Macherey Nagel have expanded the HPLC product line to include the NUCLEODUR® PFAS, 3 µm HPLC and UHPLC columns

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of highly stable synthetic organic compounds which are used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications as additives in consumer products such as fire-fighting foam, fiber coating, cookware, paper finishing and food packaging to name a few. Within mainstream media they are often referred to as "forever chemicals". These substances strongly bioaccumulate within our natural environment and have become ubiquitous throughout the world since the 1940's.

NUCLEODUR® PFAS, 3 µm HPLC columns provide a solution for analysing and detecting these substances. Macherey Nagel columns show a high batch-to-batch reproducibility which make them well suited for LC-MS/MS analyses due to low bleeding characteristics. The new columns are available in a 2 mm ID and 100 or 50 mm lengths. Each column is accompanied by documentation which certifies and identifies each column to it's respective batch for PFAS analyses in the laboratory.

NUCLEODUR® PFAS Delay, 5 µm columns provide high retention for PFAS compounds and are used to retain PFAS contaminants from the HPLC system, which could otherwise falsify the sample to be analysed. For this purpose the NUCLEODUR® PFAS Delay column is connected in flow direction between the mixing vessel and the sample injector, as seen in the flow diagram below.

HPLC and UHPLC columns

Stainless steel HPLC columns for analytical or preparative applications are an ideal choice for your daily labwork.

NUCLEOSIL HPLC phases have gained wide acceptance as routine chromatographic packings for differing fields in modern chromatography. It is one of the first spherical silicas used in HPLC and is a reliable choice for routine analyses.

NUCLEODUR silica is an ideal base material for modern HPLC phases. It is the result of MACHEREY-NAGEL's pioneering research in chromatography for almost 50 years. NUCLEODUR HPLC columns with 1.8 µm particle size for increased separation efficiency are used for UHPLC applications.

Due to core-shell technology NUCLEOSHELL columns provide efficient separation results with a comparably lower back pressure to fully porous materials.

Please contact your nearest Rowe Scientifc Representative for further information.

In contrast to other products, this special phase enables users to enrich not only acidic PFAS but also various other PFAS substance classes (alcohols, sulfonamides, ethers) with high recovery rates in one application. This is possible due to the different retention mechanisms of the sorbents (interactions according to EPA method 537.1 and 533, DIN 38407-42).

Under specified test conditions, when a sample is heated to the temperature called flash point, the sample vapor and air mixture are ignited instantly. Flash Point is one of the indicators for the evaluation of a materials' combustion tendency. If the flash point Is low, the combustion risk would be high. As for transport and safety regulation, flash point is used for the classification of "flammable liquids". Also, flash point is used for quality control index or determining the existence of highly volatile or flammable substances in relatively nonvolatile or nonflammable matter, e.g. lubricant mixed with a small amount of diesel or gasoline.

The Koehler K24880 Microscale Continuously Closed Cup Flash Point Tester works in the following manner. The temperature of the analyzer is adjusted to at least 18 °C below the expected flash point. The sample is injected into the sample cup. The operator must ensure that the sample and sample cup temperature are both at least 18 °C below the expected flash point (the sample and sample cup may be cooled if necessary). Then the sample cup is raised towards the oven forming a closed test chamber, which is not sealed.

After every ignition, the proper volume of air goes into the test chamber to supply the next ignition with oxygen to burn. The pressure in the unsealed closed test chamber should be ambient atmospheric pressure, except during the short period of air introduction and the time when the flash point is achieved. The pressure increase comes after discharge of air, so each time after the air discharges, the chambers pressure is higher than ambient atmospheric pressure. When the pressure increase exceeds the specified limit, this is recorded as the flash point temperature (which has not been corrected).

Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd would like to announce the latest product from Koehler, the K88539 Automatic Air Release Value Analyser. This innovative instrument is commonly used to determine the ability of a turbine, hydraulic or lubricating oil to separate entrained air. This is a key performance characteristic in applications where agitation causes a dispersion of air bubbles in the oil.

The test method

In order to discern air release properties, the sample is heated to a specified test temperature and blown with compressed air. After the air flow is ceased, the time required for the air entrained in the oil to reduce in volume to 0.2% gives the air bubble separation duration.

