World Congress on Biosensors 2014

World Congress on Biosensors 2014
Biosensors 2014

Tuesday 30 November 2010

JUST PUBLISHED: Microchemical Journal


A new issue of the above journal has just been published. To see abstracts of the papers it contains (with links through to the full papers) click here:

SFT- 250 Supercritical Fluid Extractor

Supercritical Fluid Technologies, Inc. introduces the SFT-250 Supercritical Fluid Extractor (SFE).  Designed to perform a variety of extractions in supercritical fluid, the SFT-250 is engineered to meet the day-to-day rigors of the research lab. Additionally, the system may be used for small scale pilot processing. The SFT-250 is simple to operate and easy to modify for evolving applications needs. 


The SFT-250’s extraction vessel is forged from durable stainless steel. Vessels can range in size from 100 mL to 5 liters. Larger vessels are idea for extracting very low levels of key components from a raw material or for process larger amounts of bulk material. A wide range of operations pressures (up to 10,000 psi) and temperatures (ambient to 200 oC) ensures the SFT-250 has the flexibility required to meet almost any application of supercritical fluids.

The SFT-250 is controlled by PID controllers. These manage pumping rates, pressures, temperature zones, mixing and safety interlocks. Upgrades include: various co-solvent modules, data logging and flow control automation.

For more information, please call us at 302-738-3420 or visit us on-line at www.supercriticalfluids.com.

Monday 29 November 2010

Oxford Instruments and Ostendo strengthen links with system sales

Oxford Instruments is delighted to have received a multi system order from Ostendo Technologies Inc (Ostendo), for its industry leading PlasmaPro System100 PECVD deposition and PlasmaPro System100 ICP etch tools.  The multi-wafer batch tools will be used by Ostendo in the development of next generation Solid State Lighting (SSL)-based display technologies and products for commercial and consumer markets.

“Our objective is to achieve efficiencies and cost effectiveness at the material, device and system levels”, says Dr. Hussein El-Ghoroury, the CEO of Ostendo, “We chose Oxford Instruments’ leading edge tools as they offer high throughput, and excellent uniformity in addition to multi-batch capability. Ostendo’s enabling technologies support products that are disruptive in their individual marketplaces, and this will be achieved more effectively with the addition of our Oxford Instruments tools.”

Earlier this year Ostendo and Oxford Instruments - TDI, part of the Oxford Instruments Group, announced the availability of Semi-Polar (11-22) GaN layer on sapphire substrate wafers using Ostendo’s proprietary design and TDI’s proprietary Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy (HVPE) technology. This joint development now provides the opportunity to leading High Brightness Light Emitting Diode (HBLED) and Laser Diode developers to increase optical efficiency significantly compared with structures grown on c-plane GaN substrates.

“This latest order from Ostendo reinforces our relationship with this important and innovative SSL display technology provider”, comments Stuart Mitchell, VP Oxford Instruments America Inc., “Oxford Instruments uses innovation to turn smart science into world class products. We are able to offer Ostendo the processes and technologies they require, through our well proven systems, supported in the field through our excellent global support network.”

2nd International Conference on Bio-Sensing Technology 2011

10-12 October 2011, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS! Deadline: 8th April 2011

Bio-sensing technologies are of increasing importance in healthcare, agri-food, environmental and security sectors, and this is reflected in the continued growth of global markets for such technologies. This two and a half day Conference will provide a forum for accessing to the most up-to-date and authoritative knowledge from both commercial and academic worlds, sharing best practice in the field as well as learning about case studies of successfully integrated bio-sensing technologies. The meeting will provide an opportunity to highlight recent developments and to identify emerging and future areas of growth in this exciting field.
Following the success of the inaugural conference, the second International Conference on Bio-Sensing Technology will bring together leaders from industry and academia to exchange and share their experiences, present research results, explore collaborations and to spark new ideas, with the aim of developing new projects and exploiting new technology for bio-sensing applications.
The conference will include:
  • Presentations from leading specialists highlighting new opportunities in bio-sensing technologies
  • An opportunity to share best practice in the integration of technologies for bio-sensing
  • An exhibition of leading-edge, commercial technology
  • A poster forum for unveiling new research ideas and concepts
  • Networking opportunities
  • A strong industry focus with companies presenting their technologies

