Elemental analysis 

Exeter Analytical, based in Coventry, UK, has launched the Oxygen Flask Combustion Unit (OFCU-1) to provide a safe and repeatable method for preparing samples for elemental analysis using the Schoniger flask method - which enables the quantification of chlorine, bromine, iodine, sulfur, phosphorus and a number of metals to ppm levels. 

The durably constructed OFCU-1 copes with a wide range of sample types and is very simple to set up, use and maintain. It remotely ignites samples inside a safely interlocked chamber using focused infrared heat from two tungsten-halogen lamps. Integral pressure vents ensure safe release of excess reaction pressure.  
info@exeteranalytical.co.uk 

 

Phosphoric acid in soft drinks

Metrohm of Runcorn, UK, has developed the Metrohm Compact Ion Chromatography System to enable the concentration of phosphoric acid and its precursors to be determined in soft drinks, syrups and concentrates.

© HAMISH KIDD

The certified MPak eluent ensures the quality and consistency of results, while the Metrohm MSM11 Suppressor gives linear calibration through the range of interest, leaving the Metrosep column to provide phosphoric acid concentrations in a rapid chromatographic run. The MCal standards assure trouble-free calibration, and the ICNet 2,3 software with IC Cap facilitates operation and data export.
enquiry@metrohm.co.uk 

 

Crystal imaging

Rigaku of Carlsbad, US, has introduced the Minstrel HT UV - the first fully automated high-throughput ultraviolet (UV) and visible crystal imaging and protein crystal monitoring system. This robotic instrument can easily distinguish protein crystals from non-protein crystals (such as salt and detergents). 

The Minstrel HT UV uses Clean Light Technology, which provides illumination with the wavelength optimised for the absortpion of the fluorescing amino acids, while greatly reducing the light that can result in photodamage to proteins. The fluorescent signal emitted from the protein is then digitally recorded by a specialised 5.1 megapixel CCD sensor. This camera also allows for UV imaging to be combined with either monochromatic, colour or polarised colour imaging. With Clean Light Technology original crystal hits may be used for structure solution, since the illumination does not degrade the crystals - leaving them intact for diffraction experiments.

The Minstrel HT UV system comes with CrystalTrak software for automatic imaging of crystallisation experiments. 
craig.sterling@rigaku.com 

 

Sample prep for sequencing

San Francisco, US-based Fluidigm has launched the Access Array Integrated Fluidic Circuit (IFC) for parallel amplification of 48 unique samples - in effect preparing 48 sequencing libraries in just a few hours.  

Every reaction combines both an amplicon tagging and a barcoding (identification) step that enables all 48 amplications to be multiplexed at the sequencing step. This simplifies the up-front preparation and maximises the utility of today's next generation sequencers. 

The Fluidigm Access Array System can be used with any PCR-based sample preparation method and any reagents and primer. 

The system includes Access Array IFCs - single-use microfluidic chips - two IFC Controller AXs, and the Stand-Alone Thermal Cycler that deliver sample throughput and coverage that scale with laboratory needs. 

 

Wavelengths expanded

Ocean Optics of Duiven, the Netherlands, has expanded the wavelength capabilities of several of its miniature fibre optic spectrometers to cover all wavelengths from about 200 to 1050nm.

The new XR-1 grating provides broad UV-NIR coverage in a single miniature spectrometer.

With a 500 lines/mm density, the grating delivers high performance, without increasing the system footprint.

The XR-1 grating is available pre-configured in the USB2000+, JAZ-EL2000, and USB4000 and may also be added as an option to custom-built systems. 
info@oceanoptics.eu 

 

Keeping cool 

The FTS Multi-Cool from SP Industries of Stone Ridge, US, is a mechanically refrigerated bench top bath that eliminates the need for costly consumables such as liquid nitrogen and dry ice. 

Compact and self-contained the Multi-Cool provides up to 8L of working fluid volume at temperatures between -80°C and +100°C. The low temperature bath uses PID control enabling precise temperature control to within 0.1 C.  

A powerful variable speed magnetic stirrer at the bottom of the bath provides excellent temperature uniformity and stability for applications such as snap freezing of tissues and cells, controlled temperature reactions and viscosity studies. 
remus.stefan@spindustries.com