Atomic Spectroscopy

Bruker’s S8 Lion is a high-end simultaneous wavelength dispersive (WD)-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) system with up to 16 detectors. The system is easy to use through a flat touchscreen interface. The system is now available at a price of $220,000.

Bruker’s M Series of XRF analyzers provides microspot XRF. The M1 Ora is primarily for applications with precious metals and jewelry, while the M1 Mistral is for larger samples. At the top of the line is the M4 Tornado, which can carry out true two-dimensional elemental imaging of samples with 25 µm. The Ora and Mistral were launched in January at respective prices of $20,000 and $30,000. The Tornado should ship in May at a price of $120,000.

GBC Scientific introduced the SavantAA as the successor to its Avanta atomic absorbance spectrometers (AAs). The SavantAA is a double-beam system that can be configured with a power supply for either a single Superlamp or a battery of four. The fully featured S version is priced at $28,000, while the standard model is priced in the low $20,000s. Shipments began earlier this year.

HORIBA Jobin Yvon’s EMGA-920 O/N is an oxygen-nitrogen combustion analyzer typically used for analyzing steel. Oxygen detection is achieved with an IR detector, while nitrogen is measured via thermal conductivity. It is available now at a price of $90,000.

HORIBA Jobin Yvon demonstrated a specialized version of its GD Profiler glow discharge spectrometer. The GD Profiler HTP is simplified and optimized to help users control and understand heat-treatment processes. The system began shipping in February at a price of about $130,000.

HORIBA also unveiled a new elemental analyzer, the Mesa 6000, which is a dedicated analyzer for sulfur and chlorine, and is targeted at oil applications. It uses XRF technology supplied by Innov-X. The system is shipping and is priced at $45,000.

LECO released the TruMac Series CNS Macro Determinator. On display was the nitrogen elemental analyzer, intended for use with organic samples like soils. The instrument is expected to begin shipping in two months at a price starting at around $50,000.

Oxford Instruments showed the X-Supreme8000, an XRF system features Oxford’s own SDD detector in a compact, easy-to-use instrument. The product began shipping late last year and is priced $50,000–$60,000.

Launched in late 2008, the Axios FAST simultaneous WD-XRF from PANalytical was present in the booth as a computer model. The measures 10–28 elements simultaneously through the use of multiple detection tubes. Depending on the number of elements and other options, it is priced $300,000–$450,000.

NIC (Rigaku) released a new configuration of its RA-3000 mercury analyzer for EPA Method 1631. The newest upgrade of the atomic fluorescence instrument is the addition of a sample preparation system to automate the digestion of samples. The complete system is now available at a price of about $55,000.

Shimadzu’s new AA-7000 has a three-dimensional optical path that reduces its footprint. This, and other improvements, have doubled its sensitivity. For the flame-only version of the system, the price is $18,000.

Shimadzu also introduced the EDX-GP XRF. Building on the EDX-720, the new system is optimized for RoHS applications. The system is now available at a price of about $50,000.

Teledyne Leeman Labs launched a DC Arc version of its Prodigy Series of inductively coupled plasma spectrometers, thus entering the arc/spark market. The system is priced at about $190,000, making it price competitive with other arc-spark instruments. The first shipment was a specialized radiation-shielded instrument designed for analysis of solid plutonium samples, but more standard versions began shipment earlier this year.

In February, Teledyne Leeman Labs began shipments of its Hydra IIAA mercury analyzer. The fully automated instrument has a 270-place autosampler and can measure down to 1 ppt, but its range is broad enough to handle ppm levels as well. The instrument is priced at about $22,500.

Thermo Fisher Scientific launched the Titan 4000 NSX inorganic elemental analyzer in the US, where it will be distributed by EST Analytical. The combustion system rapidly analyzes a sample for nitrogen, sulfur and chlorine content. The first European sale occurred earlier this year, and US shipments are expected to begin in two to three weeks. Fully configured, the system is $70,000.

Velp Scientifica released a Dumas nitrogen analyzer for protein determination. This product adds combustion analysis to Velp’s established line of Kjeldahl digestion apparatus for protein analysis. The system is expected to ship by midyear, but the price has not yet been determined.

Electrochemistry

Teledyne Tekmar introduced the Torch combustion TOC analyzer, which replaces the Apollo model. It incorporates the same detector as the Fusion UV/Persulfate TOC analyzer, and is designed with a smaller footprint and to be easier to maintain. Both systems are now shipping.

