academia 16 news - mettler toledo · mettler toledo academia news 16 3 doing more with less is a...

The Université du Quebéc à Chicoutimi (UQAC) is well known for its

quality of education and focus on practical training in state-of-the-art

labs. The addition of an Excellence Melting Point instrument from

METTLER TOLEDO provided the latest analytical technology and a pow-

erful educational tool.

Real-World Educationwith Innovative Melting Point Technology

Innovation with common technologyMany of the features of the Excellence Melting Point family have been de-signed to support scientists working in research or quality control in the pri-vate sector. The same features make the instruments very well suited to educa-tion. In addition to optically monitor-ing and determining melting point, all melting point events are video recorded. Designed to meet pharmaceutical test-ing standards, stating that an operator must physically observe the melting point, the video log allows operators to work on other tasks while the in-strument automatically determines the melting point. These videos can be reviewed directly on all instruments (MP50, MP70 and MP90).

Tommy Perron, the Lab Manager for the UQAC Fundamental Sciences Depart-ment, works with teachers and technical assistants to provide applicable materi-als and experiments in the lab. He ensures that the experiments relate to real-world applications and that stu-dents become familiar with instruments that they are likely to use during their careers.

Always looking for the latest technol-ogy in laboratory instruments, Tommy and his colleagues often travel to lab exhibitions and trade-shows to see the latest developments. He heard about METTLER TOLEDO Excellence Melt-ing Point instruments and thought they would be the perfect fit for his classroom experiments.

16News

AcademiaAnalytical solutions in the laboratory

2 METTLER TOLEDO Academia News 16

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Publisher Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory Division Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland

Production LAB Division MarketingGlobal MarCom Switzerlandwww.mt.com/lab-segmentnews

Subject to technical changes.© Mettler-Toledo AG 02/15 Printed in Switzerland.

Teaching with innovationTypically, the MP50 Melting Point In-strument is the ideal instrument for educational purposes, providing all the functionalities required for teaching melting point analysis. However, in or-der to provide an additional educational aspect, Tommy decided to purchase the MP70 instrument. The MP70 has the ad-ditional feature of being able to export these video-recordings to an SD card, which allows students and instructors to evaluate the melting process outside the lab. Multiple methods can also be stored

on the instrument. The MP70 is com-monly used at UQAC to teach melting point determination and to demonstrate the difference between USP and thermo-dynamic evaluation techniques using the built-in method settings. Students also use the MP70 to learn how to determine unknown substances when the melting point is combined with spectral analysis results.

Using the most up-to-date instruments and innovations in the laboratory and classroom has allowed The Université du

Sarah-Eve Trembly, Chemistry of Natural Products Undergraduate Student, and Tommy Perron, Lab Manager at UQAC.

Quebéc à Chicoutimi to provide teaching and training that is applicable in the real world. The use of video recording has allowed METTLER TOLEDO Excellence Melting Point to support UQAC in achiev-ing their goals.

Text: Matthew Eby, NA Application and Technical

Support Manager

www.mt.com/one-click-melting

3METTLER TOLEDO Academia News 16

Doing more with less is a constant theme in chemical development

laboratories. Real-time, in situ reaction analysis is giving researchers

a fast, safe insight into critical chemical reactions.

Real-Time Reaction Analysisfor Faster Process Development

Desire for insight into reaction progress is not new. Gaining information on re-action pathways and kinetics is critical when developing any reaction, including hydrogenations, solid catalyst chemis-tries, and aqueous chemistry processes. However, offline sampling, the tradition-al mode of gaining reaction information, only offers a partial picture. Research-ers may wonder if samples are degrad-ing before they can be analyzed; What’s happening between samples? Does this missing information hinder our ability to predict reaction progress and mechanism with certainty?

Safe, fast reaction characterizationSince the introduction of in situ monitor-ing, based in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) principles, in 1961, real-time mon-itoring has provided a more complete and faster picture of reaction pathways and kinetics than offline sampling. To-day, METTLER TOLEDO’s ReactIR probes combine ATR technology with mid infra-red (MIR) spectroscopy to create helpful

In Situ Monitoring of Chemical ReactionsThis White Paper discusses how in situ spectroscopy provides valu-able reaction information to develop more secure chemical processes.

Get a copy here www.mt.com/ac-reaction-monitoring

molecular videos that capture entire re-actions start-to-finish, even under high-pressure or other unsafe conditions. This pristine and thorough monitoring can improve the speed and understanding be-hind chemical development, resulting in easier, safer characterization without the negative aspects of offline sampling.

Text: Brian Wittkamp, Reaction Analysis Market Manager

www.mt.com/ReactIR

Reaction concentration profiles versus time of the enolate reactant (7), reactive intermedi-ate (14) and N-phenyl imie product (6)


Test mass and exchanger

Driving stage

Translation stage

Mass comparator

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International kilogram prototype mass comparisons indicate a yearly drift in measure-

ments. METTLER TOLEDO has worked in collaboration with METAS to develop a microgram

load cell as part of the Watt balance experiment. The aim is to establish a more precise,

unchanging kilogram definition based on a physical constant of nature.