Key features

Includes an integrated touch screen control panel, which guides the user from start to finish of the test operation, and provides density calculations and timing operations for measuring the air release value of the test sample. 

The test unit conforms to the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) D3427, IP313 and related specifications. Included is an integrated circulating bath and balance, an air bath for the sinker, an automatic lift system that moves the test vessel from air source to balance sinker, and also automatically measures the time for air release for maximum convenience and reliability.

Other state-of-the-art features include an integrated circulation bath with water level indicator, integrated balance, air tube security clamp mechanism and automatic jacketed test vessel draining.

Safety features include compressed air heater overtemperature and overpressure protection circuitry. 

Included accessories

• Sinkers, 5mL and 10mL
• Integrated Balance
• Integrated Circulator
• Air Bath for Sinker
• Tubing and Fittings
• Platinum Wire
• Jacketed Test Vessel

A drying oven is available as a supplemental accessory for warming test oil to temperatures of up to 100°C

Specifications

Temperature range: Ambient to 75°C

Sample Temperature Stability: ±0.1 °C

Air Temperature Stability:  ±0.2 °C

Density: ±0.001 g/mL

 Download the brochure

For further information or for a quote please contact your nearest Rowe Scientific representative.

If you work in the field of environmental management, industrial quality control or life science, it is imperative that you have the support of a knowledgeable representative who can supply your laboratory with the correct products to accomplish your filtration goals.

With samples requiring filtration, the traditional procedure sees the liquid poured onto a filter paper in a funnel, with the particulate/solid suspended being retained, and liquid slowly collecting in a receiver.

Laboratory filtration with the aid of a vacuum pressure gradient, is a fast and efficient way to filter and obtain your sample. As vacuum is used to aid filtration, the resulting particulate is dryer as opposed to using a more passive, gravity fed system. The filtrate can be collected into a flask via the use of a vacuum manifold.

Rowe Scientific have a range of products to cater for varying vacuum filtration scenarios. We offer 3 or 6 place manifolds, filter holders and receivers, funnels, flasks, tubing, vacuum pumps, connectors and more. We have created 2 kits which enable an easy initial set up for most laboratory applications.

We currently have a great price deal on vacuum filtration kits. Click here to download the PDF brochure.

Contact us today to start building the right vacuum filtration setup for your laboratory.

The Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation is a cancer research, education and treatment centre dedicated in the search for cancer cures. It currently is Australia’s only public hospital which is solely dedicated to caring and treating people affected by cancer.

The Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation currently employs over 2,500 staff, including more than 580 laboratory and clinical researchers, all focused on providing treatments, care and potential cures for cancer.

Rowe Scientific recently held a morning tea showcasing various life science products of interest to the Foundation such as pipettors, nucleic acid extraction kits, specialised gloves, freezer storage, and small laboratory equipment to name a few.

We thank the scientists, technicians, and laboratory managers who stopped by to discuss their various needs and requirements.

Rowe Scientific will continue to supply and support The Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation with their laboratory needs in order to continue their search for a cure.

To learn more about The Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, visit their web site here.

If you’re looking for a cost effective and high quality stomacher bag, then the UK made GRADE range may be the smart choice for your laboratory. GRADE have been manufacturing laboratory bags for over 40 years.

The full range of homogeniser/blender and separator bags come in a range of sizes from 80mL to 3500mL and available in straight or curved bottom, with or without filters. Also available are GRADE disposable straws to pipette samples after homogenisation.

GRADE bags are suitable for all types of blender machines and are made to exacting standards. Leading laboratories world-wide use GRADE bags due to their durable composition and the extremely low likelihood of bags bursting when in use.  GRADE bags are manufactured under an ISO 9001 approved quality control system, and have a negligible failure rate.

Grade have made a robust bag by using the correct blend of polymers (high quality, food grade LDPE) for superior strength and elasticity. They are tested up to eight times the normal usage to ensure each individually numbered and traceable batch is up to standard.

The easy-to-open double size (4mm) seal make any faults totally visible, giving you the added security of no leakage. GRADE bags are Gamma irradiated for sample integrity and have a minimum shelf life of five years.

