Discovery Scientific New Product Information

New ARCHIMEDES particle metrology system offers ultra-high resolution measurement capability for nanoparticle characterization, nanofabrication, protein therapeutic development and live cell and bacterial growth monitoring

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:23:00 GMT

The new ARCHIMEDES Particle Metrology System from Affinity Biosensors promises to revolutionize the way that nanoparticles, biomolecules such as proteins, bacteria, yeast and live mammalian cells are measured and characterized. The system is based on the use of novel microchannel resonators. As particles flow through the resonators the change in resonant frequency gives the particle or cell's mass and size with ultra-high resolution.

Key Applications for the ARCHIMEDES system include:

- Ultra-high resolution nanoparticle characterization (size, weight and density) for nanofabrication and
fuel cell technologies.
- Protein aggregation monitoring for the development, manufacture, storage and delivery of therapeutic
proteins
- Bacteria and mammalian cell growth monitoring for stem cell research and the development of new
therapeutics (e.g. antibiotics).

Particle metrology

The ARCHIMEDES system sets a new standard in particle metrology. Its ultra-high resolution surpasses dynamic light scattering, laser diffraction, and Brownian motion tracking. Simple NIST-traceable calibration gives true accuracy at the 1% level. Unlike light scattering, each particle is measured individually and there are no inversion algorithms or optical artifacts. The connection between your sample and the information you need is clear and rock solid. Even density can be measured.

Protein aggregation

Therapeutic protein treatments can slow the progression of many human diseases and can also replace critical proteins that are not produced endogenously. In the formulations used to deliver these treatments, however, aggregation of proteins can reduce their effectiveness. It is therefore essential to monitor aggregation in the development, manufacture, storage and delivery of therapeutic proteins and other biopharmaceutical formulations.

ARCHIMEDES has reproducibly measured aggregates ranging in size from as small as 100 nm up to 5 microns. The measurement below (left) shows the size distribution of submicron IgG protein aggregates in 4 μl of native sample. The measured concentration was 4x10⁶ aggregates per ml for sizes >300 nm. Because the underlying measurements are of mass, the distribution can be cast as the number of base proteins that make up each aggregate as is shown in the right plot. See the complete article below on Measuring Protein Formulations with ARCHIMEDES.

The ARCHIMEDES system can also be used to clearly distinguish foreign matter from protein aggregates.

Microbiology and live cell growth monitoring

ARCHIMEDES' gentle fluidics allow measurement of living cells in physiological conditions with all of the benefits of its unsurpassed metrology. The result is resolution far beyond the Coulter counter and flow cytometry. Obtain the most accurate cell mass distributions, monitor growth of bacteria and cells and even examine components in whole blood with the widest dynamic range. ARCHIMEDES weighs individual particles and living cells with a resolution below 1 femtogram (10^-15g) - one million times better than other mass measurements in fluid. You'll find a link to an article entitled "Using ARCHIMEDES for microbiological applications" under More Information below.

More Information

The following materials that describe the ARCHIMEDES system and its applications can be downloaded as PDFs:

ARCHIMEDES particle metrology system brochure
Using ARCHIMEDES for microbiological applications
Particle sizing analysis article from Royal Society of Chemistry
Measuring protein formulations with ARCHIMEDES
Nature article on particle characterization

Discovery introduces the new Eddy Jet 2 for spiral plating of bacterial colonies

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:12:00 GMT

The new Eddy Jet 2 takes a superb concept and makes it even better! About 10 years ago IUL introduced the first Eddy Jet which took the traditional methods of spiral plating and threw them out the window. Gone was the bleach, the lengthy cleaning cycles, the cross-contamination and the need for noisy vacuum pumps. Instead, IUL introduced a simple disposable gamma irradiated syringe that was supplied in easy to replace plug-in packs.

Each syringe is used for only one sample and therefore the possibility of cross-contamination is virtually eliminated. Here are some key features of the Eddy Jet 2 and its application for the spiral plating of bacterial colonies:

- Colonies are plated into Petri dishes in an exponential or logarithmic decreasing manner from the
centre to the periphery in an Archimedean spiral pattern (please see below).