Themes

The four sessions of the conference will be:
1. Biomarkers
Development and discovery of new biological molecules and systems for integration in bio-sensing applications. For example, novel molecules integrated with silicon components at the micron and nano-scales; biological targets for sensing technologies, for example new disease markers that can be used as a target for applications such as rapid diagnostics. The use of biomarkers also includes aspects of immobilization and stabilization.
2. Sensor technology
Novel sensing technologies developed for bio-sensing applications including optical, electrochemical, piezoelectric or magnetic measurements; novel sensors for bio-imaging. Micro and nano fabrication technologies used to develop and manufacture bio/sensors.
3. Instrumentation and data processing
Challenges associated with measuring signals generated by biosensor technologies to enable the utilization of bio-sensing systems. Potential solutions relating to the development of new instrumentation, signal and image processing, data analysis and communications.
4. System Integration
Issues associated with integrating technologies to produce a working bio-sensing system. This could include technical interfacing challenges such as sample introduction and handling through to aspects of commercialisation and adoption of bio-sensing technology into chosen markets.
Poster session forum
In the poster session forum selected poster presenters will be invited to provide a brief oral review of their poster. Presenters will be selected to cover topical themes reflecting one aspect of novel technologies that could be impinge on future commercial markets. This will then provide the introduction for a debate between representatives from the academia, industry and government and other bodies.

JUST PUBLISHED: Journal of Chromatography A


A new issue of the above journal has just been published. To see abstracts of the papers it contains (with links through to the full papers) click here:

Large Area Filters for Catalyst Recovery

Porvair Filtration Group has developed expertise in the production of high performance filters for the recovery and retention of valuable catalyst fines emitted or lost from industrial processes.

For this application - Porvair Filtration are able to supply metallic and polymeric large area (20m2) filter media in both cartridge (pleated) and element (cylindrical) forms with a variety of end hardware to suit any housing or vessel configuration. The metallic filters utilize sintered metal powder (Sinterflo® P) and sintered metal fibre (Sinterflo® F) with woven wire meshes where necessary. The ability to enhance or modify the filter media ensures performance criteria can be achieved to meet specific process conditions.

Drawing upon specialist fabrication skills and techniques at their UK and US manufacturing and cleanroom facilities - Porvair Filtration Group is able to produce complete element or cartridge builds, along with the construction of complete tubeplate and vessel assemblies.

For further information and advice on our complete range of filtration solutions for catalyst recovery please contact Porvair Filtration Group on +44-1489-864330 / +1-804-550-1600 or email info@porvairfiltration.com.

Friday 26 November 2010

JUST PUBLISHED: Talanta


A new issue of the above journal has just been published. To see abstracts of the papers it contains (with links through to the full papers) click here:

AirClean® Systems PowderSafe™ Type B Enclosures

AirClean® Systems PowderSafe™ Type B Enclosures usher in a new era of powder weighing and containment technology. PowderSafe Type B enclosures provide a controlled negative pressure HEPA-filtered environment for professionals to work with and weigh powders. 

PowderSafe Type B is fabricated with polypropylene, which is a chemically resistant, high mass polymer. The innate chemical resistance of polypropylene allows users to easily clean the enclosure without the worry of degradation, while the high mass construction alleviates the threat of vibration and balance disturbance during weighing. 

Exclusive to PowderSafe enclosures, HepaSafe™ technology allows the operator to safely and easily change both the prefilter and the primary HEPA filter while the enclosure remains under negative pressure. Furthermore, FlowSmooth™ technology provides even, horizontal air distribution throughout the enclosure, preventing turbulence. This laminar horizontal air movement is also key to operator protection from hazardous chemical and compounds being manipulated within the enclosure. PowderSafe has been independently tested for containment by both SafeBridge Consultants, Inc and Triangle Certification.

The AirSafe™ automatic safety controller, a standard feature on all PowderSafe enclosures, monitors and maintains proper face velocity so accurate balance readings can be ensured without turbulence or vibration. AirSafe also monitors HEPA filtration and will alert the end user if filter change is necessary. This advanced technology allows PowderSafe to be completely self-contained and self-monitored, eliminating the need for external filter boxes, ductwork, filter sampling ports, or other cumbersome parts. 

PowderSafe enclosures are the most advanced and user-friendly powder weighing containment solutions available today. Each PowderSafe enclosure is shipped fully assembled and made in the USA.

For more information on PowderSafe enclosures, visit our website at www.aircleansystems.com or contact our Technical Sales Department at 919-255-3220 or 800-849-0472.

