November 2nd 2023
We welcome Karolina Pietrucha, a nanotechnology graduate from Lodz University of Technology (Poland) as an intern at our company for the next four months. The internship has been established in the framework of the EU Erasmus+ programme. Asked about her new internship Karolina said “I‘m really happy to be part of the supportive and professional team at TESTA. It’s a great opportunity for me to gain real working experience.“
October 25th 2023
Constant flow of solvent through a liquid chromatography system is of paramount importance, as results obtained can be distorted by unexpected changes in flow rate. A new presentation discusses traditional methods of flow monitoring and introduces and demonstrates the advantages of a non-invasive, real-time liquid chromatographic flow monitoring technique developed by TESTA Analytical.
October 17th 2023
Viscometer detectors for GPC/SEC, based on four matched capillary tubes arranged in a manner analogous to a Wheatstone bridge, have been around for over 30 years but have operational and performance shortfalls. By eliminating the fundamental drawback of this traditional viscometer design, the known ‘sample breakthrough’ after each measurement, our COMBO-ONE Viscometer/DRI dual detector allows much more rapid sequencing of samples. The result of our design innovation is to increase the total daily throughput of a GPC/SEC System by a factor of two.
October 11th 2023
Instrumental techniques including LC/MS, uHPLC, micro reactors, dosing and microfluidic systems all require delivery of liquid flows in the microlitre to nanolitre range. Until now few options were available to accurately monitor in real time such ultra-low liquid flows. Optimised to operate over the flow range 0.001 to 80 µL/minute, with a high resolution of 1nl / minute, our µFlowmeter is a non-invasive device proven to continuously monitor ultra-low liquid flows thereby helping ensure the reliability and the precision of the instrumental techniques they serve.
October 4th 2023
Peristaltic pumps are commonly used tools for precisely delivering liquids (solvents and reagents) to HPLC, GPC/SEC, flow chemistry and liquid dosing systems. An article recently published on the website of respected US publisher – Lab Manager describes a set of experiments performed by TESTA Analytical that illustrate how dissolved and undissolved gases can affect peristaltic pump performance and strategies to address these issues.
September 27th 2023
For the first time – TESTA Analytical products were shown at BCEIA Beijing – China’s premier trade fair and conference for instrumental analysis in 2023. Local area manager – Aizhen Niu commented "Throughout the exhibition we had constant traffic to our stand, scientists were amazed at the performance of our real-time liquid flowmeters as well as showing considerable interest in our high-performance detectors for HPLC and GPC/SEC. Visitors commented on the excellent product quality plus appreciated TESTA's commitment to local technical and application support".
September 20th 2023
For users of our popular AB4000X range of flowmeters – we have developed a 3D printed stand to keep your device secure and lab space neat and tidy! The sturdy Flowmeter Valet allows you to securely position your flowmeter such that your flow monitoring results remain highly reproducible. To celebrate the launch of this nifty accessory we are offering 20 units free of charge to existing TESTA flowmeter users.
September 13th 2023
Many thanks to SCIENCE magazine. They recently reported how our COMBO-TWO detector allows researchers to quickly and simply obtain highly accurate and reliable MALS and DRI data. This unique detector is the perfect combination detector package for more demanding Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC/SEC) applications.
September 6th 2023
At first sight, goniometer based and enclosed light scattering instruments look vastly different in terms of the bench space they occupy. A new technical article discusses some of the key details and differences between these two approaches to Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) which might not be immediately obvious to someone interested in learning more about the topic.
August 24th 2023
Gel Permeation Chromatography is a powerful technique for determination of fundamental parameters of synthetic and natural polymers ranging from Molecular Weight right through to structural information about branched macromolecules. Unlike many other suppliers, our equipment is specifically designed for polymer characterization and is therefore optimized to operate with all solvents used in GPC/SEC. This includes even the most challenging solvents such as DMF, HFIP, DMAc and DMSO as well as more common solvents like THF and aqueous buffers. Our GPC/SEC range includes top performance MALS and Viscometer detectors and a unique Refractive Index / Viscometer combination detector which sets a new performance benchmark for structural investigation of complex polymers.