- It takes considerably less than a minute to process each spiral plate. Watch a YouTube video of the
Eddy Jet 2 in action.

- Syringe packs are replaced in seconds.

- Tons of time is saved by eliminating wash cycles, cleaning dispensing needles and maintaining and
fixing pesky vacuum pumps.

The Eddy Jet 2 truly is a case of a good product made even better! Watch the video (see link above) or download a PDF brochure for more information.Contact Discovery for pricing.

New hollow fibre osmotic evaporator for use with thermo-sensitive molecules

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:10:00 GMT

Current evaporating techniques can often damage thermo-sensitive molecules. Now, from Ederna of France, comes a completely novel technology that utilizes osmotic distillation to concentrate samples in water more effectively and without compound damage.

Read more....

Discovery introduces the new PetakaG3 system for adherent and non-adherent cell culture

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:42:00 GMT

The PetakaG3™ is a revolutionary cell culture system that reduces culture contamination, saves space and reduces cell culture media and growth factor expenses. No additional CO₂ is required for any type of media and no added humidity is necessary as the system is not subject to environmental dehydration. Five versions of the PetakaG3 are available for different cell culture applications. If you are interested in trying out the PetakaG3 in your lab then contact our Customer Service Department to request free samples.

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Advanced technology of the PetakaG3 creates a unique hermetic environment for mammalian cell culture

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:11:00 GMT

The PetakaG3 from Celartia in Spain incorporates novel technology to create the ideal environment for cell culture. This compact and easy to use product (please see dimensions below) features a resealable access port which keeps the interior virtually hermetically closed to external elements in order to eradicate culture contamination and cross-contamination. It also features a gas transfer quenching system that allows gas exchange without gas bubbling and a filtered exit vent to prevent atmospheric contact.

The unit's shape and size make it comfortable and easy to handle, easy to store and trouble-free and safe to transport. The PetakaG3 design allows very low amounts of carbon dioxide to move in an out of the device through an 0.2 mm pore filter. No additional carbon dioxide is therefore required and cells in the PetakaG3 can be incubated in a closed and stable environment in regular incubators (without humidification) up to the limit of the cells' own metabolism.

There are five versions of the PetakaG3:

- PetakaG3™ LOT (Low Oxygen Transfer
- PetakaG3™ ET™ (Easy Transfer)
- PetakaG3™ HOT (High Oxygen Transfer)
- PetakaG3™ FLAT Suspended Cell Culture)
- PetakaG3™ MATRIX (Specific Molecular Matrix)

The PetakaG3 HOT, FLAT and MATRIX are manufactured from a co-polymer called Styrolux and are specifically designed for high oxygen respiring cells such as liver cells, monoclonal hybridomas, etc. Cells can be put into dormancy for transportation or short-term storage but the high gas diffusion material of the PetakG3 HOT does not allow the oxygen level to go below 2%; it is therefore unsuitable for long-term dormancy (more than 30 days without media change). Culturing for more than two weeks is also not recommended as the PetakaG3 walls not only allow gas to diffuse through but they also allow minute amounts of water to escape.

The PetakaG3 LOT and ET are manufactured from a crystal polystyrene called Styron and are designed for most mammalian cells with a low to medium oxygen diffusion rate such as CHO cells. This is the material from which all previous versions of the Petaka were manufactured. This material allows up to two months of dormancy without media change of low/medium oxygen respiring cells and up to several months with media change. Culturing in PetakaG3 LOT brings the dissolved oxygen levels in the media down to 1.5% that induces dormancy at confluence.

More Information

Visit Discovery's main instrumentation website for complete details on the PetakaG3 system. If you are interested in trying out the PetakaG3 in your lab then contact our Customer Service Department to request free samples.

Syngene releases new G:BOX gel documentation system for infrared imaging

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:17:00 GMT

The G:BOX Chemi IR⁶ is a fully configured gel documentation system for infrared (IR) applications. This high specification model easily outperforms laser-based systems in terms of capability, and most importantly, at a fraction of the price.