Test them for yourself, ask us for samples. Standard homogeniser/blender bags are available in three sizes 80, 400 and 3500mL. Separator bags come in two types; 400mL with curved or straight bottoms. Call your local Rowe Scientific representative and make the GRADE.

The STEM X (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics Exchange) Academy is a five-day residential professional learning program for primary and secondary teachers (total of 70) of science developed in partnership between Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, CSIRO and the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) to address the national need for improving teacher and student STEM skills and content knowledge.

The program is doing something no other program does. Rather than just providing teachers with a package of resources to use in the classroom, it is helping them to acquire the skills and confidence to design, develop and implement their own teaching resources.

STEM X Academy does this by partnering teachers with skilled educators from Questacon and CSIRO and expert researchers to collaborate on projects across the five days. This fosters the building of relationships between teachers, schools and the STEM Industry.

The vision for STEM X Academy teachers is to be inspired by research, foster innovation in the classroom, act as a catalyst for change and remain connected creating a national community of practice. Strong evidence exists to suggest that all these objectives are being fulfilled.

2018 STEM X Academy Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd Scholarship Winners:

Queensland: Hayley Laidlow, Osborne State School, Home Hill Qld

New South Wales: Nadia Hagberg, St. Bridgets College, Lake Munmorah, NSW

ACT: Bronwyn Stanbury, Radford College, Bruce, ACT

Victoria: Wendy Rowe, Greenvale Primary School, Greenvale, VIC

Tasmania: Michael van der Ploeg, Table Cape Primary, Wynyard, TAS

South Australia: Chad Gramola, Mt Compass Area School, Mt Compass, SA

Western Australia: Sue Webber, Kalgoorlie Boulder Community HS, WA

Northern Territory: Sophie McConnell, Darwin High School, Darwin, NT

Our congratulations to Mr Thomas Sanfead, the 2017 winner of the ECU Rowe Scientific Prize in Chemistry.

In Thomas’s words,

“I enjoy how logical chemistry is. How the structure and shape of compounds influence their properties, and how this affects the way different chemicals interact with each other.

The various chemicals throughout the human body and how they allow us to function is fascinating.

Different chemicals, such as medicines, and how they interact with the human body, altering it to either hinder or help us is exciting.

Overall I think the role which chemistry has in the natural world is wondrous.”

Well done Thomas.

Congratulation to Andre Wang and Samuel Alsop who were the recipients of the 2017/18 UWA Vacation Awards in Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Mr Andre Wang

In Andre’s words on the description of his project,

"Mitochrondria are one of the most viral organelles in eukaryotic organisms such as humans and plants.

Originating from an endosymbiotic event and the subsequent loss of genes to the nucleus, thousands of mitochondrial proteins are thus required to be imported from the cytosol (Dudek et al., 2013).

These proteins have highly specialised mechanisms and utilise several receptors and transporters located in the mitochrondrial membranes. Recent studies suggest that several of these transporters are key regulators in controlling the rate of transport and thus mitochondrial function (Wang et al., 2013).

The Murcha lab within the School of Molecular Sciences have generated a range of Arabidopsis thaliana transgenic lines that overexpress certain key protein transporters such as Tim17, Tim22 and Tim23 from 2-10 fold. The functionality of this overexpression will be tested.

By isolating mitochondria from these lines, protein uptake ability can be assessed and quantifiably measured. Furthermore, a range of substrates can be investigated to identify the consequences of manipulating these transporters on the various known protein import pathways.

This project aims to therefore identify key regulators of protein uptake ability in plant mitochondria. This will elucidate targets that can be used to regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and activity resulting in plants with bigger biomass, faster growth and resistance to a range of environmental stresses.”

Mr Samuel Alsop

Samuel describes his project as follows,

“The project will involve investigating a biosynthetic gene cluster in the wheat pathogen Parastagononspora nodorum, using a variety of biochemical techniques. P. nodorum is the fungus responsible for Septoria nodorum blotch, and it is believed that it produces a number of secondary metabolites which contribute to its virulence.

