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What’s new in lab products
SEPTEMBER 2016
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What’s new in lab products
HIGH QUALITY WATER FURTHERS VOLCANIC RESEARCH 18
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Particle characterization for MICROPARTICLE RESEARCH Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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SOLID-STATE PLATFORM FOR HIGHTHROUGHPUT ChIP 31
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Now, Residual Protein A Impurity Testing made faster and easier than ever. Introducing the Ready BLI Detection Kit-Residual Protein A for the Octet® Platform. No Washes. No Spins. No Sweat. 5x more productive than ELISA with the Octet HTX system.
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In This Issue
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On the cover – The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute’s Dr. Dylan Burger is pictured in his laboratory with the Zetaview particle characterization system from Particle Metrix.
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MASSIVE $900M FUNDING BOOSTS UNIVERSITY RESEARCH
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n an announcement made at the University of Waterloo, Canada’s feder-
al minister of science, Kirsty Duncan, has awarded funding of $900 million to major project initiatives at 13 post-secondary institutions through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. The initiatives each focus on developing areas of competitive advantage. They include sustainably developing oceans; developing
At the announcement: Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo congratulate Professor David Cory with Kirsty Duncan, federal minister of science. Image courtesy of University of Waterloo.
next-generation medical technologies; increasing the capacity, sustainability and safety of our food production systems; and improving human brain health. The University of Waterloo, for example, will receive $76,277,000 for Transformative Quantum Technologies, an initiative that will bring
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together theoretical and experimental physics, computer science, and engineering to advance the development of relevant quantum technologies. Led by Professor David Cory, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Quantum Information Processing, the initiative will develop devices with applications in such areas as medicine, navigation, sensing and the development of new materials. “The Canada First Research Excellence Fund will equip Canada to respond to some of the most pressing issues it will face in the future: brain health, sustainable food and water supplies, environmental concerns, future energy supplies,” said Duncan. “The research supported through this fund will make the country stronger.” Each of the initiatives was selected following an open competitive process among Canadian post-secondary institutions and was judged by a panel of Canadian and international scientific experts. The funded projects are as follows: Dalhousie University. Project title: Safe and Sustainable Development of the Ocean Frontier. World-leading experts from Dalhousie University, the Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Prince Edward Island have developed a research program with an integrated set of research modules focused on atmosphere-ocean interactions, shifting ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, sustainable aquaculture, marine safety, and ocean data capture and integrated information technology tools. Award amount: $93,732,000.
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Laurentian University. Project title: Metal Earth. The project will transform our understanding of metal endowment during Earth’s evolution; develop open-source delivery of new knowledge, new quantitative exploration guidelines and new technology; and contribute to the expansion of Canada’s mineral wealth through new discoveries. Award amount: $49,269,000. McGill University. Project title: Healthy Brains for Healthy Lives. The project’s central vision is to create a global centre for excellence, establish a hub for neuroinformatics and big data analysis, and accelerate translational discoveries that will improve brain health. Award amount: $84,000,000. Polytechnique Montréal. Project title: The Montreal TransMedTech (MT2) Institute: An open-innovation ecosystem for the development of next generation medical technologies. The initiative seeks to shape the future of diagnosis/prognosis, intervention, and medical technologies for complex diseases across all age groups. Award amount: $35,625,000. Queen’s University. Project title: Canadian Particle Astrophysics Research Centre. Particle astrophysics is the study of the fundamental properties of the building blocks of nature, and their influence on the evolution of structure in the universe. The questions being addressed are considered to be among the most important in physics today. Award amount: $63,744,000. Université de Montréal. Project title: Data Serving Canadians: Deep Learning and Optimization for the Knowledge Revolution. The project will work toward enabling useful information to be efficiently extracted from Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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massive data sets (machine learning) and turned into actionable decisions (operations). Award amount: $93,562,000. University of Alberta. Project title: Future Energy Systems Research Institute. The institute will create a path to the responsible development and use of Canada’s multi-trillion-dollar energy resources, while facilitating a smooth transition to a lower-carbon energy economy. Award amount: $75,000,000. University of Calgary. Project title: Global Research Initiative in Sustainable Low Carbon Unconventional Resources. The project tackles the core features that make extraction of resources so carbon-intensive—namely, the high viscosity of heavy oil and bitumen, and the extremely low permeability of tight oil and gas reservoirs. Award amount: $75,000,000. University of Guelph. Project title: Food from Thought: Agricultural Systems for a Healthy Planet. The grand challenge is to develop systems that are capable of meeting the rising human demand for food while being resilient to climate change, and able to sustain healthy ecosystems, economies, and populations. Award amount: $76,613,000. University of Saskatchewan. Project title: Global Water Futures: Solutions to Water Threats in an Era of Global Change. The project focuses on developing transdisciplinary science, environmental monitoring systems and predictive modeling tools, and novel, user-focused approaches to address complex water challenges. Award amount: $77,840,000.
