The 23rd Analytica exhibition and conference took place in Munich, Germany, from April 17 to 20. As usual, it was a roaring success. Although the attendance of 30,000 was down slightly from 32,061 in 2010, it was hard to tell, given the general enthusiasm throughout the exhibition’s five halls. The number of exhibitors was up a bit, mostly associated with an increase in the number of German exhibitors from 625 to 662, attesting to the strength of the German economy.

The number of visitors and the number of exhibitors from the US both increased, especially the number of visitors, which was up over 13%. In addition, exhibitors such as Agilent Technologies returned after a multiyear absence. The American trade association ALSSA (Analytical and Life Science Systems Association) also held a meeting at the show.

All of these positive developments are clearly signals of the industry’s continued interest in the European market—the second-largest global market for laboratory products—despite the generally gloomy economic news for Europe. It also confirms the view that Analytica is the single most important analytical instrument industry gathering. Part of the reason for its success may be due to its biannual scheduling, which generates pent-up demand and is more accepted by businesses, which now have tighter budgets.

Analytica also seems to put more emphasis on the exhibition than other conferences. However, Analytica has also substantially strengthened its technical program, which drew over 1,700 visitors. The gathering also featured 17 press conferences, including seven from US-based firms.

Several new products were announced at the show. Bruker showed the S1 TITAN handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, a tube-based handheld XRF analyzer weighing 1.44 kg with battery. The system is available in three models, including the S1 TITANLE for the analysis of as many as 37 elements. An SI TITAN configured to precious metals analysis is also available.

Bruker also introduced the AVANCE III HD NMR spectrometer. The system employs a new digital RF synthesizer and redesigned preamplifiers, enabling NMR frequencies up to 1.2 GHz. Bruker claims sensitivity improvements of up to 30% for demanding applications, such as the analysis of biomolecular samples in buffers or detergents and the trace analysis of impurities found in drugs. A new NMR Thermometer measures internal sample temperature for improved accuracy.

Bruker also launched the compact automated LUMOS FT-IR microscope for Vis and IR measurements, designed for ease of use. It features a motorized attenuated total reflection (ATR) crystal for automatic switching into ATR mode. The system has an 8x objective and working distance of 30 mm. The system is intended for quality control applications.

GERSTEL introduced several new options for its MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS) agitation and vortex mixing (mVORX), and filtration options. The Multi-System Evaporation Station (mVAP) is used to concentrate samples at selected temperatures and vacuum for improved detection limits. It has a six-position sampler, which can be used with a variety of sample preparation and clean-up techniques, such as SPE, disposable pipette extraction, liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) or filtration. Similarly, the Agitation and Vortex Mixing option (mVORX) integrates with the MPS system and provides vortex and shaking options that speeds up LLE, dissolution and homogenization for up to eight samples at the same time.

GERSTEL also introduced the EG (ethylene glyco)–Silicone Twister, which can be used to extract both non-polar and polar organic compounds in one extraction. It employs a combined EG-silicone sorbent phase for the extraction of more compounds from aqueous samples.

Partec showed its compact CyFox gel electrophoresis system. It features a digital CMOS camera for gel documentation and an electrophoresis unit with a power supply. The electrophoresis chamber is enclosed in a motorized drawer. The system also features live DNA/RNA gel observation via a 520 nm bandpass filter and CySense S or CySense R fluorochrome reagent mix. The system is available for about $8,000.

PerkinElmer introduced the AxION Direct Sample Analysis (DSA) system for the direct introduction of gas, liquid or solid samples into the AxION 2 TOF MS system. The system employs a soft atmospheric pressure chemical ionization design that prevents suppression and eliminates metastable ions. The DSA is a closed sampling system with automation for up to 13 samples. It features a chromatographic probe that allows the user to switch from direct sampling to an LC application without venting. The DSA will start shipping early in the third quarter and will be packaged with the AxION TOF-MS for a price of about $200,000.

Thermo Fisher Scientific showed the MYECL Imager for the analysis of chemiluminescent western blots, stained protein gels and nucleic acid gel using an automated process that is an alternative to X-ray film. It utilizes CCD-imaging technology and an on-board computer. End-users can capture an image with one button without the need to adjust camera settings. The system is priced at $25,000.

Thermo also showed the PikoReal Real-Time PCR system, which is available in 24- and 96-well instrument formats. It is equipped with an optical system with five channels, allowing the multiplexing of four dyes and a fifth channel to SYBR green-related assays. Prices are around $20,000.

The slight drop in Analytica attendance this year is a bit sobering, as it may be further evidence that trade shows have lost their appeal amid competing marketing approaches. Of course, the economic conditions in Europe are probably most to blame. Analytica 2014, which will be held April 1–4, will hopefully take place in a more upbeat economy.