There is considerable interest in chemical imaging of pharmaceutical tablets since knowledge of the spatial distribution of constituents is critical to ensuring uniformity and consistency of product. Pharmaceutical tablets in general are complex multicomponent blends comprising active ingredients(s) and a variety of inactive substances—the excipients—that are used to aid manufacture and facilitate tablet administration. Thus, in addition to measurement of the spatial distribution of the active drug, there is a need to monitor excipients such as binders, fillers, coatings, lubricants, disintegrants and preservatives. Imaging of organic and inorganic constituents of tablets represents a considerable challenge and no single spectroscopic approach can provide definitive characterisation of all components and/or satisfy key measurement criteria such as sensitivity, specificity, resolution and speed of analysis. With respect to molecular imaging, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Raman and fluorescence microscopies are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. Indeed efforts have been made to exploit the complementary nature of IR and Raman by merging respective data sets in order “to enable a more complete visualisation of pharmaceutical formulations”. More generally the approach of Clarke et al. termed “Chemical Imaging Fusion” can be extended to elemental imaging given that inorganic compounds and heteroatoms are critical components of formulations.

The D-Torch from Glass Expansion is a new demountable torch design for ICP spectrometers. It allows the outer tube and the injector to be quickly and easily replaced and is low in cost.

Exposure to chemical pollutants is of growing concern to regulators, health workers and environmentalist groups. Now, researchers in the USA and Russia have demonstrated that samples of human bone can act as a biological marker for dozens of metals and toxic elements across the periodic table. They describe details in a study published in the International Journal of Environment and Health [Vol. 4, Nos. 2/3, pp. 278–292 (2010)].

The problem of detecting, recognising and identifying explosives at significant standoff distances has proved one of the most difficult—and most important—challenges during recent years, being today, one of the most demanding applications of spectroscopic techniques. The limited number of sophisticated available techniques potentially capable of standoff detection of minimal amounts of explosives is based on laser spectroscopy. Of the recently developed techniques, Raman spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) are considered significant for their potential for homeland defence applications.

 

The U-Series is a new style of glass concentric nebuliser from Glass Expansion. It provides improved performance and is very simple to use. The main benefits are that the sample channel is uniform from the entry point to the tip, which helpsavoid blockages; since there is nowhere for sample to be trapped, washout time is reduced and sample throughput increased; the VitriCone construction incorporates a precision-machined heavy glass capillary which resists vibration and delivers precision; Glass Expansion’s proprietary UniFit sample connector provides a simple connection with no dead volume. The U-Series is compatible with all ICP-OES and ICP-MS models.

Horiba has announced the construction of a new research facility and European headquarters on the campus of the École Polytechnique in Paris. The new centre will give Horiba access to a pool of innovative technologies, resources and personnel from nearby academic, government and commercial research centres. It is due to open in late 2011.  www.horiba.com/uk/scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s iCAP 6000 series ICP emission spectrometer has been chosen by Imperium Renewables, one of the largest producers of biodiesel in the USA, to measure the trace element content of bio­diesel to ensure it complies with worldwide regulations. www.thermo.com/icap

Spectro Analytical Instruments has introduced an improved version of their Spectro Genesis. The CCD-based ICP-OES instrument is available with either radial or axial plasma observation and is especially suited to routine, rigorous environmental and industrial elemental analysis applications.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced a new addition to its range of automated OES and XRF spectrometers which integrates multiple stand-alone laboratory instruments, including sample preparation, in a fully automated cell to optimise the entire analytical workflow and improve process control efficiencies in the mining and metals industries.

Niagara Plus accessory for ICP-OES and ICP-MS equipment. It utilises flow injection technology to reduce the laboratory's environmental footprint, reduce operating costs and improve sample throughput. Benefits include reduced cost of argon and consumables, lower power consumption and less waste, reduced analysis time, automatic internal standard and low carryover with the sample not contacting any peristaltic pump tubing.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced the ARL 3460 Advantage metals analyser, an optical emission spectrometer which features four configurations specifically designed for the analysis of cast iron, steel and aluminium samples, addressing the analytical requirements of foundries and metal processing companies. Calibrated in the factory, the analyser provides an immediate turn-key solution which is ready to analyse samples from installation. It is powered by OXSAS analytical software which is designed to meet the specific needs of users in the metal industry and includes “Key to Metals”, a comprehensive steel and non-ferrous metals worldwide database which offers unlimited access to more than 3,400,000 records for chemical composition, properties and specifications for metals.

