Process Biochemistry 28 (1993) 199-206

News, Reviews and Events

CALENDAR

BioUpdate Foundation - Proteins: Isola- tion, Characterisation, Stabilisation. Epe. Netherlands, 8-12 March 1993.

Contact: The BioUpdate Foundation, PO Box 3045,140O EA Bussum, Nether- lands. Fax: +31 2159 33910.

Water Quality in the Biotechnology Industry. This is a one day meeting, spon- sored by Severn Trent Water. The key- note speaker is Ann Camper of Montana State University, Scarman House, Uni- versity of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL,. 22 April 1993.

Contact: Elain Wellingham, Field End House, Bude Close, Nailsea, Bristol BS 19 2FQ. Tel: 0275 853311. Fax: 0275 853311.

6th European Congress on Biotech- nology. Biotechnology in a Europe with- out Frontiers. Florence, Italy, 13-l 7 June 1993.

Contact: Prof. Laura Frontah, Dept. of CeII and Developmental Biology, Uni- versity of Rome ‘La Sapienza’, Pole Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy. Tel: 39 6 4453950. Fax: 39 6 49912351.

18th International Congress of Chemo- therapy. 27 June-2 July 1993.

Contact: 18th International Congress of Chemotherapy, PO Box 6911, S-102, 39 Stockholm, Sweden, Tel: 468 230 990. Fax: 468 348 441.

7th Gums and Stabilisers for the Food Industry Conference and Industrial Exhibition. Cartrefle College, The North East Wales Institute, Wrexham, UK, 12-16 July 1993.

Contact: Gums and Stabiisers for the Food Industry, Conference Secretariat, Faculty of Science, The North East Water Institute, Connah’s Quay, Deeside, Clwyd CH5 4BR, UK. Fax: 0244 814305.

3rd International Symposium on Separa- tion Technology. Antwerp, Belgium. 22-27 August 1993.

Contact: Congress Secretariat, Mrs M. Stalmans, University of Antwerp (UIA), Department of Chemistry, Universiteits- plein 1, B-2610 Antwerp-Wilrijk. Tel: 323 820 2375. Fax: 32 3 820 2374. Telex: 33646 UIAB.

ISEC ‘92 Solvent Extraction in the Pro- cess Industries. York, UK, 9-15 Septem- ber 1993.

Contact: Conference Secretariat, SCI, 14115 Belgrave Square, London SWlX 8PS, UK. Tel: 071 235 3681. Fax: 071 823 1698.

ANALYTICA ‘94: 14th International Trade Fair for Biochemical and Instru- mental Analysis. Munich, Germany, 9-22 April 1994.

Contact: Bernhard Schauder (Press Office), Miinchener Messe-und Ausstel- lungs-GeselIschaft MBH, Messegaliinde, Postfach 12 10 09, D-8000 Miinchen 12, Germany. Tel: 089 51 07 0. Fax: 089 51 07 506. Telex: 5212086 amegd.

24th ACHEMA: International Congress on Chemical Engineering and Biotech- nology. Frankfurt, FRG. June 1994.

Contact: DECHEMA, Theodor- Heuss-AUee 25. D-6000 Frankfirrth- Main 97, FRG. Tel: 4969 7564 235. Telex: 04 12490 DCHA D.

ATCC Laboratory Workshops. Courses during 1993 include: Anaerobic bacteri- ology, 28-29 January; In-vitro toxicology: techniques and applications, 8-11 Feb- ruary; Recombinant DNA: techniques and applications, 22-26 February; %ly- merase chain reaction/cycle DNA sequencing, 2-5 March; Insect cell cul- ture, 16-l 9 March.

199

Contact: TCC/Workshop Manager, 1230 1 Parklawn Drive, Rockvihe, Mary- land 20852-1776, USA. Tel: 301 231 5566. Fax: 301 770 180.5.

BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL

Major growth ahead for industrial enzymes Dramatic growth is expected in the Euro- pean Community (EC) market for indus- trial enzymes and some national markets are set to double in size by the middle of the decade. The total EC market is esti- mated to have been worth $3 13 million in 1991 and is forecast to increase to $416 million by 1995. It accounts for about a third of the total world market.

The report by Frost & Sullivan (E1431, $3950) details the prospects for six basic enzyme groups in seven key end- user sectors within the Economic Com- munity, with a series of sub divisions for greater analysis.

Proteases, with major uses in the dairy and detergent industries, are by far the biggest sector set to increase from nearly $141 million in 1991 to $187 million by 1995.

Next largest are carbohydrases, used in starch conversion, alcoholic drinks and detergents, which have less than half the market value of proteases in 1991 and are set to be worth $83.20 million by 1995.

The third biggest market, forecast to reach $42 million by 1995, is that for lipases, used in detergents and to increase the flavour of cheese products.

Non-food applications, which include paper coatings, footwear, textiles and agriculture but excludes medical applica- tions, is the biggest end-user sector fore- cast to rise from almost $91 million to S128 million by the end of the study period. This sector will also increase its overall market share, mainly as a result of

Process Biochemistry 032-9592/93/S6.00 0 19Y3 Elsevier Science Publishers Ltd, England.

200 News, Reviews and Events

a rise in the treatment of waste and efflu- ent in the paper, chemical and agricul- tural industries.

In terms of application, the most important growth sector is medical and diagnostics which is expected to more than double in size from a modest 1991 value of 56.67 million to $13.84 million, thus doubling its total market share.

The three largest national markets are Germany, worth $83 million in 1991, France at $58 million and the UK worth $45 million. Whilst all national markets are expected to experience growth in excess of 20 per cent over the period 199 1 to 199.5, the German market will grow by over SO per cent to be worth $126 million.

