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Refractometry & Polarimetry
Benefi ts of biopharmaceuticals
Biopharmaceuticals offer numerous advantages over traditional small-molecule drugs, making them a game-changer in healthcare.
1. Structural similarity to human compounds: Biopharmaceuticals closely mimic natural human proteins, reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions. This structural compatibility allows them to cure diseases rather than merely manage symptoms. For instance, monoclonal antibodies can precisely target specifi c disease markers, providing a level of specifi city unattainable with conventional drugs.
2. Fewer side effects: Traditional medications often act on multiple systems, leading to a range of side effects. In contrast, biopharmaceuticals are highly specifi c, interacting only with their intended targets.
3. Sustainability: Unlike chemical synthesis processes that generate signifi cant environmental waste, biopharmaceuticals are produced in living systems. The use of genetically modifi ed organisms eliminates the need for environmentally harmful synthesis steps, offering a sustainable alternative for drug production.
Case Study: Insulin Production
Diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition characterised by high blood sugar levels, exemplifi es the transformative potential of biopharmaceuticals. With this disease, insuffi cient insulin activity leads to metabolic imbalances.
Insulin, a peptide hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, regulates carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Before the advent of recombinant DNA technology, insulin was extracted from animal pancreases, a process fraught with challenges such as limited supply and immunogenic responses.
Today, recombinant insulin is produced by introducing the human insulin gene into bacteria or yeast. These microorganisms effi ciently synthesise insulin, which is then purifi ed and formulated for therapeutic use. This approach ensures a consistent supply of high-quality insulin, signifi cantly improving the lives of millions of diabetes patients worldwide.
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New refractometer supports cost-effective chemical quality control
Anton Paar is proud to introduce the Abbemat series of refractometers, offering unmatched precision, and effi ciency to meet the specifi c needs of the chemicals industry. From raw material verifi cation to intermediate control and fi nal product testing, Abbemat refractometers are designed to deliver reliable refractive index (RI) measurements or concentration with full traceability to metrological reference standards, ensuring consistency and accuracy in chemical applications.
The Abbemat Essential and Advanced models are engineered to provide precision and operational effi ciency for laboratory and production workfl ows. These instruments excel in measuring refractive index with a precision of up to ±0.00002 nD, covering a broad range from 1.26 nD to 1.72 nD. This accuracy is made possible through strict temperature control, precise wavelength calibration, and factory calibration using certifi ed reference standards from national metrology institutes. This ensures full traceability and minimises uncertainty.
Designed with the demanding conditions of chemical laboratories in mind, the Abbemat refractometers are robust and durable. The sapphire measuring prism - on which there’s a 25-year warranty - offers superior resistance to scratches and chemical damage, ensuring long-lasting accuracy even in environments where exposure to harsh substances is common. The sample well, crafted from high-grade stainless steel, provides excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, and an optional Hastelloy sample well offers additional protection against highly corrosive substances such as nitric and sulfuric acids. This combination of durability and reliability ensures consistent performance in even the most challenging applications.
In addition, the Abbemat refractometers enhance effi ciency for laboratories handling high sample throughput. With rapid cycles below 10 seconds for measurement and documentation of the results, these instruments increase sample throughput without compromising accuracy. Optional accessories, such as the micro-fl ow cell, allow for precise measurements with minimal sample volumes, reducing waste and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Furthermore, the instruments integrate seamlessly with other Anton Paar devices, such as density meters and viscometers, creating automated workfl ows that support multiparameter analysis in a single operation.
In combination with Anton Paar’s AP Connect software secure data transfer, centralised management, and full traceability, support audit readiness. Features such as user management, protect against unauthorised data access. Measurement results are securely stored in a database preventing accidental loss of data, ensuring that laboratories maintain confi dence in their results.
Anton Paar’s Abbemat refractometers offer the precision and reliability required to meet the most rigorous demands of the chemicals industry. With a focus on operational effi ciency, robustness, and speed, these instruments empower laboratories to achieve consistent quality control, even in the most challenging environments.
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ilmt.co/PL/Lwlo 64749pr@reply-direct.com Quality control solutions for the soft drinks market
Britain’s soft drinks market is a lucrative industry valued at over £10 billion annually and it comes as no surprise that companies are looking for the best form of controlling dilution ratio and ensuring that fi nal products meet stringent quality control protocols. Did you know that nine out of the top ten manufacturers rely on Xylem’s Bellingham + Stanley brand RFM refractometers as their fi rst-choice laboratory instrumentation?
Refractometers are used to measure the total dissolved solids (TDS) of a liquid and commonly express the result as Brix (sucrose % by weight in an aqueous solution). Since beverages are mostly composed of sugar dissolved in water, the Brix value (also known as the apparent Brix) provides an easy way to monitor the dilution ratio of sugar-based drinks.
Refractometers are robust and extremely easy to use. Unlike density meters, fruit pulp or bubbles have negligible effects on the reading (although simple degassing is recommended for carbonated beverages), and results are provided in as little as 10 seconds. Importantly, controlling the dilution ratio of expensive ingredients such as syrups to the lowest possible limit, without risking crossing its threshold and therefore compromising taste, presents an opportunity to increase profi ts by maximising yield.
For diet beverages containing little or no sugar, an alternative ‘marker’ must be chosen to control dilution. Typically, an ingredient such as citric or phosphoric acid is targeted via titration. This is why it’s common to see an auto-titrator, such as Xylem’s TitroLine® 7000 with an interchangeable burette, alongside a refractometer in the lab. This combination not only measures the acid content of sugar-based beverages but also assists with dilution control in so-called ‘diet’ or ‘zero sugar’ drinks.
Artisan producers are not overlooked. Xylem’s OPTi® handheld refractometers offer a digital readout ranging from 0 to 95 Brix, automatically compensated to 20°C. When paired with the entry-level TitroLine® 5000 auto-titrator, this budget-friendly combination of instrumentation provides an essential stepping stone for producers looking to enhance their production capabilities with confi dence.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/qGM7 64175pr@reply-direct.com
Future perspectives
As the fi eld of biopharmaceuticals continues to evolve, amino acids will remain central to innovations in drug design and manufacturing. Advances in protein engineering, cell line development, and synthetic biology promise to further enhance the therapeutic potential of biologics. Additionally, the integration of artifi cial intelligence and machine learning into protein sequence optimisation will likely streamline the development of next-generation biopharmaceuticals.
Conclusion
Polarimetry remains a vital analytical technique for regulated industries, particularly pharmaceuticals. Anton Paar MCP polarimeters combine advanced technology with intelligent data management, ensuring precision, reliability, and compliance. From analysing amino acids to supporting biopharmaceutical production, these instruments exemplify innovation in quality control.
The Anton Paar MCP polarimeters offer tailored solutions for these applications, with compact models like MCP 100/150 for limited lab space and high-end MCP 4100/5100/5500 models for fl exible, modular setups.
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