Thermo Fisher Scientific have announced the availability of a new demonstration DVD which serves as a convenient evaluation tool to increase efficiency in elemental analysis laboratories in a variety of application areas in the metallurgy industry, from foundries to large aluminium smelters and modern steel works. Featuring a video of the automated ARL Metals Analyser with SMS-2000 sampling manipulation systems the DVD is designed to allow current and prospective customers to discover the features, benefits and abilities of automation. It provides a complete overview of the ARL SMS-2000 series, featuring the benefits of full laboratory workflow automation, from sample preparation and analysis to sample labelling and result distribution. Designed for use with Thermo's OES or XRF spectrometers, the system provides an integrated automation solution with operational flexibility to cover the most demanding applications. A choice of sample preparation techniques is available for metals and oxides. Users are able to achieve more precise results in less time and are able to work closer to low-grade specification limits, saving expensive alloying material. The DVD can be requested free-of-charge from the company's website.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has published a new application note to illustrate the capabilities of its iCAP 6200 ICP spectrometer for the analysis of toxic trace elements in children's toys. The application note, entitled Analysis of migratory elements in toy samples using the Thermo Scientific iCAP 6200 ICP spectrometer assesses the performance of the spectrometer for the routine analysis of toy samples for consumer safety verification. Three samples extracted from a toy car and a baby rattle are analysed, each prepared in accordance with ASTM F963-08 and EN71 Part 3. The study utilises the iCAP's integrated iTEVA software, which is supplied with pre-loaded method templates that enable protocol-compliant sample analysis in the environment, food safety, toy safety and WEEE/RoHS market sectors. These templates, combined with the instrument's pre-optimised sample introduction system, enable simple out-of-box operation and ensure both novice and experienced ICP users can achieve good analytical performance with minimal method development requirements.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Issue: 21/05 RSN: 133 More information via

Teledyne Leeman Labs has published a new application note entitled The Analysis of Edible Oils using the Prodigy High Dispersion ICP. Edible oils are derived from a wide variety of plants and plant seeds and are used in many aspects of domestic and world- wide food production. Once the oil has been extracted from a plant seed, it is refined as needed for use in foods such as salad dressings, margarine, shortenings, snack foods and frying oils. The elements of concern for the analysis of edible oils are phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and nickel. Significant concentrations of these metals can affect the flavour, colour and stability of the oils. To improve product quality these substances are removed during the refining process. This application note demonstrates the ability of the Prodigy High Dispersion ICP to determine trace elements in edible oils. Its sensitivity and dispersion, combined with appropriately chosen wavelengths and background correction points, can be used to provide accurate and reliable results from a large number of elements in the oils.

Teledyne Leeman Labs Issue: 21/05 RSN: 137 More information via

Agilent Technologies have signed a definitive agreement to acquire Varian, paying $1.5 billion. As well as adding $1 billion in annual sales to Agilent’s existing $5.8 billion, it significantly expands the range of technologies in Agilent’s portfolio. Varian are particularly strong in NMR, imaging and vacuum technologies, but also can offer a number of atomic and molecular spectroscopies.

Dr. Marcus Young from Northwestern University, USA, together with collaborators from the Art Institute of Chicago, have classified the unique composition profiles of cast bronze sculptures by major European artists of the first half of the 20th century, profiles which could be used as another method to identify, date and even authenticate sculptures. Their findings were published in Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry (doi: 10.1007/s00216-009-2938-y).

Horiba Scientific has developed the GD Profiler HTP, a turnkey product for evaluating the quality of heat treament processes, providing rapid depth profiles of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and other elements for better monitoring of heat treatment processes. The chemical composition complements the mechanical tests usually made in the metallurgy industry. The targeted applications are notably automotive, gears and windmills.

HORIBA Jobin Yvon SAS Issue: 21/03 RSN: 107

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced that Thames Water, the UK’s largest water and wastewater services company, has chosen the iCAP 6000 Series ICP emisison spectrometer for the detection and quantification of trace elements in drinking water samples. www.thermo.com/icap

Lambda Advanced Technology has announced the availability of the new “speedwave four” microwave digestion system from Berghof. Featuring Berghof's contact-free temperature measurement system and contact-free pressure measurement system for all sample vessels, the system also has a new controller which includes network compatibility via an Ethernet interface. Used for the preparation of samples for AA, ICP or ICP/MS analysis, it offers digestion control using microwave sample heating to give reduced digestion times and high sample throughput rates. A temperature up to 260°C and operating pressures of up to 190 bar enables a wide range of digestions to be carried out from routine applications in food, environment and medical to hard-to-digest inorganic samples. A choice of digestion vessels allows multiple digestions to be carried out simultaneously.Lambda Advanced Technology LtdIssue: 20/06 RSN:

PerkinElmer have introduced their ExoAnalytix initiative. This is initially aimed at food and consumer product safety, water quality and sustainable energy development. The initiative will combine application-focussed solutions with information from leading scientists, industry experts and government. www.perkinelmer.com/ecoanalytix