August 16th 2023
Drawing on decades of experience, we have created an expanding range of high-performance HPLC, uHPLC and GPC/SEC detectors, pumps, accessories, and software products that can be customized to meet the exact needs of liquid chromatography manufacturers. Our team of knowledgeable technical and engineering staff, based here in Germany, are available to discuss your OEM needs and to provide seamless integration of our technology into your existing or new product.
August 9th 2023
A new online presentation compares and contrasts the shortfalls of conventional flow monitoring technologies with the proven advantages of our AB4000X series Liquid Chromatography flowmeter. Details of how this sensitive real-time device can be used to determine just how constant flow from your HPLC or GPC/SEC pump really is are provided. Further information is included on other liquid chromatography applications benefiting from this affordable, easy-to-use device.
August 2nd 2023
Many thanks to the editorial team at LaborPraxis for recently publishing our article – ‘Danger recognized, Danger averted.’ The enemy of peristaltic pumps are gas bubbles. In this German language article, you will find out what influence dissolved and undissolved gas has on the performance of these pumps and thus on HPLC, uHPLC and GPC/SEC systems and what can be done about it.
July 26th 2023
Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) is widely acknowledged as one of the most useful characterization methods able to provide a complete picture of the natural or synthetic polymer sample under investigation. A new technical note describes how the design of TESTA’s unique Differential Refractive Index (DRI) detector has been improved to provide reduced baseline drift and thus improve overall GPC system performance improving accuracy of results.
July 19th 2023
We have developed a new software tool for our AB4000X range of flowmeters to enable labs to automatically validate pump flow to liquid chromatographs and flow chemistry systems. Using this powerful new software tool - all data and parameters are automatically validated for fitness of use for validation and a summary report generated which can be printed for hard copy documentation.
June 12th 2023
A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is available detailing how to use your TESTA flowmeter as a liquid chromatography monitoring device. Flow rate is one of the most important parameters in any liquid chromatography system. It determines retention time or volume and therefore has a major influence on reproducibility. Our popular liquid chromatography flowmeter has set a new standard for non-invasive measurement of flow rate in HPLC, uHPLC and GPC/SEC systems. This new SOP was written to take the guesswork out of day-to-day flowmeter operation and help ensure that all users can get the most out of this real-time monitoring device.
July 5th 2023
Just 5 years ago we started building a thriving social media community. Since May 2018 - we have set about regularly posting new and informative content relevant to the liquid chromatography market that we serve. We are delighted to say that in June we reached our landmark 1000th follower. Thanks to all of you in our social media community for following us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. To help build our community further we’d be delighted if you would share some of our posts with your fellow separation scientists.
May 28th 2023
Used as a GPC/SEC detector to determine the specific viscosity of a polymer or protein in solution - differential viscometers have been around for decades and have demonstrated their value in numerous applications. The R&D team at TESTA Analytical has improved the original 4-capillary bridge design and created a new generation differential viscometer with exceptional performance and operational advantages.
June 21st 2023
LC/MS is a powerful and widely used analytical technique. However, variation in liquid sample flow to your LC/MS system can invalidate quantitative determination of analytes. Operating over the flow range of 0.001 to 80 µL/minute, with a resolution of 1nl / minute, the TESTA µFlowmeter is the perfect tool for continuously monitoring LC/MS liquid flow thereby providing information to improve the reliability of your quantitative analyte determinations.
June 14th 2023
Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) has traditionally been the ‘go to’ technique for the determination of molecular weights of proteins. However, its usefulness is limited by the time-consuming requirement for calibration of the SEC columns with standards comprising proteins of known molecular weight, but which may not be of the same chemistry as the unknown protein. In a new application note we demonstrate how our Bi-MWA detector enables the determination of the molecular weight of carbonic anhydrase, under standard chromatographic conditions, without column calibration.
