Raman Microscopy On the Move BioTools’ new family of portable Raman microscopes bridges the gap between microscopy and spectroscopy, bringing microRaman out of the lab and into the world at large. Mobile μRaman and μ-BioRaman open new opportunities for doing the same analyses in different locations with the same instrumentation. They will be finding happy homes in industry and pharma, academe and forensics, doctor’s offices and infusion clinics, food and water safety testing. Mobile μRaman and μ-BioRaman: A View Under the Hood With dimensions smaller than a portable sewing machine and an optional battery pack, Mobile μRaman and μ-Bio-Raman integrate the power of multiple modes of sample handling (microscope slide, cuvette, vial or syringe) and a fast scanning PZT stage for Raman mapping. The flip-up hood, shown raised here, retains their small footprint. The Value of Portability Normally a movement toward a smaller, simpler system dictates a loss of capability. Ironically, this new configuration enables expanded capabilities utilizing shorter light paths, lower laser power, and faster scanning. High NA objectives (40x, 50x, and 100x) are complimented by a cooled 2048x1 pixel back-thinned array detector to maximize signal and assure a superb signal-to-noise ratio that produces both clean imaging and clear spectra. When combined with SERS, these instruments can collect high fidelity spectra within 10 seconds, requiring only 4-8 spectra on average for a clean Raman signature. A unique PZT stage and SameSpot optical system are both standard issue on all BioTools’ portable Raman microscopes.

As a result, Raman spectra are collected precisely from the area being viewed. The stage has a comfortable 10mm travel in X, Y, and Z with 10nm step size that guarantees accurate positioning for single spectra and rapid scanning for Raman maps. SERS Enabled While the new portable Raman microscopes are built to gather conventional Raman spectra, new opportunities unfold when they are used with Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) substrates or capillaries. Data collection speeds up, sensitivity spikes, and fluorescence disappears. The enhanced sensitivity allows for “trace” detection of entities such as body fluids at crime scenes and much greater spectral discrimination, even enabling clinical differentiation between different strains of bacteria. Integrated Libraries Facilitate Spectral Interpretation For contaminants and identification, Mobile μRaman interfaces with BioRad’s KnowItAll Raman ID Expert, a database containing nearly 10,000 Raman spectra (www.knowitall.com). If KnowItAll can’t find a direct match, it analyzes the spectra BIOTOOLS for problems then suggests ways to fix them. For structural studies of proteins using μ-BioRaman, BioTools’ offers their own, world-class library, covering protein spectra in both solution and solid form. Raman on the Go! In addition to being excellent microscopes for the teaching and shared facilities, Mobile μRaman and μ-BioRaman lend themselves to protein, particle and fiber characterization; bacteria analyses and cancer diagnostics; a wide range of body fluid and trace evidence analyses; and food and water safety. These flexible, multi-purpose portable systems are on the move, from classroom to lab, pilot plant, doctor’s office, or crime scene. For more information, stop by Booth #1247.

BioTools Presents “Next Generation” Innovations in Microscopy and Vibrational Spectroscopy The correct spectrum matters… and because the correct spectrum matters, BioTools’ arsenal of instruments and complementary software are designed to translate superb vibrational spectroscopy science into high value data.

Taking Conventional FT-IR and Raman One Step Further

BioTools now features three areas of specialty. The first is the analysis of chiral molecules: those “left/right” mirror image marvels of nature that determine much of our biology. Chiral molecules have the same chemistry but slightly different 3D structure which often results in radically different function. Some, like proteins, sugars, and DNA, make up life. In other chiral pairs, one stereoisomer (enantiomer) can save your life, the other can kill you. As a result, these fascinating molecules are of prime interest to biologists, organic chemists, and especially, the pharmaceutical industry. BioTools’ other strengths include structural elucidation of biologics (the new class of highly targeted protein-based drugs) and their newest area of specialty, Raman microscopy. Pittcon will see the debuts of their revolutionary portable Raman microscopesandanaddonaccessorytoturnanFT-IRspectrometertoa powerful tool for analysis of chiral molecules.

ChiralIR and Mantis DualPEM for Vibrational Circular Dichroism (VCD)

While regular FT-IR helps to define structure, only a clear 3D picture of a molecule’s stereochemistry can define function. ChiralIR and Mantis combine the sensitivity of FT-IR with the stereospecificity of CD into a powerful new technique: Vibrational Circular Dichroism (VCD). VCD can be used to determine the absolute configuration without crystallization and directly measure enantiomeric excess (a measure of the balance of the two stereoisomers) without the need to first separate the mixture. For the first time ever, existing FTIR spectrometers can be upgraded to VCD using BioTools’ MANTIS DualPEM accessory. BioTools Presents “Next Generation”

ChiralRAMAN for Raman Optical Activity (ROA)

ROA is being touted as one of the most sensitive techniques for the determination of higher order structure of proteins. And BioTools is the first and only company in the world to offer a dedicated commercial spectrometer for its measurement.. Generation II is now available, fully integrated with research-grade microscopy.