The G:BOX Chemi IR⁶ has a high resolution 6m pixel cooled CCD camera for superb image quality and incorporates a lighting system for the imaging of IR dyes such as LI-COR® IRDye 680 and IRDye 800. The system has comparable sensitivity and a limit of detection that is the same, if not better, than most popular laser-based systems.

One key advantage of the G:BOX Chemi IR⁶ is that, unlike laser- based systems, it also features advanced functionality for a wide range of applications such as DNA gel staining, blue light applications, Northern/Southern/Western blots, multiplexed Western blots, EMSA/gel shift assay and protein gel staining.

All trademarks acknowledged.

More Information

Please click here to download a PDF brochure describing the G:BOX Chemi IR⁶ or visit our main instrumentation site for information on the complete G:BOX product line of advanced imagers.

Syngene releases new G:BOX gel documentation system for infrared imaging

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:45:00 GMT

Syngene has just announced the release of its new 6 megapixel G:BOX Chemi IR⁶ gel documentation system for infrared imaging of IR dyes such as LI-COR® IRDye 680 and IRDye 800. This advanced imaging platform outperforms laser-based IR systems in terms of capability and price and also has complete functionality for visible, fluorescent and chemiluminescent applications.

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New GeneSys automated image acquisition software for Syngene gel imaging systems

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 21:08:00 GMT

Syngene has just released its revolutionary, fully automated, image acquisition software for its G:BOX and Dyversity line of gel imaging systems. This software will replace Syngene's GeneSnap software for controlling all darkroom, camera, filter and lighting functions. Key features of the GeneSys software include:

- Automated selection of exposure time, sensitivity setting, lighting requirements, lens control and filter selection.
- Automates complex multi-image acquisition of samples stained with multiple dyes.
- Removes the time element associated with chemiluminescence imaging - no saturated bands
- Select from a range of exposure times for chemiluminescent image acquisition
- Automates the capture of visible markers on Western blots.
- Can be used with a touch screen in bio-hazardous environment

The GeneSys software interface features large buttons that guide users through setup and image capture. Each screen prompts researchers to select the type of gel or blot they are using and which dye or dyes have been used to stain the material. The software then analyzes which filters and lighting options have been incorporated into the gel imaging system. Then, by querying its extensive database which contains manufacturers’ recommended conditions for detection of hundreds of commercially available DNA, RNA and protein dyes, the software determines the optimal conditions for imaging. The end-user can then select this option (or from a list of options) and the software instructs the imaging system to automatically set up the filters and lighting and produces either one or a series of quality gel images.

The fully automatic functions of GeneSys allow even the most difficult or complicated gels and blots to be imaged. For example, with chemiluminescence, the system has been programmed with the output profiles of most of the major commercially available chemiluminescent substrates and can determine the exposure setting best suited to a particular substrate. Then, during the image capture process, the software continually monitors the output from the blot until the best image is produced.

New GeneSys automated image acquisition software for Syngene gel imaging systems

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:57:00 GMT

The new GeneSys image acquisition software from Syngene automates all aspects of the image capture process. The software is built upon an extensive applications database that contains acquisition data for an extensive list of commercially available visible and fluorescent dyes as well as a wide range of chemiluminescent substrates. Just choose your sample and matrix type, click on the dye(s) you're using and GeneSys will do the rest!

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Technological advances in the culture of bacteria, yeast, algae, bacteriophage and mammalian and insect cells for protein expression and other applications

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:20:00 GMT

The new CellMaker Plus bioreactor system from Cellexus Limited promises to revolutionize the way that cells are cultured for protein expression and other applications. The Company designed the new system specifically for efficient growth of the widest range of cell types including bacteria, yeast, algae, bacteriophage as well as the more challenging mammalian and insect cells. This single-use bioreactor system, which will be available with both 8L and 50L capacities to provide flexibility in scale, incorporates a wealth of new technologies to improve processes and speed up set-up times. It includes a patented air dispersion system to effectively aerate and mix the cell culture and features a modular control system which is flexible and adaptable and can be configured to satisfy the specific needs of an application.

