Eppendorf UK Ltd

Don Whitley Scientific announces the launch of Labelmaster II – an automated system for labelling and organising culture media samples in clinical, food and pharmaceutical testing
laboratories. Designed to print and affix barcode labels to Petri dishes, Labelmaster II helps laboratory staff identify and sort samples quickly, easily and accurately. The pneumatic
plate delivery system allows up to 1000 plates per hour to be processed and sorted with improved speed and accuracy. An optional storage unit increases this capacity to 1900 if required. Clear and standardised labelling means fewer mistakes, full traceability of media batches and reduced human error. Tedious and repetitive work is managed and
automated to free staff for more specialist tasks.

Eppendorf AG completes the Totally Integrated Pipetting System portfolio with epT.I.P.S. LoRetention, featuring ‘Pearl Effect’ surface technology to ensure maximum sample recovery when dispensing detergent solutions. epT.I.P.S. LoRetention meet demands from users engaged in PCR, real-time PCR, proteomics and molecular biology applications. As liquids containing detergents wet polypropylene, a film remains on a standard tip’s surface following pipetting. This leads to loss of sample material, increased consumption of expensive reagents, and poor precision and reproducibility. Eppendorf ’s ‘Pearl
Effect’ technology renders the tip surface ultrahydrophobic through a modification at the molecular level. As a result, detergent solutions simply roll off completely and sample is not lost.

Eppendorf ’s new 30-place Centrifuge 5430 spins at up to 30,130 x g and accommodates virtually any tube or plate in eight different rotors, yet its footprint is highly compact.
Mehran Khajooei, product manager, Eppendorf AG, Hamburg, comments, “The new Centrifuge 5430 combines state-of-the-art features with ease of use, offering a wide choice of rotors, low loading height of only 25cm, and an ergonomically structured control panel. The simple, intuitive menu guide is easy to read
on the large backlit LC display and up to 50 routine programs can be stored. Centrifuge 5430 is ideal for laboratories using both tubes and plates, especially considering the 30,130 x g rating and the small footprint – only 33 x 42 cm.”

New from Eppendorf, Mastercycler pro introduces vapo. protect technology to effectively stop evaporation during the PCR reaction. This ensures unparalleled reproducibility, specificity and speed for any PCR application in the fields of molecular
biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry and cell biology. This new high-end thermocycler for research builds on the functionalities of Eppendorf ’s successful Mastercycler ep series, such as Thermal Sample Protection (TSP) heated lid, high speed heating and cooling, and the facility to upgrade to realtime PCR. However, the main innovation is protection against evaporation, as Kay Koerner explains: “By forming a completely snug fit, mean evaporation is reduced to only 0–3%, even in problematic corner and edge wells. This is dramatically lower than evaporation rates of 30–50% for corner and edge wells using four competitor thermocyclers.”

Eppendorf MixMate is claimed to be the first vortexer to be available with independently verified data showing the low transfer of hand-arm vibration during its operation. EU Directive
2002/44EG addresses the need for regulations protecting employees from hazardous mechanical vibration. Using a vortexing procedure to mix liquids causes transfer of vibration to the hand and arm, so posing a theoretical risk. However, the actual risk and daily maximum dose of exposure incurred by the Eppendorf mixer MixMate with integrated vortexing function were analysed and summarised by the independent British institution ‘Industrial Noise & Vibration Centre’. The results making MixMate the first vortexer for which detailed hand-arm vibration data is available.

The autumn Eppendorf Advantage global promotion covers three microcentrifuges, with 300 bonus ep-points available on registration of each product. From 1 September to 31 December 2008, it is easier than ever for life science laboratories to get the best for less with these Eppendorf microcentrifuges.
Centrifuge 5418 is available at a special promotional price; Centrifuge 5424 comes with a free standard rotor; a free second rotor can be selected when Centrifuge 5430 is purchased
with either the Falcon tube or Microplate rotor. Registration of each of these centrifuges also qualifies for 300 bonus eppoints, in addition to the usual 100 ep-points.

Eppendorf ’s new 30-place Centrifuge 5430 spins at up to 30,130 x g and accommodates virtually any tube or plate in eight different rotors, yet its footprint is highly compact. Mehran Khajooei, product manager, Eppendorf AG, Hamburg, comments, “The new Centrifuge 5430 combines state-of-the-art features with ease of use, offering a wide choice of rotors, low loading height of only 25cm, and an ergonomically structured control panel. The simple, intuitive menu guide is easy to read
on the large backlit LC display and up to 50 routine programs can be stored. Centrifuge 5430 is ideal for laboratories using both tubes and plates, especially considering the 30,130
x g rating and the small footprint – only 33 x 42cm.”