In a general review of the overall mar- ket. Frost & Sullivan say: ‘Growth is expected partly because of the increased stability of the highly specialised enzymes used and the need to evaluate all kinds of processes with greater accuracy and to a higher specification’.

The price of report El431 is $3950. Contact: Customer Service, Frost &

Sullivan Ltd., Sullivan House, 4 Gros- venor Gardens, London SWlW OHD, UK. Tel: 071730 3438.

John Brown expands its Puerto Rico operations John Brown, a member of the Engin- eering Division of Trdfalgar House and a world leader in the provision of en- gineering, procurement and construction management services to the pharma- ceutical industry, has opened an office at the Metro Office Park San Juan, to provide a local presence to its important client base in Puerto Rico. Having worked to date on projects representing over $500 million of investment, John Brown has identified the Puerto Rico market as a vital factor for its continued success in the pharmaceutical industry.

John Brown has recently completed or has on-going projects in Puerto Rico for Anaquest, ICI, Abbott, Hoffmann-La Roche, Pfizer, Janssen and Warner- Lambert and there are a number of other important prospects in the offing.

On a worldwide basis, John Brown is currently executing pharmaceutical pro- jects with a capital investment value in excess of $1.2 billion.

Contact: C. S. Mullins Tel: 0705 822300 or J. F. Fossella Tel: 0101 203 327 1450.

Protein ingredient market holds steady International market research publisher, Frost and Sullivan forecast that sales of protein ingredients will increase only marginally from their 1991 level of $1.31 billion to $1.5 billion by 1996.

Volume off-take of the market for all protein ingredients used by the food industry in Western Europe will rise from approximately 540000 tonnes to almost 625 000 tonnes by 1996.

Of the different types of protein ingre- dients themselves, the greatest growth is forecast for soy protein isolates and con- centrates and also for textured soy pro- teins. Soy protein isolates are expected to increase from their present volume of almost 47000 tonnes to over 60000 tonnes by 1996. Textured soy proteins are expected to rise from 85 200 tonnes in 199 1 to over 101000 tonnes in 1996.

Europeans currently spend almost $67 1 billion on food, excluding beverages and alcoholic drinks. By 1996 this is expected to rise to over $750 billion.

The bakery and cereals industries con- stitute the largest end-user sectors for protein ingredients despite the fact that, in many countries across Europe, bread has a low-quality image. According to the report, this perception is the result of an EC decision in the 1970s to switch from North American wheat to lower protein European wheat. The quality has since improved but the image remains.

The second largest sector for protein ingredients is meat and comminuted meat products. Soy protein ingredients are a particularly important source of supple- mentary protein for the meat industry. However, the end-user sector with the greatest growth potential for protein ingredient manufacturers, according to the report, is the speciality food sector which includes dietetic products, baby and infant foods. Frost and Sullivan esti- mated that this sector, currently worth just over $162 million, should increase by around 6% to approximately $225 mil- lion by 1996.

Above average growth is also forecast in the market for dairy products, desserts, yoghurts and pet foods, where many pro- tein ingredients - but particularly milk- derived products - are in use.

Germany accounts for the largest expenditure on food in Western Europe, with some 22% of the total market. Italy and France follow in second and third place with 18.7 and 15.9% respectively.

The price of report El712 is $3,950.00.

Contact: Customer Service, Frost & Sullivan Ltd, Sullivan House, 4 Gros- venor Gardens, London SW 1W OHD. Tel: 071-730 3438.

Merger agreement Sulzer AG of Switzerland and Tetra Lava1 of Sweden have merged their biotechnical companies, MBR Bio Reactor AG and Chemap AG, as of 1 November 1992.

Under this merger. Chemap AG will

take over all current commitments of MBR Bio Reactor AG, together with some of the company’s personnel. All ac- tivities of MBR Bio Reactor AG will be transferred in stages to Volketswil.

Contact: Berni Roberts, Chemap AG. Tel: 44 734 332675. Fax: 44 734 333097.

New HPLC equipment distributorship Polymer Laboratories Separation Science Division, became the exclusive UK dis- tributor for ICI Instruments’ HPLC equipment on 14 August 1992.

The ICI range of modular instruments can be configured as standard gradient or isocratic systems, or tailored to particular functions as necessary.

Polymer Laboratories will be supplying the entire ICI HPLC range from indi- vidual pumps and detectors to fully inte- grated, automated systems.

Contact: Polymer Laboratories Ltd, Essex Road, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY66AX, UK. Tel: 0694 723581; Fax: 0694 722171.

Bioprocess engineering initiative John Brown, a member of the Engineer- ing Division of Trafalgar House, has launched an initiative to offer a specific range of skills and technology in the area of bioprocess engineering.

The initiative, which is closely linked to John Brown’s Pharmaceutical Business Centre, is based in John Brown’s Ports- mouth office. Manager Mike Ashley has 17 years’ experience in the biochemical and pharmaceutical industry and has worked on over 30 bioprocess projects for John Brown during his 24 years with the company.

The initiative will integrate the skills, resources and technology of a number of John Brown companies including Vogel- busch of Austria and Sofrcsid of France, as well as the worldwide network of offices within the Engineering and Con- struction Sector of John Brown.

Contact: Mr C. S. Mullins. Tel: 0705 822300.

Health sector remains strong Bayer has reported no sign of an upturn in its financial report for the first half of 1992 - despite its healthcare sector reporting a 4% increase in sales to DM4-6 billion.

In a report issued to stockholders on 25 August Bayer said it did not expect the world economy to improve funda- mentally in the second half of the year and was bracing itself for tougher compe- tition in ail areas.

