Just Published: Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis

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

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis
http://rss.sciencedirect.com/publication/science/5266

Selected papers from the latest issue:

Simultaneous quantification of L- α -phosphatidylcoline and cholesterol in liposomes using near infrared spectrometry and chemometry

01 February 2012, 02:49:58

Publication year: 2012
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Available online 31 January 2012
Alina Porfire, Ioan Tomuta, Lucia Tefas, Sorin E. Leucuta, Marcela Achim
This paper describes the development and validation of a multivariate method based on transmittance NIR spectroscopy for simultaneous quantification of L- α–phosphatidylcoline (LPC) and cholesterol (CHO). Method development was based on a D-optimal experimental design consisting of 16 LPC-CHO mixtures. Calibration models were generated by partial least-squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) method followed by leave-one-out cross-validation. Among the spectra pretreatment methods tested, Norris Gap first derivative was the best for both LPC and CHO quantification, combined with PLS multivariate method. The method was validated (trueness, precision, accuracy) for the concentration range 50-150% of the expected concentration in liposomes. This method was successfully applied for the characterization of liposomes prepared using the two excipients.

Highlights

► L-α–phosphatidylcholine (LPC) quantification by NIR spectroscopy ► Cholesterol (CHO) quantification by NIR spectroscopy ► PLS multivariate method for LPC and CHO quantification ► Method validation by trueness, precision, accuracy, uncertainty

The paradigm shifting role of chromatographic methods in pharmaceutical analysis

30 January 2012, 23:16:24

Publication year: 2012
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Available online 30 January 2012
Sándor Görög
An overview is presented of the impact of chromatographic method developments on the quality control of pharmaceuticals as of the 1950s up until the present times. This survey is mainly based on the changes in pharmacopoeias starting with United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) 16, issued in 1960, up to the presently effective USP 34 and European Pharmacopoeia 7.2. At the beginning of this period the role of chromatographic methods was negligible and was restricted to classical column chromatography and paper chromatography. However, the invention of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) initiated a rapid paradigm shift in the attitude towards, and the use of, chromatographic methods. As a result, HPLC began a “career” of rapid spreading and development, and by now has undoubtedly become the principal method in pharmaceutical analysis. Likewise, the role of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and to a lesser extent gas chromatography is also remarkable. The role of these and electrophoretic methods in the identification, assay and purity check of drugs and drug products in the modern pharmacopoeias is discussed.As a case study the stability investigation of Depersoloneinjection carried out in the 1960s and 35 years later is presented and the information obtainable from the classical and modern approach is compared.

Highlights

► The role of chromatographic methods in pharmacopoeias in 1960 and at present. ► The role of chromatographic methods in contemporary pharmaceutical analysis. ► Case study demonstrating the changes in drug analysis in the last half century.

Development of a method for the determination of 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol in urine of nonsmokers and smokers using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

30 January 2012, 23:16:24

Publication year: 2012
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Available online 29 January 2012
Hou Hongwei, Zhang Xiaotao, Tian Yongfeng, Tang Gangling, Liu Yulan, ...
4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) is an efficient biomarker of tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). The ability to monitor biomarker concentrations is very important in understanding potential cancer risk. An analytical method using molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) column coupled with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the determination of total NNAL in human urine was developed and validated. The combination of MIP column extraction and LC-MS/MS can provide a high sensitive and relatively simple analytical method. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.30 pg/ml and analysis time was 6 min. The method has been applied to urine samples of 36 nonsmokers and 207 smokers. NNAL was found to be significantly higher in the urine of smokers compared with nonsmokers. Compared with smokers with blended cigarettes, chinese virginia cigarettes smokers had low urinary NNAL levels. There was a direct association between the 24-hour mouth-level exposure of carcinogen NNK from cigarette smoking and the concentration of NNAL in the urine of smokers. However, there was not a positive correlation between urinary total NNAL levels in 24 h and tar. Total urinary NNAL is a valuable biomarker for monitoring exposure to carcinogenic NNK in smokers and in nonsmokers. A prediction model of cigarette smoke NNK and urinary average NNAL levels in 24 h was established (y = 2.8987x-245.38,r = 0.9952, n = 204).

