All posts by atascientific

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Strengthens Cancer Fighting Research with their new Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM

We’re pleased to announce that the new second-generation Phenom XL Desktop Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is installed in VectorLAB at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. The Phenom XL desktop SEM is being used to unlock key insights and facilitate the rapid, high-resolution analysis of microstructures of 3D printed biomaterials, to shorten the path between discovery and new cancer treatments.

“When patient implants fail, we sometimes don’t know why.  The images provided by the Phenom will enable us to build bone replacement implants that fit the patient needs better and last longer”

VectorLAB at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse

Formed over a decade ago by A/Prof Natalka Suchowerska and Professor David McKenzie, VectorLAB is a collaborative research space that brings together scientists from Chris O’Brien Lifehouse comprehensive cancer hospital and The University of Sydney School of Physics to solve some of the most urgent problems in cancer. Researchers from the disciplines of medicine, physics, biology and chemistry work together to translate advances in science and technology to the practice of medicine. Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is the largest cancer clinical trial centre in New South Wales, giving cancer patients access to some of the world’s newest lifesaving drugs and breakthroughs. Research and trials are carried out by the same clinicians who treat patients, shortening the path between discovery and new treatments.

Read the full article here …

Types of Catalysis and the Best Ways to Measure Them

A catalyst pore is an important performance-defining characteristic that affects the available surface for reactions to occur. Used to refer to the internal structure or internal surface area of catalysts, the size and structure of this pore influences permeability—the ease with which gases and fluids can travel through a solid. Finer pores give rise to low permeability, resulting in higher resistance to fluid flow, used to limit unwanted reactions. Only molecules of desired sizes can enter and leave, creating a selective catalyst that will produce the desired product.

What are the primary types of catalysis? 

Catalysts fall into one of two groups; as homogeneous catalysts and heterogeneous catalysts. Homogenous catalysis involves only one phase and usually occurs in the liquid phase. In contrast, heterogeneous catalysis occurs at or near an interface and can be found in all three phases of matter: solid phase, liquid phase, and gas phase.

Homogeneous catalyst 

Homogeneous catalysts offer several advantages. Being in the liquid phase results in a high reactivity and selectivity of reactions under low-temperature conditions (less than 250◦C). They usually have many active sites on the surface binding reactants, so the reaction progresses in those active sites. However, the recovery of homogeneous catalysts is comparatively difficult and expensive since the catalyst is in the same phase as the reaction mixture, making catalyst separation difficult. The thermal stability of homogeneous catalysts is also lacking. Transition metals and organometallic complexes are examples of homogeneous catalysts. 

Heterogeneous catalyst 

For heterogeneous catalysis, catalytic recovery is easy and inexpensive since the catalyst is in a different phase from that of the reaction mixture. Catalysis efficiently acts in high-temperature conditions, around 250 – 500◦C, however active sites of heterogeneous catalysts are not well-defined, which reduces selectivity of reactants. Typical examples of heterogeneous catalysts are metals, metal oxides, and the like.

How are pores measured?

Practical techniques used to investigate porosity include pycnometry, gas adsorption, mercury porosimetry, and porometry.

Gas pycnometry 

This is the standard technique for determining true, absolute, skeletal, and apparent volume and density. Being non-destructive, it uses inert gases, such as helium or nitrogen as the displacement medium to measure volume and calculate density.

Physical Gas Adsorption and Chemisorption

These experiments are standard techniques for the characterisation of porous solids. Chemisorption, for example, is used to quantitatively measure the number of surface-active sites vital to promoting a specified catalytic reaction. Interpreting critical parameters such as the active element, metal dispersion, and surface acidity are essential to produce meaningful data.

Mercury Porosimetry Analysis

Intruding mercury into a porous structure under stringently controlled pressures, this technique offers speed, accuracy, and a wide measurement range. Mercury porosimetry enables the calculation of numerous sample properties such as pore size distributions, total pore volume, total pore surface area, median pore diameter, and sample densities (bulk and skeletal).

Porometry

Porometry displaces a wetting liquid from the sample pores by applying a gas at increasing pressure. This process is used to measure minimum, maximum (or first bubble point), and mean flow pore sizes, and pore size distribution of the through pores in membranes nonwovens, paper, filtration and ultrafiltration media, hollow fibres, ceramics, and so on.

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What is the difference between porosimetry and permeability?

Porosity is the measurement of void spaces within solids. The term porosimetry often includes the measurements of pore size, volume, distribution, density, and other porosity-related characteristics of a material. Permeability is the measurement that indicates how easily a fluid can flow in between these spaces or pores. Permeability provides insight as to the ease with which molecules of different geometries can access an active site, which can help to determine the selectivity of a catalyst. 