GC/MS

JEOL introduced an upgraded version of its GC/MS TOF, the AccuTOF-GCv. The model improves resolution from 5,000 to 6,000 FWHM and doubles the sensitivity. The system now offers a combined EI/FI/FD source, as well as a CI source, direct ionization probes and LIFDI options.

LC

Cygnus Group released an HPLC system designed for educational and training purposes. The Firmus comes with a manual injector, pump, detector and workstation software. The UV-Vis detector has a range of 190–700 nm and a deuterium light source. The Firmus is priced at under $10,000.

Dionex introduced three integrated reagent-free ion chromatography (RFIC) systems that combine IC with electrolytic sample preparation. The ICS 2100, which features eluent generation (RFIC-EG), offers the highest precision and is capable of gradient separations with an isocratic dual piston pump. The system now includes an integrated electrolytic water purifier that enables trace analysis down to parts-per-trillion levels for anions and cations. In addition, automated sample preparation techniques such as filtration, matrix removal and analyte preconcentration are available for the ICS 1100 and ICS 1600, which are fully integrated systems offering eluent regeneration (RFIC-ER).

Eksigent introduced the cHiPLC-nanoflex System, a docking station for up to three microfluidic chips that contains nanoLC or trap columns. The system features Eksigent’s EksPort microconnector system, which provides reliable fluidic connections to facilitate column changes. The cHiPLC-nanoflex can be added to Eksigent’s nanoLC systems or Applied Biosystems’ Tempo nano LC systems, and can be integrated with most MS systems.

Wyatt Technology introduced the DynaPro Plate Reader DLS, a temperature-controlled, high-throughput dynamic light scattering instrument. It accommodates standard microplates without perturbing the samples with as little as 5 mL in a 1536-well format. The system is listed at $85,000.

Wyatt Technology also unveiled the Calypso automated protein association and aggregation system for the rapid, quantitative, nondestructive characterization of protein-protein interactions in native solution using composition-gradient multiangle light scattering (CG-MALS). The system consists of hardware and software for automating CG-MALS measurements, Zimm plots and dn/dc determinations.

LC/MS

Thermo Fisher Scientific introduced a triple quadrupole LC/MS. The TSQ Quantum Access Max is an upgrade of Thermo’s value line of triple quadrupole LC/MS systems and targets environmental and food safety laboratories.

Waters introduced its Xevo Q-TOF LC/MS, which was first unveiled in January (see IBO 2/15/09). The Xevo Q-ToF is a benchtop system that shares many components with the Xevo triple quadrupole LC/MS. The Xevo Q-TOF is significantly faster than Waters’s previous benchtop Q-TOF systems, making it more compatible with fast LC. The Xevo Q-ToF is priced $300,000–$350,000 and is now shipping.

Life Science

Beckman Coulter displayed its PA 800 plus, a capillary electrophoresis system for pharmaceutical analysis. The system features an ergonomic exterior for easy access to sample vials. It also adds safety features. The system is designed for high-resolution applications using modular detection.

MS

Bruker Daltonics introduced the Edmass Series of MALDI-TOF MS systems, which are designed to replace Edman DNA sequencers. The Edmass provides a lower cost per analysis than traditional Edman sequencers, and also provides C-terminal, in addition to N-terminal, information. The Edmass micro, based on the microflex LT linear MALDI-TOF, starts at under $200,000. The Edmass ultra, based on the ultraflex III MALDI-TOF/TOF, starts at $500,000.

GAS introduced two portable ion mobility spectrometers (IMS) systems. The MCC-IMS is a multiple capillary column GC-IMS for industrial monitoring in the food and beverage industries. The BP-IMS uses a dual-IMS configuration for monitoring positive and negative ions every five seconds, and is designed for installation security monitoring.

Materials Characterization

Brookfield Engineering expects to ship the DV-II+ Pro EXTRA by the end of March. The system incorporates new design elements to increase productivity. The new version of Brookfield’s flagship digital viscometer is priced at $4,000.

Cannon Instruments’ miniAV-LT is a low-temperature viscometer for jet-fuel applications, while the miniQV-X is for the analysis of used oils. The instruments are priced at $35,000 and $30,000, respectively. The miniQV-X was introduced last year, but the miniAV-LT is new.