Highlights

► NNAL was analyzed by molecularly imprinted polymer column coupled with LC-MS/MS ► The LOD was 0.30 pg/ml and analysis time was 6 min Urine samples of 36 nonsmokers and 207 smokers were applied ► There was not a positive correlation between urinary NNAL levels in 24 h and tar ► There was a direct association between the NNK and NNAL ► A prediction model of NNK and urinary average NNAL levels in 24 h was established.

Identification of phenolic compounds fromScutellaria laterifloraby liquid chromatography with ultraviolet photodiode array and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

30 January 2012, 23:16:24

Publication year: 2012
Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Available online 29 January 2012
Jing Li, Yan-Hong Wang, Troy J. Smillie, Ikhlas A. Khan
Scutellaria lateriflora(American skullcap) has been used more than 200 years as a mild relaxant and as a therapy for anxiety, nervous tension, and convulsions. Currently, it is one of the most popular botanicals with many products on the USA market. Flavonoids with anxiolytic property have been reported from the aerial parts of this plant. From the HPLC chromatogram of the methanolic extract of this plant, it can be concluded that some flavonoids have not been identified yet. In the present study a simple high-performance liquid chromatography with UV and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS) method has been developed for the identification of major phenolic compounds from it. The ESI-MSfragmentation pathways of four types of flavonoid references have been interpreted which provide very useful guidance for the characterization of different types of flavonoids from this plant. Further analysis of the methanolic extract of American skullcap based on the combination of their fragmentation patterns with the UV spectra led to characterize thirteen flavonoids and one stilbene derivative, seven of which are described for the first time from this species.

Highlights

► Scutellaria lateriflora is one of the most popular botanicals with many products on the USA market. Flavonoids with anxiolytic property have been reported from the aerial parts of this plant ► A simple high-performance liquid chromatography with UV and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS) method has been developed for the identification of major phenolic compounds from this plant ► Thirteen flavonoids and one stilbene derivative were characterized using this method, seven of which are described for the first time from this species

Just Published: Sensors & Actuators B: Chemical

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

Sensors & Actuators B: Chemical
http://rss.sciencedirect.com/publication/science/5283

Selected papers from the latest issue:

A value-consistent dimensionality reduction model for electronic tongue data

01 February 2012, 22:20:07

Publication year: 2012
Source: Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Available online 31 January 2012
Hua-mao Gu, Shao-Ping Deng, Xun Wang, Jin-Qin Shi, Jian-Qiu Jin, ...
High-dimensional data are always a great challenge for post-processing. This paper proposed a new computational model for dimensionality reduction towards the huge data sampled from the multi-sensor array in voltammetric electronic tongue. It employs a linear superposition model of noise for a set of basis functions to describe the serial current responses of cross-sensitive multi-sensor array. And the coefficients of the basis function set, with a much lower dimensionality, are used as the reduced feature data for a sample. More importantly, the values of those coefficients show high consistency with the responses of electrodes, namely, larger currents measured may result in greater coefficient values, and vice versa.According to the theoretical analysis and practical results of the experiments, besides the value-consistency which is never supported by existing approaches, the proposed model also performs very well in the three key factors for evaluating an approach to dimensionality reduction (i.e. reduction rate, reconstruction error, and complexity): (1) strong ability in dimensionality reduction and feature preservation — the reduction rate reaches as high as circa 280 ∼ 420, and the average reconstruction error is circa 1% ∼ 5%; (2) linear time complexity — it's applicable to most huge datasets.

