PRODUCT NEWS
Chromatographic fingerprint software Second generation, high-throughput
from Perkin-Elmer capillary electrophoresis system
MatchFinder is an innovative software package for
chromatographic pattern recognition, or fingerprinting,
available from Perkin-Elmer. The system has been
developed by AEA Technology (UK) in close collabora-
tion with Perkin -Elmer and provides an objective assess-
ment of complex qualitative data. It will be of particular
interest to analysts investigating batch-to-batch product
variations, seeking adulterants in samples, characterizing
or sourcing raw materials and monitoring for specific
components or component mixtures in a complex
chromatogram. While MatchFinder is applicable to all types
of chromatography, it is especially useful with capillary gas
chromatography where chromatogram complexity makes
visual examination difficult. The software assesses the
similarity between chromatograms by taking into account
the size and retention times of each peak relative to those
of its neighbours. Matchfinder derives a numerical value,
quantifying the degree of similarity. It will accept report
data from most data handling systems using a conversion
utility. A free demonstration disc is available.
Perkin -Elmer
Reliable capillary electrophoresis
Enquiry service no. 1
The next generation high-throughput capillary elec-
trophoresis system has been recently introduced by Applied
Biosystems. The Model 270A-HT builds on the unrivalled
New accessories and software for the sensitivity and reproducibility of the Model 270A by
integral 4000 liquid chromatograph providing 50 sample positions and eight buffer reservoirs.
New accessories and revised software further enhance the Reaching beyond automation, the 270A-HT brings an
analytical capabilities of Perkin-Elmer's Integral 4000 entirely new and unique dimension to analytical capillary
HPLC system. The smart column switching accessory is electrophoresis-sample evaporation control coupled with
electrically driven and permits the automated selection of sample thermostating. Utilizing a proprietary design,
up to five thermostated columns plus bypass. Single
Applied Biosystems designers have provided the new
keystroke operation provides each column with its own 270-HT with simple yet effective sample and buffer vial
shutdown procedure and mobile phase cross-contamination closures and the ability to either cool or heat samples prior
is avoided by an automatic solvent flush. Further column to analysis. Effective evaporation control is a critical factor
protection is ensured by a threshold pressure before switch- that has direct impact on run-to-run reproducibility and
ing and individual pressure limits. It is fully integrated into sample quantification. Extensive testing has demonstrated
the Integral 4000 where the system validation software the efficiency of the closure design under rigorous capillary
combines column, method and sample integrity with ease electrophoresis separation conditions. These included the
of use. The sample cleanup and enrichment accessory uses addition of many volatile organic additives during extended
switching valves to provide for the automated removal of overnight operation. Run-to-run migration time
interfering sample matrices and the trace enrichment of reproducibilities of 90 % viability) and ease
of use and reproducibility of the results have been found
to be superior to the use of magnetic beads. The flasks are
optically clear, sterile with high affinity/high specificity
monoclonal antibody receptors available. Simple to use nanolitre injector
TechGen International WPI's microprocessor-controlled nanolitre injector uses a
hydraulic displacement mechanism rather than pneumatic
Enquiry service no. 12 injection, so there is no need for calibration even if a
different size of micropipette tip is used. By either pushing
the injection button on the control box or pressing on the
footswitch, a calibrated volume will be smoothly injected.
Multiple peptide synthesis system The process is quiet and vibration free. By setting the DIP
switch, the injection volume can be changed from 4.6 to
73.6 nl in 16 steps. Since the volume of a normal Xenopus
oocyte is about 500 nl, the injected volume is within
1 % -25 % of the range of the total Xenopus oocyte volume,
allowing a maximum control of the experimental condition.
The total fluid capacity of the injector is 5 ,ul. It also comes
with sufficient glass to pull at least 300 tips.
World Precisioni Instrumnents
Enquiry service no. 14
INSIGHTTM laser scanning confocal
microscope
Affordable peptide synthesis system
Now scientists can see confocal sections of living cells in
Cambridge Research Biochemicals is now able to offer a real time at an affordable price. Introducing INSIGHT -
new affordable, easy to use Multiple Peptide Synthesis a low cost laser scanning confocal microscope providing
System. The system consists of a 48-well block together high resolution images at video rates, viewed directly or
with software and a comprehensive manual giving complete via a CCD camera. INSIGHT is an easy to use, compact
instructions on the peptide synthesis. Up to 48 different integrated system that switches quickly between conven-
peptides can be synthesized simultaneously, giving approx- tional and confocal viewing with no user alignment.
imately 5 mg of peptide. The PC-compatible software is INSIGHT uses patented bilateral scanning - a new
user-friendly, featuring full colour graphics. The system technology incorporating a unique double-sided mirror
can be used for a variety of Fmoc synthesis routines and which simultaneously scans the sample and the oculars (or
is especially suitable for synthesizing large numbers of CCD camera) at video rates. Bilateral scanning permits
peptides for high throughput screening, enzyme inhibition direct ocular viewing of the sample and rapid inspection
studies, receptor assays and epitope mapping etc. of any confocal plane. It also provides real time phase
Cambridge Research Biochemicals contrast - fluorescence image overlays for rapid, precise
correlation of fluorescence and morphology. In addition,
Enquiry service no. 13 images can be collected on an optional high sensitivity CCD
PRODUCT NEWS
The ACAS 570 interactive laser cytometer now provides
an overlay map of fluorescence and phase images defining
the location of the fluorescent probe with respect to the
phase image. This capability can be used with the full range
of ACAS programs for quantitative fluorescence imaging
and analysis. Fluorescence and phase images can be merged
for applications such as: transient Ca2+ and pH, dual label
image analysis, in situ hybridization, transfected cell selec-
tion, intercellular communication and confocal fluorescence
measurements. The ACAS (attached cell analysis and
sorting) is a multipurpose instrument designed for the
fluorescence analysis and sorting of cells in culture.
Targeted laser illumination provides reproducible, quant-
itative assays of cellular biochemical and physical activities
ranging from membrane receptor mobility to cytosolic
Ca2 . The ACAS is the only instrument available for the
automated selection and cloning of attached cells. The laser
is focused to a sub-micron spot for interactive techniques
such as laser ablation and cell isolation using the unique
'cookie-cutter' program.
Meridian Instruments
Enquiry service no. 16
An affordable laser scanning confocal microscope
camera, the best system for low light level detection.
INSIGHT is the only laser scanning confocal microscope
with CCD output, permitting easy connection to any video
based image analysis system for further data processing.
Meridian Instruments
Enquiry service no. 15
Phase-fluorescence merge: a new
capability for the ACAS 570
Multi-purpose laser cytometer