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7 CHROMATOGRAPHY & SPECTROSCOPY 9

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MICHAEL MEANEY. Photo courtesy of the Jacobs Foundation.

BEHAVIOURAL GENETICIST WINS $1.2M PRIZE

M

cGill University professor Michael Meaney has won the 2014 Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize Laureate in recognition of his groundbreaking achievements in the biology of child development.

The prize carries an award of one million Swiss francs (CAD $1.2 million).

Prof. Meaney, who is also scientific director at the Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, was awarded for his pioneering research on the biological mechanisms by October 2014

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which parental behaviour affects brain development and lifelong function. He is also a senior fellow in CIFAR’s program in Child & Brain Development.

“Michael’s work has been truly transformative in helping us think about the way in which early parenting and early experiences of all kinds modify our development through the molecular changes in the development of genes,” says W.Thomas Boyce (University of California, San Francisco), co-director of CIFAR’s program in Child & Brain Development and a member of the jury which awarded the prize.

The award will be presented on December 5 at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. LPN

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At the opening, l-r: Guy Ouellette, Government of Quebec; Hugues Renaut, Groupe Servier; Dr. Madeleine Tremblay Servier, Collège International de Recherche Servier; Frédéric Kaplan, French Embassy in Canada; Francine Charbonneau, Government of Quebec; Olivier Laureau, Groupe Servier and Servier International Research Foundation; Marc Demers, City of Laval; Frédéric Fasano, Servier Canada (Image: CNW Group/Servier Canada).

Big boost for clinical research

C

linical research in the Montreal area is getting a boost with the opening of Servier Canada’s new $17 million Clinical Development Centre in Laval and launching of a $750,000 research fund.

The new centre will focus on designing and developing the company’s interna-

tional clinical research program. Basic research projects as well as phase I to III studies will be undertaken at the centre, while its scientists will work closely with investigators from the Montreal Heart Institute, INRS, CRCHUM and MUHC.The main therapeutic areas are cardiovascular diseases, oncology and neuropsychiatry.

October 2014

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The company also announced the creation of the Dr Madeleine Tremblay Servier and Groupe Servier Fund for the Development of Medicinal Products at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Université de Montréal. The $750,000 fund is dedicated to the education of future talent in the pharmaceutical industry and is named after Dr Madeleine Tremblay Servier, born in Quebec, who graduated from UdeM’s Faculty of Pharmacy, and is internationally renowned for her distinguished career in the pharmaceutical industry. Founder of Servier Canada in 1978 and a pioneer in the international development of the group, Dr. Tremblay Servier now chairs the Collège International de Recherche Servier.

“Our new Clinical Research Centre and the Tremblay Servier Research Fund that we are inaugurating today underline our commitment to this part of the world where life sciences have a very special place and that is becoming a key platform for innovation,” said Olivier Laureau, president of Groupe Servier Group. LPN

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The new Advanced Research Complex (ARC) complex at the University of Ottawa. Image courtesy of University of Ottawa.

Canada’s Geoscience and Photonics Powerhouse

A

new wing that doubles the research space at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS)’s research centre recently celebrated its official opening.

The new wing houses preclinical-imaging research, a clustered work area for

clinical-research staff, offices and laboratories for researchers in the diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular complications along with administrative offices.The centre’s expansion began in summer 2012 and was completed at the end of 2013.

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“The last phase of this project consists in redesigning existing areas mainly to add spaces dedicated to clinical research, which were completed in summer 2014,” said Dr. William D. Fraser, scientific direc-

At the opening, Dr. Liam Kieser, director of the AMS laboratory, explains how the accelerator mass spectrometer works to visiting dignitaries.

Image courtesy of University of Ottawa.

tor of the research centre.

“A total of 900 people, including 220 researchers, 500 students, and more than 180 professionals are working,” he added,“to ensure that research invariably translates into benefits for patients.”

Approximately $31.7 million went into building the new wing and into redesigning the space dedicated to research.The funding came primarily from Quebec’s provincial government, which provided $25.2 million, with the remainder from the CHUS foundation ($6 million), and the research centre ($500,000). LPN

W atch the VIDEO to take a video tour of the new complex.