June 7th 2023
TESTA Analytical flowmeters are widely used in analytical chromatography labs as monitoring tools providing continuous measurement of pump performance. We intend, later this year, to launch a new range of Semi-Prep and Prep flowmeters to help chromatographers, using high flow systems, undertake their preparative tasks in a more productive and reliable way. As part of our pre-launch testing, TESTA Analytical is inviting current users of high flow rate preparative HPLC systems, to apply to enter our Beta test program and be among the first organizations to appreciate the value of flow monitoring in Prep Chromatography.
May 25th 2023
The quality of analytical data is often determined by periodic checks of a set of measured parameters. This unfortunately only gives you a snapshot of how your analytical instrument is performing at a point in time and cannot assure the total quality of an application. To fill this need, TESTA Analytical Liquid Chromatography flowmeters are used in analytical labs worldwide as monitoring tools continuously measuring the performance of liquid chromatography pumps. Through real-time monitoring of your liquid chromatography system, our flowmeters generate a constant stream of data which can be easily correlated to a particular chromatogram, thus achieving true total quality assurance of your application.
May 18th 2023
We are pleased to announce that technical lab consultant - Michael (Mike) Drenski has joined the TESTA team to support our business in North America. Mike’s first assignment will be to help US customers upgrade the firmware of their liquid chromatography flowmeters and to calibrate them according to our Standard Operating Procedure. Prior to joining our team, Mike served as co-founder and CTO of Fluence Analytics, a manufacturer of systems enabling manufacturing and R&D process optimization. Mike has also worked as the Director for Instrumentation at Tulane-PolyRMC, an R&D centre which is active in fundamental and applied polymer research. Mike holds a B.S. in Physics from Youngstown State University and an M.S. in Physics from Tulane University.
May 11th 2023
Goniometer systems have for many years been the ‘go to’ research tool when labs are challenged by demanding static and dynamic multi angle light scattering applications. Many of these systems supplied by us, and our partner – Brookhaven instruments, have been operating for decades without problems. However, the extraordinary results achievable with these systems is based on perfect optical alignment and flawless operation of all components. It is therefore advisable occasionally to strip down your system and re-align it from scratch. During this operation you have a terrific opportunity to check all system components for wear and aging and replace if necessary. TESTA Analytical is internationally respected for its goniometer system expertise and our ability to provide on-site re-alignment services.
May 4th 2023
The UV detector is one of the most used chromatography detectors today because of its reliability, ease of use, and universal response to chromophoric compounds, including most pharmaceuticals. The advantages of using a Diode Array UV detector for analytical HPLC are well documented. However, for applications that involve delicate samples, the high UV energy output of a Diode Array UV detector can be a disadvantage. For such applications, a detector which does not apply the full UV energy load to the sample the whole time is a better alternative. The TESTA Analytical Rapid Scanning UV detector is such an alternative. Capable of measuring the absorption signal for up to 4 wavebands simultaneously, our Rapid Scanning UV is the perfect detector for applications involving thermallylabile samples.
April 27th 2023
If you are looking to develop a high-performance liquid chromatography detector - here are 5 reasons to choose TESTA Analytical as your OEM development partner:
• Decades of experience of HPLC and GPC/SEC technologies and applications
• A track record of major chromatography detector innovations.
• We are an independent company, not linked to any chromatograph company.
• All our developments are backed by a team that delivers reliable products.
• Our ability to understand not only technical requirements but also market necessities and build cost targets.
April 20th 2023
Did you know that TESTA Analytical is the name behind a growing number of market leading HPLC and GPC/SEC systems? With decades of chromatographic expertise and knowledge, TESTA Analytical has proven itself as a pioneering developer and OEM supplier of differential refractive index, viscometry, rapid scanning UV-visible, dn/dc, flowmeter and gas bubble detectors that set new standards for performance, stability and reliability. To learn more about what makes us a great OEM design and development partner.
April 13th 2023
Q: I noticed that my TESTA #flowmeter shows negative flow rate values. How is this possible?