As with other fungi, many of the biosynthetic gene clusters that produce these secondary metabolites are transcriptionally silent under normal growth conditions.

The aim of the project is to heterologously express genes in a biosynthetic gene cluster to produce intermediates and products of a biosynthetic pathway that has been shown to be expressed exclusively during infection of the host plant.

This will allow for the identification of the compounds using LC-MS and NMR spectroscopy. This will hopefully improve our understanding of the role that the secondary metabolite produced by this pathway may play in virulence, as well as providing insight into how it is synthesised by the fungus.

This project will be a continuation of work on this gene cluster conducted in a research project for BIO3003/BIO3005 throughout semester 2.”

Congratulations to the following two winners of the Rowe Scientific scholarship, covering the years 2017 and 2018, from the staff of Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd.

Mr Stephen Delwig

In Stephen’s own words;

“I completed both primary and secondary education in the Victorian western districts town of Camperdown. Neither of my parents were able to work during this time; my father is disabled and my mother cares for him.

After completing my final year of VCE, I acquired financial support in the form of a Dafydd Lewis Scholarship and moved to Ballarat to pursue my tertiary studies. I initially pursued a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ballarat (which has since changed names to Federation University) but after two years, I decided that engineering was not my desired profession and changed courses to study a Bachelor of Science at Federation University.

I have now completed my Bachelor of Science degree (biochemistry major, microbiology minor). I have now moved to Geelong to pursue a chemistry Honours degree at Deakin University (Geelong Waurn Ponds campus).

Ms Catherine Fraser

In Catherine’s own words;

“I have recently completed a Bachelor of Science with Distinction from Deakin University. I will be undertaking an Honours year in 2018, and following this I intend on completing a PhD.

I have learnt a great deal about myself in my three years of undergraduate study. I have also developed professional skills that are applicable to any career path, and most significantly I found where my passion lay; chemistry.

Having a passion for my field has enabled my skill development. Naturally, my discipline specific skills have developed greatly, most notably, I believe, are the skills I have acquired and improved in teamwork, self-management, and critical thinking

Pursuing a career in chemistry has pushed and challenged me to take on any opportunity to learn.

The following are the two 2017 Rowe Scientific Metallurgy scholarship winners.

Mr Brendan Jones

In Brendan’s words;

My name is Brendan Jones and I am a current student at Curtin University studying a double degree in Chemical Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy.

At the end of 2017 I will have finished my third and final amazing year at Curtin’s West Australian School of Mines (WASM) in Kalgoorlie. Extractive metallurgy is a specialist field that deals with the extraction of metals and mineral products from their ores through the application of scientific principles.

Extractive metallurgists play a key role in the mining industry. Throughout the last three years at Curtin I have enjoyed every discipline which involved chemistry, and metallurgy is no different. Metallurgy incorporates all the best elements of practical chemistry from leaching to electrochemistry.

I enjoy the challenges that metallurgy provides, particularly when analysing or partially designing process flow systems and understanding the mechanisms involved.

Although learning about metallurgy is fascinating, I am very much looking forward to putting my theoretical knowledge into action with upcoming vacation work and potential employment in the mining industry in the future. I would like to extend my gratitude to Rowe Scientific for providing me with financial aid and allowing me to continue to enjoy the field of metallurgy.

Ms Tram Nguyen

In Tram’s words;

I have always been interested in chemistry since I was in high school.

The fact that you can make different kind of alloys that can be applied to real life situations just by changing the composition of the metal input is really fascinating.

As a university student, I am always supported by Curtin. The Engineering and Science department tries their best to give me chances to get my hands on real life process through the laboratories.

One of the labs really got my interest was the extraction of gold from the ore. Even though we didn’t have the chance to deal with real gold due to high cost of gold, we actually had chance to extract metal out of the sample. In my point of view, it was a fantastic process.

Starting from a mixture between two things, by using the differences in their physical and chemical properties, we are able to separate them. That’s why I really like metallurgical field.

With the support of Rowe Scientific, through the Rowe Scientific Metallurgy Scholarship, I will be able to spend more time on my study. It also helps me prove that hard work will be rewarded. Thank you for your generosity and all your supports.

