It is just six months since Pittcon, and IBO’s last review article on new product introductions (see IBO 3/31/11, 4/15/11), and already there is a new and lengthy list of notable new products. In this article, IBO highlights some of the product launches of the last six months based on their potential commercial and technical impact.

With so many products to choose from, the list is not comprehensive and does not include consumables or software. Many of these products previously appeared in IBO’s news section but are discussed in more detail here. Waters’s I-Class UPLC (see IBO 6/30/11) and Bruker’s SCION GC/MS (see IBO 7/31/11) are excluded as they were the subjects of product profiles.

Atomic Spectroscopy

This month, Agilent unveiled the 4100 Microwave Plasma atomic emission spectrometer (AES). A magnetic field, generated by a 2.5 GHz industrial magnetron, is used to excite the plasma. Used with the Agilent 4107 Nitrogen Generator, the system runs on compressed air, alleviating the need for flammable gases. For ease of use, no torch alignment is required and application-based software includes pre-loaded methods. Minimum detection levels are in the sub–parts per billion. According to Agilent, the system is designed to compete against high-end flame atomic absorption spectrometers, with pricing in the same range. Shipments begin next month.

Earlier this year, Bruker launched two new crystallography systems, both equipped with the PHOTON 100 detector. The detector is based on CMOS active pixel sensor technology, a first for a crystallography system, according to Bruker, and designed to minimize problems associated with CCD detectors. The D8 QUEST, which is configured with a single X-ray source, features a new version of Incoatec’s IµS microfocus source for increased intensity. The dual-wavelength D8 Venture includes a new TXS microfocus rotating anode source for downstream alignment.

PerkinElmer refreshed two of its atomic spectroscopy product lines in May. The flame/graphic furnace PinAAcle Series atomic absorption spectrometer consists of four models: the 900F (flame), 900Z (transversely heated graphite atomizer [THGA]), 900H (flame/HGA) and 900T (Flame/THGA). Each model utilizes a new optical light path and features a removable burner assembly. The wavelength range is 184 nm to 900 nm. The systems are priced $35,000–$70,000.

PerkinElmer’s Optima 8×00 dual-view ICP-OES series consists of the Optima 8000, with a CCD array detector for the full-wavelength range, and the Optima 8300, with two solid-state SCD detectors. New features include the eNeb electronic nebulizer for the production of uniform-sized droplets and the maintenance-free plasma induction plate, which does not require cooling. Pricing is $70,000–$110,000.

This month, SPECTRO Analytical Instruments, an AMETEK company, introduced the SPECTROBLUE spectrometer, a mid-range ICP-OES system for high-throughput labs, utilizing a Paschen-Runge optical system. No purge gases are required and the air-cooled OPIAir optical plasma interface eliminates the need for external water-based cooling, simplifying maintenance and reducing costs. The system has a wavelength range of 165–770 nm, with a resolution of 8 pm in the 165–285 nm range. The first deliveries will occur in the fourth quarter.

Cell Analysis

Just prior to its acquisition by Merck Millipore (see IBO 8/31/11), Amnis introduced its latest product, the 12-channel FlowSight imaging flow cytometer. It produces two brightfield images, one darkfield image and up to 10 fluorescence images and has 20x magnification. Designed as a compact and lower-cost version of the company’s ImageSTreamX system, the FlowSight can be configured with as many as four lasers for detection of up to 10 fluorescent probes. Also available is a quantitative image upgrade, which enables apoptosis detection. With a 488 nm laser and a 642 nm laser, the system is $99,500.

In May, BD Biosciences launched its latest flow cytometer, the BD FACS­Verse, which comes in four-color, six-color and eight-color configurations with forward-scatter and side-scatter support. It automates startup, setup and sample acquisition and accommodates a wide variety of sample devices, including large conical tubes. Predefined assays are available for use with the system and can be modified by the user. The BD FACSuite software includes new data visualization options. Released on August 15, the system is priced at $95,000–$165,000.

For high-content screening, this spring, GE Life Sciences introduced the IN Cell Analyzer 6000 confocal imaging platform. The high-end IN Cell system features a new “variable aperture” mode for a choice for aperture width between 1 AU and 3 AU. The system also features a 5.5 MP large field-of-view sCMOS camera for time savings. The four-laser system can extend its capabilities for lower-throughput applications, such as 3D imaging and co-localization studies.

Lab Automation

BioTek Instruments launched the Econ microplate spectrophotometer. A monochromator-based system, it provides readings of 200–999 nm at increments of 1 nm. The EONC model features a cuvette port that can also be used with BioTek’s Micro-Volume Plates, which can hold up to 48 samples of 2 µL each and does not require diluting. Shipping began in August and pricing, depending on options, is $13,000–$15,000.

This month, Tecan and HP (see IBO 7/15/11) launched the HP D300 Digital Dispenser, a standalone system for non-contact digital titration of drug compounds. Using disposable heads, the system can dispense sample volumes from 12 pL to 5 µL in 15 pL increments with 2%–10% CVs across the full dispensing range. Designed to save time and labor, the system requires no manual or automated serial dilutions.

HPLC

AB SCIEX this month released five new Eksigent microfluidic LC chips for its cHiPLC-nanoflex system, which enables the use of up to three chips with the nanoLC-Ultra system. The new nano LC chips are available with C4 and graphitized carbon phases. Two micro chips, which will be available in October, are the 200 µm i.d. C18-CL phase columns in 15 cm and 5 cm for flow rates of 1.0–3.5 µL per minute. Available next month will be the nanoLC HALO* HILIC phase.

Life Science Instruments

Caliper Life Sciences last month released an extension of its IVIS Spectrum system, the IVIS Spectrum CT preclinical imaging system for optical imaging and low-dose micro computed tomography. The system enables longitudinal studies through coregistration of both molecular and anatomical data. It also is capable of optical tomographic reconstruction. Applications include oncology and toxicology research.