Group sales for the first six months of

News, Reviews and Events 201

1992 totalled DM22.2 billion, almost the same as in the corresponding period for last year. Sales expanded by 3% but this was counterbalanced by adverse currency movements and lower prices, which reduced sales by 1 and 2% respectively.

Group income before taxes slipped 98% to DM 1.75 billion. In Germmy, the group’s home market, Bayer reported sales of DM9.7 billion and a 13.7% drop in earnings to DM967 million.

Sales in Europe dropped 2% to DM14.6 billion, mainly due to a weaken- ing of the German economy.

amino acids, possibly rising by 5-6% up to the year 2000.

While growth in enzyme production has not been as great as predicted, major advances have been made and the report predicts healthy growth for fermentation- derived enzymes. The industrial enzyme sector is dominated by the use of protease enzymes for biological detergents and Frost and Sullivan estimates that these detergents will occupy over 80% of their market by the year 2000.

Microbial transformation is another important potential growth area. At

Contact: Andrew Tait. Tel: 010 49 present most interest is in the conversion

21430 72503 or Lynne Trenery. Tel: of steroids for use in the pharmaceutical

0635 35546. industry. Microbial polysaccharides are of increasing importance in the food

Ethanol to play increasingly important role in chemical industry Ethanol, produced by fermentation and used as a chemical feedstock and a re- newable energy source, holds the key to the future development of the chemical industry, says a new report.

The report, from Frost and Sullivan, reveals that while great strides have been made in the rest of the world in this field, little progress has been achieved in Europe due to the ready availability of low-priced petrochemical feedstocks. Signs are, however, that things will change, with increased interest being shown in fermentation by the EC and individual states. ‘More attention is being paid to the potentials of fuel ethanol, par- ticularly by France and other nations with a large “wine Lake”, says the report.’

A wide variety of products are cur- rently manufactured using fermentation technology including antibiotics, amino acids, vitamins, organic acids, enzymes and ethanol.

Antibiotics for the single most import- ant application area for fermentation products, but in spite of the fundamental position they hold in health care, the market softened in the 1970’s due to overcapacity. However, growth has con- tinued in recent years and Frost and Sullivan estimates that the market for cer- tain fermentation-derived antibiotics will continue to grow by up to 15% in some countries through to 1995.

In recent years the market for citric and lactic acids, both fermentation- derived products, has remained fairly stable but with low growth rates. This situation is not expected to change in the decade ahead.

The degree of market penetration and manufacturing capacity of Japanese com- panies may hinder the expansion of amino acid manufacturing facilities by EC companies, but it is predicted that there will be an increasing EC market for

industry and-&te&ially in the oil industry for enhanced oil recovery.

‘The potential product range based on fermentation technology is, therefore, extremely wide and is continuously being added to,’ says Frost & Sullivan.

‘At present, the end-use market con- tribution from fermentation technology to the total chemical and pharmaceutical industries, in cost or bulk terms, is still relatively small and in the order of 6-8 per cent. However, rapidly changing economic and political factors will prob- ably increase this to lo- 15 per cenl of the end-use market by 1996.’

The EC, alongside the USA and Japan, is set to remain a force in fermentation technology with Germany at the fore- front. France and The Netherlands have also conducted major reviews and gcner- ated programmes involving industry and academia.

The price of report El734 is $3,400.

Contact: Customer Service, Frost Br Sullivan Ltd, Sullivan House, 4 Gros- venor Gardens, London SWIW OHD, UK. Tel: 071 730 3438.

LITERATURE

Biotimes The March 1992 edition of the quarterly magazine from the Novo Nordisk Bioindustrial Group includes articles on : New granulate gives better steam- resistance; sharles are no match for enzymes; Jucosa captures the taste of apples; How clean is a ‘clean’ endoscope?

Contact : BIG Promotion Department, Bioindustrial Group, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo All&, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark.

MIIIIpore News The objective of this publication is to provide the laboratory professional with

short, easy to read information on separation technology novelties. This edition includes articles on: Protein analysis by capillary electrophoresis ; New filters, filter units and filtration systems ; Fluorescence assays.

Contact: Millipore (UK) Ltd, The Boulevard, Blackmoor Lane, Watford, Herts, WDl 8YW, UK. Tel: 0923 816375.

Healthy interest in novel foods Novel Products in ‘91, the latest in an annual series from the Leatherhead Food Research Association, is an international overview of novel food and drink product development in 1991. It provides both a commentary and a listing of novel product activity and was compiled using the LFRA’s FLAIRS databank, which systematically records novel product launches worldwide, as recorded in trade and marketing journals. This publications costs E95 to Members and El45 to non-Members.

Contact: The Publications Department, The Leatherhead Food R.A., Randalls Road,. Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7RY. Tel: 0372 376761; Fax: 0372 386 228.

The world market for dairy products 1991 Due to strong demand in many countries, world cheese prices should remain firm in the short-term. In contrast, an overhang of government stocks and shifting consumer preference towards low-calorie products have been exerting downward pressure on butter prices. These are among the findings contained in GATT’s annual report on

the international dairy products market.

Contact: Microinfo Ltd, P.O. Box 3, Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2PG, UK. Tel: 0420 86848; Fax: 0420 89889.

The retention times In this first edition of a newsletter from the Waters Division of Millipore there is information on many topics including the columns and supplies catalogue, the 717 autosampler and a trade-in programme.

Contact: Millipore (UK) Ltd, Waters Chromatography Division, The Boulevard, Blackmoor Lane, Watford, Her&, WDl 8WD, UK.