A new interactive website shines the spotlight on five Eppendorf products recognised for their outstanding design and ergonomics. These include Multipette stream and Multipette
Xstream, which won both the coveted red dot design award and an Instrument Business Outlook (IBO) Gold Award, and Mastercycler ep realplex, also honoured with the red dot award for product design. At Eppendorf.com/ergonomics, these products are joined by MixMate, Microcentrifuge 5424 and Eppendorf Research pipettes on a revolving carousel display. Users can interactively animate each product using their mouse, magnify and view from any chosen angle, and click on hotspots to reveal details of features and benefits.

Sigma-Aldrich is developing optimised protocols enabling Extract-N-Amp kits to join the range of Plug’n’Prep methods for Eppendorf ’s epMotion. epMotion is an open automated
liquid handling system with pre-tested, ready-to-go methods for automated nucleic acid purification. Extract-N-Amp PCR kits offer an integrated extraction and amplification process
for rapid blood, tissue or plant assays. DNA is released from virtually any sample in a 5-minute extraction process, thereby eliminating the need for any columns or tedious sample
purification steps. This simple ‘lyse and go’ process is ideal for genotyping, transgene detection, knockout analysis and sequencing applications. Kits include all reagents, proprietary buffers, plus enzymes needed to rapidly extract and amplify targets.

With their opaque white wells, twin.tec real-time PCR plates from Eppendorf enable detection of significantly lower levels of fluorescence and enhance the reproducibility of real-time PCR data. Titanium dioxide gives an opaque bright white which both greatly increases the reflection of fluorescence and
reduces interfering background fluorescence. Therefore lower levels of fluorescence can be detected by the same instrument and the homogeneity of replicates is increased, compared with using clear or frosted wells. The reduced wall thickness of twin.tec real-time PCR plates gives optimal heat transfer while maintaining high mechanical stability, and the rigid, fully skirted frame version is designed for
automated handling. The raised rims are ideally suited for effective heat sealing and use of adhesive films.

Designed to fit inside a laminar flow hood, the epMotion 5070 CB automated liquid handling system from Eppendorf AG offers important advantages for cell biologists. Enhanced safety and fewer pipetting errors are added to the ability to increase the statistical significance of cell culture experiments through the use of higher density formats. Cell culture liquid handling is usually tedious and time consuming, typically limiting the sample numbers. However, the epMotion 5070 CB offers hands-free automated pipetting for procedures such as media change, cell seed out and cytotox assays. The system fits into laminar flow hoods from major vendors such as NuAir, Thermo and Baker and, thanks to an innovative light beam monitor, only operates once the hood’s front door is closed.

Featuring a new LCD display and user-friendly control panel, the Eppendorf Concentrator plus is designed for concentration, drying and purification of biomolecules. With three concentrator modes as well as centrifuge and integrated dessicator functions, the Concentrator plus provides valuable versatility for molecular and cell biology labs. Preselection of one of four different heating levels allows optimised drying times for different samples, while three application modes – for aqueous, alcohol or high vapour pressure solvents –provide faster evaporation, reducing processing time by up to 20%. The dessicator function can be used for fast evaporation of filters with optimised vapour pressure conditions and the 1,400 rpm centrifugation function is ideal for spinning down
droplets after re-suspension.

Eppendorf customers can now search for gold throughout the world in 63 countries with the popular ep-points reward scheme. How to participate: log on to www.ep-points.com
and enter your ep-points code (see product packaging). Eppendorf will be turning ep-points codes into gold 3 times a day. Exchanging your points for attractive rewards online is quick and easy. Not yet an ep-points customer? ep-points can be collected with the purchase of many Eppendorf products. Register as an ep-points customer under www.ep-points.com and enter the ep-points code from the packaging of your products. Collecting ep-points is always worthwhile! It goes without saying that you will still continue to receive your normal points for all ep-point codes registered.

