Atomic Spectroscopy

Bruker AXS launched the D8 DISCOVER X-ray diffractometer. The D8 DISCOVER further increases ease of use with real-time component detection, plug-and-play functionality and fully integrated two-dimensional X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) capabilities. These capabilities allow the user to switch between all materials research XRD applications, including reflectometry, high-resolution diffraction, grazing incidence diffraction and small angle X-ray scattering, as well as residual stress and texture investigations. The system features the VANTEC-500 large-area detector and is priced at around €200,000 ($269,000).

Bruker AXS launched its significantly enhanced S2 RANGER Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer (ED-XRF) with the maintenance-free fourth-generation XFlash LE silicon drift detector. The combination of the XFlash LE with 50 W excitation power eliminates conventional limitations of benchtop ED-XRF systems for light elements, such as sodium and magnesium. This increase in performance extends the application range of the S2 RANGER further into the food, minerals and mining, and cement industries. The system was designed for industrial process and quality control applications as it features a compact and rugged design with a built-in vacuum pump. The S2 RANGER is competitively priced at around €100,000 ($135,000).

Life Science

Analytik Jena’s Biometra subsidiary introduced the TOptical real time PCR thermocycler system. The TOptical module is for use with the TProfessional system to create a 96-well thermocycler. The module is equipped with up to six excitation and emission filters for detection of commonly used dyes. The system can be used for rapid PCR methods that can speed analysis times by up to 500% over standard methods. Biometra’s Thermocyclers employ a gold-plated silver block that enables high speed and temperature uniformity. The module will be available in early summer, but pricing has not yet to be determined.

Analytik Jena also introduced the qTOWER quantitative real time PCR system. The system combines the advantages of rapid PCR and fast real-time fluorescence detection. A top-reading system, it utilizes eight light fiber cables with color modules for excitation and emission filters. The system can read 96 wells in four seconds, independent of the number of dyes. The qTOWER can perform real time PCR and analyze 96 samples in parallel in less than an hour. The system is priced under €20,000 ($27,000).

BMG LABTECH showcased its PHERAstar FS next-generation high-throughput screening microplate reader. The system is capable of performing all nonisotopic detection technologies including ultra-fast UV/Vis, FRET, TR-FRET, FP and BRET. The system provides top and bottom reads of up to 1536 wells. The benchtop system has been shipping since the beginning of the year, and is priced at about €100,000 ($135,000).

FluIT Biosystems introduced the PlateSense benchtop microplate reader system based on confocal fluorescence scanning/detection. The system utilizes accurate stochastic fluorescence spectroscopy technology, which analyzes fluorescent molecules that are excited by a laser beam. It is designed for the analysis of protein interactions (binding assays), protein aggregation and characterization. The system features a detector that is several orders of magnitude more sensitive than other fluorescence readers, according to FluIT. PlateSense assays work entirely in solution, eliminating washing and incubation steps. The benchtop system employs a fixed laser wavelength and is able to carry up to six emission filters for different applications and dyes.

GE Healthcare showcased its IN Cell Analyzer 2000, a cell-imaging system for high-content analysis. The flexibility of the system allows for a variety of applications, including investigative microscopy and automated screening and imaging of organelles, cells, tissues and whole organisms. The system features a high-performance large-chip CCD camera, coupled with a wide-field illumination source that is twice as bright as a conventional xenon lamp, ensuring more statistically robust results in a single pass and the capture of an entire well in a single image. Depending on the options, which include a selection of objectives ranging from 2x–100x, the IN Cell Analyzer starts at a price of around $200,000.

Materials Characterization

Malvern Instruments introduced the ZEN1010 high-concentration zeta potential cell for the Zetasizer Nano particle characterization system, enabling measurement of up to 40% weight/volume. The design, which incorporates a reduced optical path length, can typically provide three times the concentration-measurement ability of standard cells for a particular sample. The cell takes a 150 µL sample in the measurement area. Due to the reduced optical path and reduced measurement-volume area, there is less heat generation, making the ZEN1010 suitable for delicate samples, including biological materials.