Leatherhead Food News The March 1992 edition of this newsletter includes articles on an on-line approach to analysis which was

202 News. Reviewsand Events

highlighted at an EC workshop and micro panel highlights hygiene.

DOS3.3 or higher). Both single user and Novell network versions are available.

Contact : Leatherhead Food Research Association, Randalls Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7RY, UK. Tel: 0372 376761; Fax: 0372 386228.

Chromacol ‘92 Chromacol has issued a 1992 catalogue which includes an extended range-of vials, caps, plugs and seals for chromatography autosamplers. Also included are crimp capping and de- capping accessorieg and- details of a worldwide dealer network.

BioCommerce Data offers a money- back guarantee on all new PC-ABC orders and can supply demonstration disks containing a single issue’s data for a nominal charge of flO/$ZO (t 17.5 % VAT, local tax in the UK), fully refundable against subsequent orders.

Contact : Customer Services BioCommerce Data Ltd, 95 High Street, Slough, Berkshire SLl IDH, UK. Tel: 0753 511777: Fax: 0753 512239.

Publication of ‘Human factors in the

Contact : Chromacol Ltd. Tel : 08 1 368 7666.

process Industries ’ The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) have published ‘ Human

New pH reference booklet from Radiometer Ltd A 40-page reference booklet entitled ‘pH-Theory and Practice’ is available to help readers achieve accurate pH measurements.

Equations and graphs illustrating the most important pH correlations provide important theoretical information.

Practical hints and tips on how to choose the correct electrodes and buffers, including non-aqueous measurements, offer additional ways to further improve PH measurement whatever the application. Monitoring system performance and regular maintenance procedures are also described in-depth.

Finally, an appendix listing the pH values of 13 common buffers at 31 different temperatures along with other helpful information is included for reference.

factors in the process industries’ by Robert C. Mill. This report from The Human Factors Study Group of The European Federation of Chemical Engineering’s Loss Prevention Working Party contains recommendations as to how human error can be prevented.

Chapter titles are: human factors in accident ; models of behaviour and methods of behaviour modification; human factors and systems safety-mental ergonomics in control room design; techniques for improving human behaviour with respect to loss prevention; the short term solutions in behaviour modification-a five step method; long term solutions for managing safety ; and references ; glossary, terms of reference, reporting of critical situations and potential dangers. ‘Human factors in the process industries’ costs f22.50.

Contact: Ed Lemon, Radiometer Ltd, The Manor, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex, RHlO 2PY, UK. Tel: 0293 517599: Fax: 0293 531597.

Contact: Book Sales, The Institution of Chemical Engineers, Davis Building, 165-l 71 Railway Terrace, Rugby, CV21 3HQ. UK. Tel: 0788 578214; Fax: 0788 560833.

Biotech database for PCs PC-ABC, the floppy disk version of Abstracts in BioCommerce, is a rapid commercial biotechnology information system which supplies concise abstracts of over 40,000 articles on biotechnology published annually in newsletters, newspapers, journals and magazines. PC-ABC also covers company literature (results. press releases etc) and analysts’ reports and builds to form an extensive database, with up-to-date facts on the business and financial aspects of worldwide biotechnology from hundreds of sources.

PC-ABC is issued twice monthly on 3.5” floppy disks with quarterly and annual cumulated files included in the subscription. Backfiles from 1981 which reference over 250,000 items can also be purchased. PC-ABC will run on all modern IBM-compatible PCs (MS-

Revision of ‘Hazop and Hazan’ The Institution of Chemical Engineers has just published a fully revised 3rd edition of the classic text ‘Hazop and Hazan’ by Trevor Kletz. Hazop is a method of identifying hazards. Hazan quantifies these risks, so you can assess how far to go in reducing them. The book is a practical introduction to Hazop and Hazan. It includes details on what a Hazop is, who carries it out, when, and how long it should take, points to watch during a Hazop an example of a Hazop and Hazops on flowsheets ‘Hazop and Hazan’ costs E23.50.

Contact: Book Sales. The Institution of Chemical Engineers, Davis Building, 165-171 Railway Terrace, Rugby CV21 3HQ, UK. Tel: 0788 57214; Fax: 0788 560833.

New Perkin-Elmer brochure A new brochure, ‘Sample Handling in Gas Chromatography’, is available without charge from Perkin-Elmer. It describes alternative extraction techniques which can automate the entire sample nreoaration and GC introduction process.

The benefits of these techniaues and suggested applications to environmental, quality control and investigative analyses are outlined in the brochure.

Contact : Carol-Anne Green Perkin- Elmer Limited, Post Dflice Lane, Beaconsfield, Bucks, HP9 lQA, UK. Tel: 0494 676161, extension 2026; Fax: 0494 67906 1.

Biotechnology Citation Index The Biotechnology Citation Index fully indexes more than 250 of the world’s most important biotechnology journals and also includes individually selected, relevant articles about biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology and microbiology from ISI’s extensive database of 7000 international journals. Total coverage will include at least 50000 to 60000 relevant articles and their abstracts-per year. The Index is updated bimonthly and is available on CD-ROM.

Contact: ISI@ European Branch, 132 High Street, Uxbridge, UX8 lDP, UK. Tel: 44 895 270016: Fax: 44 895 256710.

Setting the standard in viscometry All standards listed in the new 1992 BDH Catalogue are now precise to 0.2 % rather than 1.0%. They are supplied with a National Bureau of Standards/NlST certificate providing the traceability re- quired by BS5750, as well as conforming to certain ASTM reauirements.

The new set of standards that are now available from BDH Laboratory Supplies, apply to all controlled shear viscometers. They include standards for Stormer viscometers, ICI cone and plate viscometers, the ICI Rotothinner and the V.U.K. Viscothinner. There are also standards that cover all types of flow cup including Zahn, Ford, Shell, IS0 and DIN. Again, these are all traceable to the National Bureau of Standards/NIST.

