Next generation nucleofector devices from Amaxa
Amaxa, a maker of transfection device for primary cell lines, has launched Nucleofector Kit for primary cells and a new high-speed tool for optimization of hard to transfect cell lines, which provide state-of-the-art solution for non-viral gene transfer. Amaxa is claimed to be the only company offering high efficient non-viral gene transfer for a wide range of primary cells. It has application in gene base medicine, e.g. gene therapy, DNA vaccines and cell therapy.

The numerous advantages of the Nucleofector technology include DNA delivery straight in to the nucleus, which is ideal for transfection of non-dividing cells. Unlike any other non-viral transfection method, the Nucleofector technology directly transports the DNA into the cell nucleus. Consequently, transfection of cells using the non-viral Nucleofector technology is no longer dependent on cell division, i.e., even non-dividing cells such as resting blood cells or neurons can be transfected. The use of viral systems for gene transfer into non-dividing cells is therefore no longer necessary.

Further, as the DNA is directly delivered to its target (nucleus), very high transfection efficiencies can be obtained, even in formerly difficult to transfect cells, such as fresh or immortalized primary cells and many hard-to-trans    fect cell lines. Transfection efficiencies of over 50 percent can be obtained in most cell lines as well as primary cells. For some primary cells, such as human dermal fibroblasts, efficiencies exceed 90 percent.

Delhi-based Genetix Biotech Asia Pvt Ltd will make these products available in the Indian market.

For further details, contact: genetix@nda.vsnl.net.in       

Chemito to distribute DASGIP's biotools
Mumbai-based Chemito Technologies has entered into an exclusive partnership with a German company, DASGIP for its range of multiple fermentation biotools. DASGIP offers two variants of cultivation systems-cellform-pro and fedbatch-pro. According to the company, the systems are tailor made for the applications and can be designed by the user (microbiologists) themselves. Dosing, monitoring, gassing, control and SCADA system form the part of the main system. The different parameters like pH, DO, and temperature can be configured and monitored on a real time basis, individually as well as collectively for each or all vessels.

The culture system is the heart of the set up that has variants for temperature, agitation, and varied vessel sizes.

For further details, contact: solutions@chemito.net

Bacteriological incubators from Pooja Lab
Mumbail-based Pooja Lab Equipments, which manufactures a range of scientific instruments and equipment, has introduced bacteriological incubators. The incubators come with features like temperature control and uniformity, digital control, and mechanical air convention. Easy to clean interiors are made from stainless steel and exterior is powder coated MS. All round inner cabinet ensures absolute insulation and energy conservation. Non-conducive inner door allows inspection of samples without disturbing the working environmental conditions. Main door has full gasket for tight, leak proof closure with lock and key. Interior of the main door is made of non-conductive material. Trays are made out of SS wires for excellent air circulation.

For further details, contact: poojalab@vsnl.com

Alfa Laval offers automation systems
Alfa Laval's automation system is understood to offer maximum performance for the process plant like the bioreactors, fermentation, continuous sterimedia plants, purified water and water for injection plant.

The complete automation solutions include PLC/DCS based systems with object-oriented controls. Control system integrates accurate measurement and control of critical parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, airflow, agitator speed, and actuated valves to facilitate fully automatic operation. Batch reporting software allows viewing and print colored batch reports to help monitor the process in an efficient manner.

For further details, contact: india.info@alfalaval.com

Friendly software from Chromline
Chromline Equipment's TSP Chrom Quest is an open lab chromatography software package, which operates on Windows NT 4.0 platform and controls all TSP Spectra instruments. Chrom Quest allows adding new instruments, new users and even additional separation techniques without the time consuming learning curves associated with new software. Its icon embedded toolbars makes it easy to set up acquisition methods, perform standard or manual integration and collect or reprocess data. It provides the flexibility and productivity by performing automatic data archiving and network data storage. It conducts on-the-fly peak purity and spectral library matching. Sequence flexibility adds to productivity. During a running sequence it is easy to rearrange the sequence line items and new items or even an entirely new sequence. Different conditional tests and methods can be run in a single sequence.

For further details, contact: chromline_india@vsnl.com

Thermo Electron releases new LIMS
Thermo Electron Corporation has released SampleManager 2004 R2, a new version of its flagship Laboratory Information 

Management System (LIMS). It features a host of web interface enhancements. It also offers optional new capabilities including integration of analytical instruments and advanced multi-dimensional study management supporting stability, clinical, DMPK and 

bio-analytical applications. SampleManager's web enhancements provide full interaction with laboratory data over a standard Internet browser. Users can receive samples, print barcode labels, produce reports, review and authorize samples and confirm their identity using advanced electronic signature features.

SampleManager 2004 R2 facilitates the automation of laboratory functions, streamlines system administration and offers advanced mapping and parsing functionality for instrument output. Data is automatically and securely captured from instruments, eliminating potential transcription errors and improving the flow and management of laboratory data. A standard interface is used within the lab and around the organization to integrate all types and brands of instruments, thereby simplifying operations, and offering the efficiencies and compliance benefits of increased automation. Rather than conventional PC-based instrument integration applications, a scalable architecture based on Microsoft .NET technology is utilized, with no requirement for extensive custom coding.

Millipore introduces ultra fast centrifugal filter
The measurement of specific proteins is important for the diagnosis and management of disease states. In some cases, the proteins of interest are present in low abundance and require concentration prior to clinical laboratory analyses. Millipore's Amicon Ultra-4 centrifugal filter (10,000 molecular weight cut-off) unit provides ultra fast, high-recovery purification and concentration of these proteins.

Sample volumes up to 4 mL can be concentrated in about five minutes with negligible loss of sample. The device's Ultracel regenerated cellulose membrane minimizes adsorption of macromolecules and provides high recovery of fully functional proteins (typically over 90%). Amicon Ultra-4 centrifugal filters are compatible with most rotor types and allow for direct pipettor access to eliminate the need for an extra processing step. The device is available in packs of 8, 24 and 96 filter units, which come assembled with centrifuge tubes and caps.

For further details, contact: millipore@bom7.vsnl.net.in

Bio-Tek introduces new microplate luminometer
Bio-Tek, a developer and supplier of high-value microplate instrumentation and software, has introduced Clarity, new ultra-high performance microplate luminometer. Clarity employs ultra-fast photon counting and high-quality optics to offer the best sensitivity. Use of standard disposable tips for injection, contamination-free stainless steel work surface and a dead volume below 500 micro liter are just a few examples of Clarity's design. Reader control and data analysis are automatically performed by Bio-Tek's KC4 advanced software. Full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance is available if required. It is used in applications like gene expression assays (luciferase, dual-luciferase), ATP assays (cell proliferation, cytotoxicity), DNA assays, aequorin calcium ion assays, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays, and luminescence-based ELISA.

For further details, contact: miil@medispecindia.com