Company Announcements

In May, Gardner Denver’s Medical Group acquired TriContinent Scientific, a manufacturer of precision pumps, valves and syringes, XYZ robots, microplate washers and manifolds, and pipettes and dispensers.

Applied BioCode licensed its Bardcoded Magnetic Bead technology to Molecular Devices for use on its microplate reading systems within the life science research, food and beverage, and environmental testing markets.

Oxford Finance announced the closing of a credit facility, including a $10 million senior secured term loan and a $7 million line of credit, with Labcyte.

In June, BioTek Instruments opened a UK office in Swindon.

Product Introductions

Precision Automation launched in March its first full family of intrinsically safe benchtop collaborative robots, optimized for safe benchtop use without requiring large expensive safety barriers.

Molecular Devices introduced in April the injector-ready SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, which allows the addition of new detection mode cartridges, such as the ScanLater Western blot. The system features a MiniMax 300 imaging cytometer and monochromator-based absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence detection. The dual auto injector module will be available in October.

Analytik Jena launched the GeneTheatre, a low-cost gene assembly robot consisting of a small footprint CyBio liquid handler. It utilizes Analytik Jena reagent kits for DNA purification post reaction.

Brooks Automation released in April the BioStore III Cryo automated cryogenic sample management system, featuring sample monitoring, tracking and inventory control. A cryobox of samples can be retrieved in less than 60 seconds. The system was developed in collaboration with Chart Industries.

In May, BioCision and Brooks Automation introduced the portable, data logging CryoPod carrier, a liquid nitrogen–based system for handling and transport of cryogenic biospecimens. It enables more than four hours of less than -150 °C temperature stability.

In April, Promega launched the GloMax Explorer Multimode Detection System for absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence detection, featuring more than 50 preloaded protocols.

Tecan introduced new features for its Spark 10M multimode reader, including a cuvette port for absorbance measurements and an enhanced detection module for using PerkinElmer’s Alpha technology.

Labcyte released an reservoir plate for its Echo 525 liquid handler for facilitating high-throughput, large-volume reagent transfers. The six-well design enables the transfer of over 15 mL from a single plate.