Automated detection of particle concentration and chemical reactions in EWOD devices

01 February 2012, 22:20:07

Publication year: 2012
Source: Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Available online 31 January 2012
M.J. Schertzer, R. Ben Mrad, P.E. Sullivan
Real-time measurement of electrical properties are used to perform the first real time detection of particle concentration and chemical reactions in electrowetting on dielectric devices without the need for optical access. For particle laden droplets, the change in both resistance and capacitance was found to be linear from zero to five-hundred particles with a resolution of approximately six particles for both measurements. Electrical properties were also measured for mixtures of alkaline phosphatase and p-Nitrophenyl Phosphate; reagents commonly used in immunoassays as the resultant chemical reaction produces a yellow precipitate. Experiments were performed with mixtures created off-chip and in droplet that were statically mixed on chip. The difference between the measured and expected capacitance was found to increase with the concentration of alkaline phosphatase and chemical reactions could be positively identified in mixtures made both on and off the chip. Real time measurements of reagents mixed in a four electrode electrowetting on dielectric mixer were also taken. In these experiments, chemical equilibrium was reached after approximately 20 cycles and the difference between the measured and expected capacitance was over 8.5 times greater than the experimental uncertainty.

Rapid determination of pesticide mixtures using disposable biosensors based on genetically modified enzymes and artificial neural networks

01 February 2012, 22:20:07

Publication year: 2012
Source: Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Available online 31 January 2012
Gustavo A. Alonso, Georges Istamboulie, Thierry Noguer, Jean-Louis Marty, Roberto Muñoz
We present a one-step inhibition biosensor method that can be used to determine mixtures of three organophosphorus compounds. We propose to calculate the rate of irreversible inactivation of the enzyme (kp) to demonstrate the direct relationship between enzymatic biosensors and Chlorpyriphos-oxon (CPO), Chlorfenvinphos (CFV) and Azinphos-methyl oxon (AZMO) insecticides. The array of biosensors was designed using only two acetylcholinesterases fromDrosophila melanogaster(wild-type and genetically modified). We used the values the slope of inhibitionsmifrom an array of biosensors and an artificial neural network to solve mixtures of CPO, CFV and AZMO insecticides The errors were low between the obtained and expected values for a set of 20 external test samples.

Nano bimetallic Ag/Pt system as efficient opto and electrochemical sensing platform towards adenine

01 February 2012, 22:20:07

Publication year: 2012
Source: Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Available online 31 January 2012
B. Karthikeyan, M. Murugavelu
Ag–Pt bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) were prepared by chemical reduction method. The obtained BNPs were examined by UV–Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence, FT-IR analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray analyses (EDX), XRD, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The combined electrochemical and optical experiments indicated that Ag-Pt BNP system can be used as efficient opto and electrochemical sensing platform towards adenine.

Myoglobin within graphene oxide sheets and Nafion composite films as highly sensitive biosensor

01 February 2012, 22:20:07

Publication year: 2012
Source: Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Available online 31 January 2012
Changchun Guo, Hong Sun, X.S. Zhao
A highly sensitive biosensor was fabricated by incorporating myoglobin (Mb) within graphene oxide (GO) sheets and Nafion composite films. The stable composite Mb-GO-Nafion films were characterized by electrochemistry, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy. It was found that Mb in Mb-GO-Nafion films retained its secondary structure similar to its native states. Cyclic voltammetry of Mb-GO-Nafion films showed a pair of well defined, quasi-reversible peaks at about -0.312 V vs saturated calomel electrode (SCE) at pH 5.5, corresponding to direct electron transfer (DET) between Mb and the glassy carbon electrode. Electrochemical parameter of Mb in Mb-GO-Nafion film such as apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (ks) and formal potential (E′) were obtained. The dependence ofEon solution pH indicated that the DET reaction of Mb was coupled with proton transfer. Mb in the films displayed good electrocatalytic activities towards various substrates such as hydrogen peroxide, nitrite and oxygen, indicating that the composite films have potential applications in fabricating novel biosensors without using mediators.

