Laboratory Products 39
Polymer Nanoparticles used as Drug Carriers Characterised using NTA at Saarland University
NanoSight reports on how Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, NTA, is used to help with the characterisation of polymeric nanoparticles synthesised as drug carrier systems. This work is being carried out at Saarland University, Saarbrücken in Germany by Dr Christian Ruge and his colleagues.
In the world of pharmaceutical sciences, a detailed and full characterisation of particles synthesised as drug carrier systems is indispensable. The particle size is a crucial parameter to be monitored as this will affect the stability of formulations. It will also impact with respect to size-dependent effects in biological experiments, such as the uptake of drug systems by cells.
Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis is used as a complementary tool to a Malvern Zetasizer to characterise the nanoparticles prepared by Dr Christian Ruge, a research scientist in the Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology in the group of
Professor Claus-Michael Lehr. The particles are mainly polymer-based and typically in the size range from 100nm to 400nm. Especially when studying samples of moderate polydispersity (i.e. with a polydispersity index, PDI, of larger than 0.2), the group uses the NanoSight system to measure the preparations to identify particle populations which are not resolved by the Malvern system.
Talking of the benefits of using NTA rather than techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, SEM, or dynamic light scattering, DLS, Dr Ruge commented, "The fact that the system is performing particle-by-particle-based measurements is a huge advantage, especially in terms of its resolving power. The fact that the instrument gives a concentration value is very useful. I feel that ‘visualisation’ of the particles based on their scattered light gives more ‘insight’ as to the sample and its behaviour. I personally find that it is more fun working with the NanoSight instrument compared to the Zetasizer. The interaction with the instrument and being able to visualise the individual particles makes it less of a ‘black box’ instrument and more ‘interesting’ for me as a scientist to use. Also, I have found that during demonstrations for students, the NanoSight appears to be more transparent and thus better suited for educational purposes."
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Determination of Carbon and Sulphur in Organic and Inorganic Solids
When using conventional elemental analysers for carbon and sulphur determination in solids, the user has to decide whether to use a resistance furnace to analyse organic compounds or an induction furnace for inorganic compounds. Not with Eltra’s unique CS-2000 analyser which combines both techniques. Thus the user only needs one analyser to examine organic matrices (such as fuels, oils, chemicals) and inorganic matrices (such as steel, ores, ceramics, glass) for their carbon and sulphur content directly without cumbersome sample preparation. The analysis time of the CS-2000 is impressively short: analysis of steel, for example, only takes about 50 seconds; for coal it is about 90 seconds.
Carbon and sulphur are measured simultaneously with an accurate infrared detection system. Up to four measuring cells can be customised according to the user’s requirements. Dual infrared detectors for C and S allow reliable detection of both parameters from sensitive, low levels to high ranges. Eltra’s CS-2000 is a robust, maintenance-friendly and flexible instrument for carbon and sulphur determination in organic and inorganic samples which is unique in the market. Benefits include: unique technology allows for analysis of organic and inorganic samples; individual measuring ranges for C and S from low ppm levels to high percentages; very short analysis time; automated sample feeding (optional); robust design for use in production and lab.
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New Insulin Pen Designed for Diabetic Cats and Dogs
Owen Mumford, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of medical devices has produced the world’s first insulin pen specifically designed for diabetic cats and dogs. Working in collaboration with MSD Animal Health, Owen Mumford has designed the pen for pet owners to help them manage their pets’ diabetes more easily by making insulin injections simpler, accurate and less time-consuming.
Similar to insulin pens for human diabetes, VetPen offers pet owners an easy-to-use alternative to traditional syringes and vials. Now, instead of having to draw insulin into a syringe, they simply place a pre- loaded insulin cartridge inside the pen making the whole process more straightforward, quick and most importantly, accurate. Owen Mumford’s precise instrumentation reduces the risk of user error and makes selecting the correct dosage as simple as turning a dial, providing the right amount of insulin every time.
VetPen is sturdy making handling easier, which is of particular benefit to any pet owner with poor eyesight, arthritis or unsteady hands and therefore also helps to reduce the risk of accidental needle stick injuries.
Two sizes of VetPen are available; an 8 unit pen for cats and small dogs and a 16 unit pen for larger dogs. VetPen is available through reputable veterinary practices in the UK, the EU, Switzerland and will be launched soon in other countries throughout the world.
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INTERNATIONAL LABMATE - MARCH 2013
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