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University of Waterloo. Project title: Transformative Quantum Technologies. The project will tackle three grand challenges in quantum device development: demonstrate a quantum computer that is beyond the ability for a classical processor to simulate; develop quantum sensors with applications in navigation, materials, biochemistry, medicine and other fields; and deploy useful, long-distance quantum communication / key distribution. Award amount: $76,277,000. Western University. Project title: BrainsCAN: Brain Health for Life. Researchers will deliver evidence-based assessments and interventions for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the brain. Award amount: $66,000,000. Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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L-R: George Dixon, vice-president, university research, University of Waterloo; Mike Lazaridis, Quantum Valley Investments; Professor David Cory, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Quantum Information Processing, University of Waterloo; Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science; Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor, University of Waterloo; Raymond Laflamme, executive director, Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo; Brent HerbertCopley, executive vice-president, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Image courtesy of University of Waterloo.
York University. Project title: Vision: Science to Applications (VISTA). Blending psychophysical, physiological and computational approaches, VISTA will create a novel, interdisciplinary paradigm in visual neuroscience and computer vision. Award amount: $33,338,000. This is the second Canada First Research Excellence Fund competition. In July 2015, five initiatives received funding worth a total of $350 million.
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Cardiovascular Genetics Centre takes step toward personalized medicine
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new Cardiovascular Genetics Centre has opened at the Montreal Heart Institute, which will provide integrated multidisciplinary clinical assessment for patients and families affected by genetic cardio-
vascular disease. “We’ve just made an important step towards personalized medicine,” said Dr. Mario Talajic, the centre’s director. “This is the only specialized centre in Quebec with comprehensive expertise in patient monitoring thanks to a combination of clinical investigation and molecular testing for genetic cardiovascular diseases.” “The laboratory at the Genetics Centre will carry out molecular genetic testing, which allows us to identify the variants involved in the pathogenesis of several genetic cardiovascular diseases. It is the largest centre dedicated to cardiovascular disease in Canada,” said Dr. Julie Amyot, clinical biochemist and director of the molecular diagnostics lab. On the clinical side, patients will be able to obtain information about individual and family risks associated with the disease. The genetics clinic includes a multidisciplinary team responsible for assessing the range of Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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Industry News Dr. Mario Talajic.
Image courtesy of the Montreal Heart Institute.
genetic cardiovascular pathologies in patients with hereditary arrhythmias, aortopathies, and cardiomyopathies. The laboratory is equipped with stateof-the art technology such as a new generation MiSeq sequencer and a Sanger sequencer. A donation by Hydro-Québec is supporting the diagnostics lab, and the centre is also financially supported by the Philippa and Marvin Carsley Cardiology Chair at Université de Montréal. The chair holder is Dr. Peter Guerra, chief of the Department of Medicine and specialist in cardiac arrhythmia. September 2016
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$2M awarded to translational health chair
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he University of Alberta’s Gopinath Sutendra, PhD, has been awarded the Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions (AIHS) translational health chair in cardio-oncology. Sutendra, an assistant professor in the
university’s Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry’s Division of Cardiology, is receiving $2.1 million over seven years to study the molecular pathways of cancer therapies that lead to heart complications. “It’s a growing clinical problem as many cancer therapies can cause adverse complications to the heart,” said Sutendra. “A subset of patients who are being treated by these therapies experience heart failure, despite responsive tumours. Because of this, patients have to be treated for their heart failure and in some cases also discontinue the cancer therapy. “My research program is going to look into understanding why these cancer therapies have such a negative effect on the heart, and also try to discover some new and novel translational therapies to prevent this cardiotoxicity. We’re going to try to find a way to target these pathways Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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selectively to prevent the toxic effect of cancer therapies in the heart, but still maintain its benefit against cancer,� he said. Sutendra uses a collaborative, multidisciplinary and translational approach to cardiovascular and oncology research which includes working with a similar program at the University of Calgary. Gopinath Sutendra. Image courtesy of University of Alberta
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High quality water improves volcanic research Pure and ultrapure laboratory water systems play an essential role in the procedures used for preparation and analysis of samples by a volcanic system research laboratory.
