Thermo Fisher Scientific launched its STEM Integrity 10 Reaction Block for determining compound solubility, which is aimed at speeding up the early stages of drug discovery and development.
It features a highly sensitive, 10-channel detection system that accurately maintains conditions within each of the individual cells, enabling 10 individual reactions to be carried out in a single unit simultaneously.
Each cell is insulated from its neighbours, such that the temperature in each of the 10 independent control zones, ranging from -30 to 150°C, is maintained by either the block itself or by using a probe within the solution. Furthermore, with a temperature stability of +/- 0.2°C and a minimal setpoint overshoot of 0.1°C, extreme accuracy is guaranteed, says Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Each cell has wide stirring control of 250 to 1200 rpm and a working volume of between 2ml and 25ml. Operation is controlled via the integrated microprocessor with a user-friendly intuitive touch-screen. The solubility and crystallisation software provides full data logging of all key parameters, such as temperature and stirrer speed, using PC control.
Experimental records and data are clearly displayed for convenient monitoring of in-cell conditions. With real-time editing of ramp rates, run times and setpoints, the system is said to be very user-friendly and all data is easily exported for further analysis. Additionally, data banks can be produced for simple storage and retrieval of frequently used protocols.
Also being shown for the first time was the Thermo Scientific Heraeus Megafuge 40 centrifuge series of 3-litre general-purpose centrifuges for routine sample preparations and the .Thermo Scientific Heraeus Multifuge X3 centrifuges for superior high-throughput processing.
Both the Heraeus Megafuge 40 and the Heraeus Multifuge X3 lines feature the Auto-Lock III rotor system, which enables rotor installation and removal within five seconds for fast switching between applications. Operation is further simplified with the ClickSeal bucket sealing system, eliminating screw caps and complicated clips with a glove-friendly, one-handed open/close capability.
With advanced rotor management SMARTSpin technology, acceleration, braking, temperature control and load balance is optimised for smooth runs and reproducible data. The performance of the Heraeus Multifuge X3 centrifuge is further enhanced by the speed, versatility and corrosion-resistant design of the broad range of Fiberlite carbon fibre rotors.