TTP LabTech's exciting Mirrorball™, a new high sensitivity
laser scanning microplate cytometer for antibody discovery

TTP LabTech's exciting Mirrorball™, a new high sensitivity laser scanning microplate cytometer for antibody discovery. Developed by an in-house team of leading experts, Mirrorball is set to fill a critical role in the antibody discovery process by rapidly and reliably performing mix-and-read, cell- or bead-based assays. In essence, this instrument offers a simple and easy solution to automated hybridoma screening and will not require the reworking of existing protocols.

Dr Jas Sanghera, Commercial Director of TTP LabTech commented, "TTP LabTech has been pioneering laser scanning cytometry since the launch of ChemScan in 1994, Acumen Explorer in 2000, and the triple laser Acumen ^eX3 in 2006. The introduction of Mirrorball maintains our unique position in this market and will revolutionise the antibody discovery process."

Mirrorball addresses one of the currently unmet needs of laser scanning instrumentation - that of high sensitivity - with its proprietary high performance, low-loss optics.  Mirrorball is also the first laser scanning microplate cytometer to offer simultaneous laser scanning. This will enable superior multiplexing resulting in higher throughput single pass scanning. This instrument is available in three upgradeable configurations; the highest specification will offer dual laser excitation (488 nm and 640 nm), four fluorescence data channels and a single laser scatter channel.  Mirrorball's laser scatter channel enables label-free object recognition independent of fluorescence, which can be combined with concurrent collection of fluorescence data for even greater sensitivity in multiplexed assays.

Dr Wayne Bowen, Chief Scientific Officer at TTP LabTech, explained the strategy behind the new development. "Mirrorball is TTP LabTech's response to requests for novel technologies in antibody discovery. We've listened, developed and now delivered a high sensitivity microplate cytometer for fluorescence cellular screening."

For further information on laser scanning systems, view: www.ttplabtech.com  Refer to page 241

Thermo Scientific Jewett high-performance laboratory
refrigerators and freezers provide worry-free operation

Thermo Scientific's Jewett laboratory refrigerator and freezer range is specifically designed to store high value, critical samples, reagents, vaccines, blood and plasma.  The new high-performance Jewett® collection incorporates 24 models ranging from the 4.9 cu ft under counter models, through to 51.1 cu ft upright models, providing researchers with a unit for a variety of blood bank, plasma, pharmacy and general applications. The Jewett product family also offers features specially designed blood bank and plasma storage such as built in chart recorders, locking self-closing doors, and sliding stainless steel drawers.

The new high-performance models include microprocessor control that gives the user precise temperature regulation and set-point security, enabling researchers to program and lock set temperatures to prevent unauthorized adjustments.  The Thermo Scientific Jewett range has been designed to not only preserve the integrity of high value samples but also be easy to use. The adjustable shelves are easily removed for effective cleaning to help prevent contamination, while the ergonomic handle and self-closing doors enable ease and efficiency when accessing samples. Further valuable features include powerful industrial grade compressors and positive, forced-air circulation, which together ensure a rapid return to the set temperature even with frequent freezer access. All models are equipped visual and audible alarms, backed up by battery, to alert the user of any fall in temperature below desired setting.

Thermo Scientific Jewett high-performance models are UL and CE listed, and the blood bank refrigerators have been designed to the highest standards for blood storage (AABB, ANRC, FDA), providing users with the peace of mind of third party validation. 

The full range of the Thermo Scientific Jewett line can be viewed at: www.thermoscientific.com/cold  Refer to page 226

University of Navarra implements Wyatt Technology Dynamic
Light Scattering for critical micellization of polymeric systems

Wyatt Technology Corporation, the world leader in absolute macromolecular characterization instrumentation and software, has been chosen by the University of Navarra for its instruments to characterize phase transitions and structures in micellar polymeric systems. Wyatt Technology's dynamic light scattering instrument, the DynaPro, facilitated the detection of aggregation in early stages of micellization of pluronic polymeric surfactant due to temperature effects, pH, salinity concentration and composition.

The DynaPro from Wyatt Technology offers scientists the ability to measure small volumes of dilute protein samples. These novel dynamic light scattering (DLS) instruments have been indispensable tools for scientists examining protein structure. One of the key strengths of DLS technology is its capability of detecting aggregation early due to temperature effects, pH, salinity concentration or composition. The unique temperature control capability of the DynaPro allows for accelerated stability, thermal melting and temperature studies of multiple samples to be performed in parallel and with improved response time. The DynaPro achieves simultaneous and rapid evaluation of the total scattering intensity and the hydrodynamic radii spectrum in micellar polymeric systems with temperature in a non-invasive fashion.

For the application at the University of Navarra, the system was used for the micellization of a Pluronic® polymeric surfactant with temperature. These amphiphiles are low molecular weight linear triblock copolymers of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polypropylene oxide (PPO), with structures PEO-PPO-PEO, in which the hydrophilic character is controlled according to the PEO block length. Pluronic F108 was chosen which was a central block of 52 PO monomers and PEO wings of 131 EO.

The results demonstrate that, at a low temperature, the polymeric surfactant exists in monomer form. The onset of micellization can be easily perceived both in the intensity and in the hydrodynamic radius obtained by the cumulants method of Wyatt Technology's DYNAMICS software. The regularization analysis of DYNAMICS provides the size spectrum of the sample and reveals a new peak corresponding to the micelles. A copy of the new application note, entitled "Critical Micellization Temperature (CMT) of Block Copolymers of PEO and PPO", is available to download free-of-charge via www.wyatt.com.