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t France’s Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, volcanic system researchers focus on long-term evolution, magma degassing and eruptive processes, as well as the risks and environmental impacts
of volcanoes. Some of the institute’s scientists are engaged in field work that regularly takes them to visit active volcanoes throughout the world. The rock samples they collect onsite are chemically transformed and then analyzed by ion chromatography or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in the Institute’s Paris laboratories — with the help of pure and ultrapure water. Providing insight into volcanic activity The Institute of Earth Physics of Paris is a centre of higher learning and research that can trace its origins back to the nineteenth century. The research and educational activities there focus on seismic and volcanic Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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The Institute of Earth Physics of Paris (France). Image courtesy of IPGP
activity, and the institute is associated with the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). The mission of the Volcanic Systems Department is to study and monitor the three principal active French volcanoes: la Montagne Pelée in Martinique, la Soufrière in Guadeloupe, and le Piton de la Fournaise on La Réunion Island. The institute’s scientists also study volcanoes in other places around the world, such as Mount Etna in Sicily, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, and the volcanoes of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. When a volcano erupts, it releases great volumes of halogen gases — such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine — into the atmosphere. These gases contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer and can
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also create acid rain, which contaminates soils and rivers. Volcanic ash deposited on soil layers creates pollution as well. The research conducted by the Volcanic Systems Milli-Q® Integral system with 30-litre tank
Department enables
insight into a volcano’s activity, helps identify its effect on the environment, and also provides predictive data. This data is a critical factor in warning local populations about possible future eruptions, and also in protecting them from the toxic effects of certain elements, such as fluorine, which may be present in the environment following an eruption. Pure and ultrapure water is critical When researchers return from the field, their volcanic rock samples are analyzed in the institute’s labs in Paris, where MilliporeSigma water-purification systems play an important role in the procedures used to prepare and analyze these samples. There is absolutely no way for the laboratory to produce good analyses without high-quality, ultrapure water for use in their chemical analyses, and also in blank solutions, eluents, and for washing and rinsing steps. Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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The institute uses both pure and ultrapure water, with some systems installed in cleanroom facilities. For example, a research engineer uses Milli-Q® Integral pure and ultrapure water systems to produce about 5 litres of ultrapure water per day for use in pyrohydrolysis, ion chromatography and ICP-MS equipment, as well as
Volcanic rock samples are weighed in ultrapure water in the solid sample preparation lab.
about 5 -30 litres of pure water daily, principally to clean volcanic rock and for glass washing. Flexible, stand-alone water dispensers allow easy access to the pure and ultrapure water, and special end-filters ensure particulate-free and bacteria-free water for the Volcanic System Department’s applications. The department’s applications are sensitive to ionic and organic contamination, so it is important to monitor water-quality levels. The waterpurification systems allow both ionic and TOC (total oxidizable carbon) water-quality levels to be checked on either the water-dispenser screen or the system display whenever needed. Alerts provide further security if water quality ever falls below set point. Before making any chemical measurements, the density of each sample is recorded in the solid sample preparation lab by measuring its mass and volume. It is difficult to determine the mass of irregularly shaped rock samples, so researchers have to weigh the samples in water. To make
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The pyrohydrolysis apparatus used for boron extraction
sure that the procedure will be successful, it is essential to use ultrapure water with a density of 1 g/cm3. Following sample preparation, the next step in the sample analysis involves a pyrohydrolysis technique. The institute possesses two pyrohydrolysis systems: one that is used to extract halogens (e.g., fluorine, chlorine, bromine), as well as sulfates, from volcanic rock or soil samples, and another system that is used solely for boron extraction. Both systems operate on the same principle: a finely crushed rock sample in a platinum crucible is placed into the pyrohydrolysis system’s furnace, where the volatiles are vaporized at a temperature of 1200°C. Ultrapure water also plays a significant role in pyrohydrolysis, as it used to fill the system’s boiling flask. The flask is heated, and a nitrogen stream forces Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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the water vapour to enter the furnace, where it picks up the halogen gases present in the sample and forms corresponding acids. Once the acids have re-condensed in the flask, they can then be measured by ion chromatography, or in the case of boron, by ICP-MS.
