How to choose a partner for new product development.
Creativity is the ability to think in new ways and apply fresh perspectives to old problems. Drawing on 30 years’ experience of creating new chromatography products – TESTA Analytical has a proven history of being able to adapt and create unique approaches that may be even better suited than tried-and-true methods. The result is better new product developed for our customers.
How to choose a partner for new product development.
New products are the lifeblood driving the growth of technology companies. But which route should you take to achieve this – internal development or partner with a company that has the necessary know how? Empowered by decades of experience and experience in research and development of chromatography detectors and instruments, our world class team of experts has proven repeatedly to be a highly effective new product development partner to instrumentation companies worldwide. Not just for creating short-term success, but for the full life cycle of the product.
FAQ: What routine maintenance do TESTA flowmeters require?
A: Apart from the common-sense routine of keeping sensitive devices clean, no specific maintenance is necessary. During extended periods of inactivity or storage we recommend that you thoroughly flush your flowmeter with 2-Propanol (isopropanol). This will ensure the device will be ready to work again perfectly when needed.
Ensuring reproducible HPLC separations in different solvents.
A: Our family of liquid flowmeters are designed with biocompatibility in mind. We utilize materials such as PEEK and borosilicate glass for wetted components because they are inert to biological samples. Aseptic techniques are often employed to prevent contamination from pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Because TESTA’s non-invasive flowmeter design does not include intricate pathways, gears, or seals they do not require disassembly and can be easily cleaned with sterilizing solution or weak acid to eliminate bacteria and viruses.
TESTA Analytical visits Karlsruher Institut für Technologie.
On a recent service visit to the prestigious Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), our founder Carlo Dessy took the opportunity to also provide an intensive free training session on advanced techniques for particle sizing and zeta potential determination. Drawing upon his over 30 years of experience at the cutting edge of analytical science – Carlo was able to describe less known techniques that can decisively increase your understanding of samples investigated using Dynamic Light Scattering. The visit provided a deeper understanding of the instrument's capabilities and was greatly appreciated by our host at KIT.
Maximizing pump uptime and fluid delivery accuracy.
Our Solvent Line Monitor (SLM) is a smart sensor designed to protect pumps from running dry while also optimising process performance. Designed to automatically detect microbubbles in flow control applications - the SLM is a great tool for engineers who need to prevent expensive downtime due to pump malfunction caused by these unwanted gas bubbles. Offering real time detection of undissolved gas microbubbles in almost any fluid the SLM will also maintain the accuracy of pumped fluid delivery in your production processes.
FAQ: How can I collect, and store data generated by my Flowmeter?
A: Our liquid flowmeters are designed to interface to any PC via an integral USB interface. For real-time data collection, visualization and storage, two options are available: the Flowmeter PC-App and the Chromatography Data System (CDS) Driver. Our easy-to-use PC-App is widely used for validating the consistency of performance of pumps serving dispensing, flow chemistry and liquid chromatography applications. For labs looking to fully integrate flow data with liquid chromatography data, our powerful CDS Driver software provides a direct interface to different HPLC software packages from the leading HPLC system suppliers. This software package enables storage of flow rate data along with each and every chromatogram, thus opening the gate to a total quality assessment environment.
Do you need a new high-performance liquid chromatography detector but do not have the time or resources to develop it inhouse? Developing a new liquid chromatography detector requires a partner who understands the specific chromatographic needs of you target application and can transform these needs into a high-quality tailored solution. Drawing upon decades of chromatographic expertise and knowledge, TESTA Analytical has repeatedly proven ourselves as a highly effective speciality HPLC, UHPLC and GPC/SEC detector development and supply partner to a growing number of instrumentation companies worldwide
Ensuring reproducible HPLC separations in different solvents.
HPLC separation protocols employ many different solvents to accommodate the varying properties of different analytes. Ensuring consistent elution profiles is a key requirement to ensure reproducible results. Continuous monitoring of the delivered HPLC eluent flow rate is therefore essential when permanent validation of results is desired or necessary as it is in regulated industries. A new technical study demonstrates the utility of our non-invasive liquid flowmeter for validating the performance of HPLC systems across a wide range of different solvents.
TESTA flowmeter software driver approved by Agilent.
After extensive testing, Agilent Technologies has confirmed its full approval for our rc.NET based software driver which enables seamless integration of TESTA flowmeter data with their powerful OpenLab Chromatography Data System (CDS) software. The software driver supports all non-invasive liquid flowmeters from TESTA Analytical enabling real-time storage of flow rate data along with chromatograms thus opening the door to continuous monitoring of Agilent HPLC / UHPLC system pump performance. This innovation represents a breakthrough in total quality assessment of chromatography data and is expected to become a standard requirement especially in regulated industries.
