ANALYTICAL PROCEEDINGS, JANUARY 1989, VOL 26 37 Electron Spin Resonance Spectrometers The RE Series of ESR spectrometers are designed for ultra-high sensitivities and long term stability. With sensitivities of 1010 spid0.l mT, they can provide a wealth of information in materials science, biological, geological, phar- maceutical, food and semiconductor research. Biological studies cover photo- synthesis, enzyme reactions, drug detec- tion and radiation damage. In medicine ESR can be used to investigate carci- nogenic reactions, intact cells and radicals in tissues. The RE Series instruments feature a solid oscillation element, a Gunn diode, as the microwave power source; its durability is 20000 h or more. A signal to noise ratio of 460: 1 is achieved. A choice of magnets is offered with pole diameters of 150, 180 and 300 mm.Options include cavities for high and low temperature working, for light irrad- iation, wafer measurement and light detection. Extensions are available for ENDOR experiments, spin-echo, rapid scan and Q-band operation. Jeol UK Ltd., Jeol House, Grove Park, Colindale, London NW9 OJN. X-ray Fluorescence Equipment A new detector for energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence work uses a new design of field-effect transistor which permits a performance level approaching the theoretical resolution of solid-state detectors. It has a peak-shape perfor- mance FWHM to FWHM of 1.89: 1, a peak-to-background performance of 10 000 : 1 and an exceptionally high count rate performance. Also available are the XZ8 thin-window detector and X-ray tube kit, which allow the makers’ EDXRF spectrometers to analyse elements as low as 0 ( X = 8), as well as providing improved detection limits for other low- energy elements.For example, the XZ8 reduces the limit by five times for sodium and permits a detection limit below 100 p.p.m. for magnesium. Other products available include the LGEM detector, which is of particular importance in the newer high-energy transmission electron microscopes and in XRF analysis, and a small dedicated sample holder which reduces scattered background radiation in XRF analysis. Link Analytical, High Wycornbe, Buckinghamshire . HPLC Column The Asahipak ODP-50 high efficiency polymeric column from Asahi Chemical Industry Company of Japan contains a CIS modified polymer said to combine the best characteristics of silica with those of a polystyrene gel.As well as offering effi- cient separation of basic substances, ODP-50 provides sharp resolution of pep- tides, proteins, amino acids and vitamins. It equals reversed phase silica columns in separation efficiency with organic sol- vents. Unlike silica, however, it also gives the same performance with buffered and alkaline solutions. It has a pH range of 2-13. The column is available in two sizes: 15 cm x 4.6 mm and 15 cm x 6.0 mm. Particle size is 5 pm and NTP values exceed 7000. May and Baker Ltd., Liverpool Road, Eccles, Manchester M30 7RT. HPLC Packing Material Developed by the makers in association with the Wolfson Liquid Chromato- graphy Unit at Edinburgh University, Hypercarb is a porous spherical graphi- tised carbon packing, supplied packed into black high-efficiency columns which provide total reproducibility.Hypercarb columns exploit all the theoretical advan- tages of porous graphitised carbon, notably the truly uniform surface and high mechanical strength. It has the robustness of ODS bonded silica gels but it offers more. It is possible, for example, to achieve acceptable resolution of the unre- solved Delta 2 diastereoisomers from the major manufacturing products (Delta 3 diastereoisomers) in the separation of the antibiotic Axetil E47 using an extremely efficient silica column. With a Hypercarb column, however, not only is base-line resolution achieved from the main pro- ducts, but separation of each isomer is realised, allowing total quantification. Shandon Scientific Ltd., Chadwick Road, Astmoor, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1PR. HPLC Column A new column has been designed specific- ally for carbamate pesticide analysis.The bonded-phase silica Carbamate Analysis Column separates 10 pesticide residues in accordance with EPA Methods 531 and 5 . Column dimensions are 150 x 4.6 mm internal diameter. The bonded substrate is 5 pm CIS silica. Each column is individu- ally tested and comes with its own chro- matogram of carbamate pesticides. Also available are hardware and reagents, which turn a standard HPLC system into a complete carbamate analyser. Pickering Laboratories, 1951 Colony Street, Suite S, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. HPLC