Ion chromatography system used to analyze halogen samples
Following halogen extraction, the crucible is cleaned in hydrofluoric acid, rinsed a first time in pure water, and then put back into the furnace for additional rinsing with pure water until it is halogen-free. High-quality lab water is very important. Researchers at the Volcanic Systems Department work at very low (mg/litre or Âľg/litre) concentration levels, so they cannot afford to have even the tiniest trace of the elements they are measuring in their ultrapure water. This is particularly true when the researchers are measuring boron. Seeing the peaks with ion chromatography The next step takes place in the ion chromatography laboratory, where the halogen anions extracted by pyrohydrolysis are measured.
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Water is also important here, as the system’s eluent is composed in part of ultrapure water. The column separates the anions according to their size, their charge and their degree of hydration. Then each anion is detected by the conductivity cell, and gives a peak of conductivity that is proportional to the concentration of the anion in the solution. For ion chromatography, it is imperative for the researchers to have confidence in the quality of their ultrapure water. Any traces of fluorine, chlorine, or nitrates, for example, would bias the concentration measurements. In the ion chromatography lab, researchers also need ultrapure water to feed the system’s suppressor. High-quality water helps extend the lifetime of the ion-exchange membrane, and this means that the researchers don’t have to change the system’s suppressor (at a cost of about 1500 euros) every few months. By using ultrapure feed water, these suppressors last three to four years. Boron trace analysis using ICP-MS Trace analysis of the boron samples is performed at the µg/litre level using ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry). Boron is measured directly from the pyrohydrolysis solutions, so the blank level has to be as low as possible. Researchers at the Volcanic Systems Department use ultrapure water to rinse the probe and the system, and to make dilutions when needed. Once the measurement has been performed, and beVisit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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fore measuring additional samples, the ICP-MS system must be rinsed very carefully — first with a 2% acid solution made with ultrapure acid and water, and then with ultrapure water. In all work for the Volcanic Systems Department, it is essential to have a reliable and constant source of pure and ultrapure water. Researchers in the department use water in many different ways — from washing and weighing the rock samples, to sample preparation for pyrohydrolysis, to preparing eluents for ion chromatography and providing feed water to the chromatography system’s suppressor, and for use in ICP-MS sample dilutions — as well as to wash glassware. Always having the necessary high-quality pure and ultrapure water means that researchers won’t lose time having to redo experiments, and also that the results of their experiments are reliable, which is an important point when articles about their research are published. ICP-MS laboratory where boron samples are analyzed
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THz spectroscopy system furthers materials research Brown University scientists exploring how frequencies within the terahertz band of the electromagnetic spectrum can advance spectroscopic studies of materials recently added a new tool to their research arsenal: a THzfrequency materials characterization system from Lake Shore Cryotronics.
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nstalled in the lab of Professor Dan Mittleman in early March by Lake Shore, the 8500 Series system will be used primarily to study THz-frequency magneto-optical responses of semimetals, iron-based superconductors
and other novel materials. Dr. Mittleman’s research interests involve the science and technology of terahertz radiation. He moved last year from Rice University to Brown to start up the world-class THz research facility in the university’s School of Engineering. Since his arrival last year, the Mittleman Lab has assembled an impressive array of equipment and staff to continue explorations in the THz regime, commonly considered “the last frontier” of the electromagnetic spectrum. Researchers have long believed that THz analysis could reveal new and important properties of materials, and open new doors to further semiconductor and materials development. However, there was a need for affordable, reliable and easily operable measurement systems for the research community. The Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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8500 Series system combines continuous wave (CW) THz spectroscopy and a high-field cryostat to create a reliable tool for researching the far infrared properties of new materials. No special knowledge of THz optics is required, and it enables noncontact material spectroscopic response measurements across a wide range of frequencies, temperatures and field strengths. Unlike conventional pulsed THz spectros-
Yue Huang, Brown University postdoctoral research associate and a member of the Mittleman Lab research team, shown next to the Lake Shore Cryotronics 8500 Series THz system for material characterization installed in the lab. Photo by Richard Higgins, Lake Shore Cryotronics.
