A2 Technologies is making a lot of noise about their smallest-ever FT IR spectrophotometer. It will be launching the handheld portable spectrometer, which is intended for use in field-based surface analysis applications (also for lab-based Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) applications). LabTechnologist.com will report more in the coming days.
A topic of great importance currently is microfluidics (or lab-on-a-chip); there will be a number of exhibits showcasing technology in this field including Dolomite for DNA analysis techniques and also chemical management and analysis systems (microfluidics and micro electro mechanical systems (MEMs).
Green issues
A theme of great importance at the 2008 show will be the environment and what chemists and analysts can do to lessen their carbon footprint and also work in a more sustainable manner.
One of the items of interest in this sphere is the new green fume hood, which will be released at the show. In addition Phenomenex, in conjunction with USP, are presenting a short course on GC testing for residual solvents. Biotage will also launch the Evolute ABN 50 µm range of sample preparation products for use in environmental, forensic and industrial applications. Wilks Enterprise will launch two portable mid-IR analysers for use in conducting on-site measurements including biodiesel in diesel, ethanol in gasoline, water in ethanol, glycerides, and free fatty acids.
Aside from the new kit expo of course, Pittcon runs a variety of courses and workshops worth attending on every aspect of analysis and separations. Major areas of interest at the show will include bioanalytical chemistry, biomedicine, neurochemistry, polymer science, informatics, nanotechnology, applied molecular spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, sensor technology, chemical analysis of art objects, environmental chemistry and forensic analysis. There will be 53 symposia in 2008 on a variety of subjects including two from the Society of Applied Spectroscopy (SAS).
One area of Pittcon which is being expanded this year are the conference networking sessions (CNS). Eight sessions were offered at Pittcon 2007 and now because of overwhelming demand this year 27 sessions will be available for all the conferees. Sessions will be offered in the pharmaceutical, analytical, environmental, statistical, and life science areas. Topics include new LC and MS technologies, thermal analysis, analysis of explosives and energetic, green chemistry/green chemists and ambient ionisation mass spectrometry.
Rest assured Huw will be there searching out the best of the new lab technology and reporting about it on lab-technologist!
