Unique package: DirectOverlay display
and analysis software from JPK Instruments

JPK Instruments, a world-leading manufacturer of nanoanalytic instrumentation for research in life sciences and soft matter, provides a unique software package to make the display of light microscopy images together with atomic force microscopy images a seamless exercise. This package is called DirectOverlay™.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful tool to investigate a huge variety of different samples with nanometre scale resolution under physiological conditions. As well as providing topographic measurements, information about interaction forces and mechanical properties like adhesion and elasticity can also be obtained. Perfect integration of AFM with an optical setup can increase the range of applications and opens up many possibilities for correlating structural information with optical information such as functionalized labelling of certain components.

To achieve the perfect combination of optics and AFM at the molecular scale, distortions must be prevented. This will result in two images, such as optical and AFM images, that do not perfectly overlay. Reasons for distortions include aberrations arising from the lenses and mirrors of the optics system. This nonlinear stretching, rotating and offsetting of optical images are present in nearly all types of optical setups.

To generate a seamless overlay of both techniques, JPK developed a cutting-edge calibration method, called DirectOverlay, which uses the accuracy of the AFM closed-loop scanning system to enable a true display of absolute angles and length coordinates. The calibration procedure is done automatically and uses the known positions and offsets of the cantilever to calibrate the optical image into the AFM coordinates. To generate a perfect match of the optical and AFM image, 25 or more points are used in the calibration algorithm. At each point, an optical image is acquired and the position of the cantilever tip is automatically detected in each optical image without needing input on cantilever angle, shape or magnification. The algorithm then performs a nonlinear conversion and, as a result, the optical image is corrected for any lens imperfections and converted into the linearized AFM length coordinates. This provides a perfect integration of optical and AFM data with sub-diffraction limit precision.

Finally, the calibrated optical image is transferred into the JPK SPM software, so that AFM scan regions can be selected within the optical image. Direct "in optical image" selection of AFM measurements (imaging, mapping and force spectroscopy) leads to more efficient experiments and reduces dramatically overview image scanning in AFM.

JPK develop, engineer and manufacture instrumentation in Germany to the world-recognized standards of German precision engineering, quality and functionality.

For further information, view website; http://www.jpk.com/nanowizard-3-directoverlay-tm.538.en.html  Refer to page 212 

Analytik report on rapid multispectral imaging for the QC laboratory

Analytik, leading suppliers of innovative analytical instrumentation to the UK and Ireland, report on developments in the uses for multispectral imaging from Videometer.

Until recently, the quality control of variable products such as seeds, powders or cosmetics would be subjective, time-consuming and expensive. To get reproducible results took hours with traditional analytical techniques, and relying on human judgement introduced errors. The VideometerLab provides a solution at a stroke.

The system photographs samples at twenty different wavelengths and then through the application of sophisticated statistical software, the detection and characterisation of contaminants as small as 45 microns (the size of a pollen grain) is possible. The VideometerLab can operate at wavelengths outside human vision - Near Infrared and Ultraviolet - and therefore useful information may be generated about texture, water saturation and fluorescence behaviour.

The system has been designed for fast analysis with minimum user interaction. It can automatically detect features which the user has previously defined as important. For example, it is a simple task to identify an out-of-specification tablet in a single measurement taking 6 seconds, or automatically detect Fusarium infection on barley grains. The analysis uses a combination of wavelength response and geometric information.

Multispectral imaging first appeared in the late 80's but has only recently been adopted with imaging techniques becoming less expensive, more reliable and rapid. The VideometerLab provides a cost-effective alternative to comparable systems. It operates non-destructively in ten seconds or less and is delicate enough to use on extremely fragile materials.

Cambridge-based Analytik are the exclusive UK and Ireland distributors of the VideometerLab.

For further information about multispectral imaging and its applications, view website: www.analytik.co.uk  Refer to page 230

First ever fully automated tube testing machine
allows manufacturers to eliminate manual testing

Cerulean Packing, part of Molins Plc, Q-Test,is  the first ever fully automated tube testing system for laminate and plastic tubes. Tube testing as part of the packaging process currently requires manual testing which is time consuming and can be inconsistent. Q-Test addresses these issues and is particularly suitable for the medical, personal care and consumer food product industries where high quality packaging is essential. 

