38 | LAB+LIFE SCIENTIST - Feb/Mar 2019 http://www.LabOnline.com.au | http://www.LifeScientist.com.au
what’s new
Isothermal titration calorimetry system and
analysis software
Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is one of the most robust and convenient
techniques to examine biomolecular interactions by detecting any reaction
heat that takes place. The technique delivers direct, label-free measurements
of binding affinity (KD), stoichiometry (n), free energy (∆g), enthalpy (∆h)
and entropy (∆S) in a single experiment. however, the technology has not
always been widely applied particularly in drug discovery because of the
significant protein and compound consumption associated with conventional
methodologies and the broad affinity range that needs to be measured.
The Malvern MicroCal pEAQ-ITC addresses this and many other chal-
lenges with a series of enhanced capabilities. Featuring a wide affinity
range, fast response time and high signal to noise, the product enables the
analysis of weak to high affinity binders (at high and low concentrations)
with high reproducibility. The non-reactive hastelloy cell ensures chemical
resistance and compatibility with biological samples while the precision
pipette enables smaller injection volumes.
Software delivers fast analysis with high data sensitivity and fully au-
tomated options for unattended operation, minimising user subjectivity.
Moreover, the analysis software package allows for the determination of
the active concentration of the target protein or the ligand concentration
or both when the appropriate controls are used.
Additional tools simplify the fitting of complex binding isotherms that
may be seen when titrating with mixtures of enantiomers, some competition
experiments or with targets that have more than one binding site. These
benefits highlight the value of the additional features integrated within the
analysis software and the advantages the system provides for powerful
data interpretation.
ATA Scientific Pty Ltd
http://www.atascientific.com.au
Automated solid phase extraction
The Shimadzu Biotage horizon Smartprep II Extrac-
tor System is designed for the simple automation of
manual solid phase extraction (SpE) methods. Just
like manual SpE, up to 12 samples per Smartprep
II System can be run in one batch. A user-friendly
touch-screen paired with intuitive Smartprep software
offers full control. users can run the same method
or different methods for each of the 12 samples, as
required.
Key features and benefits include: positive pressure
sample and solvent flow rates for the best recover-
ies and precision; use any commercially available
standard in 1, 3 or 6 mL cartridges; four fractions per
sample can be collected or discarded; modular and
scalable to match the laboratory workload; samples
from 1 mL to 1 L can be easily accommodated; au-
tomated filtering, concentration, clean-up and buffer
exchange; automated sample dilution prior to SpE;
easy coordination with a variety of barcode readers;
reports in pdf, csv or txt formats.
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (Oceania) Pty Ltd
http://www.shimadzu.com.au