Wyatt Technology's FFF-MALS
provides efficient liposome characterization

Wyatt Technology Corporation's, field flow fractionation (FFF) technology combined with multi-angle light scattering (MALS) and quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS) enables rapid measurements of particle size, size distribution, particle count, as well as structure. The combined system performs the most difficult sizing tasks in key areas of research and development in molecular biology and nanotechnology analyses, including the separation and characterization of liposomes and nanoparticles. This novel technology is illustrated in a new application note, titled "Liposome Characterization by FFF-MALS-QELS".

View website: http://www.wyatt.com/files/literature/Field_Flow_Fractionation-Liposome_Characterization.pdf  to download application note  free-of-charge.

Liposomes are made of lipid bilayers. The size of a liposome ranges from some 20 nm up to several micrometers and may be composed of one or several concentric membranes. Liposomes possess unique properties owing to the amphiphilic character of the lipids, which make them suitable for drug delivery. Liposomes have attracted considerable attention as potential vehicles for drug delivery to selected cells or tissues in vivo. Therefore, it is of great importance to monitor liposome size and encapsulation during liposome research, formulation, manufacturing and quality control. However, conventional methods to characterize liposomes fail to perform efficiently and to cover the whole size of liposomes.

In this new application note, a method combining the Wyatt Technology Eclipse FFF system with a DAWN HELEOS and online QELS was used to analyze two liposome samples, one empty, and one filled. The results demonstrated that the combined method is capable of determining the degrees of encapsulation and the internal structures of the two liposomes without making assumptions.

The FFF system offers a number of distinct advantages over column separation techniques for many applications. The method is robust and easy to use, involving minimal shearing and enabling a broad separation range, from small proteins (nm) to large particles (µm). FFF is a non-destructive technique that achieves true particle size distribution and on-line absolute characterization of a wide range of solutions and dispersions. Combined with MALS detectors, the method can determine the absolute size and molar mass distributions as well as the structure and conformation of the particles. For further information, or to obtain a copy of the new application note, view website: http://www.wyatt.com or e-mail: info@wyatt.com  Refer to page 332

Thermo Fisher Scientific launches
pre-calibrated FT-NIR analyzers for increased
seed and efficiency in food and agriculture analyses

Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched two new complete solutions featuring the Antaris^TM II Fourier-Transform Near-Infrared (FT-NIR) analyzer, for feed and ingredient analysis in agriculture, and flour and milling analysis in the food processing industry. The solutions set an industry standard for laboratory-based FT-NIR performance in a ready-for-plant package. Both pre-calibrated solutions rapidly analyze multiple components simultaneously without consumables, chemicals or disposable costs, saving users both time and money.

Antaris^TM II Fourier-Transform Near-Infrared (FT-NIR) analyzer.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has collaborated with Aunir, a division of AB Agri, to incorporate its INGOT® (International Near-Infrared Global Operating Technologies) universal Near-Infrared (NIR) calibrations into both analyzer solutions, offering calibrated systems that are ready to use on day one. This provides users a highly cost effective solution for monitoring key elements such as moisture, protein, ash, fat, fiber, starch, and other nutritional and physical parameters. Regardless of the sample, the Thermo Scientific Antaris II FT-NIR analyzer solutions for food and feed analysis provide robust and reliable data collection for at-line, online, and in-line analysis. The use of FT-NIR results in high levels of sensitivity and precision due to the capacity for increased accuracy and repeatability.

The pre-calibrated Antaris II FT-NIR analyzer systems offer a turn-key solution giving customers insight into the quality of the entire food and feed production process from incoming ingredients through to final products. Food and feed production is a highly competitive marketplace with great pressure to optimize output, minimize operational costs, and meet critical customer quality specifications. The Thermo Scientific solutions enable users to effectively achieve these goals.

The new systems consist of the Antaris II FT-NIR analyzer with Integrating Sphere Module with a 5 or 12cm sample cup spinner accessory, Thermo Scientific RESULT and TQ Analyst software packages and either the INGOT Level 4 Flour and Milling or Feed and Ingredient calibration package. This mechanically simple and reliable product provides a fast sampling speed as all wavelengths are measured simultaneously. The Antaris II FT-NIR analyzer provides internal, automatic sample collection, eliminating operator error, and sampling variability. This provides a fast, non-destructive technique that ensures reproducible results.

