Analytik Jena entered the ICP market with the introduction of the PlasmaQuant PQ 9000 ICP-OES, which features a compact design and delivers high resolution, ease of use, flexibility and precision. The PQ9000 is a simultaneous ICP system that employs four key components: high-resolution optics, the V (vertical) Shuttle Torch, Dual View PLUS technology and a high-frequency generator. The V Shuttle Torch provides optical precision and high-matrix tolerance, while the Dual View PLUS plasma observation extends the working range and detection limits beyond traditional ICP-OES. The high-frequency generator reduces sample pretreatment for increased levels of reproducibility. The price of the system starts at €100,000 ($137,000 = €0.73 = $1).

Anton Paar introduced the Multiwave GO microwave-digestion system employs a Direct Multimode Cavity, providing both monomode and multimode microwaves. Monomode microwaves are directed to the sample for efficient heating. The multimode system allows for more than one sample to be digested in a single run. The Multiwave GO also features a touch-screen controller and preinstalled standard test methods. Among the targeted applications are materials testing, petrochemistry, and plastic and polymers testing. The system is listed at €12,000 ($16,000).

Bruker released its TENSOR II FTIR spectrometer, which replaces the TENSOR 27/37 system. Fit for research and QC applications, the TENSOR II employs an innovative diode laser and an electronic stabilization function for the IR source that increases the lifetime of the two major wear parts in IR spectrometers. The system is priced at around €25,000 ($34,000), depending on configuration.

Bruker also introduced the S2 RANGER with XFlash V5 LE XRF spectrometer, which features a new silicon-drift detector. It offers a larger active-detector area that results in shorter measurement times, increased throughput and low detection limits. The system can analyze carbon to uranium from 100% down to ppm level in solids, powders and liquids. It is listed at about €75,000 ($103,000).

Bruker introduced the M6 JETSTREAM, a large-format scanning microXRF spectrometer designed to analyze the chemical composition of large objects. It has a scan range of up to 800 x 600 mm2 and a maximum scanning speed 100 mm/s. The large-format scanning capabilities allow art and conservationists to analyze paintings and other large objects on site. Other applications include QA/QC in the automotive and aerospace industries. The M6 JETSTREAM is priced at around €200,000 ($275,000).

HORIBA showcased its EzPlex label-free detection system for real-time monitoring of molecular interactions. The system combines the sensitivity of surface plasmon resonance and the high-throughput capabilities of array-based experiments. Target applications include parallel detection of carbohydrate-protein interactions and multiplex analysis of antibody-pathogen interactions. The sensor chips are available in bare-gold, or functionalized and ready-to-use chips. The EzPlex is expected to be released late in the second quarter and will have a list price of about €160,000 ($220,000).

Knauer debuted the Azura analytical and preparative HPLC systems, which will replace its SmartLine HPLCs. Perhaps the most notable difference in the Azura line is the absence of button controllers on each module. Instead, the system is controlled via a wired, palm-sized control unit or a wireless mobile device (Android 4– or Windows 8–based tablet). The system features a stackable modular design and can be configured with Knauer’s autosampler 3950, P6.1L pumps, CT 2.1 column thermostat, DAD 6.1L diode array detector and UVD 2.1L UV/Vis detector. It is capable of operating pressures of up to 700 bar at up to 5 mL/min. The analytical system is priced at around €40,000 ($55,000) and is currently shipping.

KNF Lab introduced the RC900 rotary evaporator, which features a sleek modern design. KNF is better known for its lab pumps, and the RC900 is its first fully integrated product for the rotary evaporator market. The RC900 employs a touch-screen remote-control unit that allows the user to adjust rotation speed, temperature and height level of the flask. The system’s automation capabilities and modular design provide ease of use for operation and cleaning. It is available for around €3,000 ($4,000), depending on configuration.

PerkinElmer launched the AxION iQT GC/MS/MS, which enables triple quadrupole and Q-TOF MS analysis, combining quantitation and compound identification in a single instrument. The system features an integrated design made up of self-diagnosing modules, simplifying maintenance. It is compatible with a variety of GCs, including the company’s Clarus 580 and 680 GCs as well as Agilent Technologies’ 6890N and 7890 GCs. The system offers user-changeable ionization sources, including electron ionization (EI), chemical ionization and cold-EI. The system is priced at around €175,000 ($240,000).