In January, CILAS began shipping the CILAS 1190 and CILAS 990. The 1190 is the high-end version of this seventh generation of laser diffraction instruments for particles ranging in size from 0.04 µm to 2,500 µm. The 1190 uses a three-laser system and is priced at about $60,000.

Fluid Imaging Technologies released the FlowCAM Model V-1000, its scaled-down particle analysis system. The FlowCAM is a real-time, high-speed digital imaging system that is capable of up to 23 different measurements for each particle for particles ranging in size from 1 µm to 3 mm. The V-1000 is typically used for QC, wastewater monitoring and oil analysis. The benchtop model costs $40,000.

Micropore Technologies introduced its first particle size analyzer, the Vision 500, which uses real-time image analysis. It is a compact system with a resolution of 2 µm, particle size range of 20–500 µm, minimum sample flow rate of 1 mL/minute, and data analysis rate of 10 frames per second.

The Particle Insight Image Analyzer, part of Micromeretics’ new Particulate Systems line, was introduced in the fourth quarter of 2008. The particle size analyzer gives detailed data about particle shape and can measure particles sizes of 3–30 µm. Particle Insight can also analyze up to 28 different shape parameters in real time. It costs $55,000.

Netzsch displayed its STA 449 Jupiter simultaneous thermal analyzer. The system has two furnaces, which can be changed quite easily, and can reach 2000° C. STA instruments provide simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry measurements. The system began shipping last October at a price of $65,000–$90,000.

Rheotek introduced the JETVISC automated viscometer for ASTM methods involving jet fuel. The automated system cuts analysis time in half, compared to manual methods. The system features touchscreen control and should begin shipping in April at a price of about $50,000.

Shimadzu introduced the IG-1000 Particle Size analyzer for measuring nanoparticles sizes 0.5–200 nm in about 30 seconds. Particles in solution are electrically attracted to a comb-shaped electrode, in effect forming a diffraction grating. When the electrodes are turned off, the particles disperse, affecting the light transmitted through the grating as it loses definition. Because smaller particles disperse more rapidly than larger particles, the method is more sensitive to smaller nanoscale particles. The system has been sold in Japan since January. It is priced at $160,000.

Molecular Spectroscopy

A2 Technologies introduced the Exoscan NIR, which is a handheld FT-NIR based on its Exoscan FT-IR instrument. The Exoscan NIR will be marketed primarily to the polymers and pharmaceutical industries. The system is priced between $25,000 and $30,000 and is now available.

ABB introduced the MB3000-PH and MB3600-HP10 laboratory systems based on a common platform that benefits from a new interferometer. The MB3000-PH is an FT-IR system targeted at the pharmaceutical industry, while the MB3600-HP10 is intended for hydrocarbon applications. Both instruments are priced beginning at $20,000.

DeltaNu (Intevac) expanded its handheld Raman range with the ObserveR, a compact standoff Raman analyzer that can identify compounds from a distance of 0.4–3 m away. The ObserveR is priced starting at $35,000, and will start shipping soon.

Spectro, a division of Qiniteq, introduced the FluidScan, a dispersive IR–based handheld instrument for the analysis of oils and lubricants in the field. The FluidScan extends Spectro’s line of oil analysis instruments outside of the lab and is priced starting at under $20,000.

Process

OI Analytical introduced the 9210 process TOC, which utilizes an ozone-promoted oxidation method. The 9210 will also be available in a UV/Persulfate configuration for drinking water applications, as well as a UV-only configuration for pharmaceuticals and other higher purity applications. Pricing has not yet been determined. Shipments are expected to begin in the latter half of the year.

Surface Science

HORIBA released the SPEX DynaMyc confocal fluorescence microscope. It provides fluorescence images and lifetime fluorescence measurements at each point in an image. Resolution is on the order of 1 µm in the xy plane, and 2 µm vertically. The system is priced at $150,000 and is shipping.

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Executive Briefing (Vol. 17, No. 24, p. 2)

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Roche Acquires innovatis

Basel, Switzerland and Bielefeld, Germany 3/16/09—Roche Diagnostics has announced a definite agreement to acquire innovatis AG from two private equity funds for €15 million ($19 million). Innovatis’s products include image-based cell analyzers, automated cell culture analyzers and biochemistry analyzers. Innovatis will become part of Roche Applied Science. “This acquisition is a further step in our strategy to strengthen our position as a complete solution provider in the cell analysis research market,” commented Dr. Jürgen Schwiezer, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. The transaction is expected to close within the next few weeks.