Detection of Pharmaceuticals The 750114 Evaporative Mass Analyser has recently been extensively used in the pharmaceuticals industry to analyse all components eluted from HPLC columns.The major application is in new drug impurity evaluation. Another application is in the analysis of raw materials (e.g., fish oils) for the pharmaceuticals industry. Gradient elution can also be used and the Mass Analyser is not temperature depen- dent. Applied Chromatography Systems Ltd., The Arsenal, Heapy Street, Mac- clesfield, Cheshire S K l l 7JB. HPLC Columns Accusphere columns are packed with custom-manufactured Accusphere silica in a choice of 3, 5 and 7 pm particle sizes. A selection of bonded functional groups such as octadecyl, octyl, methyl, cyano, amino, phenyl and diol provide a range of selectivities and pH stabilities.The col- umns are designed to handle the complete range of reversed-phase HPLC analyses, including organics, inorganics, proteins, amino acids, pharmaceuticals, alcohols, ions, carbohydrates, phenols, esters, pes- ticides and other compounds. J. and W. Scientific, 91 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, CA 95630, USA. Immunoaffinity Kit The Affi-Gel Hz immunoaffinity kit offers high antigen binding capacity, as antibodies are coupled to the support only by their Fc regions. Hydrazide activated agarose beads are used to couple I,G molecules via carbohydrate moieties located on the Fc region of the antibody. Affi-Gel Hz exhibits 300% higher binding capacity for imrnobilised anti-BSA 1,G over CNBr-activated Sepharose I,G, and 100% higher capacity for immobilised anti-(3 galactosidase 1,G.The kit includes Affi-Gel Hz hydrazide gel, oxidiser, sodium periodate, coupling buffer con- centrate, Econo-Pac 10DG de-salting col- umns and an econo-column. Scale-up amounts of gel, oxidiser and buffer are available for preparative immunoaffinity purification.38 ANALYTICAL PROCEEDINGS, JANUARY 1989, VOL 26 Bio-Rad Laboratories Ltd., Caxton Way, Watford Business Park, Watford, Hertfordshire WD1 8RP. DNA Labelling Kit For the synthesis of DNA probes with a high specific activity a Random Primer DNA Labelling Kit has been introduced. Based on a method described by Feinberg and Vogelstein (Anal. Biochem., 1983, 132, 6), the kit enables the user to generate DNA fragments radiolabelled to a high specific activity (>1 X 109 cpm pg-I). Only a small amount of template (<200 ng) is required, and very short probes can be labelled.The probe can be used without removal of unincorporated nucleotides, while the DNA can be labelled in low gel temperature agarose with either isotope or biotin. More than 50% of the label is incorporated. Bio-Rad Laboratories Ltd., Caxton Way, Watford Business Park, Watford, Hertfordshire WD1 8RP. Microplate Reader The Model 3550 is a high-performance microplate reader that can accommodate changing priorities and assay require- ments. It features single or dual wavelength readings, taking only 12 or 22 s, respectively, to read an entire plate, including a 2-s calibration before each reading to eliminate drift. Software auto- matically analyses the data and receives commands entered through a comprehen- sive membrane keypad.Analysis proto- cols for plate reading and data processing can be specified and saved in the memory, including parameters such as reading mode (single or dual), interference filter selection, format number, printing options and plate mixing. The Kinetic ELISA function allows fast reading times, and an on-board plate mixer dispenses the reaction product evenly to ensure repro- ducibility. Plates may be read up to 23 times at specified time intervals. The Model 3550 can. be operated under com- puter control, and there is an optional automatic plate loader. Bio-Rad Laboratories Ltd., Caxton Way, Watford Business Park, Watford, Hertfordshire WD1 8RP. Fraction Collector The Model 2110 fraction collector offers cold-room compatibility and comes com- plete with an 80-tube carousel, a carousel dust cover and tubing connectors.A micro-tube adaptor fits into the standard tube carousel to convert it for use with 1.5 ml micro tubes. An optional accessory cable permits remote control and the output of event mark and conformation signals. Other features include time and drop collection modes, solvent resistance, a spill drainage system, sealed working parts and a two-tier carousel for easy removal. Bio-Rad Laboratories Ltd., Caxton Way, Watford Business Park, Watford, Hertfordshire WD1 8RP. Column for Direct Injection of Biological Fluids The Hisep shielded hydrophobic phase column for separating drugs, drug