Porosity also defines the performance of a catalyst and is crucial in understanding the formation, structure, and potential use. The porosity of a material affects its physical properties and, subsequently, its behaviour in its surrounding environment. The adsorption and permeability, strength, density, and other factors influenced by a substance’s porosity determine appropriate uses.

Porous materials such as activated carbons, zeolites, or metal-organic frameworks largely owe their industrial value to the ability to control the rate of transport of different molecules.

ASTM D4404 – 18 is the standard test method intended for use in determining the volume and the volume distribution of pores in soil and rock concerning the apparent diameter of the entrances of the pores. In general, both the size and volume of the pores affects the performance of soil and rock. The pore volume distribution is useful in understanding its relationship to water infiltration, permeability, and water-holding capacity, which enables better soil-management practices.  

What are the best ways to measure the various types of catalysis?

Researchers use a wide range of techniques to assess catalyst performance.

Mercury porosimetry analysis enables you to calculate numerous sample properties such as pore size distributions, total pore volume, total pore surface area, median pore diameter, and sample densities (bulk and skeletal).

The AutoPore V Series Mercury Porosimeters can determine a broader pore-size distribution more quickly and accurately than other methods. This instrument also features enhanced safety features and offers new data analysis options that provide more information about pore geometry and fluid transport characteristics.

Following a reaction, it is desirable to re-quantify defining characteristics such as the number of active catalysts sites to observe any change, which typically requires the removal of the catalyst from the reactor and transferring it to a chemisorption system. There is widespread recognition this process undermines the integrity of the resulting characterisation data. The Micromeritics in-situ Catalyst Characterization System (ICCS) offers a solution—it is an advanced catalyst characterisation tool that enables the user to study the impact of a reaction on critical parameters such as the number of active sites under precisely controlled, process-representative conditions.

With a large selection of pore-size analysers that leverage a variety of measurement techniques—including gas sorption and mercury intrusion—Micromeritics can fulfil almost any need for detailed porosity characterisation.

Micromeritics AutoPore Mercury Porosimeters quickly and accurately determine a material’s pore size, diameter, volume, surface area, bulk, and absolute densities. MicroActive software significantly improves functionality, convenience, diagnostics, and data interpretation—establishing a new standard for high-performance results in mercury porosimetry. To learn more about porosimetry, speak to ATA Scientific today.   

LUNA-FX7 Automated cell counter with unmatched accuracy

No, it’s not a spacecraft, but it is lightyears more value than other cell counters!

All new optics and upgraded software algorithm with high-speed and precision autofocus plus    options for a diverse range of slides (8-, 3-, 2-, 1-chamber formats).

Data transfer via Wi-Fi, USB device, or Ethernet. Boasting CountWire™ software which is compliant with 21 CFR Part 11/GMP requirements along with a new bioprocess monitoring feature and validation slides for QC. This dual fluorescence counter also has brightfield analysis for greater flexibility. The Luna Fx7 is the latest addition to the multi award-winning LUNA range

Our first, the LUNA classic can count stained or unstained cells in just 7 seconds. Simple and accurate, the LUNA remains a favourite.

Equipped with dual fluorescence and brightfield optics, the LUNA-FL is a powerhouse. The LUNA-FL can assess cell counts, viability, and GFP transfection efficiency without being limited by cell type or size.

The LUNA-STEM takes adipose-derived stem cell and SVF samples to count live nucleated cells, dead nucleated cells, and non-nucleated cells with precision and consistency for downstream procedures.

Yeast strains used in food and drink production can be notoriously clumpy. The LUNA-II YF has an autofocusing cell counting and de-clustering algorithm that counts individual yeast cells in just 15 seconds.

There are more… Call us to discuss or request a demo!

RNA Treatments and Vaccines for Infectious Disease Response

RNA-based genetic vaccines may represent the most promising approach for the rapid development and deployment of a COVID-19 vaccine. 

This symposium discusses the current landscape and the opportunities RNA treatments compared to DNA and conventional vaccines. Speakers provide an introductory overview of RNA platform technologies; future pandemic preparedness; and the Target Product Profile (TPP) for RNA vaccines.