Mr Michael Van Wageningen

In Michael's own words;

I enjoy studying chemistry and plan to follow a career in that field.

I would love the opportunity to make wine in Europe and have already begun to make some connections through the University. I hope to one day start my own vineyard in Tasmania.

Being awarded this scholarship has made a big difference to my living conditions and helped to reduce stress about finances or placing additional burdens on my family.

You have changed my life in a way I never knew could happen. I am very grateful for your support and can't thank you enough.

Ms Jessica De La Perrelle

In Jessica's own words;

I moved from the country to the University of Adelaide because of the high quality of teaching. From a young age I was passionate about 'saving the world' via sustainable technologies and still hope to work one day in research in the sustainable technology field.

I intend to graduate with honours in either physical chemistry or physics. Receiving this scholarship has had a significant positive impact and I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous support.

My intense study load means I have little time for a part time job, and rely on savings and family for financial support. The scholarship contributed to easing my anxiety and financial pressures, enabled me to purchase a new laptop, and allowed me to focus on my university studies.

This scholarship has helped me to realise a lifelong dream of researching improvements to sustainable technologies. In addition, I would like to thank you for making the scholarship available to rural, regional and remote students, as the transition to university is often so much more complex for them, and I would love to see more rural students succeeding at university.

Mr Brandt Dolic

In Brandt's own words;

I have enjoyed my studies at the University of Adelaide and hope to one day complete a PhD and work in the research area.

My favourite thing at the University is The Braggs Laboratory and the investment and facilities they have put into the research area.

This scholarship has allowed me to focus more on studies rather than be distracted with juggling the financial issues that come with moving states.

Thank you for believing in the future I want to achieve. I really enjoy synthetic chemistry and wish to continue my studies further representing this scholarship.

Thank you very much for your support.

Rowe Scientific was pleased to be able to donate some 60 cash prizes to category winners in the STANT Young Scientist competition. The awards took place in Darwin, on 23 November, 2017.

The following photograph includes students who were Rowe Scientific award winners from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart school (OLSH) in Alice Springs, who were not able to attend the award ceremony in Darwin.

Shawn Bett (1st Scientific Communication – Scientific Writing 7-9 individual, 1st STEM in the NT – Life Application 7-9 Individual, 2nd Scientific Communication – video 7-9 Group) Sarah Muller (2nd Scientific Communication – writing 7-9 Individual) Chiara Antonelli (1st Stem in the NT – Life Application 7-9 Individual) Matilda Kneiss (3rd Scientific Communication – Video 7-9 Group) Jacob Gardner (2nd Scientific Communication – Video 7-9 Group) Shaelyn Crowhurst (3rd Scientific Communication – Video 7-9 Group) Leticia Alcantara Keane (3rd Scientific Communication – Scientific Writing 10-12 Individual) Sarah Harris (3rd Scientific Communication – Video 7-9 Group) Jack van der Geest-Hester (3rd Scientific Communication – Scientific Writing 7-9 Individual) Nirali Panchal (2nd Scientific Communication – Poster 10-12) Joshua Mullan (1st Scientific Communication - Web based 10-12 – Individual)

Also pictured, far right, is Ms Jillian Neyland, NT nomination for BHP Billiton Foundation Teacher of the Year. Although not a recipient of a Rowe Scientific STANT prize, she teaches at OLSH in Alice Springs, and we offer our congratulations on her nomination.

Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd have pledged to support science teaching in each state and territory of Australia, through the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA), for an initial period of 5 years (commenced in 2016).

Ms Ling Ling Pin from PLC Sydney came 3rd overall and was awarded the Rowe Scientific Equipment Prize.

She was concerned about the effects on phytoplankton when sunscreen washes from swimmers.

Using an electronic balance, she tested the effect of the same amount of common sunscreens on samples of water. After filtering and staining the samples and viewing under a microscope she found that the zinc sunscreen led to the smallest decrease in the phytoplankton population.

Rowe Scientific Rural / Regional Secondary Student Awards

On 28 October, 2017, the above students from St Monica's College, Cairns, were the recipients of a Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd Rural/ Regional Secondary Student Award, in the STAQ science competition, at the University of Queensland (UQ).