metab- olites, etc., from biological fluids, which are directly injected on to an analytical column, is designed to separate small compounds from protein containing Sam- ples without denaturing or precipitating proteins on the chromatographic support.Hisep columns demonstrate a high degree of physical stability and chromatographic reproducibility even after many samples have been injected. Many drugs can be separated with good recovery after spik- ing in human plasma or serum at thera- peutic levels. Supelco Inc., Supelco Park, Bellefonte, PA 16823-0048, USA. Packings Toyopearl resin based packings, formerly offered under the name Fractogel, are widely used for purifying and separating biopolymers and other biochemicals. Toyopearl resin is an ideal material for gel filtration, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction and affinity chromatography. It resists acids, bases, organic solvents and microbial attack.Supelco Inc., Supelco Park, Bellefonte, PA 16823-0048, USA. Semi-dry Electrophoretic Transfer The makers’ family of blotting cells has been extended by the introduction of the Trans-Blot SD semi-dry electrophoretic transfer cell and the Trans-Blot plate electrodes. With applications in protein blotting, the Trans-Blot system offers fast, efficient transfers. Only 200 ml of buffer are required for blotting even a large gel. Times vary from 15-30 min for a mini-gel to 45-60 min for a large gel. The electrode surface area can accommodate gels ranging from a 20 cm Protean I1 gel to a 15 x 25 cm Subcell gel. Bio-Rad Laboratories Ltd., Caxton Way, Watford Business Park, Watford, Hertfordshire WD1 8RP. Endotoxin Removal Solutions intended for in vivo applications can now be rendered virtually endotoxin- free by means of Affi-Prep polymyxin support.Affi-Prep polymyxin support can withstand sanitisation with 1 N sodium hydroxide solution yet retain its affinity: 99.9% of applied endotoxins are bound even after an alkali wash. Affi-Prep poly- myxin support also resists 70% ethanol and 100% propan-2-01. Linear flow-rates up to 2000 cm h-1 are possible. The support is effective for the removal of endotoxin molecules from different ori- gins, such as strains of E. coli, Salmonella and Serratia. Bio-Rad Laboratories Ltd., Caxton Way, Watford Business Park, Watford, Hertfordshire WD1 8RP. DNA Electrophoresis The CHEF-DR I1 system has been spe- cially designed for the gel electrophoresis and resolution of megabase DNA mol- ecules.For use in a variety of molecular biology applications, including chromo- some arrangements, rflps, insert sizing, gene mapping and library screening, the CHEF-DR I1 (dynamically regulated clamped homologous electric field) com- bines electronic and electrophoresis tech- nologies to give straight lanes and the widest range of size separation of all pulsed-field techniques with enhanced resolution. Reproducible results and flex- ibility as regards sample type are possible, and the large gel format allows up to 30 lanes to be run. Over 12 million bases have been resolved by CHEF technology, although no upper limit has been esta- blished. Enhanced resolution is obtained in the 2000 to 1000000 base range and fragments as small as 222 bases have been separated.The system’s ability to sepa- rate 15 yeast chromosomes demonstrates its resolving capacity. Bio-Rad Laboratories Ltd., Caxton Way, Watford Business Park, Watford, Hertfordshire WD1 8RP. Mercury Electrode for HPLC Detection The Model 420 Mercury LC Electrode adds mercury reductive detection capabil- ity to the makers’ Model 400 electrochem- ical detector. It allows the detection of a wide range of electrochemically reducible compounds including organics, organ- ometallics, peroxides and ions. The Model 420 is a renewable mercury elec- trode detection system compatible with virtually any other electrochemical detec- tor on the market. EG&G Instruments, Doncastle House, Doncastle Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 4PG.Differential Amplifier Non-aqueous titrations, particularly those in non-polar solvents with low conductivity, are susceptible to severeANALYTICAL PROCEEDINGS, JANUARY 1989, VOL 26 39 interference owing to static charges. The 6.2129.000 differential amplifier from Metrohm allows the recording of critical, non-aqueous titration curves free from interference on titrators without a built-in differential amplifier. It is compatible with all electrode sockets which conform to DIN 19 252. V. A. Howe and Co. Ltd., 12-14 St. Ann’s Crescent, London SW18 2LS. Karl Fischer Titration System The DTS830 titration system is a semi- automatic laboratory set-up for determin- ing