Immobilization of Glucose Oxidase by Langmuir-Blodgett Technique for Fabrication of Glucose Biosensors: Headgroup Effects of Template Monolayers

01 February 2012, 22:20:07

Publication year: 2012
Source: Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Available online 31 January 2012
Ke-Hsuan Wang, Mei-Jywan Syu, Chien-Hsiang Chang, Yuh-Lang Lee
Glucose oxidase (GOx) molecules were adsorbed from aqueous solution onto template monolayer of octadecylamine (ODA) or stearic acid (SA) at the air/liquid interface. The effects of the template layers on the GOx adsorption and the characteristics of the mixed template/GOx monolayers are studied. The monolayers at the air/liquid interface were then transferred onto Pt substrates to prepare GOx Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films for glucose sensing study. The results show that the SA/GOx monolayer has a pressure-area isotherm resembles that of a SA monolayer, indicating that only a small amount of GOx was incorporated in the mixed film. On the contrary, the ODA/GOx monolayers exhibit high expanded and high compressible characteristics, attributed to the high incorporation amount of GOx induced by the electrostatic interaction between ODA and GOx. The glucose sensing experiments demonstrate that the ODA/GOx LB films have much better performance than SA/GOx films in terms of current sensitivity and current responding rate. Furthermore, an ODA/GOx film prepared after approaching the second equilibrium stage of GOx adsorption (8 h adsorption) shows a better performance than that prepared at the first equilibrium stage. Good linear relationship between response current and glucose concentration was obtained for the GOx-LB films between 0.1 and 5 mM.

SFT Introduces an Improved Supercritical Fluid Extractor

Supercritical Fluid Technologies (SFT) introduces a new bench top supercritical fluid extractor (SFE), the model SFT-110. This latest addition to the SFE product line builds upon the strengths of its popular predecessor, the SFT-100.  The completely redesigned restrictor valve with integrated micrometer allows for very precise flow control, which is essential for demanding applications. A completely removable oven lid and large side panel allow the user easy access to the high pressure vessel. An indicator light on the SFT-10 pump module alerts the user to proper operation of the Peltier pre-cooler, ensuring CO2 is maintained in the liquid state. A robust outlet from the restrictor ensures that users will not accidentally damage the outlet tube when inserting it into the collection container.

Supercritical fluid extraction has become a popular alternative to traditional extraction methods that use organic solvents. Fast, efficient extraction of a variety of materials may be achieved using supercritical carbon dioxide. The SFT-110 SFE is well suited for both research and process development applications. Precise control of temperature, pressure, and flow rate is essential for successful, reproducible extractions. The use of dual sapphire syringe pump technology, integrated pre-heaters, and precise flow control provides the precision required to achieve these goals. Process parameters developed in the laboratory are the key to the successful scale-up to pilot or production scale equipment.

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

Laser etched 2D tube coding ensures secure traceable sample storage

Micronic Europe offers a comprehensive range of high quality 2D coded tubes

Identifying your sample via a code on the tube can be done in a number of ways. However the most reliable in terms of long-term identification and tracking of samples is via a 2D coding on the bottom of the tubes. However not all 2D coded sample storage tubes, even those using the same coding system, offer the same storage performance.

Barcodes on Micronic 2D Data Matrix and 2D TraXis coded tubes are permanently laser-etched into the tube surface making them especially resistant to solvent attack and wear.  Uniquely manufactured from a single component - the code in Micronic laser encrypted 2D codes cannot fade or peel off even when subjected to repeated handling and freeze-thaw cycles. Because code clarity will remain unchanged throughout the lifetime of a Micronic 2D coded tube - they offer unmatched secure sample traceability.

A new white paper available from Micronic examines factors affecting establishing a secure traceable stored sample including robustness of the tube coding, the purity of polymer used for manufacturing tubes and having effective means of sealing tubes.

Manufactured to industry-leading strict tolerances the precision and tube-to-tube consistency of Micronic sample storage tubes maximises uptime when used with automated handling systems.  Produced in an automated Class 7 clean room environment from additive-free, high purity polypropylene the long term integrity of samples stored in Micronic tubes is unmatched.