Dr. Andy Geall – What is Required in a Successful mRNA Vaccine Program – Recording
Dr. Bijoyita Roy – The Anatomy of an mRNA and its Synthesis In Vitro – Recording
Dr. Lloyd Jeffs – A Framework for Developing RNA Medicine – Recording
Dr. Yvonne Perrie – Delivery Options for RNA: Exploiting Nanoparticles – Recording
Dr. Andy Geall – RNA Vaccine Demonstration – Recording  

CONTACT US FOR A FREE DEMO NOW    

NANOASSEMBLR ON DEMAND WEBINARS   

Is RNA Medicine the Next Paradigm Shift? PNI-CRS Local Chapter

This talk will highlight unique features of EVs for RNA delivery and discuss novel approaches that may contribute to the development of more efficient EV-based RNA
delivery systems. 
 
Use of PNI Microfluidics to Manufacture GMP Quality siRNA Nanoparticles

Sirnaomics, first company to use the NanoAssemblr® GMP System with NxGen technology to produce nanoparticles containing 2 siRNAs under GMP conditions
discusses their work.
 
Lipid Based Nanomedicine – Challenges that Lead to Solutions

Dr. Bally discusses 35 years of research and new nanomedicines, mainly Myocet- for metastatic breast cancer, Marqibo- for relapsed ALL & Vyxeos, for high-risk AML.

 
Small molecule delivery systems prepared with microfluidics

This talk explores the ways that the efficacy of a small molecule drug can be increased, both through the production, and microfluidic control over the development of a suitable delivery system.  
NANOASSEMBLR DEMONSTRATION VIDEOS

NanoAssemblr Ignite Demo
Ignite with NxGen microfluidics reproducibly generates optimal particles through a single mixer across scales, saving time and money.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH NOW

NanoAssemblr Blaze Demo
With NanoAssemblr Blaze, important studies can be conducted efficiently with a process that mirrors a clinical scale implementation.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH NOW

NanoAssemblr GMP Demo
Configurable & modular system that enables manufacturing scales 200 ml to greater than 100 L.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH NOW

Automate particle morphology to save time and money

Live Q&A: How to automate your particle morphology with Phenom Desktop SEM

REGISTER TO ATTEND THIS WEBINAR HERE

Wednesday, September 9, 2020 | 4:30–5:30pm AEST
 
Join our live Q&A session to learn how the versatile and easy-to-use Thermo Scientific™ Phenom™ Particle X and Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEMs can help you automate your particle morphology. Find out how you can take in-house control of your data to quickly adjust your production process before costly failures and delays occur, saving time and money.  
Join us for this live Q&A to learn how to: Automate your particle morphology Obtain the quality information you need to discover failures early so you can rapidly adjust your production process when needed Automate quality control to process a high volume of samples with fewer chances of human error

CLICK HERE FOR A QUOTE!
Multi Angle DLS

NEW Zetasizer Advance – faster, more reliable nanoparticle characterisation

Watch this short webinar to discover the new Malvern Zetasizer range 

In this webinar we will introduce the new Zetasizer Advance and take a close look at the core light scattering capabilities that enable fast, reliable measurement of particle and molecular size, molecular weight and zeta potential. Recent developments, such as adaptive correlation, MADLS and NIBS, will be discussed to outline how these cutting-edge techniques have brought new intelligence, versatility and flexibility to the Zetasizer Advance range.
 
WATCH THIS WEBINAR NOW

New Desktop SEM Helps Improve Quality Control, Production Efficiency and Material Cleanliness

New Phenom ParticleX SEM

The need to maintain an effective, cost-efficient operation has led to a growing number of manufacturing companies establishing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) systems in-house.

The ability to carry out high resolution imaging quickly and easily to assess the structure, surface morphology in addition to chemical verification can help support and improve product development and/or process control.

Easy-to-use, multi-purpose desktop SEM

The Thermo ScientificPhenom ParticleX Desktop SEM is a versatile solution for high-quality analysis that is both simple to operate and fast to learn, opening up the use of particle and material analysis to a wider group of users. The system requires little training and no expert oversight and is automated for multiple sample analysis. Its ease-of-use, rapid sample preparation and handling produce unparalleled time to data. Users can obtain high-quality images in just 40 seconds—three times faster than other desktop SEM systems. With an improved resolution of 10 nanometres, it enables even more resolving power and the ability to explore large samples of up to 100 by 100 millimetres. When compared to the more common tungsten filament electron sources, its Cerium hexaboride (CeB6) electron source is longer lasting with higher brightness.

The standard detector in the Phenom ParticleX Desktop SEM is a four-segment backscattered electron detector (BSD) that yields sharp images and provides chemical contrast information. An optional secondary electron detector (SED) collects low-energy electrons from the top surface layer of the sample, exposing detailed sample surface information. The SED is ideal for applications where topography and morphology are important such as when studying microstructures, fibers or particles.