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Industry News Industry News

$20M for new Brain Sciences Centre

T

oronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre has unveiled ambitious plans to create a new facility it says will revolutionize brain sciences treatment and research in Canada. Work on the state-of-the-art Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre was launched this month following a lead gift of $20 million from the Hurvitz Family Foundation.

The new centre will take an unprecedented approach to collaboration across disciplines, linking experts in each field of brain sciences – psychiatry, neurology, imaging, pharmacology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, and geriatrics – in an effort to accelerate research and slow the progress of brain disorders.

The hospital’s current mental health wing will be transformed by combining renovated and retrofitted areas with a vast expansion.The current space is 62,000 square feet, and the new centre will be approximately twice that size, with renovated sections blending seamlessly with the new building.

Along with the naming of the centre, Sunnybrook’s brain sciences program will be renamed the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program.

In the program,“…world-class researchers and clinicians in all three of the most common brain disorders – dementia, stroke, as well as depression and anxiety – work closely together to transform care,” said Dr. Anthony Levitt, chief of the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program.“Bringing this work together W atch the VIDEO is an absolutely critical next step in understanding the causes and developing new treatments for these brain conditions.”

The total cost of the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre is estimated to be $50 million. LPN October 2014

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CANNABIS LEAF

FORENSIC DETECTION

of Regular Cannabis In a study, scientists conducted forensic detection of regular cannabis use by the analysis of THC-COOH in hair using gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

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BY JOE ANACLETO, VP FOR MARKET DEVELOPMENT, BRUKER DALTONICS APPLIED MARKETS BUSINESS GROUP; A. COLLGROS, APPLICATION ENGINEER, BRUKER FRANCE; AND A. HURBAIN, APPLICATION ENGINEER, BRUKER FRANCE

C

annabis is a sedating and hallucinogenic drug most known for its euphoric, disinhibiting and relaxing properties. These effects are caused by the active substance 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (9-THC), which is metabolized in the body to an inactive metabolite, 9-tetrahydrocannabinoid acid (THC-COOH).

In order to prove regular cannabis consumption, hair analysis is preferred, as unlike other biological matrices such as urine and blood, many drugs are well preserved in hair. Hair analysis therefore provides long-term forensic information and can distinguish between casual or repeated use. As a result, hair analysis is used in criminal investigations and to monitor abstinence.

Different countries specify different recommended levels of detection of THC-COOH in forensic cases. According to the recommendations of the Society of Hair Testing for analysis in forensic cases, the limit of quantification for THC-COOH in hair should be less than 0.2 pg/mg. However, the United States and many countries in the European Union recommend an even lower detection limit of 0.05 pg/mg.

This study demonstrates the reliable and robust quantification of THCCOOH at 0.05 pg/mg in hair samples using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in negative chemical ionization mode.

Detecting THC-COOH in hair using GC-MS The identification of 9-THC in hair indicates exposure to marijuana,

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whether active or passive, whereas the presence of the THC-COOH metabolite indicates active consumption. In order to overcome constraints related to environmental contamination, detection of regular cannabis consumption therefore requires the analysis of THC-COOH. The absorption of THC-COOH into hair is very low, making quantitation challenging due to the high sensitivity required to meet forensic regulations.

To overcome these challenges a method has been developed using a triple quadrupole gas chromaTABLE 1: CHROMATOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS tography mass spectrometer, which demonstrated excellent robustness and sensitivity, meeting the levels of quantification outlined by United States forensic regulations.

Hair specimens were washed to remove unTABLE 2: MS CONDITIONS wanted decontaminates and interferents using isopropanol. The samples were then dried, weighed and mechanically shredded to obtain 25 mg of hair powder. After being incubated for 30 minutes Visit us online www.labcanada.com INDEX

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in sodium hydroxide solution, the samples were then acidified. In order to obtain maximum extraction efficiency, extraction was performed twice. The samples were then dried and derivatized before being reconstituted with 100 µl of ethyl acetate.