Other new standards available for ASTM methods are those for low tem- perature (-5 “C to -55 “C) and high temperatures (150 “C) as well as high viscosity for up to 5,300,OOO cPs at room temperature.

Contact: Rowan Maulder, C & A Division, Merck Ltd, Merck House, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1TD.

News, Reviews and Events 203

The European market for speciality biocides Biocides, used to control the growth of microorganisms in a wide range of industrial applications, represent a com- paratively small part of the total special- ity chemicals market, but were worth an estimated S529 million in 1991.

According to a new report from in- ternational market research publisher, Frost & Sullivan, the size of the biocides market will not alter significantly be- tween now and 1995. However, there is likely to be some shifts in formulations.

The market will depend to some extent on the overall economic climate and how it affects the industry in which the biocides are used. This will be reflected, particularly, in the swimming pool mar- ket for b&ides which, the report says, is extremely sensitive to economic vari- ations.

The report, which analyses the current market and forecasts changes to 1995, concentrates on speciality biocides and not bulk commodities such as chlorine and the hypochlorites which may also be used as biocides.

The speciality market, it says, is highly fragmented with a wide number of business areas and a variety of chemicals involved as well as a range of chemical companies from the large multinationals such as Bayer, Hoechst and Dow, to small and medium producers.

In terms of product, inorganic biocides are the largest group with over 53.6 million tonnes consumed in Europe in 199 1. Halogen compounds and phenols, with consumption of 19.8 million tonnes and 18.4 million tonnes respectively, are the next largest. These are followed by quaternaries, organosulphur, organo- metallics, organonitrogen and aldehydes.

Germany is the largest single consumer of speciality biocides in Europe, account- ing for an estimated 26.8 per cent of the market in 1991. The UK and France follow with 19.7 per cent and 19.2 per cent respectively.

Between them, the six major countries studied by Frost & Sullivan - Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Spain and the Benelux countries - account for 80 per cent of all the biocides used in Europe.

The German paint industry is a par- ticularly heavy user of biocides, taking an estimated 2 million tonnes in 1991. This is expected to rise to around 2.3 million tonnes by 1995. Similarly, the German metalworking, water, textiles and cosmetics industries all use larger quantities of biocides than their other European competitors.

The UK leads the way in the use of b&ides in domestic products. Estimated consumption in 1991 was 4,000 tonnes

which is likely to remain constant up to 1995.

Lire Science News Amersham International has produced issue 8 of its news journal ‘Life Science News ‘_

Completely redesigned, the 16 page full colour magazine contains articles and application news in the areas of biomedical research, molecular biology and radiochemical safety. The lead article reviews the current state of understand- ing in cell signalling, with the offer of a free poster.

Circulated to over to 100,000 life scientists worldwide, subscription is free on request to qualifying researchers.

Contact: Amersham International, Amersham Place, Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, HP7 9NA. Tel: 0494 542050.

VG BioTech deacrlbe new MS technology Fisons lnstruments/VG BioTech of Altrincham, UK has released a new application note entitled ‘The Auto- mation of Mass Spectrometric Analysis in a Pharmaceutical Laboratory’, written by members of Parke-Davis’ Pharmaceutical Research Division (Michigan, USA), who are users of the technology.

With automated operation, tedious and monotonous tasks such as manual sample preparation and introduction are now performed by a sample preparation robot. This operates alongside a mass spectrometer equipped with an auto- sampler and automated direct exposure probe to produce the electron impact (El) and chemical ionisation (CI) mass spectra required to support the synthetic effort of a large medicinal chemistry research programme.

Both the sample preparation robot and the mass spectrometer are integrated with a laboratory information manage- ment system (LIMS), enabling total analytical automation. Data acquisition and the subsequent intelligent interpret- ation of the mass spectra is handled by the Lab-Base data system of the VG TRIO-2000 mass spectrometer. The im- plementation of this automated oper- ation readily enables the Michigan lab- oratory to analyse their current sample load of approximately 1200 samples per month (in both El and CI) with very short turnaround times.

The system dramatically advances the technology of automated mass spectro- metry analysis by utilising an intelligent algorithm to verify molecular weights of target analytes. This virtually eliminates

investment of staff time in data interpret- ation, traditionally a labour intensive process.

Contact : Mark McDowell, Fisons lnstruments/VG BioTech, Tudor Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 5RZ. Tel: 061929 9666.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Compact actuators A new range of compact pneumatic actuators which provide savings on space and installation costs have been intro- duced for the Saunder valve weir type ‘A’ diaphragm valves.

The actuators are designed for valve sizes DN65, 80 and 100 and provide low cost on-off performance. Modularity was an important design consideration and this ensures a maximum choice of prod- uct options to suit a wide range of process needs. The actuator design utilises an operating diaphragm with an extremely high life cycle which requires minimal maintenance and provides tol- erance to poorer quality air supplies.

Standard features include removable visual indicator, dual actuator air con- nection ports, compressors for rubber and PTFE diaphragms, fastening pro- tection and external corrosion resistant coating. Available options include travel limit stop microswitches for remote in- dication and direct mounted solenoid valves for weather-proof, intrinsically safe and explosion proof requirements.

The actuators can be substituted for manual bonnet assemblies which enables upgrading to automatic operation with- out the need of removing the valve body from the pipeline, therefore minimising downtime and installation costs. This new range extends the availability of Saunders compact actuators from DN80 to DNlOO (10 valve sizes).