The acquisition expands Roche Applied Science’s products for cell analysis, which includes the xCELLigence platform for label-free cell analysis. Innovatis was established in 1998 as a spin off from the University of Applied Sciences. According to the company, its Cedex system, launched in 1999, was the first system to fully automate the Trypan blue exclusion method for cell counting. The company is based in Bielefeld, Germany, and has a US office in Philadelphia. Roche is an innovatis customer.

MDS Renews “Poison Pill” Shareholder Plan

Toronto, Canada 3/18/09—MDS announced that shareholders have approved the renewal of the Shareholder Rights Plan at the company’s annual and special meeting on March 12. The plan requires a party that wishes to acquire more than 20% of the company’s common shares to make either a Permitted Bid, as specified by the plan, or to negotiate terms with the Board. If neither requirement is met, shareholders would be entitled to purchase additional common shares at a 50% discount to the market. MDS stated that it believes that in the event of an unsolicited bid, the Plan provides the company with additional time to evaluate unsolicited takeover bids. The Plan expires in 2012.

Financial filings show that 86.3% of MDS shareholders approved the Plan. The Plan helps MDS maneuver against Obrem Capital Markets, which last year urged MDS to sell some of its businesses. However, MDS has engaged Goldman Sachs to review strategic alternatives (see IBO 2/15/09).

Thermo Sells Protein Array Business

Billerica, MA 3/17/09—Aushon BioSystems, a provider of microarray instruments and services, has acquired the SearchLight Protein Array business and technology assets from Thermo Fisher Scientific. The assets include a menu of custom arrays, chemiluminescent and infrared assay kits, and the SearchLight Plus CCD Imaging and Analysis System. “SearchLight is a pioneer in the multiplex immunoassay market, with one of the industry’s largest menus of disease-targeted biomarker panels,” stated Aushon CEO Peter Honkanen. The acquired technology will continue to be marketed under the SearchLight brand.

According to a message on Thermo Scientific’s website from Chris Budde, vice president and general manager of Thermo Scientific Pierce protein research products, the divestment follows a review of the strategy for the Bioscience Division’s proteomics products. The Division plans to focus on its core areas of sample preparation, protein function and protein detection.

Ocean Optics Spins Off Thin Films Division

Dunedin, FL 3/30/09—Ocean Optics has spun off its Thin Films Division into a separate company, Ocean Optics Thin Films. The division was created in 1999 and produces precision optics and high-volume dichroic optical filters for the selective transmission of light according to its wavelength. Applications include architectural and entertainment installations, CCD cameras and spectral imaging for scientific instruments, and targeting for defense applications. Ocean Optics Thin Films will remain part of the Photonics Division of Halma. Ocean Optics Thin Films has 110 employees and locations in Golden, Colorado, and Largo, Florida.

Last year, Ocean Optics purchased Oerlikon Optics, adding substantially to this business (see IBO 11/30/08). The nature of the business and its size most likely influenced the decision to form a separate company.

Affymetrix Sells Clinical Testing Lab

Foster City, CA 3/19/09—Genomics testing firm Navigenics has purchased the Affymetrix Clinical Services Laboratory, a CLIA-certified testing facility that provides molecular genome scanning using Affymetrix technology. The lab, based in West Sacramento, California, has been renamed the Navigenics Laboratory and many of the personnel have become Navigenics employees. “Acquiring our own clinical laboratory gives Navigenics the flexibility and capacity to better respond to the growing demand for our genome testing services,” stated Vance Vanier, MD, chief medical officer at Navigenics. Affymetrix did not issue a statement.

The divestment is a further sign of the changes at Affymetrix. Affymetrix opened the lab in 2006 to provide diagnostic services to clinical labs and to advance the adoption of its technology for diagnostic testing.

Sequenom Adopts Shareholder Purchases Rights Plan

San Diego, CA 3/4/09—Sequenom has adopted a plan for shareholders to receive rights to purchase shares of a new series of Preferred Stocks. The plan is designed to deter an attempt to acquire the company on terms not approved by the Board.

Sequenom stated that the plan is not in response to any specific proposal and does not prevent the takeover of Sequenom.