Laboratory Products 35
Particle Characterisation Instrument Attracts Users to Georgia Tech’s Multi-User Nanotechnology Research Centre
Particle characterisation using the Zetasizer Nano is a growing area of demand among a whole arsenal of research methods available for use at the Nanotechnology Research Centre (NRC) at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the USA. Initially chosen for this multi-user facility because it was the dynamic light scattering system most familiar to external users and students alike, the Zetasizer Nano from Malvern Instruments was installed in November 2010. Cost and user service also played a part in its selection. Since its installation, the instrument’s ease of use and wide range of applications for particle size, molecular weight, and zeta potential measurement have been drawing in new users and making the instrument increasingly popular among a growing number of users.
“We have had several researchers become new NRC users because they want to access our Malvern Zetasizer Nano,” said Dr David Gottfried, the Senior Research Scientist responsible for managing this tool at Georgia Tech’s NRC.
“As a multi-user resource facility for external users as well as Georgia Tech students, we have provided training and consultation on the Zetsizer Nano to nearly 20 individuals so far,” explained Dr Gottfried. “We encourage users to be as independent as possible. The fact that Zetasizer Nano measurements are software driven means that there’s nothing to adjust. I can therefore give users unaided access in a short period of time knowing that the learning curve is short. They only come to us when they need help. The Zetasizer Nano is so easy to use that, following a brief introduction, I often don’t hear from them again.”
Used in a wide variety of projects, some of the NRC’s Zetasizer Nano recent applications include the development of liposomes for drug delivery, optimisation of magnetic nanoparticles for use in cancer treatment, and the analysis of micron-sized inorganics such as hematite (iron oxide).
Zetasizer Nano particle characterisation systems from Malvern Instruments measure particle size, zeta potential and molecular weight. Applications range from characterising high concentration colloids and nanoparticles, through to measurement of dilute proteins and macromolecules in their native state, requiring as little as 12 microlitres of sample.
Circle no. 114 Automated (F)ISH Testing
The new ThermoBrite Elite from Iris Sample Processing automates the pre and post hybridisation steps in (F)ISH testing and provides on-board denaturation and hybridisation. The system offers the same accurate temperature control of +/- 1˚C as the original ThermoBrite system.
Twelve slides can be processed per run. Just load the slides and walk away. An easy-to-use graphic user interface offers standard protocols for blood, urine or solid tumor (F)ISH procedures or the user can customise protocols for other tests. Up to 10 reagents can be dispensed and there are three independent waste ports for proper disposal. It frees up to 90% of the technician time and allows the tech to do other important activities.
The system is a small bench top unit that can fit virtually anywhere in the laboratory. It provides consistency and reproducibility in (F)ISH testing while saving time and money.
Circle no. 115
The Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS in Dresden is using a Carbolite furnace to research debinding and sintering of ceramics as part of in-depth investigations into the application benefits of foamed ceramics.
The research at Fraunhofer IKTS called for a custom- built 35 litre capacity 1400°C furnace with silicon carbide heating. Additionally, Fraunhofer IKTS required the furnace to provide improved management of the toxic cyanide, isocyanate and nitrogen dioxide fumes that were produced from their previous, conventional furnace, as the polyurethane foam matrix and organic binders were burned-off. Carbolite achieved this goal by mounting a secondary catalytic after-burner on top of the primary chamber furnace.
A Range of Five Modular Isolators for Sterility Testing
Telstar has developed a new range of five modular isolators for sterility testing in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry, which can be configured to the number of samples to be processed.
The range of isolators designed by Telstar makes it possible, for the first time, to validate sterile/aseptic production processes by selecting the size of the equipment according to the number of samples to be processed, considering production batch size, process time and space available. By incorporating an optional material air-lock, it is possible to operate the isolator in continuous mode, whereby samples are introduced as required.
Type 1.- 2 gloves are suitable for 1 to 2 Sterility Tests per batch; type 2 - 3 gloves are suitable for 3 to 6 Sterility Tests per batch; type 3.- 4 gloves are suitable for 7 to 10 Sterility Tests per batch; type 4 - 3 gloves with material air lock are suitable for 20 Sterility Tests per batch and continuous processing; and type 5 - 4 gloves with material air lock are suitable for 20 Sterility Tests per batch and continuous processing.
The modular concept and standardisation ensure a testing process which is adaptable to the particular characteristics of each application, with the resulting benefits in cost and energy saving, while also maximising the effectiveness of the process. The difference in the initial investment between a Type 5 and a Type 1 unit can represent a saving of over 30%, as well as saving in operating and maintenance costs.
The new Telstar range of modular isolators for sterility testing incorporates a decontamination system using for the first time ionised hydrogen peroxide (iHP).
This is the only system in the decontamination market which does not require the isolator preconditioning stage, enabling a saving in process time and costs of as much as 10% per cycle compared to the traditional type of H2O2 systems.
Telstar has also developed all the accessories to enable the new range of sterility
testing isolators to use any H2O2 decontamination system, either integrated or external to the isolator.
Circle no. 116
The after-burner was derived from a modified variant of a Carbolite ‘G-range’ tube furnace incorporating a central core comprising a catalytic labyrinth to ensure the toxic fumes were fully combusted. Samples containing up to 150g of polyurethane can now be tested with the processed fumes from the Carbolite furnace now being fed into the Fraunhofer's extractor system, which operates at 150 to 250 litres/minute.
The overall solution is designed and constructed to automatically run through variations on a two-step temperature cycle. For debinding purposes the furnace has to run at 600°C but the furnace also needs to run at 1290°C for sintering of the ceramic foam once the binder has burned off. To protect the afterburner, Carbolite also fitted an automatic damper system which is designed to close automatically when the main furnace temperature rises beyond 600°C.
The Carbolite solution is specially constructed to ensure that the exhaust fumes are introduced to the catalyst at the optimum effective temperature for catalytic performance without damaging the catalyst. To achieve optimal catalytic conditions the furnace system is equipped with a sophisticated control system. The main furnace chamber and the sample being studied are protected by a variable temperature and over-temperature protection thermostat in addition to the main programmable controller.
Additional control equipment includes an afterburner controller pre-set at 550°C plus a flip- flop over temperature device set at 750°C in order to protect the afterburner.
Circle no. 117
Furnace Constructed for the Thermal Treatment of Foamed Ceramics
INTERNATIONAL LABMATE - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
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