Over the last 15 years - the PSS SLD 7000 Multi Angle Light Scattering (MALS) established itself as a tried and trusted device for direct determination of the absolute molecular weight distribution of polymers. Available as a direct, modern replacement for your SLD 7000 - our Bi-MwA MALS detector offers the highest performance to price ratio of any light scattering system available for molecular weight determination. If you are looking to determine absolute molecular weights of synthetic polymers, proteins or other macromolecules quickly and accurately, then look no further. The Bi-MwA is a powerful tool that can dramatically increase the capability of any GPC/SEC system enabling the precise and accurate determination of the molecular weights of polymers and nanomaterials in solution.
FAQ: How often should I solvent flush my refractive index detector (RID)?
Answer: As often as needed is the simple answer. A good practice is every time when solvent is replaced, flush the RID several times and observe the trend of the baseline. Once the baseline stabilizes, only then you can assume the reference is filled with new solvent. On a day-to-day basis, flush your RID a minimum of once a day, preferably at the beginning of the working day and for good measure, flush again at the end of the working day. Following this procedure will help maintain the accuracy and repeatability of your RID measurements.
FAQ: Why should I solvent flush my refractive index detector?
Answer: Here are 4 good reasons to solvent flush your refractive index detector (RID). Firstly, the reference cell in your RID must contain the same solvent as used as in the eluent channel, regular flushing assures this. Secondly, while eluant constantly flows through the sample cell, the reference cell content is static. In time, bubbles may collect in the cell causing an imbalance in the signal. Flushing will remove the bubbles. Thirdly, it is often the case that solvent mixtures change with time. This happens within the reference cell of a RID as well. Flushing makes sure fresh (and representative) solvent is in the reference cell. Finally, upon replacing solvent A with solvent B, you must ensure that your RID reference cell contains only the new solvent. Even the smallest traces of the previous solvent may ruin a measurement.
HPLC gradient validation using non-invasive flowmeters.
The traditional method for validation of gradients in an HPLC system currently relies heavily on the assistance of a UV detector. This methodology does though have well documented limitations. This tech note describes the benefits of an alternative approach using non-invasive flowmeters, based on a thermal principle, which are proven as a fast and accurate tool for determination of flow rate in HPLC systems.
When a mass sensitive GPC/SEC detector is not enough.
Most modern GPC/SEC systems are equipped with a high-performance mass sensitive detector such as a MALS or a viscometer. However, where applications are more demanding, such as with highly branched lower molecular weight polymers or block copolymers, a single mass sensitive detector is not sufficient to fully characterize the sample under investigation. Absolute molecular weight, as delivered by MALS or obtained with a viscometer detector, is often only a secondary parameter in comparison to the more insightful Mark-Howink parameters. Information about the physical structure of a polymer, which determines its behavior and function, can only be obtained by combining different mass sensitive detectors in one system and combining their results into a single picture. For this, the combination of MALS and viscosity, together with refractive index detection for concentration data delivers the most information-rich results while also proving absolute molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity results.
Many process systems still rely on a RS232 interface for communicating with connected device. Of increasing importance in process applications is accurate determination of volumetric flow rates for instance to provide precise dosage of reagents. To assist clients who want to deploy our non-invasive flowmeter technology in process applications, TESTA has created a new version of its LC Flowmeters to fulfil this need. While keeping all key performance parameters constant, this new device offers full communication possibility using a reliable, high-speed RS232 interface.
A prestigious Metrology Institute in Beijing, China has investigated and approved our HPLC flowmeter as a modern alternative to the traditional gravimetric flow calibration method for HPLC pumps (National Metrology Verification Regulations of the People's Republic of China JJG705-2014 Liquid Chromatography). A scientist from the Metrology Institute said “The TESTA HPLC flowmeter is simple to install and use, and provides consistently reliable quantitative and fault diagnostic data in realtime. Overall, we feel that this revolutionary product will save HPLC system users considerable time they have previously spent on undertaking calibrations”.
Benefiting from a background in chemistry and keen interest in exploring the intricacies of liquid chromatography and structural determination technologies – we welcome Naila Azizah to the technical support team at TESTA. Naila commented “From day one, I've been welcomed into a dynamic and supportive team environment. My role involves troubleshooting customer issues and providing technical guidance”. She added “I have also been involved with undertaking and writing up some applications development work related to our HPLC flowmeter”.
