNotes software. 

According to the company, the product enables the instruments to perform sample analyses outside the linear response range and facilitates measurement of all elements simultaneously. The new software extends the linear response range of the stand-alone instrument to multipoint calibration, enabling analysis of a wider range of sample concentrations. 

In addition, all elements - sodium, potassium and lithium, plus calcium for model 425 - can be measured at the same time, rather than only two at once. 

The operator can choose potassium or lithium as the internal standard reference element. The 'spot check' updates a previous multipoint calibration, thereby adjusting for drift when the internal standard facility is not in use and allowing re-use of previously generated calibrations. 

info@sherwood-scientific.com 

 

UV stabiliser

Clariant of Muttenz, Switzerland, has launched a new UV stabiliser - Hostavin N845PP - for polyolefin (PO) compounds used in interior applications. In addition to UV protection, the new grade offers low fogging and low migration performance plus processing efficiency, the company says. 

According to Clariant, migration is a significant concern for manufacturers of vehicle components, such as dashboards, centre consoles and door cladding. For example, it can create a fogging effect on vehicle windscreens. Crucially, the UV stabiliser in Hostavin N845PP is enclosed in a 'non-traditional' carrier. 

info@clariant.com 

 

Spectrometer for dentists

Ocean Optics of Dunedin, US, is offering a USB4000 spectrometer to help dentists use curing lights more effectively. Such lights are used to harden the white resin composites in fill cavities. The spectrometer is part of the managing accurate resin curing (MARC) system developed by Richard Price and others at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, and marketed by BlueLight.

Using the MARC system, dental researchers, educators, manufacturers and clinicians can more accurately measure the irradiance and energy to area ratio delivered by various curing lights in the hands of different dental professionals. The energy needed for a resin restoration is affected by the location of the tooth, the type of resin used, the output of the curing light and the accuracy of the practitioner. Too much or too little exposure to the curing light can lessen the lifetime of the filling and potentially damage the tooth. The miniature fibre optic USB4000 spectrometer is slightly larger than a mobile phone and uses a '3648-element Toshiba linear charge-coupled device array detector and high speed electronics'.

info@oceanoptics.eu