Dedicated to the design and production of innovative sample storage tubes, accessories and instruments over the last 25 years, Micronic is uniquely able to offer laboratories the expert advice to help them safeguard one of its most valuable assets - its samples.
 
For further information about laser etched 2D storage tubes please contact Micronic Europe BV now on telephone +31-320-277070 or email sales@micronic.com

Just Published: Talanta

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

Talanta

http://rss.sciencedirect.com/publication/science/5288

Selected papers from the latest issue:

A Novel In-line NIR Spectroscopy Application for the Monitoring of Tablet Film Coating in an Industrial Scale Process

01 February 2012, 02:50:46

Publication year: 2012
Source: Talanta, Available online 31 January 2012
C.-V. Möltgen, T. Puchert, J.C. Menezes, D. Lochmann, G. Reich
Film coating of tablets is a multivariate pharmaceutical unit operation. In this study an innovative in-line Fourier-Transform Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-NIRS) application is described which enables real-time monitoring of a full industrial scale pan coating process of heart-shaped tablets. The tablets were coated with a thin hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) film of up to approx. 28 μm on the tablet face as determined by SEM, corresponding to a weight gain of 2.26%. For a better understanding of the aqueous coating process the NIR probe was positioned inside the rotating tablet bed. Five full scale experimental runs have been performed to evaluate the impact of process variables such as pan rotation, exhaust air temperature, spray rate and pan load and elaborate robust and selective quantitative calibration models for the real-time determination of both coating growth and tablet moisture content. Principal Component (PC) score plots allowed each coating step, namely preheating, spraying and drying to be distinguished and the dominating factors and their spectral effects to be identified (e.g. temperature, moisture, coating growth, change of tablet bed density, and core/coat interactions). The distinct separation of HPMC coating growth and tablet moisture in different PCs enabled a real-time in-line monitoring of both attributes. A PLS calibration model based on Karl Fischer reference values allowed the tablet moisture trajectory to be determined throughout the entire coating process. A 1-latent variable iPLS weight gain calibration model with calibration samples from process stages dominated by the coating growth (i.e. ≥ 30% of the theoretically applied amount of coating) was sufficiently selective and accurate to predict the progress of the thin HPMC coating layer. At-line NIR Chemical Imaging (NIR-CI) in combination with PLS Discriminant Analysis (PLSDA) verified the HPMC coating growth and physical changes at the core/coat interface during the initial stages of the coating process. In addition, inter- and intra-tablet coating variability throughout the process could be assessed. These results clearly demonstrate that in-line NIRS and at-line NIR-CI can be applied as complimentary PAT tools to monitor a challenging pan coating process.

Highlights

► Heart-shaped tablets were coated with a thin HPMC film up to approx. 28 μm on the tablet face. ► In different PCA models the dominating factors and their spectral effects of each coating step could be identified. ► The distinct separation of HPMC coating growth and tablet moisture in different PCs was elaborated. ► PLS models were developed for the determination of tablet moisture, tablet weight gain and coating growth. ► At-line NIR Chemical Imaging in combination with PLSDA verified the coating growth information.

A simple laser ablation ICPMS method for the determination of trace metals in a resin gel