1 µl of the extract was then injected into the GC-MS in negative chemical ionization mode. The chromatographic and mass spectrometry condi- FIGURE 1: DETECTION OF TCH-COOH tions used are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

Figure 1 shows the chromatogram obtained for a hair extract spiked with 0.05 pg/mg of THC-COOH. This low level of quantification betters the recommended level of quantification set by the Society of Hair Testing for analysis in forensic cases. In addition, the overlay of 20 chromatograms of THC-COOH at 0.05 pg/mg in Figure 2 shows the robustness and reproducibility of the results at very low levels. The sensitivity and repeatability demonstrated easily enables the routine quantification of THC-COOH at 0.05 pg/mg, >>> October 2014 CLINICAL LIFE SCIENCES

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which is the limit of quantification set by the United States and many EU countries.

Conclusion The analysis of THCCOOH in hair is the method preferred to prove regular cannabis consumption, providing long-term forensic information that distinguishes between occasional and frequent use. However, FIGURE 2: REPRODUCIBILITY FOR 0.05 PG/MG the analysis of THCOF THC-COOH COOH in hair requires extremely sensitive instruments due to the very low levels present and strict forensic regulatory requirements.

This study has demonstrated the reliable and robust quantification of THCCOOH at 0.05 pg/mg in hair samples using gas chromatography mass spectrometry in negative chemical ionization mode. LPN

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page 9

CAPTURE AND DETECTION

OF S. AUREUS

Contamination of pharmaceutical products can slow time to market, lead to recalls and compromise consumer safety. As such, monitoring for microbial contamination of water, non-sterile products or the laboratory environment is essential to ensure final products are contamination free.

BY A. BAUMSTUMMLER, HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, EMD MILLIPORE; D. LEHMANN, DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC FORESIGHT, EMD MILLIPORE; N. JANJIC, CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER, SOMALOGIC, INC; AND U.A. OCHSNER, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, MICROBIOLOGY, SOMALOGIC, INC.

M

icrobial monitoring is typically based on culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antibodies. Aptamers that bind with high specificity and affinity to well-conserved cell surface epitopes represent a promising, novel type of reagent to detect bacterial cells without the need for culture or cell lysis, including use for capture and >>> enrichment of bacteria present at low cell densities and for direct October 2014 CLINICAL LIFE SCIENCES

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Clinical & Life Sciences

detection via qPCR or fluorescent staining.

This article explores modified aptamers as binding agents to specific components on the surface of bacteria as diagnostic tools potentially useful for different detection platforms including quantitative radiolabel assays, bead-based capture assays and flow cytometry.

SOMAmer速 (slow off-rate modified aptamer) reagents are made from single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) that contain pyrimidine residues modified at their 5-position with mimics of amino acid side-chains and have quite long (>30 min) dissociation rates.1 These features lead to better affinity and better kinetic properties compared to standard RNA or DNA aptamers.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) proteins useful for the selection of binding reagents as diagnostics are the MSCRAMMs (microbial surface components TABLE 1. SOMAMER REAGENTS FOR S. AUREUS CELL SURrecognizing adhesive FACE PROTEINS, WITH AFFINITY (KD) SHOWN FOR THE ORIGINAL FULL-LENGTH SEQUENCES OBTAINED IN SELEX. matrix molecules), the Visit us online www.labcanada.com INDEX

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SERAMs (secretable expanded repertoire adhesive molecules), as well as other extracellular toxins and immune evasion factors. We focused on well-conserved S. aureus-specific cell surface proteins that are known to be expressed in abundance and under most growth conditions, including SpA, ClfA, ClfB, FnbA, FnbB, SasD, IsdA, IsdB, IsdC, and IsdH. These proteins are attached to the cell-wall via sortase-mediated cleavage between the threonine and the glycine of the LPXTG sortase motif and become amidelinked to the pentaglycine cross-bridge of peptidoglycan.2,3 Materials and methods The reagents were generated to S. aureus cell surface-associated proteins via SELEX with multiple modified DNA libraries using purified recombinant or native proteins (Table 1). Biotinylated 48-mer truncated reagents were prepared synthetically and HPLC purified. Binding properties were evaluated in quantitative radiolabel assays, bead-based capture assays and by flow cytometry.