copy techniques, this system uses a tunable source of THz frequency energy to enable high-resolution spectroscopic studies of the magneto-optic properties of materials, in conjunction with specially developed, cryogenically stable THz emitter and detector devices. Lake Shore partnered with TOPTICA Photonics AG of Munich, Germany to adapt that company’s proven CW-THz spectrometer product for this system integration application. According to Dr. David Daughton, the Lake Shore applications scientist who led the team of hardware and software developers to create the 8500 Series system, TOPTICA’s experience in research-grade lasers and laser controllers proved critical to achieving the measurement performance required in this very demanding application. “We set out to accomplish something never done before – placing a CWTHz measurement inside a research cryostat so that samples can be analyzed spectroscopically at temperatures as low as 5 Kelvin,” said
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Daughton. “It turns out this is a lot harder than it sounds because THz signals are very small, and everything has to be very stable and repeatable for the measurements to be meaningful. Slight variations in temperature, THz source power or background signals can be detrimental. It took a lot of work to sort it all out, but we are pleased with the final product and look forward to the research results it will enable.” The delivery of its first production THz system to Brown was the culmination of more than four years of product development, beta site testing and refinement by Lake Shore and its partner institutions. Beginning in late 2011, Lake Shore worked closely with researchers at the Ohio State University, the University of Dayton, Wright State University, the University of Arizona, and the Air Force Research Lab to refine product concepts and perform early testing in a variety of material measurement applications. Lake Shore says it believes the system will also provide new insights in many emerging electronic, magnetic and chemical material research applications, including photovoltaics, organic electronics, and spin-based computing studies where scientists can use spectroscopic response measurements to derive key material properties. These include dielectric constant, dynamic conductivity, carrier scattering mobilities and vibrational and magnetic resonances. Mittleman’s group will continue to spearhead research into new techniques for generating, manipulating and detecting terahertz radiation, with a goal of eventually opening a user facility to further support others working in this arena. Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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Life Sciences Dr. Dylan Burger with his Zetaview particle characterization system from Particle Metrix.
Particle characterization for microparticle research Particle Metrix, which develops particle characterization systems for life sciences research, reports on the work of the Burger Laboratory at Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. The lab is studying the role of microparticles in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular and kidney disease.
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he Ottawa Hospital Research Institute uses particle characterization to study membrane microparticles as potential biomarkers for underlying diseases. Dr. Dylan Burger leads a research group at the
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institute that focuses on understanding the biological role of membrane vesicles (specifically exosomes and microparticles/microvesicles) in vascular and renal disease. In particular, they are interested in the impact of disease on the rate of formation and molecular makeup of these vesicles. They chose the ZetaView system from Particle Metrix for microparticle characterization because it allows them to obtain both quantitative information on the number of particles in a particular preparation as well as basic physical information (i.e. size and zeta potential). This has utility in the assessment of vesicles as biomarkers but also in quality control of vesicle preparations. When coupled with fluorescence detection, it also allows for immunophenotyping of vesicles to determine cell origin or vesicle content. “We have previously used electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, flow cytometry, tunable resistive pulse sensing along with other nanoparticle tracking analysis systems,” said Dr. Burger. “Now, with ZetaView, we have a system which delivers high detection sensitivity over a range of samples,” he said. “These may be detected at low concentration levels and we have the ability to visualize fluorescent particles as well as to measure zeta potential in real time. The automation of the system (auto-alignment and autofocusing) expedites analysis and also allows for better across-lab standardization. Low maintenance needs allow us to use this system on a daily basis. Last but not least, we like that the system has a very small footprint so can be placed anywhere in a standard biomedical laboratory.” Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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Solid-state platform for high-throughput ChIP Chromatrap® 96 (C96) is a high-throughput analysis platform that profiles up to 96 transcription factors and epigenetic modifications simultaneously in less than 1 day. It enables sensitive, selective and reproducible target amplification with excellent signal-to-noise ratios, even from samples as small as 0.1 μg. Compatible with automated handling, C96 allows simultaneous investigation of parallel epigenetic landscapes, offering a high level of assay flexibility and speed.
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he field of epigenetics is rapidly expanding as researchers uncover the principles governing gene regulation through the dynamic binding of proteins to DNA. Profiling of heritable epigenetic modifications, a
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major driver of biological complexity, through target assays such as C96 is now beginning at the genomic level1. Understanding loci-specific, coordinated epigenetic mechanisms that affect gene expression and downstream cell phenotype is a focus for both the research and pharmaceutical communities. Such analysis – principally of chromatin remodeling through posttranslational modifications like histone acetylation, DNA methylation and the regulation of gene expression by non-coding RNAs – is crucial in biomarker identification, diagnostic development and therapeutic exploitation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) enables the selective immunoprecipitation of a regulatory protein of interest or epigenetic mark to determine its associated DNA sequences2,3. ChIP has increased our understanding of the biological significance of DNA-protein associations and our ability to map the localization
Figure 1 – Chromatrap inert solid-phase scaffold for ChIP provides increased surface area for antibody binding, allowing more efficient immunoprecipitation while reducing nonspecific binding.