01 February 2012, 02:50:46

Publication year: 2012
Source: Talanta, Available online 31 January 2012
Yue Gao, Niklas Lehto
Trace metal analysis of DGT gels using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma (LA-ICP-MS) has traditionally been carried out by ablating single spots along a line to provide high resolution data on trace metal distributions on a resin gel. This work compares the performance of two different LA-ICPMS systems, one at Lancaster University, UK and another at VUB, Belgium, in terms of instrument sensitivity and limit of detection in the analysis of trace metals (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) bound by a DGT resin gel using SPR-IDA resin. No defocusing of the laser beam was necessary to prevent burning through the resin gel and the internal standardization became very simple by usingC, naturally present in the resin-gel, instead of impregnating a back-up layer withIn.Furthermore, this work also explores the option of analysing the spatial distribution of resin bound trace metals by means of ablating a continuous line between two points and considers the advantages of using this approach.The work found that the LODs assessed on blank samples for Cu and Pb are similar for both LA-ICPMS systems, while for Co, Ni and Zn they are lower for the one at VUB and for Cd for the other one at Lancaster. The work found that the laser ablation systems at the two laboratories allowed more precise control over laser power and spot size than previously reported. For the line scan, the optimum scan parameters were determined as: scan speed of 50 μm s, output energy of 40% and repetition rate of 30 Hz. An acquisition time of 25 ms, resulted in a much lower resolution (10 μm) compared to the spot ablation (a crater size of 100 μm and also some space between craters) and a better sensitivity. The LODs using the line scan were found to be lower than those obtained by the spot ablation. However, for some of the metals the difference is rather small. This work suggests that the time and gas consumption achieved by using the line scan is about 30% lower than for the traditional spot scan

Highlights

► Laser ablation ICPMS is a fast method for trace metal analysis in thin gel layers ► No addition of internal standard is necessary ► Both line scan and spot mode methods are very sensitive and reproducible ► With the line scan a very high spatial resolution (down to 10 μm) can be achieved

A non-extractive sequential injection method for determination of molybdenum

30 January 2012, 23:17:10

Publication year: 2012
Source: Talanta, Available online 30 January 2012
Martina Lešková, Hana Sklenářová, Yaroslav Bazel, Petr Chocholouš, Petr Solich, ...
A non-extractive sequential injection spectrophotometric method for the determination of molybdenum has been developed. The method is based on the reaction between the thiocyanate complex of molybdenum and the polymethine dye (2-[2-(4-dipropylamino-phenyl)-vinyl]-1,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indolium chloride) in a hydrochloric acid medium. The calibration plot in the SIA system was linear from 0.080 mg Lto 1.92 mg Lof Mo; LOD was 0.021 mg L. The method was applied for the determination of molybdenum in spiked drinking water and mineral water.

Highlights

► A non-extractive sequential injection method for determination of molybdenum ► The batch and SIA method are compared ► Application SIA method for the determination of molybdenum in drinking and mineral water.

Analysis of olive allergens

30 January 2012, 23:17:10

Publication year: 2012
Source: Talanta, Available online 30 January 2012
C. Esteve, C. Montealegre, C.M.L. Marina, M.C. García
Olive pollen is one of the most important causes of seasonal respiratory allergy in Mediterranean countries, where this tree is intensely cultivated. Besides this, some cases of contact dermatitis and food allergy to the olive fruit and olive oil have been also described. Several scientific studies dealing with olive allergens has been reported, being the information available about them constantly increasing. Up to date, twelve allergens have been identified in olive pollen while just one allergen has been identified in olive fruit. This review article describes considerations about allergen extraction and production, also describing the different methodologies employed in the physicochemical and immunological characterization of olive allergens. Finally, a revision of the most relevant studies in the analysis of both olive pollen and olive fruit allergens is carried out

Highlights

► Allergy due to olive includes both allergy due to pollen and due to fruit and oil ► Discussion about the olive allergen extraction and production ► Description of the methodologies employed in olive allergen analysis ► Revision of relevant studies of olive allergens

Focus on productive liquid handling at SLAS 2012

INTEGRA has announced that it will be displaying a broad range of its latest liquid handling products at SLAS 2012 - one of the world's largest laboratory automation and screening trade shows and congresses.

Visitors to Booth 328 will have the chance to see and discuss INTEGRA's complete range of liquid handling products including a new multifunctional rapid reagent dispenser, aspiration systems, peristaltic pumps and electronic pipettes.

At this important event INTEGRA will launch the VIAFILL™ - a ground breaking new product that delivers high performance bulk reagent dispensing, multichannel pipetting and microplate washing capabilities all from a single multipurpose instrument.