Many thanks to LaborPraxis magazine. They recently reported how our non-invasive HPLC flowmeter and validation software provide the perfect combination for labs looking to automatically validate the real-time performance of HPLC, uHPLC and GPC/SEC pumps.
This month – TESTA Analytical marks its 10th anniversary. Drawing upon the decades of experience of founder Carlo Dessy, supported by a growing team of specialists and engineers, our company has established itself as a respected creator and supplier of innovative, high performance chromatography detectors to end users and instrumentation companies around the world. To mark this milestone – we offer a special discounted package price of just Euro 2250 to any end user purchasing a new HPLC flowmeter and flowmeter software driver for chromatography data systems before 31st July 2024.
Preventing the Jetstream effect in HPLC flow measurements.
Determination of flow rate in HPLC systems using non-invasive flowmeters is well documented. However, a problem arises when a phenomenon known as “Jetstream” occurs. This effect can occur due to an abrupt change in tubing ID. A sudden change from a narrow bore to a significantly larger bore will result in a faster “core stream” in the larger ID tubing but leave the liquid layers closer to the wall of the tube practically unperturbed. The Jetstream effect will affect the velocity profile of laminar flow and create disturbances which affect accurate measurement of HPLC flow rate. A new TESTA Analytical tech note describes this effect and describes a methodology for avoiding the Jetstream effect in HPLC flow measurements.
Our popular COMBO-ONE (DRI / Viscometer) and COMBO-TWO (DRI / MALS) combination detectors offer significant advantages over conventional GPC/SEC detectors, offering absolute molecular weights in one case and making universal calibration available in the second case. However, when the focus of your investigation is not limited to molecular weights but needs to get deeper into understanding the physical structure of a compound then our Trinity combination of DRI – MALS- Viscometer is simply unbeatable. The Trinity detector delivers absolute values for molecular weights plus absolute intrinsic viscosity and precise Mark-Howink coefficient data enabling you to unlock information about both chain flexibility and molecular density. As a result, your determination of macromolecular branching can be based on solid data rather than assumed or projected data, opening the way to a deeper understanding of your material under study.
Is GPC detector stability a limiting factor in unlocking the molecular weight, structure or conformation of your polymer, protein, or advanced material? The outstanding stability of our COMBO-TWO detector package is an advanced analytical solution for high-resolution GPC applications which can have separation times of up to one hour. Combining a high-performance 7-angle Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) and an ultra-stable Differential Refractive Index (DRI) detector that operate at the same wavelength with minimal delay volume, COMBO–TWO delivers exceptional results.
Patent granted for revolutionary viscometer design.
The German Patent Office has recently granted TESTA Analytical a patent for an advanced differential viscometer design that has the potential to revolutionize GPC/SEC application measurements. The novel viscometer design avoids the use of delicate pressure transducers for detection as used by all instruments currently available on the market. Instead, viscosity is directly derived from an accurate and precise measurement of flow in the two branches of the differential bridge. This patented technique results in a more rugged design eliminating the possibility of pressure peaks that may destroy a sensor. Coupled with outstanding sensitivity, compatibility with almost all solvents used in GPC/SEC and a wide dynamic range, this new design sets a new benchmark for this widely used technique.
When an off-the-shelf Liquid Chromatography detector just won’t do
Whether you need to outsource a standard chromatography instrument or detector development project or find a partner to develop a chromatography product tailored to solve a challenging application, our chromatography product development service is for you. Drawing upon decades of experience, TESTA Analytical has established itself as a respected creator and supplier of top quality, innovative, high performance instrument kits and detectors for liquid chromatography suppliers around the world. We pride ourselves on providing a level of technical and applications support that few companies can match. As a small, dynamic company we maintain the flexibility to not only offer you off-the-shelf solutions but also to develop tailored systems to exactly match your needs. We focus on delivering complete solutions including training and support documentation for your equipment.
Convenient flowmeter kit for HPLC field service engineers.
Many thanks to Chromatography Today. They recently reported how the unmatched baseline stability of our DRI detectors, which operate up to 80°C, are the perfect tools for helping unlock challenging GPC/SEC, HPLC and UHPLC separations. In addition the publication reported how a leading European pharmaceutical laboratory is using our Liquid Chromatography flowmeter and software driver to manage data from HPLC instruments with different chromatography data systems in their tightly regulated client-server environment.
Differential Refractive Index detector in the press.
The baseline signal stability of any liquid chromatography detector is particularly important, as it is a limiting factor in peak determination. Many thanks to LCGC International. They report how detector stability, such as is offered by TESTA’s range of differential refractive index detectors for GPC/SEC, HPLC and uHPLC gains particular importance in high resolution applications where analysis time can be long.