Thursday 25 November 2010

My Analytical Chemistry Journals ... The Top Ten Cited Papers

As a bit of fun I thought I would look at my portfiolio of fourteen journals to see what the top cited papers were and so I thought I'd share my findings with my loyal following :-)
I'd love to hear (read) people's comments. Best wishes, David

1.
Journal of Chromatography A, Volume 1116, Issue 1-2, 2006, Pp 1-9  
Cited by: 273
A new microextraction technique termed dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) was developed. DLLME is a very simple and rapid method for extraction and preconcentration of organic compounds from water samples. In this method, the appropriate mixture of extraction solvent (8.0 μL C2Cl4) and disperser solvent (1.00 mL acetone) are injected into the aqueous sample (5.00 mL) by syringe, rapidly. Therefore, cloudy solution is formed. In fact, it is consisted of fine particles of extraction solvent which is dispersed entirely into aqueous phase. After centrifuging, the fine particles of extraction solvent are sedimented in the bottom of the conical test tube (5.0 ± 0.2 μL). The performance of DLLME is illustrated with the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water samples by using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Some important parameters, such as kind of extraction and disperser solvent and volume of them, and extraction time were investigated. Under the optimum conditions the enrichment factor ranged from 603 to 1113 and the recovery ranged from 60.3 to 111.3%. The linear range was 0.02-200 μg/L (four orders of magnitude) and limit of detection was 0.007-0.030 μg/L for most of analytes. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for 2 μg/L of PAHs in water by using internal standard were in the range 1.4-10.2% (n = 5). The recoveries of PAHs from surface water at spiking level of 5.0 μg/L were 82.0-111.0%. The ability of DLLME technique in the extraction of other organic compounds such as organochlorine pesticides, organophosphorus pesticides and substituted benzene compounds (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylenes) from water samples were studied. The advantages of DLLME method are simplicity of operation, rapidity, low cost, high recovery, and enrichment factor. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

2.
Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 21, Issue 11, 2006, Pages 2015-2045
Bullen, R.A.; Arnot, T.C.; Lakeman, J.B.; Walsh, F.C.
Cited by: 225
This review considers the literature published since 1994 on microbial and enzymatic biofuel cells. Types of biofuel cell are classified according to the nature of the electrode reaction and the nature of the biochemical reactions. The performance of fuel cells is critically reviewed and a variety of possible applications is considered. The current direction of development of biofuel cells is carefully analysed. While considerable chemical development of enzyme electrodes has occurred, relatively little progress has been made towards the engineering development biofuel cells. The limit of performance of biofuel cells is highlighted and suggestions for future research directions are provided. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

3.
Journal of Chromatography A, Volume 1065, Issue 2, 2005, Pp 145-168
Ito, Y.
Cited by: 220
This paper aims to be an aid to those chemists who are interested in utilizing high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC), which is free of irreversible adsorption and offers high resolution comparable to column chromatography. It explains the selection of HSCCC conditions step by step including the selection of two-phase solvent systems, determination of partition coefficient (K) of analytes, preparation of two-phase solvent system and sample solution, selection of elution mode, flow rate, rotation speed, and on-line monitoring of the eluate. The paper covers both standard HSCCC and pH-zone-refining CCC techniques. Technical terms (italic) unfamiliar to the beginner are comprehensively explained in Glossary. Various examples of two-phase solvent systems used in HSCCC are listed in Appendices A and B. The commercial sources of HSCCC and other CCC instruments are described in detail in the study edited by Berthod [A. Berthod (Ed.), Counter-current Chromatography, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2003].
4.
Analytica Chimica Acta, Volume 556, Issue 1, 18 January 2006, Pages 38-45  
Cited by: 213
Abstract
Room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are solvents that may have great potential in chemical analysis. Recent surge in the number of publications/reports/books/monographs clearly indicate an increasing interest of scientific and engineering community toward these exciting and unique solvents. Consequently, a variety of analytical applications of RTILs have started to emerge. This review presents an account of some of the recent reports on RTILs in major subdisciplines of analytical chemistry. Specifically, recent literature representing the applications of RTILs in chromatography, extraction, electroanalytical chemistry, sensing, and spectrometry is reviewed. With a rapid growth in the number of publications on analytical applications of RTILs, it appears that in the near future these neoteric solvents are definitely going to be a permanent feature in analytical chemistry. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
5.
TrAC - Trends in Analytical Chemistry, Volume 24, Issue 4, 2005, Pp 285-294
Dunn, W.B.,  Ellis, D.I.
Cited by: 192
During the previous decade, a new array of analytical methodologies and technologies were introduced related to the analysis of microbial, plant and animal metabolomes (complete collections of all low molecular weight compounds in a cell). The scientific field of metabolomics was born. In this review, we discuss advances in methodologies and technologies, and outline applications. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