In a busy year for in vivo imaging product introductions, Carestream Molecular Imaging, a Carestream Health business, launched the In-Vivo Xtreme optical and X-ray small animal imaging system, available in two configurations to allow for upgrading. There is the front-illuminated 16 MP camera system for high-resolution applications and the back-illuminated 4 MP camera for low-light applications.

In April, Pacific Biosciences began shipments of its much-anticipated PacBio RS system, a single-molecule sequencer that, according to the company, produces average read lengths of more than 1,000 base pairs. The system provides three sequencing options: standard sequencing for single long reads, circular consensus sequencing for multiple reads and strobe sequencing for sub-reads at set intervals. The DNA Template Preparation Kits can create insert lengths from 250 bp to over 6 kb. The system also acquires kinetic information.

The GENISYS4 PET system from Sofie Biosciences is designed to extend in vivo animal imaging to the researcher’s lab by making it simpler and less expensive and providing a small system footprint. To streamline workflow, the docking station features automatic anesthesia and heating. The system is available with the open-source OsriX diagnostic image analysis software.

This spring, Visualsonics, a SonoSite company, introduced the Vevo LAZR Photoacoustics Imaging System for preclinical imaging of small animals. The Photoacoustic mode for the Vevo LAZR system enables the coregistration of contrast imaging (molecular information) and ultrasound (spatial resolution and tissue penetration). Applications include research involving oxygen saturation and hemoglobin quantification and the imaging of tumor biomarkers. Shipments began in March at a base price of $330,000 for existing Vevo 2100 users. The full system is priced at $500,000.

Materials Characterization

This month, Malvern Instruments debuted the Mastersizer 3000, a new addition to its Mastersizer line of laser-diffraction particle-size analyzers. Compared with previous systems, the instrument features a broader measurement range (10 nm–3.5 mm), a reduced footprint and the Aero S unit for dry powder dispersion that can be configured for different applications. The system replaces the MS2000 system and extends the applications range for laser diffraction. The MS2000 continues to be sold and will be supported for at least 10 years. Pricing for the MS3000 is $45,000–$75,000 depending on accessories.

MS

Earlier this month, Bruker launched the latest generation amaZon speed ion trap LC/MS systems, which are also available with electron transfer dissociation for proteomics applications. The systems have a scan speed of 52,000 u/sec and a mass resolution of more than 0.5 u. The system offers a maximum resolution below 0.1 u at a scan rate of 5,200 u/sec. According to Bruker, the system is the first ion trap MS to utilize a dual ion funnel transfer line, resulting in higher sensitivity.

In July, PerkinElmer introduced the Clarus SQ 8 single quadrupole GC/MS system. It consists of the SQ (8S electron ionization [EI]), SQ 8T (EI) and SQ 8C (EI/chemical ionization) systems, which are designed to be interfaced with the Clarus 580 and 680 GCs. The SMARTsource houses both the EI and CI systems, providing fast conversion and easy cleaning. New features include the Clarifi electron multiplier detector, with an ion deflector for improved sensitivity. The maximum scan rage is 12,500 amu/sec.

Waters this month debuted the SQ Detector 2 single quadrupole system. It is designed for use with LC, GC and supercritical fluid chromatography as well as preparative LC and SFC. It features Waters’s ZSpray atmospheric pressure ionization source, IntelliStart system check software, Universal Ion Source Architecture and Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe for atmospheric pressure ionization. Shipments are expected to begin in the fourth quarter.

Molecular Spectroscopy

Updating the Cary FT-IR spectrometer product line, Agilent Technologies has released Cary 630 for routine measurements. It weighs 8 lb (3.6 kg) and is 6 in tall (15 cm) and is available with a choice of accessories: interchangeable standard transmission compartment, DialPath technology, TumblIR transmission interface, and accessories for diamond ATR and diffuse reflectance sampling. It features three fixed path lengths of 30–250 µm.

Shimadzu launched the single-monochromator UV-2600 and double-monochromator UV-2700 UV-Vis spectrophotometers. The 2700 provides 8 Abs measurement in the 400–650 nm wavelength range and is suited for measuring samples with low transmittance. Adding the ISR-2600Plus Integrating Sphere Attachment, the measurement range of the UV-2600 can be extended to 1400 nm. The compact system is 450 mm wide. Shipping availability is 90 days.

Surface Science

CAMECA launched the SXFive electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), its fifth-generation EPMA system. The system is available with tungsten or lanthanum hexaboride sources. The SXFiveSE combines a field emission (FE) source with up to five wavelength dispersive (WD) spectrometers and one energy dispersive (ED) spectrometer. New features include an optimized vacuum system and an annular Faraday Cup.

Hitachi High-Technologies launched the SU9000 FE–scanning electron microscope, with a resolution of 0.4 nm at 30 kV and side-entry sample stage. It features new cold-field electron-emission technology for greater stability and increased source brightness. An optional duo–scanning transmission electron microscope detector enables simultaneous brightfield and darkfield imaging and an image resolution of 0.34 nm at 30 kV. Other new features include an improved vacuum system and user interface.

TESCAN launched the LYRA 3 GM FIB-SEM (focused ion beam–scanning electron microscope) workstation, a platform for the integration of field emission-SEM, a focused ion beam, ED and WD spectrometer, electron backscatter diffraction, cathodoluminescence, electron beam induced current, scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and TOF secondary ion MS. These techniques can be performed simultaneously. It features a chamber with over 20 ports and SPECS‘s Curlew in situ SPM. In high-vacuum scanning-electron mode, resolution is 1.2 nm at 30 kV.