A European research project has shown how to build optical sensors directly into the structure of labs-on-chips. The breakthrough paves the way for on-the-spot medical diagnostics.

SCP Science has introduced the Novawave microwave digestion system, which employs 12 dynamically operating micro cavities to process 12 samples simultaneously. Other features include individual sample temperature control and monitoring; seamless microwave power control with no duty cycle; built-in EPA and DIN methods; and USB/Ethernet port connectivity for data processing and storage. With the Novawave Transporter attachment, up to 14 racks of 12 samples at a time can be prepared. The Transporter acts as a conveyor, automatically loading a new rack of samples into the microwave and removing the digested samples to the auto-cooling and auto-venting stations.

Chemplex is introducing a new line of unbreakable chemically resistant polyethylene transfer pipettes with integrated bulbs for filling XRF sample cups ensuring equal volumes of sample substances for X-ray analysis. This reduces the potential effects on x-ray data that translates to variations in concentration levels.Typical uses include: diesel and gasoline fuels, fluid lubricants, paint, chemicals, waste oils and many more sample materials requiring an inexpensive method of transferring samples into sample cups safely, without spillage, no contamination issues and economically priced for disposability.

PerkinElmer and Gilson have announced a mass spectrometry collaboration to support pharmaceutical and biotech scientists, which will enable the two companies to provide new and enhanced solutions for fraction collection and liquid chromatography. As part of the agreement, PerkinElmer will develop a dedicated single quadrupole mass spectrometer to be incorporated into Gilson’s preparative chromatography systems.  www.perkinelmer.com,  www.gilson.com

Biocius Life Sciences has completed its spin-out from BioTrove Inc. and is an independent company. It now holds all of the intellectual property and technology for the RapidFire mass spectrometry, which integrates sample preparation with mass spectrometry at a rate of up to 6s per sample.  www.biocius.com

Supercritical Fluid Technologies has launched the SFT-100XW supercritical fluid extraction system. This new, mid-scale SFE was developed to investigate the feasibility of applying supercritical fluid techniques to various analyses, processing challenges and QC/QA applications.

Millipore Corporation has announced the introduction of their redesigned Millex 13 mm sample preparation syringe filter to provide improved filtration speed and recovery. The filter utilises a housing design that withstands higher operating pressures to allow faster filtration.

The EZ-Pick II from S.T. Japan is a hand-held micromanipulator which has been designed to easily prepare samples at any location. It is shaped like a pen with a mounting device to attach sampling probes such as needles or knives at the front end. Inside the pen there is an ultra-mini high performance CCD and a specially designed optical lens. While manipulating samples or extracting small particles, the operation can be seen magnified on an attached 7″ LCD monitor. Applications include removing surface accretions in fine art conservation, on-site forensic analysis, small particle analysis, surface analysis and precision hand assembly.

S T Japan-Europe Issue: 21/03 RSN: 109

The new CryoMill from Retsch has been specially designed for cryogenic grinding. The grinding jar is continually cooled with liquid nitrogen from the integrated cooling system before and during the grinding process, ensuring that the sample is embrittled and volatile components are preserved. The liquid nitrogen circulates through the system and is continually replenished from an autofill system in the exact amount required to keep the temperature at –196°C and the automatic cooling system ensures that the grinding process is not started before the sample is thoroughly cooled. The grinding parameters can be stored for routine tasks, LEDs indicate the current state of operation and, with a vibrational frequency of 25 Hz, most materials can be processed effectively in a few minutes. Samples are mainly ground by impact but also by friction which enables finer grind sizes. The mill is equipped with one grinding station for grinding jar volumes of 25 mL, 25 mL and 50 mL or, alternatively, an adapter that holds up to four 5 mL jars can be used. The mill can also be operated without cooling, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Retsch GmbH Issue: 21/01 RSN: 114

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:

Agilent Technologies is to acquire Velocity11, who make automated liquid handling and laboratory robotics for the life science market. www.agilent.com, www.velocity11.com

Peak Scientific has been awarded with the Royal Bank of Scotland Award for International Trade. www.peakscientific.com

Responding to the needs of smaller laboratories, SCP Science has added a new product to its line of high-temperature digestion systems. Previously only available in 20- and 40-position models, the new 10-position DigiPrep HT offers the same quality digestion system but in a more compact, affordable package. Features of the new system include Teflon-coated two-tier racks offering corrosion resistance to acid attack, 33% more depth in each graphite well, a silicon carbide-coated graphite block that prevents warping which occurs with aluminium block and an integrated dual-glass window, making it easier to view samples when running a method.SCP ScienceIssue: 20/01 RSN:

Retch's new Mixer Mill MM 400 is suitable for the fast homogenisation of small sample volumes in the laboratory. It processes a great variety of materials such as tablets, minerals, bones, tissues, soils and plastics and achieves grind sizes down to 5 µm. The MM400 features two grinding stations and allows for the preparation of up to 20 samples simultaneously. It can be used for reproducible dry grinding and, thanks to screw-top, leak-proof grinding jars, it can also be used for wet grinding. For cryogenic grinding of temperature-sensitive samples, 1–2 minutes of external cooling of the sample inside the grinding jar is sufficient to embrittle the sample material. A wide range of accessories includes grinding jars in various sizes and materials as well as adapter racks which can be equipped with five to ten reaction vials which can be used for the disruption of cells, and plant and animal tissue.Retsch GmbHIssue: 20/01 RSN:

Agilent Technologies and BioTrove have agreed to co-market the Agilent 6410 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with BioTrove's RapidFire high-throughput sample preparation systems. The systems together provide an integrated solution for ultra-high-throughput preparation and analysis of in vitro assays in pharmaceutical drug research. www.agilent.com, www.biotrove.com

Peak Scientific opened their doors to customers and partners for a two-day celebration of their 10th anniversary and the Queen's Award for International Trade 2007. More than 100 visitors from over 20 countries attended. www.peakscientific.com

The HT280T is the newest addition to the HTA range of autosamplers. It is a single unit with a triple function—:it can perform static headspace analysis, liquid sample injection and solid-phase micro­extraction. It is compatible with most GC and GC/MS systems past and present, which can extend the life of older GCs, increase analysis throughput and improve results.The system is supplied with a conversion kit, allowing the user to switch between the three different modes. Conversion takes about five minutes and the sampler does not need to be removed from the GC.SMI-LabHut LimitedIssue: 19/06 RSN:

Horiba Jobin Yvon has announced the launch of the new Freezer Mill series. These cryogenic laboratory mills chill samples in liquid nitrogen and pulverise them with a magnetically driven impactor. The mills are compact with integral liquid nitrogen reservoirs, programmable touch screen controls and multiple user memory settings. Various tubes can be used, including micro vials for very small volumes such as one hair. The mills are particularly well suited to DNA/RNA extraction, pharmaceutical analyses, drug testing and medical research.HORIBA Jobin Yvon SASIssue: 19/04 RSN:

Pittcon 2007 has launched a new, re-designed website. www.pittcon.org

Anachem’s Bioscience division is now operating directly in the Republic and Northern Ireland through the local Dublin office. bioscience@anachem.co.uk, www.anachem.co.uk