The CellMaker PLUS consists of four modules, the enclosure (please see below), a controller, a supply hub and an oxygenator. The enclosure holds a CellexusBag which is a unique, single-use, disposable cell culture bag that allows for fast set-up times and the elimination of lengthy cleaning protocols. Whereas other disposable systems require shakers, rockers, rollers or large environmental chambers, the CellMaker PLUS employs proprietary airlift technology to mix, aerate and maintain cell suspension.

This system is simple, scalable and inexpensive to use. The CellMaker PLUS controller allows for precise management of temperature (from 15 to 45⁰C), controls the flow and mix of sparge gas and enables monitoring and control of pH and dissolved oxygen (DO). Accurate control of these parameters enables optimization of culture growth and improved expression levels of soluble protein.

More Information

Please visit our main instrumentation web site for complete information on the CellMaker Plus.

Cellexus releases the modular CellMaker Plus bioreactor system

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 18:56:00 GMT

Our supplier, Cellexus Limited, has just announced the release of their new CellMaker Plus bioreactor system for culturing bacteria, yeast, algae, bacteriophage as well as mammalian and insect cells. The CellMaker Plus consists of a number of modules that can be added as application needs expand or budgets allow. The core of the process is a high grade, single use disposable bag that eliminates lengthy cleaning protocols and an aeration system that dispenses with the need for shakers, rockers, rollers or large environmental chambers.

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New osmotic method for the removal of water from samples containing thermo-sensitive molecules

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:13:00 GMT

Current evaporation techniques are often not suitable for thermo-labile molecules such as proteins because of the high operating temperatures that are traditionally employed. Discovery is pleased to announce the introduction of the Evapeos from Ederna of France that promises to provide a more rapid, low temperature, atmospheric pressure solution for the removal of water from samples containing thermo-sensitive compounds. Key applications for the Evapeos are active pharmaceutical ingredient and natural product concentration.

The Evapeos utilizes a process called osmotic distillation to rapidly remove water from critical samples. This process involves the transfer of water (as a vapour) from a diluted aqueous medium toward an aqueous osmotic agent. These two miscible fluids are separated by a gas permeable, hydrophobic hollow fibre with high porosity. The difference in water activities between the two compartments leads to a high water vapour flux even at room temperature and at atmospheric pressure.

Evapeos evaporators are controlled through intuitive colour touch screens and use cartridges that contain thousands of hollow fibres to generate high water fluxes of up to 1 L per hour at 40°C. The unit does not require a vacuum and a range of different-sized FDA-approved cartridges are available to allow samples to be concentrated down from a sample size of up to 1 L to as low as 25 mL. Separate cartridges can be used for different products in order to avoid cross-contamination.

More Information

Visit Discovery's main instrumentation web site for more information on the Evapeos or contact Discovery for pricing.

Have you been looking for an homogenizer probe that is easy to clean, chemically-resistant and offers virtually no cross-contamination of your critical samples?

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

One of the primary problems of traditional stainless steel homogenizer probes is the need to dismantle them in order to clean them and ensure that there is no cross-contamination between valuable samples. This is even more of a problem when isolating "sticky" biological molecules such as DNA, RNA or proteins.

A few years ago Omni International came out with a "disposable" probe (please see below) that was constructed wholly of plastic and was easy to disassemble and decontaminate. End-users had the option of using these probes only once for critical samples or a number of times if the homogenizing conditions weren't too harsh. By harsh I mean homogenizing samples in the presence of organic solvents such as acetonitrile that could crack the polycarbonate casing after a few uses.

In order to resolve this issue Omni have now released a hybrid homogenizer probe (please see below) that combines the low cross-contamination levels seen with disposable plastic probes with the durability of traditional stainless steel probes. These hybrid probes are constructed of an outer stainless steel tube with an inner Ultem plastic shaft. The plastic shafts can either be disposed of after use or cleaned and reused multiple times. The simple two-piece design makes these probes much easier to clean and disassemble than traditional stainless steel probes and are ideal for applications where chemical compatibility issues are a factor. These new probes are compatible with most chemical compounds including trizol, chloroform, and phenol.

