Editor's Choice

Thermo Fisher Scientific collaborates with leading researcher to validate emerging technique in drug discovery

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., has announced that its Maybridge Ro3 Diversity Fragment Library has helped researchers validate an emerging technique for drug discovery that targets key protein receptors involved in a wide range of biological functions.

David Myszka, founder of Biosensor Tools LLC used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to screen small molecules (fragments) in the Maybridge Ro3 collection against stabilised G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). Several new classes of compounds were identified from the Ro3 library to accelerate drug discovery efforts around these receptors.

Dr. Myszka's study demonstrated for the first time that fragment screening by SPR is an effective approach. It utilises the sensor surface to purify and concentrate solubilised tagged GPCRs and then characterise their binding activities with the fragments. 

Tel +44(0)1840 770453 

Blood gas analyser

Roche of Basel, Switzerland, has launched a new unit for analysing patient blood in the clinic.

The Cobas B 123 POC can determine a wide range of parameters including: oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures; pH; concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium and chlorine ions, glucose, lactate and sulfur dioxide; total haemoglobin, oxyhaemoglobin, un-ionised haemoglobin, carboxyhaemoglobin, methaemoglobin and neonatal bilirubin.

Results are returned within two minutes. In addition, according to the company, the unit is 'nearly maintenance free'.

burgesshill.bge@roche.com

Viscosity measured

RheoSense of San Ramon, US, has introduced a new model to its range of VROC machines for measuring viscosity. The M-VROC can analyse samples with volumes as low as 50 m l and benefits from temperature control with built-in thermal jackets. 

The company says the unit measures rheological properties of liquids, while 'enabling cost-effective flow management through smart process quantification'. It is particularly suitable for: protein formulations; inkjet ink; mixtures of solvents and volatile compounds; and other small samples. 

sales@rheosense.com

info@rheosense.com

Sterility testing 

Mach-Aire of Bolton, UK, has introduced a new range of isolators, with either two-gloves or four-gloves, for testing the sterility of pharmacy samples.

The machines incorporate an automatic hydrogen peroxide disinfection system, can be single or double chambered and are made from 316L grade stainless steel.

sales@machaire.co.uk

Flame photometry 

Sherwood Scientific of Cambridge, UK, has brought to market the Model 360 flame photometer, a single channel 'low cost' unit with five filters built off the Model 410. 

Flame photometers analyse samples using atomic emission spectroscopy, with flames for the energy sources. 

The company says the Model 360 is more stable and less noisy than alternatives, and benefits from lower limits of detection, thanks to the 'automatic flame optimisation technology'.

enquiries@sherwood-scientific.com

Peristaltic pump

Watson-Marlow of Falmouth, UK, is offering a range of peristaltic pumps designed to offer high flexibility in low flow applications, in particular single-use systems. 

The '120' pumps are available with single-channel or multi-channel pumpheads, compatible with a variety of tubing materials and sizes. The company says the machine requires very little maintenance because of the low friction materials. 

support@watson-marlow.co.uk 

Solvent evaporation

Genevac of Ipswich, UK, has launched the EZ-2 Elite, a solvent evaporator with a cold trap that drains automatically, heating for the lid and chamber and a scroll pump, which pumps 'dry' without the need for lubricants. 

The company says the Elite can evaporate solvents with boiling points as high as 220°C, such as DMSO, unlike the other machines in the range. In addition, it incorporates the Genevac LyoSpeed technology for fast freeze drying of HPLC fractions. 

salesinfo@genevac.co.uk

Coagulation tests

Randox of Crumlin, UK, has brought to market a set of five coagulation reagents for 'simple and accurate' routine coagulation testing. Coagulation tests are used to identify blood clotting problems, monitor patients on anti-coagulation drugs and assess patients before surgery to predict the risk of bleeding problems. The set includes reagents for the determination of: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen concentration and antithrombin III concentration. According to the company, the tests do not show any interference with heparin up to a level of 1.0 units/ml. 

marketing@randox.com