water content in a vast range of food and other natural substances. Micro- processor controlled, it is equipped with a sample station which fully protects the Kadiometer V I 3 UJU Karl kischer titration system sample from atmospheric humidity.The station includes a waste pump, seven- speed magnetic stirrer and double plati- num electrode. A special container is supplied for the introduction of solid samples into the titration vessel. Radiometer Ltd., The Manor, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex RHlO 2PY. Automated Karl Fischer System With the 678 EP/KF Processor, Metrohm have developed a new end-point and Karl Fischer titrator. Its strength is that, together with the 665 Dosimat, it allows the performance of automatic Karl Fischer moisture determinations with an extensive series of samples. Because it also offers the possibility of conducting general potentiometric end-point titra- tions (p and m values, Kjeldahl, etc.) as well as investigations of reaction kinetics, it is a universal end-point and pH-stat titrator.It is designed for KF titrations in 3 modes: titrations of individual samples, titrations with sample changer and with robots. V. A. Howe and Co. Ltd., 12-14 St. Ann’s Crescent, London SW18 2LS. Micropla t es Designed for use on all makes and types of automatic and semi-automatic micro- plate instrumentation, including the mak- ers’ Multiskan range, EIA I1 microplates offer new levels of binding characteristics and optical quality. The coefficient of variation is less than 5% across the whole spectrum and less than 2.3% in terms of optical clarity. Free samples are offered to users. Flow Laboratories Ltd., Woodcock Hill, Harefield Road, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 1PQ.Conductivity Meters The CMD630 and CMD650 are designed for professional applications and have large digital displays. They offer high levels of accuracy, reliability and repeatability. Among their features are automatic and manual temperature com- pensation, multi-range facilities, and vari- able cell constant and temperature coeffi- cient. WPA Ltd., The Old Station, Linton, Cambridge CB1 6NW. Robot Arm for Laboratory Workstation A separate robot arm is now available for the makers’ Biomek 1000 laboratory workstation. The Biomek system auto- mates microtitre plate procedures, and the new robot provides walk-away auto- mation for microplate assays. Controlled through the workstation PC for the two units to operate in unison as part of a complete system, the robot is capable of exchanging all labware on the work- station, including disposable pipette tips, plates, tube racks and reagent reservoirs. It sits at the centre of a segmented circular table where labware is stacked in sets.Beckman, Progress Road, Sands Indus- trial Estate, High Wycombe, Bucking- hamshire. Biomass Determination Quick and convenient determinations of biomass can be made with the new Shimadzu TOC-500, which uses new com- bustion techniques giving carbon recovery rates close to 100%. Results for total organic carbon are available within 2 min, and these can be easily converted into biomass. An automated sample injector is available for use with the Dyson Instruments Ltd., Hetton Lyons Industrial Estate, Hetton, Houghton le Spring, Tyne and Wear DH5 ORH.TOC-500. Interfacing with LIMS IDAS (Instrument Data Acquisition System), a simplified, systematic approach to interfacing analogue, digital and intelligent laboratory instruments with the CALS Lab Manager LIMS, consists of the makers’ MK5 digital instru- ment coupler, LIL (Laboratory Interface Language) and LIL application pro- grams. It provides enhanced automated instrument control and real-time interac- tion with the host computer, while mini- mising the need for custom programming. It may be installed and operated in parallel with existing CALS data acquisi- tion subsystems (ADAS and EDAS) and existing user written data acquisition pro- grams. Beckman, Progress Road, Sands Indus- trial Estate, High Wycombe, Bucking- hamshire.Balance The PM series of electronic balances has been complemented by the addition of the PM1200 model, which provides a read- ability of 1 mg over its entire 1200 g weighing range. It embodies all construc- tive features of balances with the makers’ M-Technology and it has the DeltaTrac graphic display as well as the digital display. A vibration adaptor permits balance adaptation to various ambient conditions and a weighing process adap- tor permits adaptation of the display to the environment or to the object to be weighed. Mettler Instrumente AG, CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland. Software