Recent Articles in General Laboratory Articles and Application Notes
New data demonstrate the value of Zetasizer Oct 26, 2011Two new, free to download, technical notes from Malvern Instruments describe the function and benefits of using the Zetasizer µV as a detector for size exclusion chromatography (SEC), focusing on its suitability for protein characterization. Capable of dynamic (DLS) and static light scattering (SLS) detection, the compact Zetasizer μV simultaneously measures absolute size and molecular weight, maximizing the information produced by each measurement to increase experimental productivity. The OmniFACE connection interface from Malvern Instruments (Malvern, UK) enables the...
Read MoreNew Application Note - DNA measurements in low volume samples, microplates and cuvettes on the SPECTROstar NanoOct 18, 2011The SPECTROstar Nano offers different possibilities to measure DNA in UV absorbance mode. If there is enough DNA material available and only a few samples that should be measured, cuvette measurements can be performed. For higher throughput a microplate should be used. If sample volume is very limited, then the LVis Plate is recommended as it offers a great linear range, a high sensitivity and only 2 µl of sample is needed...
Read MoreSpinnovation points stem cell culture in the right directionOct 7, 2011Spinnovation, the NMR profiling experts, have produced a detailed case study examining the utility of NMR profiling methodology to monitor and optimise stem cell culture media, for the production of biologics and cells for therapeutic purpose...
Read MoreNew Application Note - Growth of Campylobacter using BMG LABTECHSep 23, 2011Growth of the fastidious microorganism Campylobacter jejuni was monitored using a FLUOstar Omega microplate reader equipped with the Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU). With the ACU it was possible to independently control the oxygen to 7 % and the carbon dioxide to 10 %. Growth curves obtained in 96-well microplates were comparable to conventional growth measurements where samples are taken and measured in cuvettes...
Read MoreNew Application Note - Miniaturised Platelet Aggregation Assays using the NOVOstar Microplate ReaderSep 22, 2011Platelet aggregation is a "gold standard" assay of platelet function in the research and clinical laboratory settings which is conventionally measured with aggregometers requiring large volumes of platelet suspensions and only in low throughput format. With the NOVOstar microplate reader from BMG LABTECH we present an alternative optical method to measure platelet aggregation using small volumes in 96-well format...
Read MoreLandmark publication reports potential of exosomes as biomarkers for early disease detection using NanoSightSep 13, 2011NanoSight, leading manufacturers of unique nanoparticle characterization technology, reports the new publication in one of the most cited peer reviewed journals in nanoscience and nanotechnology, NanoMedicine. It has been written by a group of researchers from the Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Oxford University...
Read MoreWyatt TechnologySep 12, 2011Wyatt Technology Corporation, the world leader in instrumentation for absolute macromolecular characterization and software, announces that its Möbius electrophoretic mobility instrument can measure precise protein charges. The innovative optical design of the Möbius boosts the sensitivity of mobility measurements, enabling protein net charge characterization at much lower concentrations than previously possible. This unique capability is illustrated in a new application note, titled "Möbius Computation of Protein Net Charge from Electrophoretic Mobility", which is available to download free-of-charge...
Read MoreMalvernAug 31, 2011Malvern Instruments has developed a new diffusion barrier method to eliminate protein denaturation when measuring zeta potential using electrophoretic light scattering. Utilising a U-shaped disposable capillary cell, the new method delivers significant improvement in the accuracy and repeatability of zeta potential results for proteins. Ultimately, the method makes protein characterization with Malvern's Zetasizer range even easier. A new application note explaining the technology and its applications is available...
Read MoreNew Procedure for Determining the Charge of Flat Surfaces from Beckman CoulterAug 26, 2011Beckman Coulter, Inc. has introduced a new application note which details the study of the isoelectric point of flat surfaces using the DelsaNano zeta potential system. The procedure, Determining the Isoelectric Point of a Flat Surface Using the DelsaNano, published in Beckman Coulter's Information Bulletin IB-15476A, enables the study of surface charge and changes in surface charge that result from coating, chemistry and fouling...