Contact: Saunders Valve Co Ltd, Grange Road, Cwmbran, Gwent UK, NP44 3XX. Tel: 0633 838044; Fax: 0633 538413.

Pharmaceutical gauges can be sterilised in-place Vestec has introduced a range of Anderson diaphragm pressure gauges designed to meet the sanitary require- ments of the pharmaceutical and bio- technology industries.

A crevice-free design has been created by welding the 316L stainless steel dia- phragm into a tri-clamp sanitary fitting, thereby eliminating threaded com- ponents and adaptors. The 90mm di- ameter 304 stainless steel case is faced by an etch-resistant polysulphone crystal and the complete gauge can be steamed-

204 News, Reviews and Events

in-place sterilised or autoclaved at 125 “C.

The fluid-filled sensing system is permanently sealed for long term re- liability and accuracy and includes a capillary restriction to damp out pulsations and extend instrument life. Internal low friction moving parts are fabricated to deliver +075% accuracy and instruments are available with a wide variety of scale ranges between 30” Hg and 40 Barg to meet all sanitary applications. The gauges include a re- zero facility.

Options include a glycerin filled case for extreme vibration conditions, and a wide variety of other ancillary fittings to ensure compatibility with most process systems.

Contact: Mr David Glover, Vestec Ltd, Felstead Road, Longmead Industrial Estate, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 9BB. Tel: 0372 727047; Fax: 0372 729338.

Pressure vessels Stainless steel pressure vessels which can be adapted to meet individual require- ments are manufactured by Vestec of Epsom.

Standard vessels sizes with capacities from 10 litres to 25000 litres are avail- able. All parts which come into contact with the product are manufactured in 316 stainless steel, external parts and jackets are made from 304 stainless steel. The vessels are manufactured to BS 5500 and are pressure rated from 3 to 7 bar operational/full vacuum, according to requirements.

Vestec offer a wide range of options; the vessels can be equipped with a sight glass (with light); pressure relief valves or bursting disc’s as preferred. A magnetic drive mixer using an AC, DC or air motor can be supplied together with sanitary style connections and valves.

Other options include CIP cleaning head, dip tubes, temperature probes, Ph electrode and diaphragm pressure gauges, all steam sterilisable. An intregal heating or refrigeration plant can also be fitted to control product temperature.

Contact: Mr David Glover, Vestec Ltd, Felstead Road, Longmead Industrial Estate, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 9BB. Tel : 0372 727047 ; Fax : 0372 729338.

Safety interlocks prevent product contamination To prevent products such as food, beverages and pharmaceuticals becom- ing contaminated by the caustic cleaning solutions used in CIP clean-in-place systems, Ellis IVL recommend the use of trapped key safety interlocks. The

interlocks impose sequential control over the operation of critical valves, ensuring that product and CIP solutions cannot flow simultaneously through process lines and equipment.

By fitting trapped key interlocks to all relevant changeover, inlet and outlet valves, access hatches and pump motor isolator switches, the correct sequence of operation is imposed on the entire CIP clean and rinse process. The operator is led, stage by stage, through the safe, pre- determined path of plant actions without the chance to deviate. For example, the CIP inlet and outlet valves can only be opened once the product valves have been closed and vice versa. Even so, the safety interlocking system will not compromise emergency plant shutdown functions.

In order to satisfy health and hygiene requirements, stainless steel interlocks are available for use in particularly harsh environments, for example, where ag- gressive wash-down regimes are typical.

Contact: Simon Read, Ellis IVL, 1488150 Birmingham New Road,

Versatile printing The AD-8 12 1 multi-function printer from A&D Instruments can quietly and efficiently print laboratory weighing data in a choice of recording modes.

It will provide all necessary infor- mation to meet Good Laboratory Prac- tice requirements. It can supply a per- manent printed record in many labora- tory applications, such as formulation weighing, monitoring changes in weight during chemical storage, checkweighing and statistical analysis.

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The AD-8121 is an impact dot matrix printer which will accept RS-232C and current loop input from any A&D elec- tronic balance, counting balance, plat- form scale or weighing indicator. It is compact and lightweight for easy port- ability, and can be AC or battery- operated for use anywhere.

Contact: Sian Presser, A&D Instruments Ltd, Abingdon Science Park, Abingdon, Oxford, OX14 3YS. Tel : 44 0235 550420; Fax : 44 0235 550485.

NEW PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENT

Disposable, in-line microfiltration The Hepa-Vent from Whatman Scientific provides a lightweight microfiltration device for sterile air venting or clean air applications.

Hepa-Vent can be autoclaved repea- tedly, and will retain 99.97% of all air- borne particles ( > / = 3 pm) during any in-line venting application.

Each device consists of a polypropy- lene housing with stepped hose barb con- nections. The glass microfibre fiter medium is laminated on both sides and is slightly hydrophobic. This treatment ensures that it not only resists bacterial growth, but does not release fibres when in use.

High flow rates with low pressure drop across the filtration media enable Hepa- Vent to provide clean/sterile air passing in and/or out of vessels. Air flow can be in either direction.

The disc format of Hepa-Vent offers a convenient 16 cm2 filtratibn area. But for larger air flows, Hepa-Cop - the comple- mentary capsule device - may be pre- ferred. Available in 540 or 1260 cm2 filtration area versions, Hepa-Cap and Hepa-Vent are available from your usual distributor of Whatman products.

Contact: Helen Evans, Whatman Scientific Ltd. Whatman House, St. Leonard’s Road, 20/20 Maidstone, Kent ME16 OLS, UK. Tel: 0622 676670.