Conformity or calibration - which certification do you require for your Flowmeter?
Did you know that we offer a choice of certification services to demonstrate the reliability and quality of each and every flowmeter we build and ship to your lab? All flowmeters come with a free Certificate of Conformity demonstrating compliance of each individual device with our published performance specifications. This certification is typically sufficient for any application involving constant monitoring of flow rate. However for labs looking to validate or certify the performance of a pump within its range of operation this requires the use of flowmeters which are themselves validated.
Why should I use TESTA’s flowmeter software driver?
Saving real-time flow rate data with each chromatogram is a valuable aid to enabling total quality assessment of any liquid chromatography system. Based on rc.NET technology, our Flowmeter software driver offers separation scientists a powerful, yet easy to use tool enabling real-time communication with Chromatography data systems, supporting Chromatograph fault diagnostics, and facilitating integration with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). This software driver, operating in conjunction with a TESTA Liquid Chromatography Flowmeter, empowers lab users with tools to continuously monitor, control, and integrate flow rate and chromatographic data effectively.
Leverage our technological I.P to create winning products.
Our history of continuous investment in research and development has resulted in a steady stream of innovative chromatographic technologies able to solve new and challenging problems. Notable developments include our unique Viscometer/Differential Refractive Index combination detector which offers unmatched sensitivity and resolution plus a high-performance rapid scanning UV detector which offers the widest dynamic range of any UV detector currently available. In the last two years our development of non-invasive real time flow monitoring technologies for calibrating and validating liquid chromatography performance has been creating a real buzz amongst separation scientists. Want to know more about leveraging our technological intellectual property (IP) to help give your next generation product a competitive advance?
Offering extremely accurate, sensitive, and high-resolution measurement of flow in real time – TESTA flowmeters are the perfect non-invasive monitoring tool for a growing range of liquid chromatography applications. For the first 100 days of 2024 – we will include free-of-charge our powerful flowmeter software driver (normal price – Euro 595) with every new Liquid Chromatography or Micro flowmeter purchased. Operating via your Chromatography Data System this software driver enables you to acquire and save real-time flow rate data with each chromatogram to validate the performance of your HPLC, uHPLC, GPC/SEC or LC/MS system and its compliance with the operating protocol you are using.
Continuous validation of HPLC performance in a regulated environment.
Our flowmeter software driver for chromatography data systems has successfully passed extensive testing in a leading European pharmaceutical laboratory. Managing a diverse range of different HPLC instruments with different chromatography data systems - the pharmaceutical lab was delighted how the software driver enabled easy acquisition and traceable logging of flow data from all its liquid chromatographs. In addition, they found that saving real-time flow rate data with each chromatogram is a valuable aid to enabling total quality assessment of their HPLC and UHPLC systems.
A new scientific paper, co-authored by our MD – Carlo Dessy, describes how a TESTA multi-detection gel permeation chromatography / size exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) system including multi-angle laser light scattering (MALS) and advanced DRI-Viscometer Combination Detector, has been applied to monitor radiation-induced synthesis of internally crosslinked nanostructures from poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). The spectacular results demonstrate that this modern tool yields a more detailed picture of reaction mechanism and product structure than other techniques used to date and opens the way for the tailored design of new PAA nanomaterials.
If you are looking to quickly and accurately determine absolute molecular weights of proteins and polymers, then look no further! Our BI-MwA Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) system has the highest performance/price ratio of any light scattering detector used for molecular weight determination. Using the system allows you to eliminate SEC/GPC column calibration and improve your data quality.
As we look back upon the past year, the team at TESTA Analytical would like to acknowledge all the customers and supply partners who have helped us develop our business. Thanks for a great year, enjoy some time off with family and friends, and we wish you all the best as you embark on the new year ahead.
Recently audited by a major pharmaceutical lab - TESTA Analytical offers a complete portfolio of validation services including IQ/OQ/PQ (and if required MQ), for all users of NanoBrook Series particle sizing and zeta potential instruments operating under 21 CFR 11 regulations.“
Comparing techniques for flow rate measurement in Liquid Chromatography.
To assist both novice and expert chromatographers, we have written a technical paper that provides an introductory background to the different flow rate monitoring techniques and seeks to explain, the value of measurements achievable with each method. With this information our aim has been to provide an independent, informed interpretation of the flow rate monitoring results and how this might lead to higher confidence in performance validation of your HPLC, UHPLC, GPC/SEC or Ion Chromatography systems.