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of modified histones, histone variants, transcription factors or other chromatinmodifying enzymes at given gene loci4. When paired with next-generation sequencing, ChIP can map epigenetic marks and transcription factor binding sites at the global genome level. In cancer, both hypo- and hypermethylation of DNA have been linked to tumour growth. Aberrant patterns of histone marks also have a role in oncogenesis: hypoacetylation and hypermethylation of histones H3 and H4 can inhibit the expression of genes involved in tumour suppression independent of altered DNA methylation5,6. Beyond cancer, epigenetic factors have been implicated in inflammatory, autoimmune, metabolic, neurological and blood disorders6. Chromatrap is a new technology that offers a quicker, easier and more efficient platform for ChIP7. Based on a patented solid-state platform, the technology enables fast, sensitive, selective immunoprecipitation of both high- and low-abundance targets from small cell numbers. It requires less manual handling than traditional ChIP methods and thus is less prone to operator error. The Chromatrap protocol can be completed in as little as 5 h, offers excellent signal-to-noise ratios and has a straightforward process. It is compatible with single-loci and genome-wide profiling through ChIP-seq. It is available in a range of formats, including a special multi-well plate format (C96) that allows multiple proteins and/or samples of interest to be profiled simultaneously. Fully compatible with liquid handling, C96 lends itself to true high-throughput epigenetic screening in research, clinical profiling and epigenetic drug compound mechanism-of-action studies.
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How the technology works The solid-phase scaffold has a proprietary internal structure, composed of inert inner pore surfaces, functionalized with covalently bound Protein A or G. This microfluidic environment is specifically designed to maximize chromatin capture efficiency, reduce nonspecific binding and promote molecular mixing. It therefore allows more efficient immunoprecipitation than traditional beadbased methods (Fig. 1). All reactions take place inside the column, reducing handling time, processing complexity and error. The flow-through characteristics involved ensure excellent sample mixing and washing, further reducing protocol length. Because of the special buffer chemistry, no DNA cleanup is necessary, streamlining time and cost to endpoint analysis. As a result Chromatrap offers simplicity, efficiency and greater signal-to-noise results even from limited sample material.
Figure 2 – Excellent signal-to-noise ratio can be achieved using as little as 100 ng per immunoprecipitation, demonstrated by sensitive enrichment of RNA Pol II onto the GAPDH locus. Chromatrap has a full chromatin concentration range of 50-7,000 ng for qPCR and up to 50 Οg for ChIP-seq. Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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Sensitivity from small samples. Excellent DNA enrichment is observed using C96. The signal is up to 25× higher than that for traditional bead-based assays from as little as 7,500 cells. The low background binding (typically 3× greater signal-to-noise ratio than competing procedures) enables protein immunoprecipitation from a wide, dynamic range of input chromatin concentrations (Fig. 2). Specifically developed for low chromatin concentrations, C96 performs equally efficiently with immunoprecipitations from 100 ng of input chromatin to 2 μg. This assay flexibility enables C96 to be tailored to ChIP from difficult clinical samples and to more everyday cell line-based assays, while a modified protocol enables higher loading (up to 50 μg) and is compatible with ChIP-seq. This dynamic range enables more assays per sample, thus allowing multiple pathways and transcription factors to be targeted from the same sample. Simultaneous epigenetic modification and transcription factor targeting. The binding efficiency and occupancy of common epigenetic marks (H3, H4, H3K4me3 and RNA Pol II) on three gene targets of interest (GAPDH, b-globin and PABPC1) in three human chromatin samples (HepG2, HeLa and K562) was performed simultaneously. For every immunoprecipitation, 1 μg of chromatin from each cell type was loaded onto the C96 microplate with 2 μg of antibody for 1 h with gentle agitation. Following a series of quick and simple centrifugation washes, chromatin was released after 15 m of incubation in elution buffer. After reverse cross-linking and protein digestion, selectively enriched DNA was amplified by quantitative PCR and compared relative
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Life Sciences
Figure 3 – The ability of C96 to analyze multiple antibody target occupation of multiple gene loci in three different chromatin sample types is represented here by a subset of data on one C96 plate.