6.
Journal of Chromatography B, Volume 817, Issue 1, 2005, Pp 67-76
Wilson, I.D. Plumb, R. Granger, J. Major, H. Williams, R. Lenz, E.M.
Cited by: 192
The development and use of HPLC-MS for the study of metabonomics is reviewed. To date the technique has been applied to the analysis of urine samples obtained from studies in rodents in investigations of physiological variation (e.g., factors such as strain, gender, diurnal variation, etc.) and toxicity. Examples are provided of the use of conventional HPLC, capillary methods and the recently introduced high-resolution systems based on a combination of high pressure and small particle size ("UPLC"). Comparison is also made of the use of 1H NMR spectroscopy and HPLC-MS for the analysis of biofluid samples and the advantages and limitations of the two approaches are assessed. Likely future developments are considered. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

7.
TrAC - Trends in Analytical Chemistry, Volume 24, Issue 9, 2005, Pp 826-838
Merkoçi, A. Pumera, M. Llopis, X. Pérez, B. Del Valle, M. Alegret, S.
Cited by: 165
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) combine in a unique way high electrical conductivity, high chemical stability and extremely high mechanical strength. These special properties of both single-wall (SW) and multi-wall (MW) CNTs have attracted the interest of many researchers in the field of electrochemical sensors. This article demonstrates the latest advances and future trends in producing, modifying, characterizing and integrating CNTs into electrochemical sensing systems. CNTs can be either used as single probes after formation in situ or even individually attached onto a proper transducing surface after synthesis. Both SWCNTs and MWCNTs can be used to modify several electrode surfaces in either vertically oriented "nanotube forests" or even a non-oriented way. They can be also used in sensors after mixing them with a polymer matrix to form CNT composites. We discuss novel applications of CNTs in electrochemical sensors, including enzyme-based biosensors, DNA sensors and immunosensors, and propose future challenges and applications. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

8.
Talanta, Volume 66, Issue 1, 2005, Pp 51-57
Zhao, Y. Gao, Y. Zhan, D. Liu, H. Zhao, Q. Kou, Y. Shao, Y. Li, M. Zhuang, Q. Zhu, Z.
Cited by: 156
The electrochemistry of dopamine (DA) was studied by cyclic voltammetry at a glassy carbon electrode modified by a gel containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and room-temperature ionic liquid of 1-octyl-3- methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (OMIMPF6). The thickness of gel on the surface of the electrode has to be controlled carefully because the charging currents increase with the modified layer being thicker. The anodic peaks of DA, ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) in their mixture can be well separated since the peak potential of AA is shifted to more negative values, while that of UA is shifted to more positive values due to the modified electrode. At pH 7.08 the three peaks are separated ca. 0.20 and 0.15 V, respectively; hence DA can be determined in the presence of UA and more than 100 times excess of AA. Under optimum conditions linear calibration graphs were obtained over the DA concentration range 1.0 × 10-6 to 1.0 × 10-4 M. The detection limit of the current technique was found to be 1.0 × 10-7 M based on the signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The modified electrode has been successfully applied for the assay of DA in human blood serum. This work provides a simple and easy approach to selectively detect dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid and uric acid. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

9.
TrAC - Trends in Analytical Chemistry, Volume 25, Issue 5, 2006, Pp 480-489
Trojanowicz, M.
Cited by: 147
Discoveries of new materials have significant impact on development of new methods and instrumentation for chemical analysis. Based on 104 references, this article illustrates a growing number of applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in analytical chemistry. The largest numbers of reported applications concern design of novel gas sensors, voltammetry, enzymatic biosensors, immunosensors and DNA probes. The sorptive properties of CNTs are also employed for analytical purposes in various ways. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