Read MoreHORIBA Medical and Path Links publish LEAN white paperAug 23, 2011A ‘LEAN' alternative to Total Laboratory Automation
HORIBA Medical, in collaboration with its customers Mick Chomyn and Martin Fottles from Path Links Pathology Service, has published a white paper on the application of LEAN principles to Healthcare entitled "TLA - the ‘LEAN' Alternative". Focusing on the elimination of waste, LEAN principles offer a variety of tools and techniques to achieve this aim. The white paper focuses on the practical application of these principles based on the experiences of this large UK hospital laboratory group...
Read MoreAutomated Production of High Quality Blood AgarAug 10, 2011INTEGRA has released a new application note that demonstrates how combining its MEDIAJET Petri dish filler with the DOSE IT peristaltic pump provides an optimised automated solution for the production of high quality blood agar. The quality of blood agar plates is of prime importance for the reliable determination of haemolysis type - a common technique in medical diagnostics to classify Gram positive cocci...
Read MoreSistemic shares its views on the cell therapeutics industryAug 1, 2011Dr Verna McErlane, Director of Operations at Sistemic Ltd., a leading miRNA-based product company, has recently shared her perspective of the Cell Therapy Industry (CTI) by writing an article for the European Biopharmaceutical Review (EBR), a noted publication supporting the biopharmaceutical industry...
Read MoreHow to choose a microarray service providerJun 29, 2011Oxford Gene Technology (OGT), provider of innovative clinical genetics and diagnostic solutions to advance molecular medicine, has recently published a whitepaper entitled "10 essential questions to ask your microarray service provider". The document, which is available to download at OGT's website, suggests the 10 most important questions a researcher should ask when identifying which microarray service best meets their experimental requirements...
Read MoreReducing the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) caused by manual pipettingJun 24, 2011Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a potentially serious form of strain in small muscle groups, caused by carrying out a highly repetitive task for extended periods without a break. Symptoms usually emerge gradually over several months or even years; in serious cases RSI may cause long-term injury to nerves, muscles, tendons or joints...
Read MoreNew article offers perspective on Freeman TechnologyJun 24, 2011Recently published, and now available for download, ‘Reflecting on Powder Testing: Ten Years of Making Powders and Processes Fit' is a personal perspective from Tim Freeman, director of operations at Freeman Technology. It describes the company's progress in the field of powder testing over the past decade, and the role played by the FT4 Powder Rheometer...
Read MoreAutomation of a Magnetic Bead Workflow for Protein Biomarker QuantificationJun 17, 2011Agilent Automation Solutions has released a new application note that demonstrates how its Bravo liquid handling system provides an efficient platform for automation of a SISCAPA Magnetic Bead Workflow for protein biomarker quantification by Mass Spectrometry...
Read MoreCHN Microanalysis: A Key Technique for Sample CharacterisationJun 13, 2011A white paper written by Exeter Analytical describes how CHN microanalysis provides a powerful and straightforward method for determining whether a sample is pure - a key aspect of sample characterisation. The paper discuss how by providing a precise and accurate analysis of the percentage Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen in an organic sample - CHN microanalysis can compliment techniques such as Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometry, thus enhancing the reliability of your analytical results...
Read MoreHuman DNA Experiment Uses 200k Digital Array ChipJun 7, 2011Fluidigm Europe has announced a new technical report that describes experimentation on a normal human genomic DNA sample using a prototype 200k Digital Array Chip on a modified BioMarkTM System.
Read MoreNew Application Note from BMG LABTECH - "Quantitative, High- Throughput, Fluorescent-Based Bioassay to Detect Schistosoma Viability"Jun 2, 2011A Schistosoma viability assay (96 and 384 well format) is introduced that utilizes two fluorophores. Fluorescein diacetate emission is related to living cells while propidium iodide emission indicates the number of dead cells. This assay abandons low throughput microscopy and was performed in bottom reading mode on the POLARstar Omega microplate reader from BMG LABTECH...