PROTA-3S - The Powerhouse for Protein Analysis

PROTA is BioTools’ flagship for protein analysis. The new 3S offers speed, sensitivity to handle low concentrations, and turnkey simplicity. New, independent software, “One Click”, quickly acquires and compares single or multiple spectra. Prota-3S has gained traction in biopharma, producing important results that include structural elucidation of biologics; determination of secondary structure of proteins; characterizing the effects of excipients; and the ability to follow protein interactions as well as formulation studies (batch-to-batch; biosimilars vs. innovator; liquid vs solid).

Announcing Raman-on-the-Go! The World’s First Portable Raman Microscopes

Mobile μ-Raman and μ-BioRaman bridge the gap between microscopy and spectroscopy, bringing microRaman out of the lab and into the world at large, opening new opportunities for doing the same analyses in different locations with the same instrumentation. Smaller than a portable sewing machine, the new mobile design has enabled shorter, more efficient light paths and significant drops in laser power that are gentler on the sample. The integrated PZT stage dramatically increases scanning speed while the multiple sample modalities (microscope slide, vial, cuvette, syringe) make for unlimited sample handling. When used with SERS substrates or capillaries, the increased sensitivity enables ready detection of bacteria, body fluids, or metabolites in μl or ppm quantities. Especially designed for ease-of use, they will find happy homes in industry and pharma, academe and forensics, museums, doctor’s offices and infusion clinics, and food and water safety testing. Accessories and Lab services BioTools also offers a wide range of unique spectroscopic accessories as well as full analytical Lab Services for structural characterization of chiral and biological molecules.

For more on any of our products, visit us at Pittcon, in Booth #1247 and online at www.Btools.com

Contact: Dr. Rina Dukor P: 561.625.0133

E: [email protected]

Raman on the Go! BioTools Unveils Revolutionary Family of Portable Raman Microscopes (Jupiter, FL.

March 2, 2015).

BioTool’s revolutionary new family of portable Raman

microscopes bridges the gap between microscopy and spectroscopy, bringing microRaman out of the lab and into the world at large, opening new opportunities for doing the same analyses in different locations with the same instrumentation. They will be finding happy homes in industry and pharma, academe and forensics, art and archeology, doctor’s offices and infusion clinics, and food and water safety testing.

Two portable Raman microscopes comprise the new Family: Mobile µRaman for particles, liquids, contaminants, and fibers, and µ-BioRaman, for protein analysis. Despite being smaller than a portable sewing machine (Figure 1), each combines the imaging strength of optical microscopy with the insight of Raman spectroscopy. Unlike most instruments that move to a smaller format, moving to portable mode has enabled shorter, more efficient light paths; significant drops in laser power that are gentler on the sample, and faster scanning. When coupled with SERS (surface enhanced Raman scatter) substrates or capillaries, these small powerhouses can collect a spectrum in 10 seconds, requiring only 4-8 spectra to generate a well-defined Raman signature (Figure 2). Both systems offer multiple sample handling modalities (microscope slide, cuvette, vial or syringe), a fast scanning PZT stage for Raman mapping, and an optional battery pack for fieldwork. The flip-up hood, shown raised, retains their small footprint

For contaminants and identification, Mobile µRaman interfaces with BioRad’s KnowItAll® Raman ID Expert, a database containing nearly 10,000 Raman spectra (www.knowitall.com). For proteins, BioTools offers their own, world-class library, covering protein spectra in both solution and solid form.

Both models are available in Extended Range (ER) covering 200-3200 cm-1 with a spectral resolution of 8 cm-1 and High Resolution (HR), covering 200-2000 cm-1, with a spectral resolution of 4 cm-1.

Mobile µRaman and µ-BioRaman will be live on the PITTCON floor (March 8-12, New Orleans, LA. www.pittcon.org). BioTools founders, Dr. Rina Dukor and Dr. Laurence Nafie will also be on site to answer questions. -end[Images attached] Figure 1. The size of a portable sewing machine, BioTools’ Revolutionary portable Raman microscopes combine multiple sample handling modalities (slide, cuvette, vial, syringe) with high sensitivity and fast Raman mapping. Shown here with its flip-up hood raised.

Figure 2. When combined with SERS, µ-BioRaman clearly differentiates between body fluids found at the scene of a crime, even from µL samples. (a) Spectra of diluted dried human blood, semen, vaginal fluid, saliva, and urine (~4 spectra, 10 sec each with ~1mW @ 785nm) (b) Principal Component Analysis (PCA) using “barcodes” derived from slopes within the spectra. Unpublished results.

About BioTools: BioTools is the recognized leader in advanced chiro-optical instrumentation, software, and services. We provide solutions for critical molecular structure characterization, from basic research to finished products, for biopharmaceutical and chiral drug research in both academe and pharma. Founded in 2000, BioTools has R&D, sales, customer support, contract research lab and manufacturing facilities in Jupiter, Florida, and a division, BioTools Europe, headquartered in the United Kingdom. In 2014, BioTools established BioTools China in cooperation with DHS Instruments. Additionally, we enjoy a partnership with several Universities worldwide in operation of Centers for Chirality (EC2, EC3). BioTools co-founder, Dr. Laurence Nafie is the recipient of the prestigious Pittsburgh Spectroscopy Award.