Many thanks to LCGC magazine. They recently reported how by eliminating the fundamental drawback of the traditional online viscometer design, the known ‘sample breakthrough’ after each measurement, our COMBO-ONE Viscometer / DRI dual detector allows much more rapid sequencing of GPC/SEC samples.
Chromatography data systems are widely used in labs around the world because they include functionality that enables timesaving in analysis, interpretation, and reporting workflows. Including real-time flow rate data with each chromatogram you collect is a valuable aid to achieving total quality assessment of any HPLC, UHPLC, LC/MS or GPC/SEC system. Learn more about our powerful new software driver that allows control and collection of data from any TESTA Analytical AB-4XXXX Series liquid flowmeter using a chromatography data system (CDS).
We welcome Karolina Pietrucha, a nanotechnology graduate from Lodz University of Technology (Poland) as an intern at our company for the next four months. The internship has been established in the framework of the EU Erasmus+ programme. Asked about her new internship Karolina said “I‘m really happy to be part of the supportive and professional team at TESTA. It’s a great opportunity for me to gain real working experience.“
Continuous monitoring of flow in liquid chromatography systems.
Constant flow of solvent through a liquid chromatography system is of paramount importance, as results obtained can be distorted by unexpected changes in flow rate. A new presentation discusses traditional methods of flow monitoring and introduces and demonstrates the advantages of a non-invasive, real-time liquid chromatographic flow monitoring technique developed by TESTA Analytical.
Viscometer detectors for GPC/SEC, based on four matched capillary tubes arranged in a manner analogous to a Wheatstone bridge, have been around for over 30 years but have operational and performance shortfalls. By eliminating the fundamental drawback of this traditional viscometer design, the known ‘sample breakthrough’ after each measurement, our COMBO-ONE Viscometer/DRI dual detector allows much more rapid sequencing of samples. The result of our design innovation is to increase the total daily throughput of a GPC/SEC System by a factor of two.
Instrumental techniques including LC/MS, uHPLC, micro reactors, dosing and microfluidic systems all require delivery of liquid flows in the microlitre to nanolitre range. Until now few options were available to accurately monitor in real time such ultra-low liquid flows. Optimised to operate over the flow range 0.001 to 80 µL/minute, with a high resolution of 1nl / minute, our µFlowmeter is a non-invasive device proven to continuously monitor ultra-low liquid flows thereby helping ensure the reliability and the precision of the instrumental techniques they serve.
US paper discusses how gases impact pump performance.
Peristaltic pumps are commonly used tools for precisely delivering liquids (solvents and reagents) to HPLC, GPC/SEC, flow chemistry and liquid dosing systems. An article recently published on the website of respected US publisher – Lab Manager describes a set of experiments performed by TESTA Analytical that illustrate how dissolved and undissolved gases can affect peristaltic pump performance and strategies to address these issues.
For the first time – TESTA Analytical products were shown at BCEIA Beijing – China’s premier trade fair and conference for instrumental analysis in 2023. Local area manager – Aizhen Niu commented "Throughout the exhibition we had constant traffic to our stand, scientists were amazed at the performance of our real-time liquid flowmeters as well as showing considerable interest in our high-performance detectors for HPLC and GPC/SEC. Visitors commented on the excellent product quality plus appreciated TESTA's commitment to local technical and application support".
For users of our popular AB4000X range of flowmeters – we have developed a 3D printed stand to keep your device secure and lab space neat and tidy! The sturdy Flowmeter Valet allows you to securely position your flowmeter such that your flow monitoring results remain highly reproducible. To celebrate the launch of this nifty accessory we are offering 20 units free of charge to existing TESTA flowmeter users.
Many thanks to SCIENCE magazine. They recently reported how our COMBO-TWO detector allows researchers to quickly and simply obtain highly accurate and reliable MALS and DRI data. This unique detector is the perfect combination detector package for more demanding Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC/SEC) applications.
Understanding different approaches to Dynamic Light Scattering.
At first sight, goniometer based and enclosed light scattering instruments look vastly different in terms of the bench space they occupy. A new technical article discusses some of the key details and differences between these two approaches to Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) which might not be immediately obvious to someone interested in learning more about the topic.
Gel Permeation Chromatography is a powerful technique for determination of fundamental parameters of synthetic and natural polymers ranging from Molecular Weight right through to structural information about branched macromolecules. Unlike many other suppliers, our equipment is specifically designed for polymer characterization and is therefore optimized to operate with all solvents used in GPC/SEC. This includes even the most challenging solvents such as DMF, HFIP, DMAc and DMSO as well as more common solvents like THF and aqueous buffers. Our GPC/SEC range includes top performance MALS and Viscometer detectors and a unique Refractive Index / Viscometer combination detector which sets a new performance benchmark for structural investigation of complex polymers.