"Tube producers in these industries need to test a number of parameters during the production process to prevent possible product failures and expensive manufacturing downtime," explained Peter Wilson, global sales manager, Cerulean. "These tests are currently carried out manually, making them labour intensive and open to interpretation with potentially inconsistent results. Cerulean Q-Test removes the need for this manual testing and offers accuracy and repeatability as well as providing a full history of quantifiable results that can be used to help improve product quality."

One of the quality control tests currently carried out manually by tube manufacturers checks whether the weld between the body of the tube and the moulded shoulder leaks. If the joint leaks, it is possible for the contents to become contaminated, or in some cases leak from the tube. To conduct this test, a tube is pressurised with an airline and then immersed, by hand, into a bucket of water to see if bubbles appear. This is not only messy, time consuming and involves having water in the production area, but the results from this method are also subjective and cannot always be quantified. Another important test which is currently carried out by hand, using a manual torque gauge, checks whether a tube's cap has been tightened too much, or is too loose.

Tube manufacturers also need to ensure that the joint along the length of the tube, known as the side-seam, is within specification. This is currently tested by cutting a section of the tube with a sharp knife and then examining the joint with a powerful microscope.

These measurements, together with a number of other important checks are very labour intensive, and open to interpretation, leading to inconsistent results depending upon the skill and experience of the operator. "However, using Q-Test, it is now possible for tube manufacturers to carry out all of these tests automatically and have the results logged for future reference" commented Peter Wilson.

To find out more about Q-Test, view website: www.ceruleanpacking.com  Refer to page 215

Dolomite launches novel microfluidic device
for advanced cell immobilization and observation

In collaboration with The Gurdon Institute (University of Cambridge), Dolomite, a world leader in the design and manufacture of microfluidic solutions, has introduced the Embryo Immobilisation Chip ideal for the immobilization and observation of embryos or cell aggregates of up to 150μm in diameter.

Live imaging of a large number of small non-adherent samples, for a long time and at high-resolution, has been very difficult to achieve due to movements of the sample during handling processes. Working closely with Bernhard Stauss and The Gurdon Institute, Dolomite has addressed these challenges by developing a novel glass microfluidic device, optimized for high-resolution imaging and high throughput experimentation.

Featuring over 250 well chambers, the Embryo Immobilisation Chip keeps samples in position throughout imaging as well as during mounting from the microscope, allowing observations to be carried out over a number of days. Once viewing is complete, users can easily retrieve samples from the device for further analysis, including fixation, staining or genotyping.

The microfluidic chip can be supplied with a Chip Interface which is compatible with a wide range of standard microscope stage inserts. Offering excellent chemical compatibility and access for optics, the Embryo Immobilisation Chip and Interface enable users to quickly locate and observe the area of interest.

The Dolomite Centre Limited in profile
Established in 2005 as the world's first Microfluidic Application Centre, Dolomite focused on working with customers to turn their concepts for microfluidic applications into reality. Today, Dolomite is the world leader in solving microfluidic problems. With offices in the UK and US and distributors throughout the rest of the world, its clients range from universities developing leading-edge analytical equipment, to manufacturers of chemical, life sciences and clinical diagnostics systems.

Dolomite is pioneering the use of microfluidic devices for small-scale fluid control and analysis, enabling manufacturers to develop more compact, cost-effective and powerful instruments. By combining specialist glass, quartz and ceramic technologies with knowledge of high performance microfluidics, Dolomite is able to provide solutions for a broad range of application areas including environmental monitoring, clinical diagnostics, food and beverage, nuclear, agriculture, petrochemical, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Furthermore Dolomite's in-house micro-fabrication facilities that include clean rooms and precision glass processing facilities allow to prototype and test all solutions rapidly which ensures a faster development cycle and reduces the time to market.

For further information on The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute (University of Cambridge), view website: www.gurdon.cam.ac.uk

For further information on Dolomite's range of microfluidic chips as well as a complete portfolio of microfluidic products including chips, connectors/ interconnects, valves and custom devices view website: www.dolomite-microfluidics.com