Netzch showcased the MMC 274 Nexus modular reaction calorimeter. This system can analyze samples several milliliters in size and allows for additional substances to be injected during measurement. In addition to purely adiabatic or purely isothermal measurements, experiments can be carried out in scanning mode. The MMC 274 Nexus consists of a base unit and several measurement modules, including accelerating rate calorimeter, external sample heater and VariPhi modules. The system is listed at $60,000–$65,000.

Molecular Spectroscopy

Analytik Jena introduced the SPECORD PLUS, a double-beam UV/Vis spectrophotometer. It is designed for routine analyses or special applications in chemistry, medicine, food, environmental labs and life science. Analytik Jena offers three basic systems: the SPECORD 200 Plus, which features a fixed spectral bandwidth; and the SPECORD 210 Plus and 250 Plus systems, which each feature four variable spectral bandwidths. The 250 Plus includes a double monochromator for samples with particularly high absorptions and higher stray-light quotients. The systems are currently available and are priced at around $20,000.

Thermo Fisher Scientific introduced the Multiskan GO UV-Vis spectrophotometer, which includes free wavelength selection for both 96- and 384-well plates and various types of cuvettes. The Multiskan GO offers a broad wavelength range, including UV area and path-length correction, as well as fast spectral scanning. It can also support endpoint, kinetic and spectral-scanning assays at very fast speeds. Any measurement wavelength between 200 nm and 1000 nm can be selected with the advanced monochromator-based optical system. The system is priced at around $30,000.

Separations

Thermo Fisher Scientific launched the ISQ single quadrupole GC/MS. The system is designed for forensics, toxicology, food safety, environmental and other routine applications. The robust system features the ExtractaBrite removable ion source and requires less-frequent maintenance and cleaning. The ion source can be removed without venting the analyzer, allowing for minimal downtime. This system is currently available at a price of around $150,000.

Varian launched the 971-FP flash purification system for enhanced productivity. The price of the system is around €20,000 ($27,000).

Varian also introduced the 390-LC Multi-Detector Suite for gel permeation chromatography applications. The system can contain a combination of light-scattering, refractive index or viscometry detectors. A basic system is priced at €25,000 ($34,000).

Varian showcased its 325-MS triple quadrupole LC/MS system. The system features a novel electrospray ionization source and improved ion optics for enhanced sensitivity, ruggedness and throughput. The ion source utilizes a vortex of drying gas that facilitates ion desolvation at lower temperatures. The price is around €300,000 ($404,000).

Surface Science

Bruker Nano launched the N8 NEOS, stating it is the first Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) that is designed and operated like a classical optical microscope, yet delivers the stability and precision that enables atomic resolution. The N8 NEOS utilizes a compact, interferometry-based AFM module called the NANOS. Arranged at the objective turret just like the various optical objectives, the NANOS can be positioned to the localized spot within less than 1 µm by a simple turn of the turret. The system incorporates a rigid granite stand to minimize thermal drift and obtain the highest stability. The ultra-precision vertical stage is a proprietary development and enables a fast and safe auto approach. Like all Bruker AFMs, the N8 NEOS uses fiber optic interferometry as the basic principle for the detection of cantilever deflection, providing high sensitivity combined with a calibrated measurement of the cantilever’s deflection and amplitude, respectively. The system is priced between €100,000 ($135,000) and €200,000 ($269,000).

Olympus unveiled the XCELLENCE advanced live-cell imaging system. This research microscope system provides: real-time high-speed imaging; total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy; highly inclined and laminated optical sheet imaging; photo control such as Fluorescence Recovering After Photobleaching (FRAP), Fluorescence Loss in Photobleaching (FLIP) and photoactivation; and laser spinning disc confocal microscopy. The system is modular in design and can be configured with an incubator to control the physiological environment for long-term studies. Pricing starts at around €200,000 ($269,000) and can increase to €400,000 ($538,000), depending on options.

Olympus also showcased the LEXT OLS4000 measuring laser confocal microscope, which is designed for metrology applications. The system employs a newly developed dual confocal system, which can capture a clear image from a specimen consisting of materials with extremely varied reflectivity levels. Its price is €80,000 ($108,000)–€120,000 ($161,000).