Elemental Mapping and Line Scan

In addition to fast, high-resolution imaging, the Phenom ParticleX has an integrated energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX) detector for elemental analysis. A simple click on the spot of interest will provide a list of elements present using live energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Elemental distribution can be visualised with the elemental mapping and line scan option, which is

especially useful for coatings, paints and other applications with multiple layers for analysing edges and cross sections. The all-new 24-inch diagonal user interface combines what were once separate screens for images and analyses into a single full-screen image providing faster and convenient access to information needed.

Additive manufacturing and technical cleanliness

The Phenom ParticleX Desktop SEM not only provides high quality SEM analysis, it is also designed to perform a number of specific functions. These include particle analysis of metal powders at the microscale for the additive manufacturing industry and confirming that components fulfill technical cleanliness specifications according to VDA19 or ISO16232 standards. Users can monitor particle size distributions, revealing individual particle morphology and identify foreign particles providing great insights into production processes and environments.

Access to key imaging technologies during lockdown

Access to key imaging technologies during lockdown

COVID-19 restrictions have lead to many university facilities around the country being shut down or running at reduced capacity, slowing down research which can be frustrating for scientists working to a timeline. 
Our contract testing and instrument hire services have allowed many clients to continue their projects. 

Whilst the bigger systems in the core facilities are fantastic, a smaller instrument which has capabilities close to the others but at a fraction of the cost, and generally at a much smaller size to fit in your lab, may be just the key… 
Take a new a look at the desktop Phenom XL SEM  or the Celena X high content imaging system.  
 
Contact us for sample testing or instrument hire  

Contract sample testing
We offer sample testing services for particle characterisation eg. Particle size, particle concentration, formulation stability, SEM imaging and more. Contact us for a list.

Instrument hire or lease
We offer analytical instruments for hire focused in the areas of particle characteriastion eg, Mastersizer 3000, Zetasizer Ultra, Phenom XL desktop SEM…  
Contact us for a demo, training or tech support

 
Online demos & training  
We offer web-based demonstrations and operator training using the latest instruments. Please contact our sales and application team members using the link below.

Service and technical support 
The service and technical support team are ready to support you either remotely or in-person aligned with all current government mandates. Please contact us for more …  

Introducing the new Phenom ProX G6 Desktop SEM

Smaller, faster, easier to use with increased resolution and live elemental analysis  
WATCH RECORDED WEBINAR HERE  

Watch this webinar to learn about:
The 6th Generation Thermo Scientific Phenom ProX G6 Desktop Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
Fast and tremendously easy to use
Intuitive desktop SEM requires little training, no expert oversight and includes a 24-inch user interface that displays full-screen high-resolution SEM images in just 30 seconds.
Element identification (EID)
Equipped with an integrated energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detector to obtain more material insights with element identification via X-ray analysis. 
 Long-lifetime Cerium Hexaboride source
Obtain high-quality images and resolve finer surface details using the CeB₆ source which provides ten times the brightness compared to Tungsten and lasts more than fifteen times longer.

DOWNLOAD THE SPECSHEET HERE  
CLICK HERE FOR A QUOTE!

Optimise Nanocatalysis with precisely controlled porosity, surface area

Micromeritics Materials characterisation
Heterogeneous catalysis enables faster, large-scale production and selective product formation. Physical characterisation of catalysts in terms of porosity, surface area and pore size are not only related to the study of reactants and product diffusion but also to control production quality, to investigate catalyst deactivation and efficiency of regeneration processes.

In this webinar, attendees will learn more about:
– Parameters related to catalyst characterisation in terms of porosity, specific surface area, pore size distribution and density
– Catalytic reaction stages influenced by physical parameters
– Basic principles of gas pycnometry, mercury intrusion porosimetry and gas physisorption
– Guidelines for interpreting analytical results
WATCH THIS WEBINAR NOW
New models to characterise porous materials such as carbons, zeolites, and MOFs
Download this White Paper:
Easily applied with existing software, these models improve the accuracy of porosity metrics derived from gas adsorption data. NLDFT, which involves molecular modelling, generates accurate values of the physical properties of an adsorptive, notably density, inside pores, where fluid behavior is modified by interactions with pore walls. 
Developing nanocatalyst performance: Analytical techniques for a knowledge-led approach
Download this White Paper
Understand of the factors that influence behaviour and performance of heterogeneous catalysts in the nanoregion and how to control them using complementary technologies for precise characterisation of nanoparticle size, surface area and porosity.