SPOTLIGHT FEATURE Sample Preparation & Processing
Precision rotary evaporators for demanding workflows
Rotary Evaporation
Class 2 BSC drives success in plant conservation
Its large, intuitive touchscreen allows users to monitor all functions at a glance, with parameters adjustable via touch, a rotary knob, or both simultaneously for rapid fine- tuning. Rotation speeds range from 20 to 300 rpm, with heating temperatures of up to 185°C, while an independent safety circuit prevents the bath from overheating.
The Strike Series Rotary Evaporators from Wiggens deliver high performance and ergonomic design, making them ideal for separation, concentration, and purification tasks in laboratories and pilot plants alike.
Designed to scale with your workflow, the series supports evaporation flasks of up to 100 L and includes models ranging from standard laboratory units to explosion- proof (ATEX-certified) versions. Continuous distillation options are also available, ensuring solutions for virtually any separation need.
The latest lab-scale Strike 185 combines modern design with advanced technology.
Real-time monitoring of steam and cooling water temperatures is possible when sensors are connected, and the heating bath tank can be adjusted horizontally by up to 90 mm to accommodate different flask sizes. A variety of evaporating and collection flasks is available to suit different volumes, making the system highly adaptable. Integrated temperature and vacuum controllers, along with a timer, support automated distillation programs that save time while maintaining precise control.
With the Strike Series, users benefit from efficient, precise, and safe evaporation, whether in research laboratories or pilot plant operations, making it a versatile solution for modern separation workflows.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/dVQA 66448pr@reply-direct.com
Automated software for unattended flow chemistry
Flow Chemistry
At the National Trust’s Plant Conservation Centre (PCC), protecting the UK’s rare and endangered plants requires a blend of expertise, precision, and the right technology. To ensure the survival of some of the nation’s most fragile species, staff are now using a Monmouth Scientific Class 2 Biological Safety Cabinet. This specialised equipment allows delicate plant tissues to be propagated in completely sterile conditions, safeguarding both the plants and the people caring for them.
Propagation at the PCC is both art and science. Working with species on the edge of extinction means every step must be carefully controlled. Techniques such as tissue culture and grafting, where buds, meristems, or leaf sections are grown under laboratory conditions, are highly sensitive to contamination. Even minor errors can compromise weeks or months of painstaking work, making the environment in which these plants are handled just as important as the expertise of the staff.
external equipment - including additional pumps, reactors, recirculators, and inline analytics - can be integrated seamlessly.
The platform also supports OPC UA, the industry standard for automation, opening the door for machine learning applications and advanced process control. Performance can be further enhanced by adding additional pump channels via optional licenses.
The capabilities of Vapourtec’s E-Series flow chemistry system can now be extended with new reaction automation software, enabling fully unattended experiments and laying the groundwork for automated reaction optimisation.
Developed with direct customer input, the software features a touchscreen interface, schematic editor for experimental setup, and advanced data logging with real-time graphing. Users can run single or multiple reaction conditions simultaneously, while
Duncan Guthrie, Managing Director of Vapourtec, said: “The software’s intuitive touchscreen allows users to zoom and visualise data in real time, while flexible graphing options make it easy to monitor and compare experimental outcomes instantly.”
Since its launch in 2013, the E-Series has been installed in over 350 labs worldwide and features in more than 270 peer-reviewed publications, including a recent deployment at Imperial College London.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/0KAA 66057pr@reply-direct.com
The Class 2 cabinet provides a controlled workspace that protects plant material, personnel, and the wider environment simultaneously. Inward airflow ensures staff are shielded from exposure to biological material, while sterile laminar airflow prevents contamination of sensitive samples. Exhaust air is filtered, maintaining the safety and integrity of the laboratory. Integrated into the PCC’s rigorous biosecurity protocols, the cabinet underpins key conservation practices, from quarantining newly acquired specimens to enhancing hygiene across all laboratory processes.
Since its installation, the PCC has seen measurable improvements. Propagation rates have increased thanks to reduced contamination, while staff can work with confidence knowing their safety is assured. Repeatable workflows have boosted efficiency, allowing the centre to accelerate conservation efforts and focus on critical projects such as maintaining seed and tissue banks, supporting species reintroduction, and collaborating with universities and research institutes.
By combining horticultural expertise with advanced laboratory technology, the PCC and Monmouth Scientific are creating a sterile haven where some of the UK’s rarest plants can thrive. From laboratory benches to rewilded landscapes, each successfully propagated specimen represents a vital step in protecting the country’s botanical heritage for future generations.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/32QN 66158pr@reply-direct.com
High-yield protein extraction from bacterial cells
SoluLyse™ from Amsbio offers a fast, efficient, and gentle method for extracting soluble proteins from bacterial cells. Using a proprietary non-ionic detergent formulation, SoluLyse™ perforates bacterial cell walls without denaturing proteins - eliminating the need for laborious secondary treatments such as sonication or freeze-thaw cycles.
Compared with other commercial lysis reagents, SoluLyse™ can increase soluble protein yields by up to ten-fold, making it ideal for both small- and large-scale protein extraction. Proteins extracted with SoluLyse™ are fully compatible with downstream applications including affinity purification and analysis.
Reagents
Environmental Control
The reagent can also be used to isolate high-purity inclusion bodies from total cell lysates.
With a simple, one-step protocol, SoluLyse™ delivers consistent, high-throughput results for bacterial protein research. A recent study in PNAS Nexus (OUP, 2025) highlighted its effectiveness in demanding membrane protein studies. Broad compatibility with bacterial strains such as E. coli BL21 and standard affinity systems (GST, His) makes SoluLyse™ a versatile addition to any protein-expression lab.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/LApO 66166pr@reply-direct.com
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LABMATE UK & IRELAND - FEBRUARY 2026
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