For labs looking for an affordable way to increase their liquid handling productivity the VIAFLO 96 is a 96-channel handheld electronic pipette that enables fast, precise and easy simultaneous transfer of 96 samples. The VIAFLO 96 has been designed to be used just like a standard handheld pipette. Therefore, no special skills or training are required to operate it. The highly intuitive Touch Wheel™ user interface enables simple and fast programming of a wide range of pipetting modes including repeat dispense, serial dilute and sample dilute. Users will also immediately benefit from the increased productivity delivered by their VIAFLO 96.   Fast replication or reformatting of 96 and 384 well plates and high precision transferring of reagents, compounds and solutions to or from microplates is now as easy as pipetting with a standard electronic pipette into a single tube.

Also on display will be INTEGRA's complete range of VIAFLO electronic and manual pipettes, a new version of DOSE-IT peristaltic pump plus the VACUSIP - an out-of-box vacuum aspiration system for the wide array of liquid waste disposal tasks carried out at the laboratory bench.

For further information please contact INTEGRA on +41-81-286-9530 / info@integra-biosciences.com (Europe / Asia Pacific) or +1-603-578-5800 / contact@viaflo.com (North / South America).

19th International Symposium on Analytical & Applied Pyrolysis

We cordially invite you to participate in the 19th International Symposium on Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis to be held in the representation rooms of the Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria.

The conference will cover the latest results in all areas of pyrolysis and thermal processes and will attract Academia and industrial researchers likewise.
Topics
1. Analytical pyrolysis (biomass, polymers, cultural heritage, …)
2. Applied pyrolysis (biomass, waste, bio-oil, biochar, …)
3. Catalysis in pyrolysis
4. Pyrolysis kinetics and mechanisms
5. Reactive pyrolysis (methylation, hydrogenation, …)

Important dates
Abstract submission 19. February 2012 (extended)
Early bird registration 29. February 2012
Conference  21.-25. May 2012

Scientific Committee: Franco Berruti, Marianne Blazso, Akwasi Boateng, Daniele Fabbri, Francisco GonzálezVila, Paul Greenwood, Robert Helleur, Deepak Kunzru, Dietrich Meier, Hajime Ohtani, Gus van Rossum, Jale Yanik, Kent Voorhees

Organizing Committee Chairman: Clemens Schwarzinger Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials Johannes Kepler University, Linz Altenbergerstrasse 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria Clemens.schwarzinger@jku.at 

Local organization: Martin Irrgeher, Manuela List, Andrea Pernsteiner, Bettina Schwarzinger

Registration 
Early Bird After 01.03.2012 Regular 600 € 650 € Student 450 € 500 € Accompanying Person 130 € 160 €

Regular registration includes: conference package, book of abstracts, lunches and dinners, conference banquet, and a JAAP special issue. Student (confirmation required) includes everything except the JAAP issue. Accompanying persons may attend all evening events and optional sightseeing tours. 

Confirmed Plenary Speakers
Geoffrey Abbott, Newcastle: “Advances in thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation (THM) for the study of organic carbon in terrestrial ecosystems”
Tony Bridgwater, Aston: “Evaluation of feedstocks and catalysts for biofuels”
Sylvie Derenne, Paris: “Comparative analysis of soil organic matter using pyrolysis and microwave assisted hydrolysis”
José González-Pérez, Sevilla: “Analytical pyrolysis and chemotaxonomy”
Colin Snape, Nottingham: “From heavily degraded oil to black carbon: the diverse analytical applications of hydropyrolysis”
Curt Wentrup, Queensland: “Reactive Intermediates and Unusual Molecules formed by Flash Vacuum Pyrolysis” 

Publication
Papers presented at the conference will be published in a special issue of the Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis after the usual reviewing process. In order to be included in this special issue papers must be submitted electronically no later than June, 1st 2012 via the Journal´s homepage. 

Hotel Reservation
Hotels can be booked at a cheaper rate via the University using the template on the pyrolysis2012 homepage. Please note that the reservation deadline is March, 1st! After this date the conference contingent of rooms cannot be reserved any longer and is available to everybody else.

Visit http://www.pyrolysis2012.com/ for more information