To obtain binding agents to S. aureus cells via SELEX, we produced the surface-exposed domains in recombinant, His-tagged form where required. SELEX started with libraries of 1014 -1015 sequences (1 nmol) each, containing 40 consecutive randomized positions (BndU, benzyl-dU; NapdU, naphthyl-dU; TrpdU, tryptamino-dU) flanked by fixed sequences for PCR amplification. Eight rounds of selection were carried out and included a kinetic challenge with 10 mM dextran sulfate from round 2 on to >>> favour slow off-rates. Partitioning of the SOMAmer–target complexes October 2014 CLINICAL LIFE SCIENCES

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Clinical & Life Sciences

% Cap ptured on beads

% Captured on beads

was achieved with paramagnetic Dynabeads Talon (Invitrogen) for Histagged recombinant proteins, or with MyOne Streptavidin C1 beads (Life Figure 1 Technologies) for biotinylated native SpA.1 Synthetic SOMAmer reagents (a) (b) were prepared as 48-50-mers at 1 µmol 100 100 scale via standard phos75 75 phoramidite chemistry 50 50 and HPLC-purified. They contained biotin-dA or 25 25 fluorescein-biotin-dA at 0 0 4520-8 4531-56 none 4520-8 4531-56 none the 5’ end, and an inverted dT nucleotide at the 3’ (c) (d) Staph. aureus Staph. epidermidis Staph. aureus Cells captured end for added stability to 5x10 CFU ml 5x10 CFU ml (500 CFU ml ) on beads SpA Control SpA Control 3’ to 5’ exonucleases.

4520-8 w/o 4520-8 w/o SpA 4520-8 -1

9

-1

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-1

SpA 4531-56 ClfA 4503-73 ClfA 4522-5 Control beads

Magnet

Figure 1. Capture of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria with SpA SOMAmer reagents immobilized on paramagnetic beads. The efficiency of cell capture was calculated via quantitative culture of the beads. (a) SOMAmer concentration was fixed at 20 nmol l-1 to capture cells in a 0.1 ml sample. ( ) 5000 CFU, ( ) 500 CFU, and ( ) 50 CFU. (b) Cell density was fixed at 6600 CFU in a 0.1 ml sample and the capture SOMAmer concentrations were varied. ( ) 32 nmol l-1,( ) 10 nmol l-1, ( ) 3.2 nmol l-1, and (€) 1 nmol l-1. Monitoring of capture efficiency by semi-quantitative culture at low cell density (c) or by visually apparent decrease in turbidity at high cell density (d).

Results High-affinity SOMAmer reagents (Kd range 0.031.35 nM) were obtained for staphylococcal protein A (SpA), clumping factors (ClfA, ClfB), fibronectin-binding proteins (FnbA, FnbB) and ironregulated surface deter-

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Figure 2

PCR Amplificattion (normalize P ed)

1.00 minants (Isd). Specific binding to S. aureus 0.75 cells from clinical and 0 50 0.50 laboratory strains was observed, but not to oth0.25 er staphylococci or other 0.00 bacteria.

5 10 15 20 25 30 PCR Cycle y Bead-immobilized SpA Figure 2. SOMAmer reagent-based capture of Staphyloand ClfA SOMAmer capcoccus aureus, and signal amplification via qPCR of ture agents at a concen- SOMAmer reagents bound to highly abundant cell surface components compared to qPCR of single genomic copies. Non-amplifiable, biotinylated ClfA SOMAmer tration of 20 nM were reagents 4522-5 (black lines) or 4503-73 (grey lines) able to detect as few as were used for capture of Staph aureus (solid lines) or Staph epidermidis (dashed lines), followed by detection 50 cells in a 0.1 mL with amplifiable SpA SOMAmer reagent 4520-8. Random sample (Figure 1). These SOMAmer library was used as negative control for detection (dotted lines). PCR amplification of a genomic SOMAmer capture beads target (sasD gene) is shown for reference (dotted hairline), using the same cell titer of 108 cells ml . proved useful for the selective capture and enrichment of S. aureus cells from low cell-density matrices and for the efficient removal of PCR inhibitors (e.g. excess salt), leading to improved limits of detection. PCR of S. aureus was enhanced >100-fold when the bacterial cell surface was coated with amplifiable SOMAmer reagents followed by PCR of the SOMAmer reagents instead of genomic PCR (Figure 2). Furthermore, fluorescence-labeled SpA SOMAmer reagents demonstrated their utility as direct and specific detection agents in >>> flow cytometry (Figures 3 and 4). ®