TIME-O-B10 grease digester and waste treatment Timeauard Trading Ltd, East Midlands, introduces TIME-G-BIO/GD a patented, non-corrosive, non-toxic blend of aerobic microbes (bacteria) and enzymes that digest grease and other organic material that built up in waste system-grease traps, plumbing and sewer lines.

TIME-0-BIO/GD works by digesting the grease and the organic materials and eliminating odours, usually within two days. The enzymes within the digester immediately start breaking down the fats (grease) and the microbes then digest them and as the microbes eat they grow, and multiply producing more enzymes to maintain a continuous process of diges- tion. The result is the elimination of the cause of the odour, disease, and clogged drams. It is already used by many Fast Food Chains and Hotels in the US and Overseas.

TIME-0-BIO/GD is applied usually just once per month in all the appropriate outlets (2-3 oz total). This periodic treat- ment is required since hot water and dis- infectants will kill the Microbes which begin to die at 120”.

TIMEGUARD recommends its use anywhere food is cooked (restaurants, hotels, fast food outlets), waste water faci- lities, bakeries, slauahter houses, butcher shops, poultry packers and homes (espe- cially if septic tanks used). It is easily cost justified since it: (1) Reduces need for periodic pumping by at least 80%. (2)

News, Reviews and Events 205

Eliminates clogging of sewer lines and thus the digging and maintenance. (3) Eliminates odours. (4) Satisfies environ- mental mandates.

Contact: Timeguard Trading Ltd, Charterland House, 225 1 Coventry Road, Sheldon, Birmingham B26 3NX, West Midlands, UK. Tel: International 44217420622, National 021 742 0622. Fax: International 44217420625, National 021 742 0625.

Checkmate water testing kit A new, modular water testing kit de- veloped by Ciba Coming Analytical offers a solution to the problem of having to buy three separate instruments for dissolved oxygen, pH and conductivity analysis, according to an independent survey.

The survey compared CCA’s portable CHECKMATE instrument with three other popular makes of meters com- monly used to measure dissolved oxygen levels for pollution control in the water treatment industries and fish farming. Numerous types of meter are available, ranging from benchtop to hand-held instruments for field use - the four port- able models tested being evaluated for accuracy, precision, linearity and re- sponse ii&under laboratory conditions.

CHECKMATE scored well in all categories achieving better response times across the board than two other meters, prompting the researchers to remark on its ‘very useful’ auto end point function which effectively tracks the response of the sensor and displays the results as a stable reading.

Summarising the survey’s conclusions, the tester’s report says, ‘The CCA Checkmate is a very compact and con- venient instrument to use with its auto- matic end point sensing facilities.

‘The meter effectively provides three instruments in one using interchangeable sensors and has a memory capacity capable of storing up to five measure- ments.’

A copy of the complete survey is available.

Contact : J. G. Amett, Esq., Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EHL 4AS.

Tissue Culture Media in plastic bottles Reacting to customer demand TechGen International has sourced a PET bottle which is inert, does not permit gas exchange, is recyclable and can be in- cinerated with the release of only H,O and CO,. The PET bottle also has the advantage of being larger than usual (1 litre volume), but still easy to handle.

Tissue Culture Media has traditionally been supplied in 500 ml glass bottles. Most plastic bottles available until now have been unsuitable for Tissue Culture use either because they were biologically active, gas permeable or simply too expensive.

The benefits of the PET bottle include : completely inert (PET is FDA approved in human implants); non-toxic; re- cyclable; unbreakable; and lightweight ergonomic design.

The bottle has been extensively tested for Tissue Culture use over three years in a leading human vaccine producing company. The bottle is filled with 800 ml of Tissue Culture Media enabling users to add serum and supplements as required. All standard formulations are available ex stock and special formula- tions can be prepared on request.

Contact: Jean Meldrum, TechGen International Ltd, Suite 8, 50 Sulivan Road, London SW6 3DX. Tel : 071 371 5922; Fax: 071 371 0496.

New generation of solid state sensors BDH Laboratory Supplies, part of Merck Ltd, has introduced a new range of ion selective solid state electrodes for nitrate, potassium, calcium, ammonium, perchlorate, nitrite, barium and carbon- ate.

These new additions are the only truly solid state electrodes with PVC mem- branes that are available anywhere for the measurement of these ions. They complement a range of 12 other ion selective Elit electrodes manufactured by BPS Nice Ltd.

The Elit solid state electrodes are designed to be highly practical, flexible and robust. They have a high stability of potential so that, for an accuracy of measurement f 1 mV, they only have to be calibrated once a day and can then be used continuously without re-cali- bration.

They have an unlimited storage shelf- life and can be stored in a dry state. They can then be used directly from storage requiring no preconditioning or further preparation.

Incorporating the best of Russian technology, they have been extensively tested and used throughout the Com- monwealth of Independent States and their success has already been demon- strated by sales exceeding 20,000 in 1991. Now over 90% of Russian Human, Health and Government soil testing laboratories use the Elit 21 sensor for nitrate determination in foods, soils vegetables, forages and greenhouse grounds.

Contact: Rowan Maulder, C&A Division, Merck Ltd. Merck House, Poole, Dorset BH15 1TD.

New sample changer The SAC90 from Radiometer Ltd is an automated sample changer able to handle samples for titration, pH and ISE measurements. Electrodes are thoroughly rinsed by the sample changer to ensure that they are completely clean each time they are positioned in a sample beaker.

Capable of handling up to almost 300 samples at a time, the SAC90 is able to operate in conjunction with titrators, pH and ISE measurement systems using a variety of measurement techniques and sample containers from 5 ml to I litre in volume.

Analytical laboratories with a high sample throughput, will benefit most from the sample changer. Its installation is simple and fast, allowing users to benefit from its ‘walkaway’ operation, speed and flexibility right away.