"The collaboration with INGOT allows users of the Antaris II FT-NIR analyzer to benefit from a pre-calibrated solution using world leading FT-NIR technology without the large financial investment often required for NIR calibration development," said Brian Davies, vice president and general manager of molecular spectroscopy and microanalysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific. "Accurate determination of food and feed quality is critical in meeting customer, regulatory and government requirements. Traditionally, the required quality tests are labor intensive and time consuming. The pre-calibrated Antaris II FT-NIR analyzer systems replace the majority of these tests by performing multi-component analysis in seconds, allowing accurate and reliable results while increasing profitability."

For further information, e-mail: analyze@thermo.com or view website: www.thermoscientific.com/feedanalyzer  Refer to page 259

A Vision for the future with TTP LabTech: 
Acumen^{® e}X3 offers unparalleled high throughput image quality

TTP LabTech has released an exciting new development for its world-class, high content, microplate imaging system, the Acumen® ^eX3. With the addition of a new 561nm laser, it is now possible to perform additional high throughput cell based assays. This new addition enables the use of a new range of dyes to increase the multiplexing capabilities of the machine. Engineered to maximise imaging efficiency, without sacrificing quality, this platform collects and analyses over 40 images per second, at a resolution equivalent to a 20x objective lens.  Due to its ability to rapidly scan the entire well area, the Acumen® ^eX3 has recently been used for the analysis of colony forming units from bone marrow and stem cell cultures and neutrophil adhesion assays. 

The Acumen® ^eX3 is the only high content cell based screening system capable of performing simultaneous screening and data analysis, providing read times from as fast as six minutes for 24 to 3456 well plates. The Acumen® ^eX3 imaging platform preserves the integrity of the assay and is effective for the analysis of both single cellular targets and multiple intracellular components. Furthermore, the high throughput capabilities of this system make it ideal for analysing image data from large scale experiments, including RNAi screening.  The Acumen® ^eX3 provides a unique system to rapidly analyse and process images from any high content screening application.

For further information, view website: www.ttplabtech.com or http://www.ttplabtech.com/products/acumen/acumen-bibliography.html  Refer to page 258

CEO of Molecular Profiles recognized as one of
100 most inspiring people in the life sciences industry

Molecular Profiles, a leading provider of pharmaceutical development services, announces that Nikin Patel, CEO, has been acknowledged as one of PharmaVOICE magazine's top 100 most inspiring individuals in the life sciences industry. Dr. Patel has been recognized for his 13 years of dedicated commitment to advancing pharmaceutical technology that has seen him co-found a company infused with his own brand of innovative problem solving and new industry techniques. The PharmaVOICE 100 winners are nominated by the magazine's readers, who identify the individuals they consider to have the most influence and positive impact on leadership, research and development, technology, creativity, marketing and business strategies.

"I feel incredibly honoured to be receiving this award," said Dr.Patel. "But I have to add that it would not have been possible without my talented and inspiring colleagues. This award is very gratifying, and my team and I will continue the hard work to improve and add to our portfolio of services for the pharmaceutical industry."

After gaining a first class honours degree and doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Nottingham, Dr. Patel and his PhD supervisors founded Molecular Profiles in 1997 to provide high-end pharmaceutical analysis. Since the company's inception it has grown into a recognized contract research provider, successfully servicing multinational pharmaceutical companies and supporting the development of novel drugs. Molecular Profiles continues to improve and expand its formulation capabilities, such as through its recent purchase of the Xcelodose® system, making it one of very few organizations to offer this time-scale reducing technology.

Dr. Patel's leadership and contribution to the organization have previously been recognized through the UK's most prestigious industry accolade, the Queen's Award for Enterprise, won by Molecular Profiles both in 2007 and 2011 in the Innovation category. These awards highlight Molecular Profiles' advances in pharmaceutical development.

Dr. Patel's considerable expertise in pharmaceutical technology means that he has been invited to present papers, speak at conferences and present to pharmaceutical companies around the world. Dr. Patel also works closely with the local science community, providing guidance and business support on a pro bono basis, as well as being involved with Lab13, an after-school science club, which focuses on making science exciting for children.

For further information about Molecular Profiles' award-winning services view website: www.molprofiles.co.uk or e-mail: info@molprofiles.co.uk  Refer to page 320