In their film Manure You Know, Eliza, Claire, Georgia and Anna explain the importance of dung beetles in our ecosystem. They investigate why the introduction of dung beetles has positively influenced farms on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, and demonstrate how the belt transect method can be used to monitor dung beetle populations.

These 4 students also won the UQ Young Scientist Award as well as the Sleek Geeks Science Prize at the Eureka Awards. See the video  here. Well done ladies.

Significant Rowe Scientific prize winners from the 2017 Tasmanian Science Talent Search.

Research Investigations Senior Secondary Winner

Mr Logan Howell, Don College, Devonport

“NO?-Free (Low voltage, low current electro-reduction of aqueous nitrates via single cell electrolysis and subsequent observations of gas-particle phase equilibria”. Logan was also awarded the Rowe Scientific Most Promising Young Scientist Award (Senior Secondary).

Research Investigations Intermediate Winner
Ms Eloise Deconinck, St Mary’s College, Hobart

“Material World – a sustainable method to break down plastic waste”. Eloise was awarded the Rowe Scientific Most Promising Young Scientist Award (Intermediate).

Research Investigations Junior Secondary Winner
Ms Emma Spurr, Kingston High School

“Effects of Temperature & Light on Lettuce Seed Germination (part 2)”. Emma was awarded the Rowe Scientific Most Promising Young Scientist Award (Junior).

Rowe Scientific student awards winners.

On 23 October, 2017, the following two students, chosen at random from many winners of Rowe scientific prizes, received their awards by the STAV’s Science Talent Search.

Mr Dylan Zipsin, of Viewbank College.

Dylan won his award in the Junior (Yr 7-8) Inventions section, by inventing a Smart Lock: The “ZipVault” was constructed using complex wood working knowledge as well as the advanced use of electronic components and wiring and the development of code using high levels of logical and mathematical thinking.

It was designed to give people peace of mind, knowing that their belongings were safe and out of anyone elses reach.

The box features two extra layers of security on top of the expected 6-digit pin, with already over ten million different possible combinations, requiring a magnet to turn it on, as well as for the owner to tilt the box four times, before you are confronted with the 6-digit pin.

Once you are finished, the box locks and shuts down, using no power whatsoever

Well done Dylan.

Ms Eleeza Maqsood, of Sirius College, Eastmeadows.

Eleeza won her award in the Junior (Yr 7-8) Experimental Research section, for the following project: “Does Aromatherapy essential oils vapour inhibit the growth of Escherichia Coli?”

Abstract: Stated on the internet, it has been said that essential oil aromas can help sanitize a room of bacteria. This experiment looked at the effect of the vapour of essential oils in the presence of Escherichia Coli (E. coli) bacteria. To verify this claim, essential oils were placed in plastic wells in the centre of nutrient agar plates streaked with E. coli bacteria. The plates were left in the incubator for three days and then were moved into the fridge, and the plates were analysed. The plates were examined in sections for bacterial growth, and bacterial coverage was totalled.

The results showed that the most effective oils in descending order were tea tree, eucalyptus, grapefruit, peppermint, and lavender. Only tea tree oil and grapefruit oil were significantly effective and consistent with background research claims.

Sounds like impressive work for a Junior Eleeza. Well done, from the Rowe Scientific staff. 

In Georgia's own words;

“I am a hard-working and determined individual who wants to use chemistry to better healthcare and the environment. Over the past year, I have been doing undergraduate research with potential anticancer agents, under the supervision of Janice Aldrich-Wright; focusing on synthesis and characterisation of platinum metal-ligand complexes - some of which are more cytotoxic than cisplatin!

This summer, I have received a summer scholarship with CSIRO Energy in Newcastle, and will be developing catalysts to transform carbon dioxide into usable materials, to reduce air pollution.

Receiving recognition for hard work is always a great feeling, however it is simply icing on the cake, because using chemistry to solve big problems is reward enough. Next year, I aim to study a Masters of Philosophy at Western Sydney University and this scholarship has eased a significant amount of financial burden off of my shoulders for next year. I am extremely grateful for this prestigious scholarship - and I hope to make the donors proud with my research over the next few years.”