The latest Eppendorf Advantage global promotion underlines the message ‘It’s your sample!’ with a wide range of special offers
on premium consumables. Packed with superior features, Eppendorf plates, tubes and tips protect users, keep samples safe and ensure that results are uncompromised. Until 30 June
2008, global Advantage promotions include 25% off Eppendorf Deepwell Plates 96/384, blue and twin.tec PCR Plates, blue, as well as 25% off Eppendorf 0.2 ml PCR tubes. UK-specific offers include 25% off all Eppendorf ep Dualfilter T.I.P.S., a free Multipette plus with five boxes of Combitips plus and a free Multipette stream with ten boxes of Combitips plus. All Eppendorf consumables come with ep-points which can be redeemed online for attractive rewards.

Eppendorf UK’s service partners now include Lab3, alongside PEAK-Service and specialists in pipette calibration, European Instruments. All three partner companies are ISO 9001:2000
registered, with engineers trained by Eppendorf AG service in Hamburg and supported by Eppendorf ’s technical team and electronic service databank. Having built a 60-year reputation as a market leader in build-quality and instrument reliability, Albrecht Wiener, Eppendorf UK Managing Director, says: “Through our expanded service partner portfolio we can offer customers even greater choice to ensure that they benefit
from the full lifespan of their Eppendorf equipment.”

Eppendorf products are available from a range of highly
regarded UK distributors, ensuring that customers enjoy wider
choice, faster turnaround and excellent pre- and after-sales
service. Eppendorf UK’s distributor portfolio now includes Scientific
Laboratory Supplies, alongside Fisher Scientific, Helena
BioSciences, VWR International and, for micromanipulation
equipment, Carl Zeiss and Nikon UK. Eppendorf‘s epMotion
range of automated pipetting systems and Mastercycler ep
realplex real-time PCR systems are available directly from Eppendorf
UK, supported by application
specialists. Eppendorf ensures
that all distributor field staff
undertake comprehensive training
on the full range of Eppendorf
products, so that they can provide
demonstrations as well as troubleshooting
application requirements
involving Eppendorf products.

Eppendorf Plate Deepwell 96 and 384 set new standards in terms of purity, stability, centrifuge and automation compatibility. With optimised well geometry, an exclusive error-safe labelling system and g-safe stability up to 6000 x g, the plates
deliver first-rate results first time and every time. Both the 96- and 384-well plates incorporate the new RecoverMax design with conical well bottoms and smooth, rounded corners and transitions for square well plates. These features provide faster pipetting, resuspension and mixing because the liquid collects in the centre of the well bottom, while wicking in well corners is prevented to eliminate cross-contamination between wells.

Eppendorf ’s epMotion offers fast, highly accurate and contamination- free pipetting of ultra-low volume PCR reactions on AmpliGrid. These glass slides from Advalytix contain 48 chemically structured DNA-free reaction sites, providing a 1µl
assay platform with many research applications. The Ampli-Grid system enables scientists to use ultra-low volume PCR techniques for genomic analysis of minute quantities of DNA, even from a single cell. Automating the plate loading operation using epMotion delivers speed and reproducibility of pipetting which would be impossible with manual methods. It provides ease of use and accurate pipetting volumes down to 1µl.

Eppendorf and the scientific journal Nature are now accepting applications for the 2007 Eppendorf Award for Young European Investigators. Open to scientists not older than 35 years of age, the €15,000 prize is intended to encourage and support the work of promising European biomedical researchers. Now in its thirteenth year, this prestigious prize was established in 1995 to celebrate Eppendorf’s 50th anniversary. According to Jörn Peplow, Eppendorf Corporate Communications, “In addition to prize money, the Eppendorf Award for Young European Investigators provides professional recognition for outstanding achievements in biomedical research based on methods of molecular biology, including novel analytical concepts.” The deadline for applications is 30 June and entrants need to submit a short curriculum vitae, a list of publications and a maximum of three papers to be evaluated.

Eppendorf’s successful worldwide rewards programme gives customers the chance to collect ep-points with every qualifying product, plus extra points for special offers. Points can be redeemed via the online Rewards Shop for a wide range of Eppendorf products, useful lab items, or leisure, sport and fun gifts. Now in its third year an extra incentive has been introduced; new customers opening an ep-points account will receive 50 points just for registering as well as having the chance to win one of 50 Amazon vouchers worth £35. There is also an additional offer available until 30 June - anyone purchasing a special centrifuge 5702/5702 R Bonus Pack as part of the Advantage promotion will be able to claim 100 extra points.