Redefine the Kilogram Using a Watt Balance

The kilogram is the last unit of the In-ternational System of Units still based on an artifact. The international prototype of the kilogram, or IPK, is a cylinder of platinum-iridium alloy machined in 1878. However, mass comparisons with

the IPK have indicated a mean drift in the official measurement of about 0.5 µg/year.

All modern mass measurements are di-rectly related to the IPK. The relative

uncertainty of each measurement is de-clared according to a test weight compar-ison carried out on the same apparatus with the IPK. As such, IPK measurement stability is critical. To improve the mea-surement’s stability and ensure it weighs the same irrespective of geography, sci-entists have been working on a new ki-logram definition based on a physical constant of nature.

An innovative weighing methodA project to measure the kilogram based on a physical constant of nature has been running for the last 17 years at the Swiss Federal Office of Metrology (METAS). The developed method involves using a Mag-netic Force Restoration (MFR) balance, which compares the weight of a test mass very precisely with the force created by a current in a magnetic field. The name ‘Watt balance’ comes from the fact that the weight of the test mass is derived from the comparison of electrical and mechanical power in the experiment. The experiment is split into two measure-ment phases. The first static, or weigh-ing, phase uses an MFR mass compara-tor. The aim of this phase is to compare the force created by the current in a sus-pended coil in a magnetic field against an addition of a mass to the balance. In the subsequent dynamic phase, voltage is introduced by vertically moving the same

Experiment setup. The METTLER TOLEDO load cell is integrated in the motion mechanism. The main coil and magnet of the experiment is assembled below the motion mechanism. Additional test masses can be attached below the magnet. The whole experiment runs in vacuum, making the automatic control of activities a must. To reach the required precision all parts need to be precisely aligned. Laser interferometers are used to measure all posi-tions and velocities.


Prototype of the Watt balance at METAS

coil in the same magnetic field. The volt-age is thus measured by relating it to the speed of the moving coil. Phase compari-son gives rise to an equation that relates electrical power to mechanical power and eventually, it is hoped, to a new 1 kg standard.

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A Monobloc® load cell at the core of the Watt balanceTo measure the static weighing phase, a METTLER TOLEDO team has created a Monobloc load cell capable of weighing this new constant at a startling resolu-tion below 1ug. This measures the min-ute forces required to accurately explore this method.

METTLER TOLEDO’s project manager, Daniel Reber stated, “The new load cell is a key part of the METAS experiment. With it, the load cell team is confident to enable METAS in their efforts to redefine the kg.”

Text: Javier Levitt Metrology Head

Design of the new METAS watt balance

experiment. Read the full paper.


Low

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Sensitive experiments, like those dealing with DNA or proteins, might

lead to incorrect results if the sample adheres to the pipette tip. New,

low-retention (LR) tips minimize sample interaction with the plastic

tips. LR tips are now used in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy

to gain the extra accuracy required with such delicate tests.

Prevents Samples from Bindingto Pipette Tips

molecules of interest remained intact throughout sample preparation process-es. Since many plastic consumables, such as pipette tips, can retain some of the molecules of interest on the plastic, the quantitative end result can be affected. It is critical to use plastic components that have low retention properties in order to generate accurate and quantitative data.

The results of the paper depended on us-ing low-retention plastic components so the research team used Rainin Low-Re-tention pipette tips to combat this com-mon problem.

Eighty percent of patients suffering from diabetes for a period of at least 10 years are affected by diabetic retinopathy, an secondary eye disorder. This retina dam-age can even lead to blindness. However, vigilant screening and timely treatment can reduce the number of new cases by 90 %. Furthermore, diagnosis in the early form of diabetic retinopathy, classified as non-proliferative diabetic neuropathy

(NPDR) consisting of mild or no oph-thalmological symptoms, could reduce this number even further.

The answer lies in the proteinsIn a paper published in the Journal of Proteome Research, Kim et al explored the use of a highly sensitive, liquid chro-matography mass spectrometry detec-tion method called multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) to quantify protein biomarkers for patients at risk of devel-oping NPDR. The researchers collected plasma samples from non-suffering pa-tients and NPDR patients according to the three stages of NPDR: Mild, moderate and severe. The authors found 28 differ-ent proteins that had different concentra-tions in the plasma of non-suffering pa-tients, mild NPDR patients and moderate NPDR patients. After analyzing these 28 potential biomarker proteins, Kim et al developed two 4-biomarker panels that exhibited great discriminatory power for mild NPDR, mild and moderate NPDR and non-suffering patients.