-1

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Clinical & Life Sciences

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(b) Figure 3. Detection of Staphylococcus aureus by flow cytometry after staining of 107 cells with different concentrations of fluorescence labeled 4520-8 and 4531-56 SpA SOMAmer Figure 4. reagent (15 min binding reaction). (a) Representation of the mean fluorescence intensities (a) 1600 (columns) and the percentages of stained cells (line) obtained at different SOMAmer 120 concentrations (n=3). ( ) mean fluorescence intensity with 4520-8, ( ) mean fluorescence 100 1200 cells with either 4520-8 or 4531-56 ) percentages of stained intensity with 4531-56 and ( 80 (identical data). (b) Example of flow cytometry results obtained with 4531-56 SpA SOMAmer -1 reagent. ( ) Unstained cell population; cell population 60 800 stained with ( ) 0.07 µmol l , ( ) 0.7 µmol l-1 and in thick black line 7 µmol l-1. M1 and M2 intervals have been set up to 40 include in M1 the fluorescence signal of the control unstained cells (autofluorescence).

400 20 Therefore, cell populations located in the M2 interval are considered as stained.

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60 40

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INDEX 0

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Figure 4. Detection of Staphylococcus aureus by flow cytometry after staining of 107 cells 100 with fluorescence labeled 4531-56 SpA SOMAmer reagent at (a) 7 µmol l-1 or at 1200 (b) 0.7 µmol l-1. Comparison of different staining times (n=3). Mean fluorescence intensities 80 are represented in columns and percentages of stained cells as line graph.

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Conclusion This study demonstrated that aptamers which bind with high specificity and affinity (Kd 0.03-1.35 nM) to well-conserved cell surface epitopes (SpA, Clf, Fnb, Isd) represent an interesting type of reagent to detect S. aureus at low cell densities (500 CFU/mL). This approach does not require culture or cell lysis, including for the capture and enrichment of bacteria present low cell densities and for the direct detection via qPCR or fluorescent staining.

To protect product integrity, pharmaceutical companies must take measures to identify contamination. The method presented in this article will allow companies to more effectively monitor for microbial contamination, minimize risk and increase consumer safety. LPN REFERENCE: THE DATA PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY: BAUMSTUMMLER, A., LEHMANN, D., JANJIC, N., OCHSNER, U. A. (2014). SPECIFIC CAPTURE AND DETECTION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS WITH HIGH-AFFINITY MODIFIED APTAMERS TO CELL SURFACE COMPONENTS. LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, 0266-8254.

NOTES 1. GOLD, L ET AL. (2010) APTAMER-BASED MULTIPLEXED PROTEOMIC TECHNOLOGY FOR BIOMARKER DISCOVERY. PLOS ONE 5:E15004.

2. MARRAFFINI LA, DEDENT AC AND SCHNEEWIND O (2006) SORTASES AND THE ART OF ANCHORING PROTEINS TO THE ENVELOPES OF GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIA. MICROBIOL MOL BIOL REV 70, 192-221.

3. SCHNEEWIND O, FOWLER A AND FAULL KF (1995) STRUCTURE OF THE CELL WALL ANCHOR OF SURFACE PROTEINS IN STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS. SCIENCE 268, 103-106.

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PIPETTE SYSTEM BOOSTS LAB’S PRODUCTIVITY

I

ntegrating an Integra Viaflo 96 multichannel pipette into its highthroughput expression facility has enabled Molecular Partners in Zurich, Switzerland to streamline the discovery and development of a novel class of targeted protein therapeutics termed DARPins.

Molecular Partners is a privately owned biopharmaceutical company that is pioneering the development of novel protein therapeutics. The company is developing a broad and differentiated pipeline based on these products to treat diseases in oncology, immunology and ophthalmology.

DARPins are a next generation of protein therapeutics combining the advantages of antibodies and small molecule drugs. High target specificity and potency, small size, cost-effective production and a whole range of possible multi-specific format choices gives them the potential to surpass existing antibody drugs and revolutionize protein therapeutics.