Drawing on decades of experience, we have created an expanding range of high-performance HPLC, uHPLC and GPC/SEC detectors, pumps, accessories, and software products that can be customized to meet the exact needs of liquid chromatography manufacturers. Our team of knowledgeable technical and engineering staff, based here in Germany, are available to discuss your OEM needs and to provide seamless integration of our technology into your existing or new product.
Informative introduction to Liquid Chromatography flow monitoring.
A new online presentation compares and contrasts the shortfalls of conventional flow monitoring technologies with the proven advantages of our AB4000X series Liquid Chromatography flowmeter. Details of how this sensitive real-time device can be used to determine just how constant flow from your HPLC or GPC/SEC pump really is are provided. Further information is included on other liquid chromatography applications benefiting from this affordable, easy-to-use device.
Many thanks to the editorial team at LaborPraxis for recently publishing our article – ‘Danger recognized, Danger averted.’ The enemy of peristaltic pumps are gas bubbles. In this German language article, you will find out what influence dissolved and undissolved gas has on the performance of these pumps and thus on HPLC, uHPLC and GPC/SEC systems and what can be done about it.
Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) is widely acknowledged as one of the most useful characterization methods able to provide a complete picture of the natural or synthetic polymer sample under investigation. A new technical note describes how the design of TESTA’s unique Differential Refractive Index (DRI) detector has been improved to provide reduced baseline drift and thus improve overall GPC system performance improving accuracy of results.
We have developed a new software tool for our AB4000X range of flowmeters to enable labs to automatically validate pump flow to liquid chromatographs and flow chemistry systems. Using this powerful new software tool - all data and parameters are automatically validated for fitness of use for validation and a summary report generated which can be printed for hard copy documentation.
A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is available detailing how to use your TESTA flowmeter as a liquid chromatography monitoring device. Flow rate is one of the most important parameters in any liquid chromatography system. It determines retention time or volume and therefore has a major influence on reproducibility. Our popular liquid chromatography flowmeter has set a new standard for non-invasive measurement of flow rate in HPLC, uHPLC and GPC/SEC systems. This new SOP was written to take the guesswork out of day-to-day flowmeter operation and help ensure that all users can get the most out of this real-time monitoring device.
TESTA Analytical records 1000th social media follower.
Just 5 years ago we started building a thriving social media community. Since May 2018 - we have set about regularly posting new and informative content relevant to the liquid chromatography market that we serve. We are delighted to say that in June we reached our landmark 1000th follower. Thanks to all of you in our social media community for following us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. To help build our community further we’d be delighted if you would share some of our posts with your fellow separation scientists.
Used as a GPC/SEC detector to determine the specific viscosity of a polymer or protein in solution - differential viscometers have been around for decades and have demonstrated their value in numerous applications. The R&D team at TESTA Analytical has improved the original 4-capillary bridge design and created a new generation differential viscometer with exceptional performance and operational advantages.
LC/MS is a powerful and widely used analytical technique. However, variation in liquid sample flow to your LC/MS system can invalidate quantitative determination of analytes. Operating over the flow range of 0.001 to 80 µL/minute, with a resolution of 1nl / minute, the TESTA µFlowmeter is the perfect tool for continuously monitoring LC/MS liquid flow thereby providing information to improve the reliability of your quantitative analyte determinations.
Application note: Direct determination of protein molecular weight.
Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) has traditionally been the ‘go to’ technique for the determination of molecular weights of proteins. However, its usefulness is limited by the time-consuming requirement for calibration of the SEC columns with standards comprising proteins of known molecular weight, but which may not be of the same chemistry as the unknown protein. In a new application note we demonstrate how our Bi-MWA detector enables the determination of the molecular weight of carbonic anhydrase, under standard chromatographic conditions, without column calibration.
Preparative HPLC users – apply now to beta test our new flow monitoring devices.
TESTA Analytical flowmeters are widely used in analytical chromatography labs as monitoring tools providing continuous measurement of pump performance. We intend, later this year, to launch a new range of Semi-Prep and Prep flowmeters to help chromatographers, using high flow systems, undertake their preparative tasks in a more productive and reliable way. As part of our pre-launch testing, TESTA Analytical is inviting current users of high flow rate preparative HPLC systems, to apply to enter our Beta test program and be among the first organizations to appreciate the value of flow monitoring in Prep Chromatography.