10.
TrAC - Trends in Analytical Chemistry, Volume 24, Issue 5, 2005, Pp 426-436
Paleologos, E.K. Giokas, D.L. Karayannis, M.I.
Cited by: 140
We present contemporary developments in the field of surfactants and micellar systems together with their applications in analysis, with the aim of highlighting some of the most important aspects of this area of research. We pay particular attention to speciation through cloud-point extraction (CPE), as well as to the differentiation of metallic species, oxidation states and complexes prior to their determination. We also present a theoretical background and a guide for experimentally optimizing CPE. We conclude by discussing some problems arising from the use of surfactant systems, while proposing future trends and potential new areas for their application. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

JUST PUBLISHED: Vibrational Spectroscopy


A new issue of the above journal has just been published. To see abstracts of the papers it contains (with links through to the full papers) click here:

Leading Leukemia Lab Invests In Fluidigm Access Array™ and EP1™ Systems

Fluidigm Corporation has announced that MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory (http://www.mll.com/) has purchased Access Array™ and EP1™ Systems. The Access Array System is being used in combination with Roche's 454 GS FLX and GS Junior sequencing instruments, enabling high-throughput targeted deep-resequencing analyses. The EP1 System is being used for rare mutation detection studies and minimal residual disease investigations.

 http://www.blogger.com/www.fluidigm.com

MLL combines diagnostic competences in cytomorphology, immunophenotyping, molecular genetics, and cytogenetics to provide patients with hematological malignancies with optimized, individualized, and highly reliable diagnoses. 

"The number of molecular markers used to categorize myeloid neoplasms is constantly increasing. Amplicon-based next-generation sequencing is a suitable method to accurately detect and quantify the variety of molecular aberrations with high sensitivity (Kohlmann A et al., J Clin Oncol. 2010; 28:3858-65).  We recently have added next-generation amplicon deep-sequencing to the portfolio of molecular diagnostic tests as part of our daily routine operations," said Prof. Torsten Haferlach, co-founder and CEO of MLL. 

"Combining the Access Array and 454 sequencing systems delivers a robust and streamlined workflow that minimizes the number of manual steps required for targeted sequencing applications. MLL's installation is a perfect match for the capabilities of these systems that will enable high-quality analyses," said Gajus Worthington, president and CEO of Fluidigm. "Adding the EP1 System to the molecular diagnostic workflow will further enhance the detection and quantification of cancer mutations."

Fluidigm develops, manufactures and markets proprietary Integrated Fluidic Circuit (IFC) systems that significantly improve productivity in life science research. Fluidigm IFCs enable the simultaneous performance of thousands of sophisticated biochemical measurements in extremely minute volumes. These "integrated circuits for biology" are made possible by miniaturizing and integrating liquid handling components on a single microfluidic device. Fluidigm systems, consisting of instrumentation, software and chips, increase throughput, decrease costs and enhance sensitivity compared to conventional laboratory systems.

For more information, please visit

Wednesday 24 November 2010

JUST PUBLISHED: Analytica Chimica Acta


A new issue of the above journal has just been published. To see abstracts of the papers it contains (with links through to the full papers) click here:

Video Demonstrates Benefits of Controlled Nucleation...

SP Scientific has broadcast a new video that demonstrates how ControLyo ™ Nucleation On-demand Technology can be used to control the nucleation of a product during freezing, such that the entire product nucleates at the same time and in the same way.

Using an example of freeze drying samples in vials the video (http://www.spscientific.com/) illustrates how ControLyo™ Technology enables the freezing step to be much more repeatable and allows potentially greater control over cycle optimization.

SP Scientific has signed a license agreement with Praxair, Inc. to utilize Praxair's ControLyo™ Nucleation On-demand Technology, which provides pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with precise control over the freeze-drying process for drug developmental efforts.

This breakthrough technology was developed to specifically control the freezing step of lyophilization.  Freeze drying (also known as lyophilization) is a method of drying products whereby the material is frozen (made chemically inactive) and then placed under vacuum while energy, in the form of heat, is added so that the ice sublimates (goes directly from a solid to a vapour without entering the liquid stage) thus rendering the product stable at elevated temperatures.  Until now, the freezing step of lyophilization was uncontrolled due to the random nature of the nucleation or crystal-forming process. Praxair's new ControLyo™ technology now makes nucleation control a reality by regulating the nucleation temperature to within 1°C of its freezing point.  The results are improved product uniformity, quality and yield.

For further information please contact SP Scientific on +1-845-255-5000 / +44-1473-240000 or email ControLyoInside@SPScientific.com.