Molecular Partners is primarily using the Viaflo 96 multichannel pipette system for protein purification using IMAC (Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography). The system is used for various steps in the process, starting from the preparation of bacterial cultures right through to the actual purification.

“Overall, the protocol involves 63 full-plate liquid transfers – such a Visit us online www.labcanada.com INDEX

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workload would not be feasible with a traditional handheld multichannel pipette,” said Andreas Lehmann, an expert technical assistant who works in Molecular Partners’ 96-well high throughput expression facility.“We have found that the Viaflo 96 is easy to integrate into our standard operating protocols because parameters can be defined: pipetting mode, volume, pipetting speed and pipetting height.

We particularly like the repeat-dispense function on Andreas Lehmann, expert technical assistant with Molecular Partners. the Viaflo 96 as it saves the lab a lot of time and improves the overall reproducibility of tests as all samples [are] processed at the same time in the same way.”

The pipetting system offers fast, precise and easy simultaneous transfer of 96 samples from microplates at a lower cost than a fully automated system. The system was designed to handle just like a standard handheld pipette, and the manufacturer says it receives consistent end-user

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feedback that no special skills or training are required to operate it.

The system also helps to increase productivity. Fast replication or reformatting of 96 and 384 well plates and high-precision transferring of reagents, compounds and solutions to or The Integra Viaflo 96 multichannel pipetting from microplates is as easy system. as pipetting with a standard electronic pipette into a single tube. It has four pipetting heads that are interchangeable within seconds, enabling optimal matching of the available volume range to the application performed.

“Our lab is extremely satisfied with our decision to purchase and incorporate Integra’s Viaflo 96 into our development protocols,” said Lehmann.

And, he added,“Being responsible for training of new staff, I also appreciate that the Viaflo 96 is user friendly and intuitive to use because very little training is required.”

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Instruments & Equipment

HOW CAN ASSET MANAGEMENT BENEFIT YOUR LAB? An innovative outsourcing model is being employed by laboratory managers as they look to gain visibility of surplus and idle assets – instrumentation and analytical equipment – under their control, and to manage the redeployment or disposal of redundant items.

BY BEN POTENZA, EQUIPNET INC.

W

orking with an outsourcing partner is not a new concept within chemical, pharmaceutical and biotech companies. By concentrating on the core areas of business and working with specialists for other, non-essential tasks, they are able to manage costs better, boost efficiency and increase ROI (return on investment).

Thanks to today’s focus on process simplification and maximizing efficiency, these methods have become vital for day-to-day operations in many sectors. Recently, laboratory leaders targeting the highest levels of excellence are turning to the proactive management of idle and surplus instruments and equipment. To put this into context, research suggests that on average, 5% of a company’s global asset base is lying idle. By recognizing the often dormant value in these assets, managers can >>> make a significant impact on their bottom line.

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industry Instruments news &&events Equipment

Calling in the experts For years, equipment dealers who ‘buy low and sell high’ have been the primary buyers for surplus assets.

However, with more and more complex and valuable assets, best practice has been evolving. Specialist service companies, staffed by industry experts and project management professionals, have emerged as the A live auction is one way of liquidating unneeded instruments new leaders in this and equipment. field.

One such specialist is EquipNet. The company provides a holistic approach to surplus asset management that balances needs across entire enterprises (Figure 1). This ‘Value Control Model’ illustrates how a managed program can be customized based on client priorities.

A complete system Once a piece of equipment has served its original purpose there are sevVisit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX

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eral options available to a laboratory. Of these, redeployment to another location within the organization always delivers the highest value. Nevertheless, successful redeployment cannot be achieved without a central tracking platform covering all company locations. In this way, users should be able to post, track, identify and internally redeploy equipment that is not being used. Features to look for in an asset redeployment manageFigure 1 shows a holistic approach to ment system include a robust surplus asset management that balances platform behind a company’s fire- needs across the enterprise. wall, a simple user interface, multiple access levels and in-depth search functionality and listings.

After redeployment, sale or disposal is the next logical step. This is commonly undertaken through an online marketplace package. When considering an online transaction however, particularly for high-value equipment, the human touch still plays an important role – industry experience combined with a solid reputation is the key.