The quality of analytical data is often determined by periodic checks of a set of measured parameters. This unfortunately only gives you a snapshot of how your analytical instrument is performing at a point in time and cannot assure the total quality of an application. To fill this need, TESTA Analytical Liquid Chromatography flowmeters are used in analytical labs worldwide as monitoring tools continuously measuring the performance of liquid chromatography pumps. Through real-time monitoring of your liquid chromatography system, our flowmeters generate a constant stream of data which can be easily correlated to a particular chromatogram, thus achieving true total quality assurance of your application.
Experienced US technical consultant joins TESTA team.
We are pleased to announce that technical lab consultant - Michael (Mike) Drenski has joined the TESTA team to support our business in North America. Mike’s first assignment will be to help US customers upgrade the firmware of their liquid chromatography flowmeters and to calibrate them according to our Standard Operating Procedure. Prior to joining our team, Mike served as co-founder and CTO of Fluence Analytics, a manufacturer of systems enabling manufacturing and R&D process optimization. Mike has also worked as the Director for Instrumentation at Tulane-PolyRMC, an R&D centre which is active in fundamental and applied polymer research. Mike holds a B.S. in Physics from Youngstown State University and an M.S. in Physics from Tulane University.
Goniometer alignment – critical for high performance light scattering.
Goniometer systems have for many years been the ‘go to’ research tool when labs are challenged by demanding static and dynamic multi angle light scattering applications. Many of these systems supplied by us, and our partner – Brookhaven instruments, have been operating for decades without problems. However, the extraordinary results achievable with these systems is based on perfect optical alignment and flawless operation of all components. It is therefore advisable occasionally to strip down your system and re-align it from scratch. During this operation you have a terrific opportunity to check all system components for wear and aging and replace if necessary. TESTA Analytical is internationally respected for its goniometer system expertise and our ability to provide on-site re-alignment services.
Why choose a Rapid Scanning UV detector rather than a Diode Array UV detector?
The UV detector is one of the most used chromatography detectors today because of its reliability, ease of use, and universal response to chromophoric compounds, including most pharmaceuticals. The advantages of using a Diode Array UV detector for analytical HPLC are well documented. However, for applications that involve delicate samples, the high UV energy output of a Diode Array UV detector can be a disadvantage. For such applications, a detector which does not apply the full UV energy load to the sample the whole time is a better alternative. The TESTA Analytical Rapid Scanning UV detector is such an alternative. Capable of measuring the absorption signal for up to 4 wavebands simultaneously, our Rapid Scanning UV is the perfect detector for applications involving thermallylabile samples.
5 reasons to choose TESTA as your OEM development partner
If you are looking to develop a high-performance liquid chromatography detector - here are 5 reasons to choose TESTA Analytical as your OEM development partner:
• Decades of experience of HPLC and GPC/SEC technologies and applications
• A track record of major chromatography detector innovations.
• We are an independent company, not linked to any chromatograph company.
• All our developments are backed by a team that delivers reliable products.
• Our ability to understand not only technical requirements but also market necessities and build cost targets.
Considering development of a new chromatography detector?
Did you know that TESTA Analytical is the name behind a growing number of market leading HPLC and GPC/SEC systems? With decades of chromatographic expertise and knowledge, TESTA Analytical has proven itself as a pioneering developer and OEM supplier of differential refractive index, viscometry, rapid scanning UV-visible, dn/dc, flowmeter and gas bubble detectors that set new standards for performance, stability and reliability. To learn more about what makes us a great OEM design and development partner.
Q: I noticed that my TESTA #flowmeter shows negative flow rate values. How is this possible?
A: our flowmeters are by design bi-directional. This means that they can measure the flow in both directions. If the displayed is negative, then your device is incorrectly connected in reverse to the designed direction of flow. Please note the negative values are valid measurements but not calibrated.
Dissolved gases are well known to have an impact on the performance of reagent dispensing pumps. A common solution to address this problem is to install a vacuum degasser on the inlet side of the pump. However undissolved gas bubbles pass through largely unaffected by the degasser which can lead to unreliability in dispensing volumes. Several companies are now using our Solvent Line Monitor to detect undissolved gas bubbles in real-time. The digital output from the device detecting an undissolved gas bubble is being used to stop the dispensing pump before it can affect dispensing #accuracy.
Looking to give your liquid chromatography system a competitive edge?