Tuesday 23 November 2010

JUST PUBLISHED: Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis


A new issue of the above journal has just been published. To see abstracts of the papers it contains (with links through to the full papers) click here:

Manual Thermal Plate Sealer

Porvair Sciences has announced the MicroSeal - a new budget priced manual microplate heat sealer that offers great performance.

Designed to meet the needs of low to medium throughput laboratories for microplate sealing the MicroSeal is compact and easy-to-use. An ergonomic pull down mechanism makes single action heat sealing of a wide range of plates quick and simple.

Using a pre-set temperature of 170C, ideal for most common sealing applications, and dual LED status display of power and heating, the MicroSeal is very safe and easy to use. A built-in thermostat prevents overheating of plates.

Of the various methods for sealing microplates, heat sealing has become the preferred option as it creates an air tight and chemically-resistant seal without the complication of adhesives being applied to a plate.  With its small footprint, ease of use and ability to handle a wide range of plates the MicroSeal is the obvious choice for laboratories looking for an affordable manual thermal plate sealer.

Porvair Sciences Ltd has specialised in the manufacture of microplates and microplate equipment since its formation in 1992. Via its global distributor network, Porvair Sciences serves Life Sciences, Biotechnology, R&D and Molecular Biology with microplate solutions for all applications, from sample preparation to high throughput screening.  Porvair Sciences is a subsidiary of Porvair plc, a world leader in microporous materials.

For further information on the MicroSeal please contact Porvair Sciences on telephone +44-1372-824290, email int.sales@porvair-sciences.com or visit the website at http://www.porvair-sciences.com/

JUST PUBLISHED: Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems


A new issue of the above journal has just been published. To see abstracts of the papers it contains (with links through to the full papers) click here:

Thermo Fisher Scientific Launches Mass Frontier 7.0

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, has announced Mass Frontier 7.0, the newest release of its small molecule structural elucidation software. The software simplifies the management, evaluation and interpretation of mass spectral data and can be used for metabolism, metabolomics, forensics, natural products, impurities and degradants research.

Thermo Fisher will showcase the software within its booth during the 27th Montreux Symposium on LC/MS, being held November 10th – 12th, in Montreux, Switzerland.
Thermo Scientific Mass Frontier 7.0 software delivers unique features that improve ease-of-use, increase throughput of compounds analyzed, reduce potential for false results and offer more confident structural elucidation.

Mass Frontier 7.0 software features an enhanced Fragment Ion Search (FISh) screening tool, which includes automatic localization of the site of biotransformation through color coding applied to fragments common to the parent compound and its related component. FISh is a novel tool for the screening of structurally similar compounds based on the fragmentation pattern of the parent compound acquired either by theoretical fragment prediction or experimental MSn spectral trees. It utilizes the compound structure to filter out the vast majority of matrix-related background ions. It also has a new comprehensive user interface allowing flexible entry of processing parameters in a single window.

“Mass Frontier 7.0 software has many unique features that are not in any other software program,” states lead beta tester, Ji Ma, Ph.D., Principle Scientist from Amgen. “Structural elucidation is a time consuming and labor intensive process to manually interpret spectra; however Mass Frontier 7.0 software with its unique new features has significantly improved our workflow.”

Mass Frontier 7.0 software also offers a number of enhancements designed to increase productivity and improve user experience.  Users can, for example, save work in progress and processing methods to streamline metabolite identification and structural elucidation workflow so there is no loss of data. In addition, component comparison and de novo structural elucidation can be done using the innovative spectral tree comparison tool with a new proprietary algorithm and visualization options. New comprehensive and customizable reporting tools provide the user with the capability to create reports in their chosen format.

Mass Frontier 7.0 software is enhanced with new chemically intelligent tools that accelerate the interpretation of mass spectral data. The predictive fragmentation capabilities of the copyrighted HighChem Fragmentation LibraryTM are exclusive to the program and contain fragmentation mechanisms for small molecules collated from published literature, allowing users to quickly search thousands of entries. The library, together with twenty-four general ionization, fragmentation and rearrangement rules, serves as a knowledge base for the prediction of fragmentation pathways. In addition to the literature-based Fragmentation Library, Mass Frontier software also allows users to create their own unique libraries of customized fragmentation mechanisms, save them to the database, and apply them to predict fragments. Different groups of users can also easily share and manage their knowledge through the client-server capabilities.
“Unparalleled predictive fragmentation coupled with automatic deconvolution and annotation of MSn spectral ion trees facilitates the interpretation of mass spectral data,” also comments Ji Ma, Ph.D.