Read MoreNew Application Note from BMG Labtech "The ELISAONE assay performed on the POLARstar Omega"May 9, 2011Traditional ELISA assays are known for their several wash steps in order to remove unbound antigen from the well. Here we introduce a fluorescence based ELISA assay that only needs one wash step. This technology is called ELISAONE™ and was developed by TGR BioSciences. The ELISAONE™ assay is both robust and sensitive as evidenced by EGF, TNFa and IL-2 data obtained with the POLARstar Omega microplate reader from BMG LABTECH...
Read MoreStraightforward monitoring of uranium in drinking and mineral waterMay 5, 2011Determining trace levels of uranium in drinking and mineral water by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) requires expensive analytical instrumentation. In contrast, adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (AdCSV) using Metrohm’s 797 VA Computrace is a straightforward, much less expensive alternative allowing measurements with superior sensitivity...
Read MoreNew Application Note from BMG Labtech "Thioflavin T aggregation assay to determine antibody stability"Apr 26, 2011The efficiency of antibody molecules is dependent on their stability. Stress can cause denaturation and aggregation resulting in inactive proteins. We introduce an assay setup where stability of antibodies is measured. Shaking stress is initiated by the FLUOstar Omega microplate reader and aggregation propensity of antibody candidates is measured with the help of a fluorescence based assay in 96-well format...
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Two new, free to download, technical notes from Malvern Instruments describe the function and benefits of using the Zetasizer µV as a detector for size exclusion chromatography (SEC), focusing on its suitability for protein characterization. Capable of dynamic (DLS) and static light scattering (SLS) detection, the compact Zetasizer μV simultaneously measures absolute size and molecular weight, maximizing the information produced by each measurement to increase experimental productivity. The OmniFACE connection interface from Malvern Instruments (Malvern, UK) enables the...
The SPECTROstar Nano offers different possibilities to measure DNA in UV absorbance mode. If there is enough DNA material available and only a few samples that should be measured, cuvette measurements can be performed. For higher throughput a microplate should be used. If sample volume is very limited, then the LVis Plate is recommended as it offers a great linear range, a high sensitivity and only 2 µl of sample is needed...
Spinnovation, the NMR profiling experts, have produced a detailed case study examining the utility of NMR profiling methodology to monitor and optimise stem cell culture media, for the production of biologics and cells for therapeutic purpose...
Growth of the fastidious microorganism Campylobacter jejuni was monitored using a FLUOstar Omega microplate reader equipped with the Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU). With the ACU it was possible to independently control the oxygen to 7 % and the carbon dioxide to 10 %. Growth curves obtained in 96-well microplates were comparable to conventional growth measurements where samples are taken and measured in cuvettes...
Platelet aggregation is a "gold standard" assay of platelet function in the research and clinical laboratory settings which is conventionally measured with aggregometers requiring large volumes of platelet suspensions and only in low throughput format. With the NOVOstar microplate reader from BMG LABTECH we present an alternative optical method to measure platelet aggregation using small volumes in 96-well format...
NanoSight, leading manufacturers of unique nanoparticle characterization technology, reports the new publication in one of the most cited peer reviewed journals in nanoscience and nanotechnology, NanoMedicine. It has been written by a group of researchers from the Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Oxford University...
Wyatt Technology Corporation, the world leader in instrumentation for absolute macromolecular characterization and software, announces that its Möbius electrophoretic mobility instrument can measure precise protein charges. The innovative optical design of the Möbius boosts the sensitivity of mobility measurements, enabling protein net charge characterization at much lower concentrations than previously possible. This unique capability is illustrated in a new application note, titled "Möbius Computation of Protein Net Charge from Electrophoretic Mobility", which is available to download free-of-charge...
Malvern Instruments has developed a new diffusion barrier method to eliminate protein denaturation when measuring zeta potential using electrophoretic light scattering. Utilising a U-shaped disposable capillary cell, the new method delivers significant improvement in the accuracy and repeatability of zeta potential results for proteins. Ultimately, the method makes protein characterization with Malvern's Zetasizer range even easier. A new application note explaining the technology and its applications is available...