An optimised separation is often considered to be the defining quality of an HPLC, UHPLC, GPC/SEC, Ion Chromatography or FPLC system. High performance separation alone however does not supply answers, it just creates the correct preconditions whereby an optimised chromatography detector is able to reveal the 'secrets' of your sample. The question is, when designing a new liquid chromatography system, should you create this detector technology in-house or partner with an external company that specializes in designing and manufacturing instrument or application optimised liquid chromatography detectors?
Q: Testa Analytical flowmeters are small devices which fit neatly in the palm of a hand. However, in which orientation (vertical or horizontal) is it best to operate the device?
A: The best operating position is undoubtedly upright with the display readable. This is the "designed"”" orientation. However, TESTA flowmeters will work in any orientation with minimal effect on the measured flow rate. As such, we recommend that you choose an orientation, and keep it constant in order to obtain reproducible results.
New version 1.5.0 firmware for our real-time flowmeters (liquid chromatography, chemistry and µFlowmeter models) is now available. This new firmware includes facility to store calibration data and a range of other parameters. TESTA Analytical offers all existing users a free firmware upgrade of their flowmeter plus a 3-point validation measurement certifying their upgraded device. Apart from shipping costs to and from our HQ in Germany, no charge will be made to the client.
Are you looking to monitor a high temperature process?
A new remote flow cell / rapid scanning #UVdetector device is available in different configurations to enable you to monitor analytical to preparative scale processes at temperatures of up to 210⁰C. This innovative device enables highly accurate remote UV measurements to be made on #hightemperature process samples that would make direct spectroscopic measurements almost impossible.
Q: I am using a TESTA flowmeter to optimise liquid reagent delivery by my flow chemistry system. I detect huge difference between the flow rate I set on the system pump and the measured value obtained by the flowmeter. Is my flowmeter defective?
A: No, the flowmeter is doing exactly what it was designed for. Most flow chemistry pumps are optimized around a single flowrate value and for a particular solvent. If you deviate far from this optimization point and use a different solvent, this can result in a notable deviation between the real flow rate and the set value. However, this is exactly why a flowmeter is an absolute necessity for improving the reproducibility and yield from your chemical reactions. Our chemistry flowmeter supplies the real current flow rate of liquid reagents being added and shows also what fluctuations occur at a particular setting. Knowledge of this will allow you to optimise your flow chemistry reaction accordingly and even to select pumps better suited for your application.
Batchmode determination of molecular weight remains a tried and trusted method in many polymer and protein labs despite the availability of newer chromatographic methods. The reason for this is that batch measurements, like those performed with a research grade goniometer system, are far more accurate than chromatographic methods which can be impacted by variability in a larger number of parameters.
This unique Viscometer - Refractometer combination detector sets a new standard for the detection of intrinsic viscosity of highly diluted GPC/SEC samples. The Refractometer is an integral part of the viscometer, therefore both concentration and viscosity are measured at the same time on the very same sample segment.
Many thanks to SCIENCE magazine. They report how the #SolventLineMonitor is a great #monitoringtool able to detect when a pump solvent reservoir serving your #HPLC system is empty and automatically shut off the system. Your HPLC running out of solvent can lead to loss of data, system downtime and the need to re-run samples.
Using a multi detector GPC/SEC system can drastically expand what is possible in terms of polymer or protein structural analysis. The unsurpassed combination of Molar Mass and intrinsic viscosity data, determined at the same time, allows accurate calculation of Mark-Houwink parameters which in many cases provides a good understanding of chain flexibility and density. When the structure model of the macromolecule under study is known, the very same data also allows determination of branching parameters.
Why batch mode molecular weight determination still matters.
Batchmode determination of molecular weight remains a tried and trusted method in many polymer and protein labs despite the availability of newer chromatographic methods. The reason for this is that batch measurements, like those performed with a research grade goniometer system, are far more accurate than chromatographic methods which can be impacted by variability in a larger number of parameters.
Q: My #liquidchromatographyflowmeter offers 5 possible integration times, which should I select?
A: For most HPLC or GPC/SEC applications, selecting 1172 msec #integrationtime ensures that any pump pulsation or transient flow spikes will have minimal impact on your measurement. Using this setting will provide an accurate measurement of the average flow rate providing you with a reliable evaluation of your system’s performance. Shorter integration times should be selected if you are looking to troubleshoot a problem with your liquid chromatography system as it allows you to pinpoint the source of flow fluctuation.
To further enhance the 'green credentials' of our popular Flowmeter range we have introduced new recyclable packaging for these popular products and removed all previously used plastic bags. Now you can undertake real time flowmonitoring of your liquid chromatograph or flow chemistry reagent pump and still be kind to the environment.
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