Each biomarker protein mattersThe experiments here used highly sen-sitive mass spectroscopy for the peptide detection so it was essential that all the

Prevent liquid retentionThe highly repellent tip surface guarantees uniform fluid movement across the internal tip surface to ensure complete sample aspiration and discharge regardless of fluid composition. In the picture, low-retention tips vs. normal tips.

Watch the Video www.mt.com/LR-LTS


A solution for ‘sticky’ liquids METTLER TOLEDO has recently launched a new generation of Rainin Low Retention tips. These are commonly used in laboratories when it comes to the pipetting of ‘sticky’ and viscous liquids, such as buffers containing glycerol, pro-teins or DNA, etc. The special surface of Rainin LR tips eliminates adhesion and prevents samples from interacting with the polypropylene surface of the tip. This

optimizes fluid movement within the tip and helps to limit the residual volume of fluid left in the tip after dispensing to improve pipetting accuracy and repro-ducibility.

Text: Rishi Porecha Rainin Application Specialist

www.mt.com/RaininLR

Rainin E4 XLS pipette with LR tip

Labo

rato

ry A

utom

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n Anne Swapped her Journal for LabX Be Next in Automating Your Worklflow

Anne is a Laboratory Manager whose lab performs a wide va-riety of analyses, mostly for quality control purposes. Recently, Anne was tasked with finding a way to automate these analyses, optimize operators’ time and ensure traceability and compliance with the rising regulations.

Anne concluded that the key needs were related to integration, either of instruments, systems, or reports, and automation of analyses, workflows, and data. She decided to adopt LabX in her laboratory to address these challenges.

Today, her instruments are connected, methods started with just one click and lab journals replaced with a secure database.


Smooth, error-free workflowOn the instrument, step by step guidance directs the operator. All work is ensured to be in accor-dance with internal SOPs

Full data managementAll information is automatically stored in a secure database to ensure traceability. See, store or print results in a customized report at any time.

Tailored set upDevelop and implement SOP com-pliant application methods ready for use on the relevant instrument. Define the roles of individual users and set-up the daily task list.

Power Your Bench with LabX® Software

Instrument connectivityLabX connects Mettler Toledo instruments to a single software. A unique interface means less training and more efficiency.

Learn more a bout LabX www.mt.com/LabX


Prod

uct H

ighl

ight Seven2GoTM Portables

Quality pH Measurement Made Mobile

www.mt.com/seven2go

In need of a simple, reliable and robust portable pH

meter? The new Seven2Go portables are engineered to

provide users with fast quality data, one-handed operati-

on, and durability. Ideally suited for mobile applications

in the laboratory, at-line, or outdoors, the new line of

pH/mV, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and ion portab-

les provide highly accurate and reliable measurements

through a simple menu and intuitive operation.

Easy Readiness CheckWith the new LED status light you are instantly aware of how your meter is doing. An easy to understand traffic light concept shows if your meter is ready to measure or not.

Fast NavigationSeven2Go’s new T-Pad improves the speed at which you move through menus. The smart button arrangement offers faster navigation, shortening time to measurement.

Intuitive OperationSeven2Go’s new intuitive menu guar-antees out-of-the- box operation for anyone. Users no longer need to study lengthy operating instructions.


Environmentally Friendly Solution for Racked Pipette Tips

The new Rainin TerraRack is the first stand-alone tip rack

designed to eliminate the disposal of empty racks into land-

fills. The composition of TerraRack and the unique manu-

facturing method provide a strong, lightweight, high-clarity

hinged tip rack which reduces plastic waste entering the

environment. All common Rainin LTS and Universal (UNV)

BioClean tips are available in the new TerraRack format.

Single-use convenienceAll TerraRack tips are pre-sterilized for additional convenience. Its single-use design and high recyclability avoids the accumulation of empty plastic racks within the laboratory environment.

High recyclability The TerraRack shell is made of light-weight, highly recyclable PET. This is the same material used to make bever-age bottles. Due to its recyclability, the plastic content of TerraRack remains in continuous use.

Lightweight thermoformed rackTerraRack achieves light weight, strength and high-clarity through a unique thermoforming process. Terra- Rack provides full hinged rack perfor-mance at a weight that is less than half that of injection-molded tip racks.

www.mt.com/Rainin-TerraRack

www.mt.comFor more information

Mettler-Toledo AGLaboratory DivisionIm LangacherCH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland

Local contact: www.mt.com/contacts

Know-How

Straightforward Routine TestingMinimize Risks and Costs

www.mt.com/RT-balances www.mt.com/RT-pipettes www.mt.com/RT-moisture

Testing laboratory instruments periodically is not only a way of complying with regulations but also the key to obtaining accurate and reproducible results.

Routine testing can be, however, a tedious and complex task. Our whitepapers provide you with recommendations about when and how to perform a routine testing on your instruments – among other good practice tips!

Step-by-step guidance for eased instrument routine testing

Balances Pipettes Moisture Analyzers

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