Wyatt in profile
Based in Santa Barbara, California, Wyatt Technology is the world's leading provider of instruments for absolute macromolecular characterization. With over 40 years' experience developing multi-angle light scattering detectors, working with customers in the biotechnology, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, academic and government arenas, Wyatt prides itself on its entrepreneurial spirit, and the uniqueness of its offerings. The Company's groundbreaking technology and uncompromising levels of customer care make Wyatt the global hallmark in its field.

For further information on Wyatt Technology's DynaPro instrument and its DYNAMICS® data collection and analysis software or to obtain a copy of this application note, view website: www.wyatt.com or email: info@wyatt.com  Refer to page 240

TTP LabTech presents protein crystallography community with news service

TTP LabTech's 2011 issue of its LabCrystal magazine, is designed specifically for scientists who perform protein crystallography. Delivering in-depth information about the applications of mosquito® Crystal and mosquito® LCP, alongside views from a number of satisfied customers across Europe, the UK and America, LabCrystal is tailored to provide researchers with methodological and technical advice, as well to highlight  recent advances in the field.

To receive your free copy of this magazine, simply download it at: http://www.ttplabtech.com/emailers/labcrystal.html

This 2011 issue contains informative articles on topics such as the benefits of the automation of crystallisation screening, additive screening and microseeding for the optimisation of crystal formation, as well as the study of the bicelle method of protein crystallisation. The mosquito® Crystal and mosquito® LCP are easy to use, providing precise, repeatable and cost-effective liquid handling for protein crystallisation, making them highly favoured instruments within the crystallography community.

LabCrystal magazine provides protein crystallographers with interesting views and updates, with an aim to enhance their knowledge and technical ability. For more information on LabCrystal and the mosquito® product portfolio view website: www.ttplabtech.com or follow on: www.twitter@ttplabtech 

Cambridge Bioscience are the exclusive distributor for Nanolnk's
desktop nanofabrication equipment in the United Kingdom and Ireland

NanoInk's® NanoFabrication Systems Division reached an agreement in November 2011 with Cambridge Bioscience to serve as its exclusive distributor in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Cambridge Bioscience will distribute NanoInk's desktop nanofabrication equipment including the NLP 2000 System and the DPN 5000 System, which have a wide range of applications ranging from nanoarray-based protein analysis to nanoengineering and biomaterial research. As a leading distributor of life science products and equipment, Cambridge Bioscience has a passion for bringing new and exciting technologies to researchers.

"Cambridge Bioscience has already established strong relationships within NanoInk's target customer base in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Its sales and marketing team has the background required to understand the scientific market and they have proven expertise in selling technically-sophisticated equipment into that space. With these strengths, Cambridge Bioscience is the ideal partner for driving sales of NanoInk's unique nanofabrication platforms in the United Kingdom and Ireland,'' said Robert Marchmont, general manager, NanoInk's NanoFabrication Systems Division, EMEA. ''We look forward to a close and successful long-term partnership with Cambridge Bioscience as we expand our reach in Europe by promoting the unique capabilities and benefits of NanoInk's line of patterning systems.''

"We are delighted to be appointed as the distributor for NanoInk in the United Kingdom and Ireland,'' said Jay Champaneri, business manager for Cambridge Bioscience. ''NanoInk's systems provide a strong synergy with the innovative life science research products that Cambridge Bioscience already brings to scientists and we look forward to working closely with the NanoInk team.''

NanoInk's NanoFabrication Systems Division brings sophisticated nanofabrication to the laboratory desktop in an easy to use and affordable setting. NanoInk's NLP 2000 System is a desktop nanofabrication system that allows researchers to rapidly design and create custom engineered and functionalized surfaces, using Dip Pen Nanolithography® (DPN®) to transfer minute amounts of materials over a large, environmentally controlled work area.

The DPN 5000 System is a full-featured, dedicated instrument for versatile nanopatterning of a variety of materials with nanoscale accuracy and precision. With its user-friendly interface, it is possible to easily design complex patterns while also precisely controlling the tip movements during the writing process.

Cambridge Bioscience works with over forty specialist suppliers around the world and offers an innovative, extensive and diverse range of over 400,000 products supporting research in many areas including cell biology, regenerative medicine and protein analysis.

For further information or place an order, e-mail: jay.champaneri@bioscience.co.uk or view website: www.bioscience.co.uk

NanoInk in profile
NanoInk, Inc. is an emerging growth technology company specializing in nanometer-scale manufacturing and applications development for the life sciences, engineering, pharmaceutical, and education industries. Using Dip Pen Nanolithography (DPN), a patented and proprietary nanofabrication technology, scientists are enabled to rapidly and easily create micro-and nanoscale structures from a variety of materials on a range of substrates. This low cost, easy to use, and scalable technique brings sophisticated nanofabrication to the laboratory desktop. Headquartered in the Illinois Science + Technology Park, north of Chicago, NanoInk currently has over 250 patents and applications filed worldwide and licensing agreements with Northwestern University, Stanford University, University of Strathclyde, University of Liverpool, California Institute of Technology, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

For more information on products and services offered by NanoInk, Inc., view website: www.nanoink.net

NanoInk, the NanoInk logo, Dip Pen Nanolithography, DPN, and NanoProfessor are registered trademarks of NanoInk, Inc.