The program now includes an elemental composition check so that fragments containing unrecognized elements to the precursor ion are automatically discarded. In addition, the structures of precursor ions at various MSn stages are automatically displayed as the user browses through the spectral ion tree to facilitate the annotation of product ions. The user also has the ability to manually annotate additional peaks under the specified threshold. 
Mass Frontier software complements Thermo Scientific MetWorks metabolite identification software for the study of biotransformations, MetQuest screening software for simultaneous quan/qual drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic analysis and SIEVE differential analysis software for the study of metabolomics. 
For a demonstration of Mass Frontier 7.0 software, visit the Thermo Scientific booth during the 27th Montreux Symposium on LC/MS. For further information, call +1 866-463-6522, e-mail analyze@thermofisher.com or visit www.thermoscientific.com/massfrontier

Analytical Technology Appoints New Business Development Manager

Specialist electrochemical sensor manufacturer Analytical Technology announces its continued expansion into the UK and European industrial sector with the formation of its Industrial Division and appointment of Wesley Hazley as UK Business Development Manager (Industry).
Analytical Technology has already established a strong presence as the leading provider of compliant water monitors to most UK water providers and is experiencing increased success in the industrial sector, meeting a growing demand for instrumentation to monitor environmental consents and reduce operational expenditure (OPEX) by optimising processes.



Wesley Hazley has joined the company as UK Business Development Manager
(Industry) to develop Analytical Technology's client base in the industrial sector. He will be part of the newly established Industrial Division, offering expert advice on water monitoring solutions to manufacturing companies in the food and beverage, process and engineering industries. By dealing with end-users and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Wesley will ensure that Analytical Technology becomes a force in the industrial sector due to product quality, aftersales support and highly competitive pricing.

Analytical Technology is a leading UK supplier of a wide range of water monitors including dissolved oxygen, chlorine and ammonia. The company provides its customers with the knowledge needed to ensure a safe and healthy environment and strives to develop and produce the highest quality instruments available. Analytical Technology's commitment to the continuous improvement of analytical sensing systems is supported by its specialist team of employees who have the expertise needed to meet each customer's individual needs. Wesley will take on responsibility for ensuring the company's reliable monitoring instruments are available to the industrial sector.

Wesley brings years of experience in water monitoring to Analytical Technology and has a strong background in engineering and water treatment design, manufacturing and servicing. He began his career as an Aircraft Technician for the Royal Navy where he gained vast engineering experience and technical knowledge, equipping him to deal with the unique applications found in the industrial sector. Wesley then worked as a Senior Sales Engineer at Precom Engineering, in which he specialised in offering water treatment and purification solutions to diverse industry clients worldwide and gained a proven track record of growth and global expansion. Prior to joining Analytical Technology, Wesley was headhunted by a multi-national company to develop its industrial water treatment monitoring sector.

Dr. Michael Strahand, General Manager Europe, Analytical Technology,
comments: "I am delighted to welcome Wesley to Analytical Technology, his appointment reinforces our commitment to supporting the water monitoring needs of the industrial sector and providing expertise in selecting the best instrumentation to suit the diverse needs of customers in this field. Wesley has a great deal of experience in industrial water treatment monitoring and his background in engineering equips him well for his new role as Business Development Manager (Industry). With this new appointment and the constant upgrading and development of Analytical Technology products, I am confident that we can evolve with the market and continue to experience growth in the industrial sector."

For more information on Analytical Technology's complete range of water and gas instrumentation, please call +44 (0)1457 832800, e-mail sales@atiuk.com.

Monday 22 November 2010

JUST PUBLISHED: Journal of Chromatography A


A new issue of the above journal has just been published. To see abstracts of the papers it contains (with links through to the full papers) click here:

JUST PUBLISHED: Journal of Chromatography B


A new issue of the above journal has just been published. To see abstracts of the papers it contains (with links through to the full papers) click here:

Touch Screen Infusion Syringe Pump

Available from Dorton Analytical - the Legato 100 Syringe Pump is a new single syringe infusion only pump with a touch screen interface.
The Legato 100 offers a wide flow rate range (1.28 pl/min to 88.28 ml/min), accuracy of +/-0.5% and reproducibility of +/- 0.05% making it the perfect syringe pump for flow cytometry, electrospinning, mass spectrometry calibrant delivery, microfluidics, neuroscience applications, and more.

