Sartorius launches BioWelder, BioSealer

Sartorius has launched BioWelder and BioSealer, the new products for connecting or disconnecting of thermoplastic tubing in biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. The introduction of BioWelder and BioSealer is a further milestone in the company's implementation of innovative and efficient disposable process solutions for the industry. Both devices incorporate proven technology provided by Wave Biotech Switzerland who recently formed a strategic alliance with Sartorius.

Featuring the ability of handling a broad range of tubing diameters from 1/4" OD to ¾" OD in various thermoplastic tubing types, BioWelder and BioSealer allow flexible implementation into disposable manufacturing processes. Fully automated operation combined with short cycle times enables users of disposable bag assemblies to handle the interfaces between the process steps conveniently, without compromising process sterility. The thermal welds and seals produced by BioWelder and BioSealer ensure an extraordinary level of stability and guarantee sterility. BioWelder and BioSealer will be integrated in Sartorius' Gammasart BioSystems line of disposable sterile fluid handling products.

For details, contact: biju.jacob@sartorius.com

BioTek unveils multi-detection microplate reader

BioTek Instruments has unveiled the world's first true multi-detection system capable of performing an unlimited number of microplate-based assays – the new patent-pending Synergy 4 multi-detection microplate reader. The Synergy 4 is the first multi-mode reader that combines both filter-based and quadruple monochromator-based fluorescence detection technology. In addition, Synergy 4 includes fluorescence intensity, luminescence, fluorescence polarization, time-resolved fluorescence, and UV-visible absorbance for endless flexibility in current and future microplate-based assay choice.

Filter-based fluorescence technology provides optimal light filtering and purification for the best sensitivity. The inherent design of filter systems also provides fast wavelength switching and higher read speeds. On the other hand, the quadruple monochromator-based fluorescence technology offers flexible wavelength selection, true spectral scanning, reduced background noise and increased convenience. The combination of the filter and monochromator systems in one unit means that microplate assay choice is no longer restricted by the technology of the microplate reader.

For details, contact: amourettix@biotek.com

Bio-Rad debuts Mini-PROTEAN Tetra Cell

Bio-Rad's new Mini-PROTEAN Tetra cell is the next-generation mini cell for 1-D vertical electrophoresis. With patented clamping frame, the Tetra Cell 1-D provides its user with two running modules, accommodating one to four handcast or precast gels allowing it to run mini gels in less than an hour or 2D gels in less than a day. The system is also equipped with patented sample loading guides that allow the Tetra Cell 1-D to prevent skipping or repeated loading of lanes.

For details, call 91-124-4029300

Invitrogen introduces Qubit

The Qubit Quantitation Platform is the most sophisticated quantitation assay for benchtop experiments. The quantitation system is a combination of sophisticated, accurate and highly sensitive fluorescence-based quantitation assays and the user-friendly fluorometer. The Qubit fluorometer is designed to work seamlessly with the Quant-iT assays for DNA, RNA and protein quantitation. It features state-of-the-art optical components, sophisticated data analysis and an intuitive user interface. The result is an easy method to obtain much more accurate and sensitive quantitation than can be obtained with UV absorbance assays, increasing the reseachers' confidence in taking sample to downstream applications. Quant-iT Assay Kits use advanced fluorophores that become fluorescent upon binding to DNA, RNA, or protein. This specificity results in more accurate assays than with UV absorbance readings, because Quant-iT Assay Kits only report the concentration of the molecule of interest (not contaminants). They are routinely used for sequencing genomic DNA samples, cloning experiments, microarray experiments, real-time PCR samples and northern and western blots.

For details, visit www.invitrogen.com