Who launched what at Analytica 2016?

This round-up features Anton Paar, Analytik Jena, WITec, Xenemetrix, Knauer, Interscience, Horizon Technology, Julabo, Huber, Gilson and others.

Anton Paar​ presented 36 different laboratory systems and a robot in the field of analysis and quality control.

It unveiled a device for the characterization of nano- and microparticles in dispersions and solutions, such as measuring fat particles in milk.

Litesizer 500 determines particle size, zeta potential, and molecular mass by measuring dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoretic light scattering (ELS), and static light scattering (SLS).

Analytik Jena​ introduced a technology for nucleic acid extraction at the trade show.

The “SmartExtraction” technology does not require the use of phenol/chloroform, ion exchangers, filter columns or plates, or suspensions from magnetic or paramagnetic particles for the binding of nucleic acids.

The process for isolating nucleic acids uses phenol/chloroform or ion exchangers. The method for the extraction of nucleic acids and binding them to the mineral solid phase is well established, said the firm.

Following the lysis stage, the released nucleic acids are bound to the surfaces of mineral materials, washed, and removed again. Spin columns or filter plates with glass fiber materials or magnetic or paramagnetic particles with functionalized surfaces are mainly used as a mineral solid phase.

The use of modified surfaces for the binding of nucleic acids (“Smart Modified Surfaces”) forms the basis of the technology developed by scientists at the firm.

SmartExtraction can be used manually, automated, or under field conditions.

WITec​ launched the alpha300 access ​micro-Raman system in conjunction with a revision of the established alpha300 series.

The alpha300 access ​microscope is an entry-level system for micro-Raman single-spot analysis and Raman mapping that extends the product portfolio to lower price segments.

WITec’s line of microscopes for Raman spectroscopy and imaging, atomic force microscopy and near-field microscopy share a unique modularity that allows for single-technique work and correlative imaging configurations.

Ionicon ​unveiled the PTR-TOF 1000 ultra​ trace gas analyser which it claimed offered up to 10 times more sensitivity than the PTR-TOF 1000 thanks to ION-BOOSTER funnel technology.

The firm manufacturers real-time trace gas analyzers for low concentrated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) monitoring, based on Proton Transfer Reaction – Mass Spectrometry (PTR-MS) technology.

An ion funnel is an array of ring electrodes with decreasing orifice sizes. A RF-voltage is applied that focuses the ions through the lenses and compared to traditional transfer lens systems the firms’ funnel improves ion transmission leading to a higher sensitivity.

Main application areas include food and flavor science.

Basler ​exhibited at the event with its own booth for the first time and introduced the PowerPack for microscopy.

It also demonstrated its digital cameras for analytic, diagnostic equipment and laboratory automation applications.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy complements other types of analytical equipment found in the analytical lab, according to Xenemetrix​.

The firm said the technique offers easy sample preparation, non-destructive rapid multi-element analysis, and the ability to screen unknowns in sample matrices such as liquids, solids, slurries, powders, pastes and thin films.

Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectroscopy is capable of providing qualitative and quantitative results with detection limits of 0.1-1 mg/kg, depending on the type of element being analysed, it added.

Xenemetrix introduced the analytiX software which includes the “analytiX Operator Mode” so unskilled operators can perform ED-XRF analysis while keeping the data in the cloud.

AnalytiX will support the new product line of mobile systems which will go to market by the end of this year.

Interscience​ launched a range of 2000mL sterile sampling bags to improve the sensitivity and security of pathogen tests. The range follows the 400mL and 3500mL versions.

The firm said sample testing standards are being performed in bigger quantities such as 50g, 100g, 125g, up to 375g samples.

Dimensions also enable analysis of 375g samples diluted to 1/4 to use less diluent. They are compatible with the DiluFlow gravimetric dilutors and JumboMix lab blenders.

Knauer​ introduced a refractive index (RI) detector suited for use in analytical HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) and GPC (gel permeation chromatography) applications. ​

The AZURA RID 2.1L is a differential refractometer suitable for detecting compounds with little or no UV activity such as alcohols, sugars, lipids or polymers.

It has a wide linear dynamic range of up to 2000 µRIU and maximum flow rate of 10 ml/min.

BaySpec​ launched a Raman spectrometer during Analytica for industries including food safety.

The Agility is a dual-band portable Raman instrument and has the option to select 1064 nm laser excitation to eliminate fluorescence.

Measurements can be done in light tight chamber with interchangeable sampling accessories for liquid vial, powder, thin slide, pills, rotating platform, and external fiber optic Raman probe.

Horizon Technology​ introduced the SmartPrep Cartridge Extractor II for method development and automation of previously developed manual methods.

Cartridges of 1, 3 and 6-mL size from most manufacturers can be used in the system, which the firm said eased the transition to automation.

It is designed for special environmental applications, such as 1,4 dioxane, nitrosamines, acetamide herbicide degradates and food preparation such as aflatoxins in peanut paste.

Julabo​ showed instruments, including heating and cooling circulators, temperature control systems, recirculating coolers, and water baths.

The new units from the CORIO CD series include refrigerated/heating circulator models CD-601F, CD-900F, CD-1000F, and CD-1001F.

They have a working temperature range of -40 to +150 °C and heating capacity of 2 kW.

Depending on the unit, the stainless steel bath tanks have a filling volume of 5 to 56 L. Pump capacity of all units is 15 l/min and 0.35 bar.

The water-cooled PRESTO W50 and W50t deliver heating and cooling capacity with in a temperature range of -50 to +250 °C. They offer a heating capacity of 6 kW (W50) or 12 kW (W50t) and cooling capacity of 7.5 kW.

Huber Kältemaschinenbau​ showcased systems and further developments in temperature control from -125 °C to +425 °C.

KISS lab circulators were a focus of the stand and come standard with USB and RS232 connections.

Other new products included Unistats with high pressure pumps, quick disconnects, an expanded Minichiller range, the E-grade “Explore” for the Pilot ONE, and Unichillers (bench top and tower).

The firm said its temperature control machines are used in food and drinks for temperature-dependent quality controls, determining product shelf life and research for development of new foods.

Syft Technologies ​showed the dual-polarity SIFT-MS ion source for trace gas analysis.

Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) is a form of direct mass spectrometry that analyzes trace amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and inorganic gases in air.

Gilson​ said it would focus on Internet of Things (IoT) cloud-based solutions to improve laboratory data reliability and reproducibility.

Nicolas Paris, Gilson CEO, said the universal challenge facing 21st century life scientists hinges on verifiable data.

“Trusted and consistent sample preparation is at the core of this challenge. We’re committed to help scientists and to save them time in managing their experimental data, while at the same time making their lab life easier and letting them focus on real science.”​

The manufacturer of liquid handling, purification and extraction systems unveiled a prototype of Gilson LABHUB which tracks, records and relays the actions and performance of connected instruments to the cloud for sharing among a scientific team, helping to improve the accuracy of future data.

It also featured sciNote, a free open source electronic lab notebook (ELN) which offers a way to manage scientific data and store it in one place.