to the background and input signal. Immunoprecipitation can be carried out in less than 5 h, with no liquid handling. All assays were performed in triplicate; signal levels are shown as an average Âą standard error of the mean (Fig. 3). C96 demonstrates strong signal strength with RNA Pol II presence mapped at key target gene loci, in the presence of associated H3 and H4 signatures. The sensitivity and selectivity of the assay is clearly shown, with all transcription factor targets tested against positive and negative control genes. It has been tested using a range of fully validated ChIP antibodies. Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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It offers a high-throughput platform to study epigenetic modifying enzymes, transcription factors and histones from small cell samples using low chromatin concentrations. The assay speed and reduced manual handling produces reproducible, sensitive and selective assay data. Conclusion Epigenetics is a fast-growing research area with wide applications, including disease mechanism profiling and personalized medicine strategies. ChIP is crucial to epigenetic research. Presented here is a new, enriched assay process for profiling simultaneous protein and DNA patterns that characterize disease mechanisms. The high-throughput, patented solid-state platform enables 96 simultaneous assays across a multitude of target proteins, cell-signaling mechanisms, cell types and/or patient samples in 1 d. Chromatrap offers a step change in ChIP productivity that significantly improves the efficiency and scope of epigenetic research. References 1. SCHMIDT, D. ET AL. CHIP-SEQ: USING HIGH-THROUGHPUT SEQUENCING TO DISCOVER PROTEIN-DNA INTERACTIONS. METHODS 48, 240–248 (2009). 2. APARICIO, O., GEISBERG, J.V. & STRUHL, K. CHROMATIN IMMUNOPRECIPITATION FOR DETERMINING THE ASSOCIATION OF PROTEINS WITH SPECIFIC GENOMIC SEQUENCES IN VIVO. CURR. PROTOC. CELL BIOL. 23, 17.7 (2004). 3. COLLAS, P. & DAHL, J.A. CHOP IT, CHIP IT, CHECK IT: THE CURRENT STATUS OF CHROMATIN IMMUNOPRECIPITATION. FRONT. BIOSCI. 13, 929–943 (2008). 4. COLLAS, P. THE CURRENT STATE OF CHROMATIN IMMUNOPRECIPITATION. MOL. BIOTECHNOL. 45, 87–100 (2010). 5. ESTELLER, M. CANCER EPIGENETICS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY: WHAT’S NEXT? GENES CANCER 2, 604–606 (2011). 6. DEWOSKIN, V.A. & MILLION, R.P. THE EPIGENETICS PIPELINE. NAT. REV. DRUG DISCOV. 12, 661–662 (2013). 7. CHERNUKHIN, I. ET AL. BIOVYON PROTEIN A, AN ALTERNATIVE SOLID-PHASE AFFINITY MATRIX FOR CHROMATIN IMMUNOPRECIPITATION. ANAL. BIOCHEM. 412, 183–188 (2011). AMY L BEYNON1, LINDSAY J PARKES2, MATTHEW L TURNER2, STEVE KNIGHT3, STEVE CONLAN2, LEWIS FRANCIS2 & BEN STOCKS4 1 CHROMATRAP, INSTITUTE OF LIFE SCIENCES 2, SWANSEA UNIVERSITY, SINGLETON PARK, U.K. 2 REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND GYNAECOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY GROUP, INSTITUTE OF LIFE SCIENCES 2, SWANSEA UNIVERSITY, SINGLETON PARK, U.K. 3 PORVAIR SCIENCES LTD., WREXHAM, U.K. 4 PORVAIR PLC, NORFOLK, U.K. CORRESPONDENCE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO A.L.B (AMY.BEYNON@CHROMATRAP.COM).