The hybrid probes have been designed to be compatible with Omni's TH, THQ, GLH and PDH homogenizer motors (the A1000SB adapter is required for the TH, GLH and PDH motors). Click on the link above for more information on these homogenizer motors or go to our homogenizer probe catalog to buy these hybrid probes.

Omni releases its new hybrid homogenizer probe that prevents sample cross-contamination

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:34:00 GMT

Have you been looking for an homogenizer probe that is easy to clean, chemically-resistant and offers virtually no cross-contamination of your critical samples? Then the new Omni hybrid homogenizer probe might be the ideal solution if you're isolating DNA, RNA or protein.

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Discovery completes microarray platform with the introduction of the MArS microarray scanner from DITABIS of Germany

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:40:00 GMT

The introduction of the MArS microarray scanner from DITABIS of Germany now completes Discovery's line of advanced but affordable instrumentation for the printing, hybridization, scanning and analysis of slide-based microarrays. Discovery's hybridization systems are provided by Digilab of Holliston, MA, and are based on established platforms that are used worldwide. Microarray printers are supplied by Digilab and also by SonoPlot from Middleton, WI.

Microarray Printers

Discovery's complete line of printers can be viewed on our main instrumentation web site by clicking here. Featured below are the Digilab OmniGrid Accent benchtop microarrayer and the SonoPlot GIX Desktop picoliter microplotter.

OmniGrid Accent

The OmniGrid Accent is a high-performance benchtop solution for printing quality arrays. The Accent arrays biological samples from up to three input plates onto a 50-slide platform using a print head with the capacity for up to 48 pins. The whisper-quiet operation and superior printing precision of this high-speed arrayer is the result of state-of-the-art engineering. The transparent enclosure with positive-pressure HEPA filtering provides a dust-free printing environment.

More Information

Please download a brochure on the OmniGrid Accent for more information and specifications.

SonoPlot GIX Desktop Picoliter Microplotter

The SonoPlot GIX Microplotter Desktop is a benchtop picoliter fluid dispensing system that uses controlled ultrasonics to deposit fluids in a non-contact manner. This patented technology can produce picoliter droplets that form features on a surface as small as 5 μm wide. This versatile microplotter can also print true contiguous lines, arcs and bends.

More Information

More information on the GIX Desktop can be obtained by downloading a PDF brochure.

Hybridization Systems

The Digilab Hyb4 automates all thermal and wash cycles for the hybridization of microarrays spotted on standard glass slides. The Hyb4 allows four slides to be hybridized simultaneously and individual ports allow for independent probe introduction for each microarray. The gentle and consistent agitation of the Hyb-4 enhances kinetics and removes "edge effects" by ensuring that the target equally addresses all probes on the array. A larger 12 slide system, the HybStation, is also available for laboratories with higher throughput.

More Information

Please click here to download a brochure on the Hyb4.

Microarray Scanner

The MArS microarray scanner offers superb quality scanning at an affordable price. The scanner has been designed to scan both DNA and protein arrays on standard glass or plastic slides and is ideal for both research and routine diagnostic applications. Two Peltier-cooled solid state lasers are included as standard and emit at 532 and 635 nm for Cy3, Cy5 and other fluorescent dyes excited at these wavelengths.

The MArS scanner can be force-free loaded with up to four slides and scans them simultaneously to save valuable time. The unit is fitted with a motorized filter wheel that can hold up to seven emission filters and comes standard with 570 nm and 670 nm filters as well as a gray filter for barcode reading.

A verification kit is available for the MArS system that allows end-users to routinely check that their scanner is performing optimally for quality control purposes. The kit consists of the Verification Wizard software, two verification slides and a motorized lens cleaning tool. The two slides (the geometric and verification slide) are barcoded and are tracked by the software.

More Information

Please visit our main instrumentation website for complete information on the MArS microarray scanner. Want to evaluate the MArS microarray scanner's ability to scan and analyze your slides? Contact Discovery for details of this free service.