Stainless steel, plastic, or glass syringes can be used in the unit. The syringes are held in place by a robust new clamping mechanism. Syringes from 0.5 ul to 60 ml can be used.

The large colour display on the Legato 100 allows the user to see the pump's operating parameters to ensure proper operation during the experiments. Syringe size and flow rates are displayed, as well as the volume delivered and the elapsed time.

For further information please contact Dorton Analytical Ltd on +44-(0)7872-520670 or email: info@dortonanalytical.co.uk

Webinar - Exploring Genetic Diversity

Fluidigm Europe has announced an opportunity for scientists to learn more about how the Fluidigm Access Array™ System is being used by the US National Cancer Institute to explore genetic diversity and how to effectively implement techniques for next generation sequencing.
A recorded version of the Science magazine webinar: 'Exploring Genetic Dversity: Mapping the Genetic Landscape through Next-Generation Sequencing** prominently features results from the Fluidigm Access Array System within the presentation by Michael W Smith Ph.D, director of the Genetics and Genomics Group within the Advanced Technology Program of SAIC Frederick.

Characterizing the genetic diversity in populations can be challenging, because of the sheer number of samples needed to understand the underlying genetic variation. Using multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) along with barcoding, offers the possibility of sequencing hundreds of unique samples per run using next- generation sequencing technology. This process, known as amplicon resequencing, allows for each PCR amplicon to be sequenced individually, enabling both the identification of rare variants and the assignment of haplotypes.

The webinar** provides an overview of amplicon resequencing-based approaches, from the perspective of investigating the complexity and diversity seen in immune system genes.  Three experts in the field discuss topics such as site-specific recombination reactions and cellular dysfunction, as well as how to use cutting-edge technology to discover pathways and specific patterns that impact such factors as the ability of the body to mount an immune response and somatic recombination in antibody production.

The Fluidigm Access Array integrated fluidic circuit is a unique microfluidics chip which houses thousands of nanoscale reaction chambers. The Access Array is configured to run 48 samples and 48 primer pairs simultaneously for a total of 2304 reactions. The authors describe how they evaluated and validated two protocols using the Access Array system to conduct, short and long-range capture. The short range protocol captures target lengths up to 700bp, while the long-range protocol currently captures up to 5Kb.  For further information on how the Fluidigm Access Array System is enabling scientists involved with next generation sequencing to get better results faster please visit www.fluidigm.com/fields-research/next-gen-sequencing.php.

Friday 19 November 2010

HPLC 2011

HPLC 2011 Budapest Symposium will be held at the Budapest Congress and World Trade Center from 19 to 23 June 2011. You are kindly requested to bookmark the web site of the symposium http://www.hplc2011.com/ where you are able to read relevant information about the meeting all the time.

We would like to remind you of the deadlines for abstract submission:
15 January 2011:        
abstract deadline for oral presentations
31 March 2011:
abstract deadline for poster presentations


We strongly encourage you to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentation at your earliest convenience. For more details, please take a look at the call for papers at: http://www.hplc2011.com/?nic=abstract-submission.

We are happy to inform you that the conference fees for HPLC 2011 Budapest are kept at the same level as for HPLC 2007 in Ghent and HPLC 2009 in Dresden. The early registration fees are:
Participant from industry
850 EUR
Participant from academia        
600 EUR
Students
250 EUR


The registration fee for symposium participants covers:
  • Participation in the scientific programme
  • Admission to the exhibition
  • Electronic version of the Book of Abstracts
  • Symposium bag with conference materials
  • Welcome reception
  • Coffee breaks
  • Lunch from Monday to Thursday
  • Farewell reception
  • Participation in the cultural event.
The deadline for early registration is 15 April 2011.

For booking your accommodation, a direct link is available on the HPLC 2011 Budapest website to a wide range of hotels. There you can directly book your rooms at the HPLC 2011 special rates: http://www.hplc2011.com/?nic=accommodation.

Companies and organisations intending to support the HPLC 2011 Budapest Symposium or to participate in the exhibition are encouraged to download the sponsoring and exhibition kit at: http://www.hplc2011.com/doc/HPLC2011_ExhibitionKit.pdf.

If you have any questions, please contact us at diamond@diamond-congress.hu.

Thank you for your attention, and looking forward to welcoming you personally in Budapest in June 2011.

Prof. Attila Felinger
Chairman of HPLC 2011 Budapest
on behalf of the Organising and Scientific Committee