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What’s new in lab products
Tip-spacing pipettes are motorized
At the push of a button, Voyager II pipettes allownew the in user expand tip What’s labtoproducts spacing from 4.5 mm to 33 mm. This enables rapid, optimized multichannel pipetting between microplates, tube racks and gel boxes of different sizes and formats. The pipette has a 135-degree rotatable body enabling users to hold the pipette in a comfortable working position. INTEGRA Biosciences www.integra-biosciences.com/sites/voyager.html#downloads sites/vacusip.html
Preclinical imaging system for translational research
The SkyScan 1276 microCT (X-ray microcomputed tomography) combines high resolution, speed and accessibility to advance improved in vivo scanning of small laboratory animals and of in vitro biological samples in preclinical studies. With continuously variable magnification, including a smallest pixel size of 2.8µm, and a short scanning cycle of 3.9 seconds, the instrument gives researchers access to highest-quality images at higher throughput. Bruker https://www.bruker.com/events/mr/wmic-2016.html Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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Software reduces sample analysis time
Analytical microscope users conducting research and routine analysis can perform more comprehensive and efficient microscopic studies on complex samples using a new X-ray microanalysis software package that complements electron microscopy imaging instruments. Pathfinder X-ray microanalysis software processes incoming data from X-ray detector technology and provides a real-time statistical map of the chemical constituents within a sample. Thermo Fisher Scientific www.thermofisher.com/pathfinder www.mt.com/moisture
Inert GC inlet liners ensure simple, safe analysis
A new family of GC inlet liners incorporates a revised approach to packaging and installation and a special deactivation process that minimizes sample adsorption and degradation. The Zebron PLUS GC inlet liners are designed with a pre-installed Viton o-ring to eliminate installation steps. The easy-to-open packaging also prevents pitfalls that commonly occur during liner installation, including breakage, cuts and potential contamination. Phenomenex www.phenomenex.com
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WHAT’S NEW IN LAB PRODUCTS
What’s new in lab products
Instrument handles advanced SAXS/WAXS experiments
The Empyrean Nano edition is a new What’s new in lab products hybrid laboratory instrument that combines various advanced X-ray scattering techniques. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is the main application. Researchers can deduce valuable information about nanoscale structures and dimensions and about order and disorder on the atomic level from the angular dependence of the scattering intensities that are measured from a sample under investigation. PANalytical www.panalytical.com www.sartorius.com
Automated S/TEM is designed for all users
The Talos L120C transmission/scanning transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) is designed for life and materials sciences. It provides the high-resolution, 3D imaging and analysis capabilities of an S/TEM, yet is designed to enable all users to access excellent scientific results regardless of their microscope experience. Its fast, sophisticated automation and advanced 3D imaging workflows allow applied researchers to focus on scientific questions rather than microscope operation. FEI http://fei.com/Talos-L120C-for-Materials-Science http://fei.com/Talos-L120C-for-Life-Sciences Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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High-productivity SPE sample preparation
The Microlute SPE sample prep system provides a fast, trouble-free alternative to cartridges for highproductivity sample clean-up. The system also enables users to increase assay sensitivity by providing reliable pre-injection clean-up and concentration on samples as small as 150Âľl. Supplied as a complete package including filter plate, collection plate, waste tray and manifold. Porvair Sciences Ltd. www.porvair-sciences.com/en/ services-menu/ solid-phase-extraction/microlute/
Modular components customize microscope functionality
A comprehensive set of interchangeable modules and accessories enables users to customize the functionality of optical microscopes from all major manufacturers (e.g., Zeiss, Nikon, Olympus), or even to build their own microscope. The heart of the system is a cube beamsplitter assembly (CBH-1.0) designed to sit in the infinity space of a conventional microscope. The modules are suitable for applications throughout life sciences. Siskiyou Corporation www.Siskiyou.com
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WHAT’S NEW IN LAB PRODUCTS
WHAT’Snew NEW PRODUCTS What’s in IN labLAB products
Eliminate solvent bumping, foaming during evaporation
Genevac reports its products proprietary What’s newthat in lab Dri-Pure technology, available as standard on Series 3 HT, EZ-2 and Rocket Synergy evaporators, enables scientists to dry samples rapidly without foaming, cross-contamination or loss of sample due to solvent bumping. Along with auto-stop when dry capability, the evaporators offer true unattended evaporation, and samples will be dried without cross contamination or thermal damage. Genevac Ltd. www.spscientific.com/Dri-Pure
Counter provides accurate low cell counts
The GloCyte Automated Cell Counter System provides quantitative determination of red blood cells and total nucleated cells in cerebrospinal fluid. It combines fluorescence, microscopy with digital image analysis principles, highly specific reagents, and an intelligent counting algorithm to provide accurate and precise cell counts. Requires only 30 microliters of sample per test. Disposable test cartridges ensure no sample carryover and easy disposal. Advanced Instruments, Inc. aicompanies.com Visit us on line www.labcanada.com INDEX
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Read temperature, humidity data on a mobile device
Remote monitoring and logging of critical environmental data is convenient with the H-B Instrument Durac Bluetooth Thermometer-Hygrometer. The instrument records up to 30 days of temperature and humidity, and transmits the data wirelessly, eliminating the need for a physical connection. Readings can be broadcast to any device with Bluetooth 4.0 or better at distances up to about 40 meters. Bel-Art - SP Scienceware www.belart.com www.watlow.com/fluent
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WHAT’S NEW IN LAB PRODUCTS