A: our flowmeters are by design bi-directional. This means that they can measure the flow in both directions. If the displayed is negative, then your device is incorrectly connected in reverse to the designed direction of flow. Please note the negative values are valid measurements but not calibrated.
April 6th 2023
Dissolved gases are well known to have an impact on the performance of reagent dispensing pumps. A common solution to address this problem is to install a vacuum degasser on the inlet side of the pump. However undissolved gas bubbles pass through largely unaffected by the degasser which can lead to unreliability in dispensing volumes. Several companies are now using our Solvent Line Monitor to detect undissolved gas bubbles in real-time. The digital output from the device detecting an undissolved gas bubble is being used to stop the dispensing pump before it can affect dispensing #accuracy.
March 29th 2023
An optimised separation is often considered to be the defining quality of an HPLC, UHPLC, GPC/SEC, Ion Chromatography or FPLC system. High performance separation alone however does not supply answers, it just creates the correct preconditions whereby an optimised chromatography detector is able to reveal the 'secrets' of your sample. The question is, when designing a new liquid chromatography system, should you create this detector technology in-house or partner with an external company that specializes in designing and manufacturing instrument or application optimised liquid chromatography detectors?
March 23rd 2023
Q: Testa Analytical flowmeters are small devices which fit neatly in the palm of a hand. However, in which orientation (vertical or horizontal) is it best to operate the device?
A: The best operating position is undoubtedly upright with the display readable. This is the "designed"”" orientation. However, TESTA flowmeters will work in any orientation with minimal effect on the measured flow rate. As such, we recommend that you choose an orientation, and keep it constant in order to obtain reproducible results.
March 15th 2023
New version 1.5.0 firmware for our real-time flowmeters (liquid chromatography, chemistry and µFlowmeter models) is now available. This new firmware includes facility to store calibration data and a range of other parameters. TESTA Analytical offers all existing users a free firmware upgrade of their flowmeter plus a 3-point validation measurement certifying their upgraded device. Apart from shipping costs to and from our HQ in Germany, no charge will be made to the client.
March 8th 2023
A new remote flow cell / rapid scanning #UVdetector device is available in different configurations to enable you to monitor analytical to preparative scale processes at temperatures of up to 210⁰C. This innovative device enables highly accurate remote UV measurements to be made on #hightemperature process samples that would make direct spectroscopic measurements almost impossible.
February 23rd 2023
Q: I am using a TESTA flowmeter to optimise liquid reagent delivery by my flow chemistry system. I detect huge difference between the flow rate I set on the system pump and the measured value obtained by the flowmeter. Is my flowmeter defective? A: No, the flowmeter is doing exactly what it was designed for. Most flow chemistry pumps are optimized around a single flowrate value and for a particular solvent. If you deviate far from this optimization point and use a different solvent, this can result in a notable deviation between the real flow rate and the set value. However, this is exactly why a flowmeter is an absolute necessity for improving the reproducibility and yield from your chemical reactions. Our chemistry flowmeter supplies the real current flow rate of liquid reagents being added and shows also what fluctuations occur at a particular setting. Knowledge of this will allow you to optimise your flow chemistry reaction accordingly and even to select pumps better suited for your application.
February 16th 2023
Batchmode determination of molecular weight remains a tried and trusted method in many polymer and protein labs despite the availability of newer chromatographic methods. The reason for this is that batch measurements, like those performed with a research grade goniometer system, are far more accurate than chromatographic methods which can be impacted by variability in a larger number of parameters.
February 9th 2023
This unique Viscometer - Refractometer combination detector sets a new standard for the detection of intrinsic viscosity of highly diluted GPC/SEC samples. The Refractometer is an integral part of the viscometer, therefore both concentration and viscosity are measured at the same time on the very same sample segment.
February 2nd 2023
Many thanks to SCIENCE magazine. They report how the #SolventLineMonitor is a great #monitoringtool able to detect when a pump solvent reservoir serving your #HPLC system is empty and automatically shut off the system. Your HPLC running out of solvent can lead to loss of data, system downtime and the need to re-run samples.