In certain circumstances, where a laboratory is moving or closing, for example, time constraints may supplant the need to recover >>> investments, meaning liquidity is the highest priority. Auctions are October 2014 CLINICAL LIFE SCIENCES

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industry Instruments news &&events Equipment

a dependable channel to achieving this goal, whether delivered online, as live/webcast auction events, sealed bid or private treaty sales. A specialist partner should advise on the right approach for you, as well as provide active marketing, knowledge of the equipment and a flexible approach to managing bids close to reserves.

Finally, assets that are at the end of their useful life can be dealt with through clearance strategies: donations, scrap and environmental recycling, for example. In this situation, you should expect to be advised of the scrap and market value of idle equipment, together with a clear plan for generating the highest return.

The model in action The EquipNet approach can be easily employed in many situations. In one recent project, a global pioneer in drug and vaccine development needed to consolidate three facilities and one warehouse into a single location, redeploying or selling-off assets in the process. The first two sites needed to be cleared within two months, making the timing of this phase an extreme challenge.

It was proposed that, once all assets to be redeployed were identified, the client auction their surplus equipment as part of a monthly online lab auction, allowing a large number of assets to be sold within the timeframe.

With the large following of buyers that consistently attend these regular online events, a good sized audience was guaranteed. All available items were catalogued by equipment specialists, who were also available to oversee the post-auction process.

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The online auction yielded positive results, with around 75% of the equipment selling with sales of $238,000. Since total clearance in the designated timeframe was required, all remaining unsold items were scrapped.

Summary Having complete visibility of equipment, and where it is located, allows laboratory managers to plan and manage their assets effectively, ensuring that they are getting the most value from equipment long after the initial investment. However, a proactive approach is not without its challenges. It requires formalized processes, specialist knowledge of the industry and its equipment, dedicated resources, and a concerted effort to change management. Importantly, companies that are succeeding in this area often rely on a partnership with a specialist service provider, who ensures they achieve the best possible cost control, cash release, and increased efficiency. LPN

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What’s new in products

Solvent evaporator dries stubborn samples

The EZ-2 Elite centrifugal evaporator provides final drying of stubborn samples and fast lyophilization of HPLC fractions. Benefiting from a high-performance scroll pump that delivers deep vacuum, it routinely removes even very high boiling solvents such as DMSO and NMP. Internal heating of vapour duct and system components ensures that such challenging solvents only collect in the condenser, and not anywhere else.

Genevac http://www.genevac.com/movie/ez2/

Rapid, simple SPE methods development

Solid phase extraction (SPE) microplate provides multiple phase chemistries and sorbent loadings in a single plate, making it well suited for method development. The Development Microlute offers scientists a choice of up to 12 different phases and sorbent loadings (10-100mg) in a standard format 96-well plate. The user can simply and rapidly screen for the optimal retention and selectivity required to achieve sample preparation objectives.

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GC-MS runs single, triple quad methods

Laboratories performing environmental analysis, forensics testing or other single quadrupole gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses that need a simple, cost-effective way to add GC-MS/ MS capabilities have a new option with the TSQ Duo triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS system. The system allows users to run their current methods and easily move over to MS/MS analysis on a familiar system using the Dionex Chromeleon chromatography data system.

Thermo Fisher Scientific www.thermofisher.com

Gemstone powders for research

Natural gemstone powders are available from stock in quantities as small as 10 grams for research purposes. Powders of emerald, moonstone (multicolour), opal, peridot, topaz (yellow imperial), and turquoise are available. Made from natural, not synthetic, gemstones. Due to the particles’ fine size, the powders do not necessarily resemble the gemstone. Dozens of other gemstone and mineral powders can also be supplied as a special order.

Goodfellow www.goodfellow.com October 2014 CLINICAL LIFE SCIENCES

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ASTM D445 kinematic viscometer is automated

Dual-bath kinematic viscometer is designed for medium- to high-throughput laboratories requiring ASTM D445 precision. The fully self-contained benchtop CAV 4.2 viscometer has a 35% smaller footprint than similar dual-bath D445 viscometers, conserving precious lab space. Instrument offers features that enhance productivity, reduce costs and improve data quality along with simple, out-of-the-box installation and requires no external components. Cost-saving features include a tube design that reduces solvent usage and disposal.

