Category Archives: Technical

Ramanomics: Quantification of Proteins, Nucleic Acids, & Lipids Inside Eukaryotic Cells

Molecular function in eukaryotic cells can be studied by quantifying proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids inside intracellular organelles. Traditionally, this quantification is performed through techniques that are given “-omic” terms such as proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, etc. using mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques. 

Raman spectroscopy has traditionally been used to quantify the molecular structure of a wide range of chemical species with size ranges from near-field (<100 nm) to bulk measurements. Extensive work has gone into the application of Raman spectroscopy in many biochemical applications but successful solutions have often been difficult due to the complexity of the information obtained in the measurement and interferences arising from the laser-based methods used for Raman spectroscopy. Dr. Andrey Kuzmin of the University at Buffalo and Advanced Cytometry Instrumentation Systems, LLC, has successfully bridged this gap with the application of Raman spectroscopy to the quantification of intracellular components.  His development, termed “Ramanomics” can be used to quantify proteins, DNA, RNA, and lipids in live cells.

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Isolation and Characterization of Microplastics

Microplastics contaminate marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems around the world. The growing prevalence of these contaminants requires study on their impact on human health and ways in which they can be identified and remediated.

Barnett Technical Services (BTS) has participated in a study set up by the State of California to assess methods for counting and characterizing micro plastic particles in water. This summary illustrates some of the methods BTS used in this study.

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Failure analysis and particle isolation in a post-COVID-19 world.

The spread of COVID-19 has led to great changes in the lives of people worldwide.  This includes the need for increased social distancing and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of spreading and acquiring disease from others and the surrounding environment. The use of PPE, including gloves, safety goggles, and a mask causes difficulties for failure analysis and particle isolation where precise microscopic sample handling is often required.  Precise manipulations using probes and other handheld tools while looking through a microscope, are much more difficult while wearing PPE.

The Micro Support Axis Pro micromanipulator is an excellent solution for performing precise microscopic sampling where PPE is required.  

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SciX 2020 virtual eXchange

We are excited to be showing an e-poster at the SciX 2020 virtual conference. The poster touches on the work we have been doing with micro plastic research instrumentation and procedure. The poster will be available at the show October 12-15 2020. We will also post it here on the site after the show.

The instruments that we discuss are the Axis Pro micromanipulator for particle isolation and the Ostec e200 Raman microscope for characterization.

Link to SciX 2020 Website
Link to e-Poster

Webinar: Exploration of Limits-of-Detection using HTVS Raman Spectroscopy

Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2020 Time: 06:00-07:00 CEST

High Throughput Raman Spectroscopy using Tornado Spectral System’s Hyperflux ProPlus Raman Spectrometer allows for both fast measuring times and low limits of detection due to the proprietary High Throughput Virtual Slit. A variety of samples will be analyzed using this technology including flow chemistry scenarios and analytes of interest in a cell broth background. The dangers of running averages and their use in traditional raman spectroscopy will also be a point of discussion. All multivariate chemometric analysis was performed using SIMCA® 16.

This webinar is presented by Dr. Shamus Driver. He is a Senior Raman Innovation Scientist for Tornado Spectral Systems. Before joining Tornado Spectral Systems, he worked at a pharmaceutical company in Process Analytical Technology development using Raman and Near-IR spectroscopy. He earned a Ph.D. in environmental chemistry from Ball State University in Muncie, IN, as well as Bachelors and Masters degrees in Chemistry from Ball State University. 

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Tornado main page | Tornado Spectral Systems Website

Rapid, Sensitive Raman Detection for Bioprocess Monitoring

The Tornado Hyperflux PRO Plus Raman system that utilizes High Throughput Virtual Slit (HTVS) technology provides excellent performance for applications where rapid and sensitive Raman measurements are required. The system has recently been incorporated into the Sartorius ambr® bioprocess system. The OPIS 35 laser configuration for operation in ATEX Zone 0 environments allows for worldwide use of this technology.

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Strain Measurement in Microlenses Using an Automated Polariscope

Microlenses are polymer or glass lenses used in a wide range of products, including mobile phone cameras, LED systems, and solar cells. These lenses require high image clarity and optical throughput.

Robust microlens quality control includes an assessment of residual stress throughout the lens. Retardation measurements to assess stress in transparent optics is measured as the phase shift between the polarized component of light along the fast axis compared to that along the slow axis. Generally, retardations are larger in areas where there is greater stress on the optic.

The Luceo LSM-9100S automated polariscope, which provides precise retardation measurements, can measure strain and stress in microlenses.

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