Radiometer’s TitraLabm and Meter- Labm equipment are entirely compatible with the SAC90. Each system is able to control the sample changer through standard fitted interfaces allowing the user to select methods, rinse time, num- ber of samples directly for the whole system through one keypad.

Contact: Ed Lemon, Radiometer UK Ltd, The Manor, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex RHlO 2PY. Tel: 0293 517599;Fax:0293 531597.

The Cold Finger The ‘cold fin&’ of the immersion cooler EKlOl will cool down small quantities of alcohol to as low as - 100 “C. The ’ finger ’ is flexible and can be bent according to the required shape. The two-stage cooling compressor only needs 40 x 40 cm space upon or underneath the laboratory table. One can choose be- tween non-controlled cooling, e.g. cooling down as low as possible and controlled cooling, e.g. a desired tem- perature will be kept constantly.

Further details are described in the new brochure. Some other smaller im- mersion and flow-through coolers with smaller temperature ranges are also shown.

Contact: Regina Goppel, HAAKE Mess-Technik GmbH u. Co. Dieselstr. 4, D-7500 Karlsruhe 41, Germany. Tel: 07 21 4094-o; Fax: 07 21 4094 300.

New hourmeters Cole-Palmer has introduced new digital and electromechanical meters for keeping track of how many hours your equipment has been in use. These CSA-certified

206 News. Reviews and Events

units are available in voltage, or no-volt- age input models. All models utilize screw terminal connections.

Digital hourmeters display cumulative time on an easy-to-read LCD. Internal battery powers unit for up to six years. All digital models are UL-recognized.

Electromechanical hourmeters are available in different operating voltages and sizes to fit your application. All electromechanical units are ULrecog- nized (except for 110 VAC model).

Contact: Cole-Palmer Instrument Company, 742s N. Oak Park Ave., Niles, Ill. 607 14, USA. Tel: toll-free 1 800 323 4340.

Touch screen controller Chemap has added the CBC 20 to its range of fermentation control systems which allow users to automate all their fermenters, from laboratory to produc- tion and all stages in between. via a single controller. The system is also the first of its kind to combine microprocessor and touch screen technology. Such a com- bination has produced a highly reliable product that is easy to use, maintain and validate.

The utilisation of touch screens repre- sents another new concept for the field of fermentation control, although other scientific and industrial processes have long enjoyed the advantages of such tech- nology. These include more reliability and security, with less complex operation. With CBC 20, touch screens can be con- veniently located close to routine opera- tions, and virtually any number of touch screens may be employed.

CBC 20 can also he interfaced with BioData Manager, Chcmap’s supervisory software. While CMC 20 gives direct, real time control of an entire range of parameters, BioData supervises all data logging operations. Together, they make it easy for users to keep accurate records

and track historical data. It follows that users of the systems will also fiid it easier to adhere to the standards imposed by the GMP, FDA and other regulatory bodies.

Contact: Berni Roberts, Chemap AG, CH-8604 Volketswil, Hiilzliwisenstrasse 5, Switzerland. Tel: 44 734 332675. Fax: 44 734 333097.

Safe, clean and chemical-t?ee water Ultraviolet Technology. has developed a new range of water disinfection systems which meets the specific needs of labora- tories and research establishments.

UVT’s system offers 99.9 + % constant kill rate without the use of any chemicals. The result is a dependable and instant supply of safe, disinfected water with no change in taste, odour, temperature, or PH.

The technology is highly cost-effective, since it costs less to install and maintain than any rival system. Indeed the savings on chemical purchases enable a system to cover its installation cost within 1 to 2 years.

To achieve these benefits the system uses well proven ultra-violet technology but in a revolutionary new way.

The Ultraviolet Technology system which can be housed in a conventional cabinet, are unbreakable, eliminate corro- sion, resist fouling, need virtually no cleaning, are highly reliable and can cater for sporadic demand with lamps left on continuously.

Designed on a modular principle for maximum versatility, UVT’s systems can operate on any size of plant and with flow rates of almost any volume.

Contact: Ultraviolet Technology Ltd, Unit E, Laundry Way, Cape], Dorking RH.5 5LG.

Surface Fermentation Equipment Solid state fermentation systems are of

increasing significance in biotechnology. A solid surface can be the nutrient sub- strate itself or the surface may be a con- structed part within a bioreactor.

With a few manipulations, a standard fermenter can be turned can be turned into a surface fermentation reactor, by simply removing the agitation system of a submersed reactor and replacing it with the surface plate assembly. The reactor can be filled with closed, sterilised, inocu- lated and aerated. Samples can be drawn from the individual plates, the product is harvested through the vessel bottom valve.

Contact: Bioengineering AG, Sagen- rainstrasse 7, CH 8636 Wald, Switzer- land. Tel: 055 938111. Fax: OS5 954964.

Supervisory software to improve fermentation control BioData Manager, a suite of software designed to improve the ease and accu- racy with which users can manipulate and evaluate fermentation data, has been released by Chemap AG. The software runs on standard PCs and incorporates an easy-to-use Graphical User Interface. BioData Manager, which handles up to six fermenters simultaneously, can also be interfaced to all leading automation sys- tems including Chemap’s own CBC range.

According to Chemap, BioData Manager should be of great interest to anyone seeking validation.

BioData Manager has been developed in conjunction with software experts ICONICS, and is based on the highly suc- cessful GENESISTM program.

Contact: Berni Roberts, Chemap AG, CH-8604 Volketswil, Hijlzliwisenstrasse 5, Switzerland. Tel: 44 734 332675. Fax: 44 734 333097.