PerkinElmer introduced the NexION 350 ICP-MS, which the company purports to be 10 times faster than currently available systems. The system features a Triple Cone Interface, which produces a tightly focused ion beam and prevents sample deposition. It also employs a Quadrupole Ion Deflector that turns positively charged ions 90° into the Universal Cell, thereby filtering off neutrals. The system has been engineered with a unique steel alloy that enhances overall stability. In addition, there are no extraction lenses to clean, minimizing maintenance. The system is available for €200,000 ($275,000).

Quanterix showcased its Simoa HD-1 Analyzer, a fully automated instrument for immunoassays or ELISAs. The technology is based on trapping and sealing individual immunocomplexes on paramagnetic beads in thousands of femtoliter-sized wells in arrays on its Simoa discs. Each well is digitally analyzed as on or off, similar to digital PCR. The Simoa algorithm then converts the signals into a concentration and delivers an average of one thousand–fold improvement in sensitivity over other immunoassays, according to the company. The system can be used for multiplexing applications for up to 10 assays. The Simoa HD-1 is listed at around €110,000 ($150,000).

QIAGEN released the QIAxpert, a high-speed microvolume UV/Vis spectrophotometer. The system is designed for DNA, RNA and protein quantification and QC. It is based on the Trinean spectrometer, with added protocols and workflows for users of QIAGEN’s extraction products. The system provides nucleic acid quantification of up to 16 samples in 90 seconds. It is listed at €16,000 ($22,000).

SOTAX launched the Xtend Dissolution line of dissolution-testing systems. The Xtend systems have modular designs allowing for flexibility and scalability and offering different levels of automation. The Xtend modules include the AT dissolution bath, CP pump, FS filter station and the SAM sample manager. The system starts at about €20,000 ($27,000) for a manual system.

TESCAN and WITec introduced the RISE microscopy system, which combines Raman imaging with SEM. It is a fully integrated system that provides ultrastructural images through the SEM and chemical-compound information using confocal Raman imaging. The RISE microscope allows fast and easy switching between SEM and Raman mode through an automated sample transfer from one measuring position to the other. The system is targeted at materials science, polymer science and geology applications, as well as life science research applications. The price starts at roughly €700,000 ($960,000) but can increase to over €1 million ($1.37 million), depending on configuration.

Thermo Fisher Scientific introduced the HAAKE Viscotester iQ Rheometer engineered for QC applications. The system features a compact design and a variety of accessories. It provides easy exchange between different measuring configurations for fast setup and operation. It employs exchangeable self-sufficient Peltier- or liquid-controlled temperature modules. The Viscotester iQ also has a unique lift wheel to raise and lower its head to provide an accurate measuring position. The system can be used in standalone mode or in a fully software-controlled configuration as well as through a downloadable tablet application. The system is available for €10,000 ($14,000).

Thermo also introduced the SampleSeal that delivers low-volume, high-density storage and targeted at biobanking applications. The SampleSeal employs automated heat-sealing technology to fully seal and individualize sample tubes. The foil sealer can process 96 or 384 2D-barcoded tubes in less than a minute. The system is easy to use with an onboard touch-screen interface. It is available for €55,000 ($75,000).

Thermo introduced the SampleArray automated workstation for biobanking applications. It is used to move samples from a storage location into a destination rack for downstream analysis. The system works with a variety of tubes, cap sizes and foil-sealed tubes. It features a weighing process to check the quality and volume of the samples, and place them either in the destination rack or a quarantine rack. The workstation is priced around €25,000 ($34,000).

Thermo also introduced the Pierce G2 Fast Blotter, which transfer proteins from polyacrylamide gel to a blotting membrane in about 5–10 minutes. Typically, the process can take about an hour or sometimes overnight to achieve good transfer efficiency. The system is designed for proteins ranging from 10 Da to 300 kDa and is equipped with a color LCD menu with touch-screen interface. The Pierce G2 Fast Blotter is listed at less than €2,000 ($2,700).

Waters unveiled the Prognosis QI and Prognosis QI for Proteomics data analysis software packages for metabolomics/lipidomics and proteomics, respectively. The software packages are used to analyze LC/MS data, allowing researchers to quantify and identify compounds and proteins through an innovative visualization workflow.