Equipment and Processing Report
PharmTech's monthly newsletter, Equipment and Processing Report, reviews the Editor's Picks for the August 2010 edition from Lechler and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Lechler
Spray nozzle prevents waste
The redesigned ViscoMist spray nozzle from Lechler (St. Charles, IL) incorporates features that reduce the chance for fluid to drip when the nozzle is not in use. The device’s new O-rings provide a better seal than before when the nozzle is shut off. In addition, the nozzle’s shut-off needle has been improved.
Lechler has slightly extended the ViscoMist nozzle’s liquid orifice upward to eliminate the bearding effect. The orifice is completely encircled by a pneumatic port that helps blow particles away from this area without interfering with the orifice’s ability to create the shape of the spray pattern.
One available model of the nozzle contains three ports for incoming air. One port controls the signal air and turns the nozzle on and off. Another port controls atomizing (i.e., droplet size), and the third controls the shape of the spray. Users can adjust either of the latter two parameters without affecting the other.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Liquid handler offers versatility
Thermo Fisher Scientific’s (Waltham, MA) Versette liquid handler offers 19 interchangeable pipetting-head options ranging from one to 384 channels. The unit is compatible with both disposable and fixed-tip pipetting heads, and its total volume range is 0.1–1250 µL. The device’s ClipTips create a binary seal and fasten securely to pipette heads. Low insertion and ejection force is required, so the pipetting head and instrument components experience little wear.
The handler’s D.A.R.T. tips form a secure surface seal against the underside of the pipetting heads. All D.A.R.T. tips are evenly positioned on three axes, thus allowing optimal positioning within labware wells for liquid-handling procedures. This design helps to ensure accurate and precise pipetting. The Versette unit offers two stage capacity options to provide scalability. The two- and six-position stages are easy to swap and enable stand-alone and robot-friendly use.
Drug Shortages and Complying with FDA’s 21 CFR 211.110 Guidance
April 2nd 2025Susan J. Schniepp, distinguished fellow at Regulatory Compliance Associates, and Rona LeBlanc-Rivera, PhD, principal consultant, Regulatory Affairs at Regulatory Compliance Associates, answer some questions about FDA’s January 2025 21 CFR 211.110 guidance document.
Drug Solutions Podcast: A Closer Look at mRNA in Oncology and Vaccines
April 30th 2024In this episode fo the Drug Solutions Podcast, etherna’s vice-president of Technology and Innovation, Stefaan De Koker, discusses the merits and challenges of using mRNA as the foundation for therapeutics in oncology as well as for vaccines.