for Weighing The MultiRange ID5 control terminal now has available the SUMPAC applica- tions software, which provides greater clarity in the weighing records.Weighings of samples of the same type are recorded in partial quantities and summed to article totals for each article. The individual article totals are transferred to a customer total memory, which then calculates the delivery or customer total in shipment weighing and batching. In an indepen- dent operation, all weighing of partial quantities are summed for each article in the grand total memory. These are avail- able as a total record at the end of a specified time period or for the comple- tion of a consignment comprising several customer totals (e.g., truckload). Mettler Instrumente AG, CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland.ANALYTICAL PROCEEDINGS, JANUARY 1989, VOL 26 Lasers The Quantronix 4000 series lasers are optically-pumped, solid-state systems, which, in their basic versions, generate CW outputs at 1064, 1319 and 1053 nm.Options allow outputs at other wavelengths. Pulsed operation can be mode-locked or combined mode-locked/ Q-switched simply by selecting the appropriate intercavity modulation tech- niques. The 4000 series offers both Nd- YAG and Nd-YLF types. Lambda Photometrics Ltd., Lambda House, Batford Mill, Harpenden, Hert- fordshire AL5 5BZ. Literature A brochure outlines many ways in which advanced mass spectrometry can be used for quality control and a variety of appli- cations within the semiconductor industry. Two instruments are referred to: the VG PlasmaQuad inductively cou- pled plasma mass spectrometer and the VG9000 glow source mass spectrometer. VG Elemental Ltd., Ion Path, Road Three, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3BX.A 50-page chromatography accessories catalogue contains details of hardware for chromatography. Among the items included are retrofit injector systems, outlet splitter systems, gas purifiers and filters, micro-needle valves and mass spectrometer interfaces, plus a wide range of tubing and fittings. It also includes the Pyrolysis system,' Univap gas sampling device, a multi-dimensional chromato- graphy accessory and a trace residue extraction system. Scientific Glass Engineering (UK) Ltd., Potters Lane, Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes MKll 3LA. A set of applications show the analysis of optically active sugars in complex mix- tures such as fruit juices and beers. Using the ChiraMonitor, the D- and L-sugars in regular and low calorie drinks are shown.The ChiraMonitor can detect whether a juice is chemically or naturally produced. Applied Chromatography Systems Ltd., The Arsenal, Heapy Street, Mac- clesfield, Cheshire SKll 7JB. A comprehensive market survey of the UK HPLC market is available. It contains 46 pages of detailed information about who leads the market place in HPLC instruments, consumables and access- ories. Market shares and sizes are detailed. HPLC Market Resources, Finlay Robertson, 5th Floor, Brook House, 77 Fountain Street, Manchester M2 2EE. A leaflet gives information on an auto- mated developing chamber for thin-layer chromatography. The chamber, which employs a double beam optical sensor for the detection of the solvent front, makes available a tool to perform chromato- graphy under identical conditions to those of manual methods. It is suitable for 20 x 20, 20 x 10 and 10 x 10 cm plates. bridge CB4 1TH. Camlab Ltd., Nuffield Road, Cam- A brochure describes a range of auto- matic titration systems for pH, redox, acid - base, dead-stop and argentimetric titrations, colorimetric end-points and Karl Fischer determinations. Camlab Ltd., Nuffield Road, Cam- bridge CB4 1TH. An applications publication explains how the Biomek 1000 automated laboratory workstation can be used to automate DNA sequencing according to the dideoxy method of Sanger and Coubon. Full details are provided on the methodol- ogy, which has been developed by Beck- man, including pipetting patterns used for template isolation in a 96-well plate. Beckman, Progress Road, Sands Indus- trial Estate, High Wycombe, Bucking- hamshire. A 64-page book describes the Physik Instrumente range of electro-optical benchware and accessories. Included are details of a vast range of optical com- ponents and equipment, from optical benches plus all relevant components to complete, fit-together, building block systems for numerous optical and electro- optical arrangements, including interfer- ometry, holography and fibre optic work. Lambda Photometrics Ltd., Lambda House, Batford Mill, Harpenden, Hert- fordshire AL5 5BZ.