Beckman Coulter, Inc. has introduced a new application note which details the study of the isoelectric point of flat surfaces using the DelsaNano zeta potential system. The procedure, Determining the Isoelectric Point of a Flat Surface Using the DelsaNano, published in Beckman Coulter's Information Bulletin IB-15476A, enables the study of surface charge and changes in surface charge that result from coating, chemistry and fouling...
A ‘LEAN' alternative to Total Laboratory Automation 
INTEGRA has released a new application note that demonstrates how combining its MEDIAJET Petri dish filler with the DOSE IT peristaltic pump provides an optimised automated solution for the production of high quality blood agar. The quality of blood agar plates is of prime importance for the reliable determination of haemolysis type - a common technique in medical diagnostics to classify Gram positive cocci...
Dr Verna McErlane, Director of Operations at Sistemic Ltd., a leading miRNA-based product company, has recently shared her perspective of the Cell Therapy Industry (CTI) by writing an article for the European Biopharmaceutical Review (EBR), a noted publication supporting the biopharmaceutical industry...
Oxford Gene Technology (OGT), provider of innovative clinical genetics and diagnostic solutions to advance molecular medicine, has recently published a whitepaper entitled "10 essential questions to ask your microarray service provider". The document, which is available to download at OGT's website, suggests the 10 most important questions a researcher should ask when identifying which microarray service best meets their experimental requirements...
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a potentially serious form of strain in small muscle groups, caused by carrying out a highly repetitive task for extended periods without a break. Symptoms usually emerge gradually over several months or even years; in serious cases RSI may cause long-term injury to nerves, muscles, tendons or joints...
Recently published, and now available for download, ‘Reflecting on Powder Testing: Ten Years of Making Powders and Processes Fit' is a personal perspective from Tim Freeman, director of operations at Freeman Technology. It describes the company's progress in the field of powder testing over the past decade, and the role played by the FT4 Powder Rheometer...
Agilent Automation Solutions has released a new application note that demonstrates how its Bravo liquid handling system provides an efficient platform for automation of a SISCAPA Magnetic Bead Workflow for protein biomarker quantification by Mass Spectrometry...
A white paper written by Exeter Analytical describes how CHN microanalysis provides a powerful and straightforward method for determining whether a sample is pure - a key aspect of sample characterisation. The paper discuss how by providing a precise and accurate analysis of the percentage Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen in an organic sample - CHN microanalysis can compliment techniques such as Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometry, thus enhancing the reliability of your analytical results...
Fluidigm Europe has announced a new technical report that describes experimentation on a normal human genomic DNA sample using a prototype 200k Digital Array Chip on a modified BioMarkTM System.
A Schistosoma viability assay (96 and 384 well format) is introduced that utilizes two fluorophores. Fluorescein diacetate emission is related to living cells while propidium iodide emission indicates the number of dead cells. This assay abandons low throughput microscopy and was performed in bottom reading mode on the POLARstar Omega microplate reader from BMG LABTECH...
Traditional ELISA assays are known for their several wash steps in order to remove unbound antigen from the well. Here we introduce a fluorescence based ELISA assay that only needs one wash step. This technology is called ELISAONE™ and was developed by TGR BioSciences. The ELISAONE™ assay is both robust and sensitive as evidenced by EGF, TNFa and IL-2 data obtained with the POLARstar Omega microplate reader from BMG LABTECH...
Determining trace levels of uranium in drinking and mineral water by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) requires expensive analytical instrumentation. In contrast, adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (AdCSV) using Metrohm’s 797 VA Computrace is a straightforward, much less expensive alternative allowing measurements with superior sensitivity...
The efficiency of antibody molecules is dependent on their stability. Stress can cause denaturation and aggregation resulting in inactive proteins. We introduce an assay setup where stability of antibodies is measured. Shaking stress is initiated by the FLUOstar Omega microplate reader and aggregation propensity of antibody candidates is measured with the help of a fluorescence based assay in 96-well format...