Preparation of microorganisms for qualitative and quantitative
analysis typically consists of multi-step protocols and laborious,
time-consuming manipulations such as freezing, boiling, and pulverization.
In an effort to streamline this process, researchers at Atmospheric
Glow Technologies, Inc., Knoxville, Tenn., developed the PlasmaGen
APR510-S, a benchtop research instrument that generates
atmospheric plasma to rapidly liberate nucleic acid from microorganisms
in a one-step, reagent-free process. Amplifiable DNA is available
in two minutes or less, even from a mixed population with this tool.
Moreover, the PlasmaGen prepares DNA for analysis on dry sample
matrices, providing an alternative to current methods that rely
strictly on wet chemistry. By avoiding wet chemistry, multiple wash
and recovery steps are avoided, greatly decreasing the risk of losing
samples that may be present in low numbers. By manipulating samples
only once, there is less risk for cross-contamination and reduced
exposure of the technician to potential pathogens.
Simplifying Hydrogenation
Catalytic hydrogenation is an important technique for the reduction
of chemical substances, but it is severely limited by harsh reaction
conditions and potential hazards of catalyst handling. The emergence
of combinatorial chemistry methods, by contrast, demands a readily
accessible technology that supports automation and high-throughput
synthesis. In response to these limitations and needs, Ferenc Darvas,
Lajos Godorhazy, Ferenc Boncz, and Daniel Szalay of Thales Nanotechnology,
Inc., Budapest, Hungary, have developed the H-Cube,
a benchtop hydrogenator which combines endogenous hydrogen generation
with a disposable cartridge system.
The H-Cube enables high-pressure, high purity hydrogen generation
in situ. There is no need for external hydrogen storage. It is uniquely
suitable for the hydrogenation of large numbers of small samples
for combinatorial chemistry. The pre-loaded column uses a minimum
amount of catalyst, which avoids direct contact pre- or post-reaction.
The H-Cube has easily adjustable reaction parameters that allow
for rapid pre-experimental process optimization, and it is easily
integrated with automated systems. The H-Cube makes hydrogenation
technology accessible, affordable, and easy to understand to a much
wider population. It will benefit the chemistry community and aid
the pharmaceutical industry in more quickly obtaining novel drugs.
Boosting Semiconductor Manufacturing
In high productivity atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes, the
valve is the principal component responsible for dispensing precursors
and purging gases into the chamber in precisely measured, precisely
timed pulses. Today’s mass flow controller (MFC) technology
is not compatible with the short and frequent gas pulses inherent
to highly productive ALD processes. As a result, even greater reliance
is placed on the precision and accuracy of valves used on ALD tools.
Because of this, William Glime of Swagelok Company, Willoughby, Ohio,
designed the Swagelok ALD series diaphragm valve.
This new technology provides regular, repeatable pulses at a very
high rate of speed, up to 10 cycles per second and is designed to
have an extended life cycle of >50 million cycles. It meets all
criteria for high productivity modes of ALD, having fast actuation,
high repeatable pulse actuation and flow, and is compatible with
precursors requiring high delivery temperatures. In addition, it
also has a means to provide functional feedback to confirm process
timing and sequence.
Hearts of adult patients with cardiac disease are imaged using
an ultrasound system. Typically, 5-10% of patients, however, cannot
be diagnosed with ultrasound because the ultrasound wave has difficulty
penetrating their acoustic window. On other patients, the sonographers
have to change transducers depending on the patients’ body
type to get good images. The output of the ultrasound system is
greatly determined by the performance of the workhorse transducer.
In order to improve this output, Rajesh Panda and Jie Chen of Philips
Ultrasound, Andover, Mass., have developed the S5-1 Ultrasound
Transducer with PureWave Crystal Technology, which utilizes
single crystal technology for significant improvement in image quality.
The S5-1 transducer incorporates the bandwidth of two high-performance
transducers, eliminating the need for multiple transducer selection.
The PureWave piezocrystal exhibits better acoustic properties than
traditional PZT piezoelectric ceramics for superior image quality
that allows precise tracking of blood/tissue interfaces. It also
allows for improved penetration in difficult-to-image patients and
a greater sensitivity in harmonic imaging. The ultrasonic picture
quality that is achieved with the S5-1 transducer is much closer
to the resolution and crispness observed in images from more expensive
modalities such as CT and MRI.
