New Products

Bio-Rad's new universal beam accessory creates multiple external beams for any current model of the company's FT-IR spectrometers. According to the manufacturer, the low-cost accessory enhances the versatility of its spectrometers and can be added at any time. Bio-Rad's external sample compartment (ESC), micro/IR, GC/IR, or TGA/IR accessories can be attached to the exit beam ports. Bio-Rad, Digilab Division, Cambridge, Mass. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is often used as a carrier protein or stabilizing agent in research and diagnostic applications. The demand for high-quality reagents has grown as the sensitivity of these applications has increased. PanVera's new Ultrapure BSA reportedly has the lowest levels of contaminating RNase and DNase of the commercially available BSAs. This purity level has been achieved by exhaustive purification of native BSA rather than by chemical modification methods, such as acetylation. In addition to nuclease activity, PanVera Ultrapure BSA is tested for protease activity, alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase, and ultralow fluorescence background, according to the company. It is said to be well-suited for applications in which the absence of degradative enzymes is critical. Applications include probe-based diagnostics, immunoblotting, receptor-binding studies, antibody dilution, radioactive quenching, enzyme stabilization, ELISAs, radioimmunoassays, immunofluorescence, and enzyme assays. PanVera Ultrapure BSA is filter-sterilized and available as a 10 percent solution in water. PanVera Corp., Madison, Wis. The SPECTRAmax 250 microplate spectrophotometer has a xenon flash lamp and grating monochromator that facilitate direct UV measurement of DNA, RNA, and protein in microplates. Up to 96 assays can be run at one time using disposable or quartz microplates. The purity of DNA can be measured with A260/A280 ratios. Also, users can perform spectral scans from 250 nm to 750 nm to simplify qualitative analyses of numerous samples. The product reportedly reduces sample volumes in experiments because the assays are performed in a microplate instead of cuvettes. SOFTmax PRO microplate data- analysis software, for use with the SPECTRAmax 250, provides built-in spreadsheet capabilities for easy data analysis and reporting. Molecular Devices Corp., Menlo Park, Calif. The Next Generation line consists of three models of conductivity meters that are designed for accurate and reliable measurements in the lab or field. The portable conductivity meters have easy-to-read simultaneous displays, and two models offer total dissolved solids (TDS) capabilities. The TDS models can switch from conductivity and temperature measurements to TDS and temperature measurements. Features include: manual or user-select auto-ranging in five conductivity ranges; auto or manual temperature compensation; adjustable temperature coefficient; and sufficient memory to store 16 sets of measurements, including five-point conductivity and TDS calibrations. Markson Science Inc., Hillsboro, Ore. IsoBlue radiolabeled nucleotides have been designed to be used as a direct substitute for traditionally formulated products that require storage at -20oC, avoiding any extensive alteration in the labeling protocols. The IsoBlue nucleotides include a stabilizing agent that allows storage at 4oC without affecting their performance in labeling reactions. In addition, the inclusion of an inert dye enables visualization of the small aliquots of material that are typically drawn up for labeling. Testing at ICN and independent research labs reportedly has demonstrated no effect of the stabilizing agent or dye on performance in a number of applications. These tests included labeling of DNA and RNA probes using random primer labeling, nick- translation, and reverse sequencing under both chemical modification and chain-termination methods. ICN Biomedicals Inc., Costa Mesa, Calif. The BioCad/SPRINT Perfusion Chromatography System is said to be capable of performing bioseparations in 30 seconds to three minutes. The system uses POROS perfusion chromatography media, which reportedly deliver far higher speed, resolution, and capacity through a combination of advances in particle and surface design. The SPRINT system handles diverse applications, including analytical, preparative, and low-pressure chromatography as well as high-performance liquid chromatography. The fluid path is fully biocompatible, and the instrument can operate at flow rates up to 20 ml/min at 3,000 psi. An optional autosampler is available. The system can also document all critical chromatographic parameters, including pH, conductivity, and pressure. A data package for peak integration is available. PerSeptive Biosystems Inc., Cambridge, Mass. The Precision Advanced Series of electronic toploading balances offers a new selectable GLP protocol that provides time and date, calibration data, and a balance ID number for users required to comply with external standards or regulations. The balances also offer memory capacity for 255 values used with the statistics function as well as 12 additional new features. The balances come with a five-year warranty. Ohaus Corp., Florham Park, N.J. The Digital Rotary Evaporator for distillation processes continuously displays bath temperature, vapor temperature, or flask rotation speed on a front-mounted digital display. It is equipped with a built-in electronic lift assembly, whose capacitor motor provides a lifting speed of 1.4 cm/sec, up to a height of 140 mm. The lift may also be operated manually. A stainless-steel bath includes a level control and can be moved sideways to accommodate different flask sizes. A safety temperature limiter automatically turns off the bath when maximum temperature is reached. Two baths are available with temperature ranges of 20 to 100 C for water bath and 40 to 240 C for oil bath. Four condenser styles are available: diagonal, vertical, reflux, and dewar. Labconco Corp., Kansas City, Mo.

New Products

The Scientist Staff

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