CANNON Instrument Company http://www.cannoninstrument.com/kv

EDXRF analyzer handles many sample types

Bench-top EDXRF spectrometer is designed as an easy-to-use solution for high-sensitivity elemental analysis. The JSX-1000S ElementEye analyzes major to trace components on most sample types – solids, powders, and liquids – with little or no sample preparation. The instrument complements SEM, EPMA, NMR, and mass spectrometry analyses, providing high-sensitivity qualitative and quantitative analysis results in minutes.

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Balances deliver performance and ergonomics

Repetitive strain injuries are a common problem in the laboratory. The XS balance line’s ergonomic design helps users avoid the stresses and strains from working for long periods in front of the balance. Line includes analytical and precision balances as well as a dual range microbalance. To improve balance performance, a new SmartPan weighing pan delivers results up to twice as fast, even in a fume cupboard.

Mettler Toledo www.mt.com/balances

Imaging system visualizes solid tumours

A promising field of cancer research is the use of immunotherapy methodologies to fight the disease. Until now, researchers have only been able to obtain limited information about the types and distribution of immune cells inside and around a tumour. The Mantra quantitative pathology workstation with InForm image analysis software enables researchers to investigate the spatial relationships among multiple types of immune cells simultaneously within and around solid tumours.

PerkinElmer http://www.perkinelmer.com/Catalog/Product/ID/MANTRA October 2014 CLINICAL LIFE SCIENCES

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Syringe drive provides precise liquid handling

The Precision Syringe Drive 6 is a compact, full-height pump for precision dispensing of small to large volumes. Performing all standard liquid-handling functions and with a variety of syringes sizes, it offers enhanced flow stability and increased dispense times. Suitable for flow cytometry and micro fluidics.

Designed for simple integration, multiple mounting configurations are possible for a single unit or a daisy chain of up to 16 pumps.

Hamilton Company www.hamiltoncompany.com

Micropipette overcomes even tricky liquids High-performance, positive-displacement micropipette enables trouble-free handling of viscous liquids, foaming solutions or volatile solvents. The Acura capillar 846 has a soft-shaped handle and rounded finger rest that enhance hand comfort. A smooth spring system reduces plunger force requirement. The chemically inert ETFE-tipped plunger material offers excellent resistance when in contact with liquids. Each pipette has five easy-toadjust pre-set volumes ranging 1 to 200 ÂľL. Socorex www.socorex.com Visit us online www.labcanada.com INDEX

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Container film is for biopharma use

Robust, durable PureFlex Plus film is for use in the construction of Mobius single-use process containers for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The film’s rugged outer layer offers strong resistance to leak formation, making it suitable for the demanding applications often encountered in large-volume operations. The film has a linear low density polyethlene outer layer, which reduces susceptibility to leaks through abrasion, puncture, stretching and tearing.

EMD Millipore http://www.emdmillipore.com/US/en/20140202_211107

Liquid flow sensors are intelligent, disposable

The use of intelligent, compact and cost-effective disposable liquid flow sensors is changing the field of drug delivery from the ground up. The LD20-2000T sensor provides liquid flow measurement capability from inside medical tubing in a low-cost sensor, suitable for disposable applications. Drug delivery can be measured precisely and in real time. Failure modes like clogging, free flow, air bubbles, or leaks in the tubing connection are automatically detected.

Sensirion www.sensirion.com/ld20-2000T October 2014 CLINICAL LIFE SCIENCES

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H2S analyzer fits on the lab bench

Analyzer analytically quantifies H2S in liquids such as crude oil, fuel oil, naphtha, water, marine diesel, gasoline and other liquids. A sample transfer stripper (STS) and ratiometric colorimetric technology give the Model 205L analyzer the enhanced ability to quantify H2S in liquids.

Typical analysis time is 15-25 minutes with only one pushbutton for analysis. The analyzer is field-proven for reliability and precision with no field calibrations required.

Analytical Systems Keco www.asikeco.com

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