January 26th 2023
Using a multi detector GPC/SEC system can drastically expand what is possible in terms of polymer or protein structural analysis. The unsurpassed combination of Molar Mass and intrinsic viscosity data, determined at the same time, allows accurate calculation of Mark-Houwink parameters which in many cases provides a good understanding of chain flexibility and density. When the structure model of the macromolecule under study is known, the very same data also allows determination of branching parameters.
January 19th 2023
Batchmode determination of molecular weight remains a tried and trusted method in many polymer and protein labs despite the availability of newer chromatographic methods. The reason for this is that batch measurements, like those performed with a research grade goniometer system, are far more accurate than chromatographic methods which can be impacted by variability in a larger number of parameters.
January 12th 2023
Q: My #liquidchromatographyflowmeter offers 5 possible integration times, which should I select?
A: For most HPLC or GPC/SEC applications, selecting 1172 msec #integrationtime ensures that any pump pulsation or transient flow spikes will have minimal impact on your measurement. Using this setting will provide an accurate measurement of the average flow rate providing you with a reliable evaluation of your system’s performance. Shorter integration times should be selected if you are looking to troubleshoot a problem with your liquid chromatography system as it allows you to pinpoint the source of flow fluctuation.
January 5th 2023
To further enhance the 'green credentials' of our popular Flowmeter range we have introduced new recyclable packaging for these popular products and removed all previously used plastic bags. Now you can undertake real time flowmonitoring of your liquid chromatograph or flow chemistry reagent pump and still be kind to the environment.
December 21st 2022
Christmas is fast-approaching, and we hope that you will be able to take some well-earned time off to spend with your family and friends. We would like to take this opportunity to offer our thanks, and best wishes for 2023, to the most important people to TESTA Analytical – our customers, suppliers, and employees.
December 15th 2022
Triple detection GPC/SEC is a tried and trusted technique for determining structural information about investigated samples, and to do this without the need of any calibration or reference material. Often, structure information can be expressed in terms of the Mark-Howink coefficients Alpha and K, which allow rapid comparison of structural properties of materials without the need for branching calculations which tend to be tedious and can be prone to error. However, the exactness of any structure related evaluation puts high demands on the accuracy of the measurements and especially on the set-up of GPC/SEC detectors to minimize inter-detector volume delay. Our COMBO #DRIViscometerdetector, with its unique zero delay design, is the perfect match for any MALS detector creating a triple detection GPC/SEC system of unmatched performance.
December 7th 2022
To ensure the quality and reliability of your HPLC system data it is important to validate the performance of your HPLC Pump on a regular basis. Some labs choose to do this using scheduled pump flow measurements maybe once a month. However, this type of intermittent performance validation offers only a single data point, and many separations might be run between validations before an error condition is revealed. Continuous monitoring, which is very easily realized using a TESTA Liquid Chromatography Flowmeter, allows continuous determination of flow therefore providing validation of each and every separation run with your HPLC system. This non-invasive device is proven to offer a highly reliable quality assessment of real time liquid flowdata from any HPLC, UHPLC, Ion-Chromatography or GPC/SEC system.
December 1st 2022
Pumps are one of the most common tools enabling liquids to be moved, delivered, and pushed through a separation column, supplied as a dose or transferred from one container to another. A recently published #technicalarticle written by TESTA Analytical demonstrates and discusses the factors that can affect the flow of liquid delivered by pumps used in a laboratory for analytical purposes such as chromatography, and for lab-level flow chemistry applications.
November 24th 2022
If you are a user of HPLC, uHPLC or GPC/SEC equipment then our affordably priced Solvent Line Monitor device can offer you some great benefits by automatically monitoring:
• To shut down your pump if a solvent reservoir runs dry.
• To stop your system if piston pump backflush is detected.
• To detect cavitation of solvent in pump tubing.
• To alert you when bubbles build up in your pump tubing.
The Solvent Line Monitor not only ensures reliable results but it also takes care of your chromatography systems freeing you to perform other tasks.
November 17th 2022
Our Managing Director - Carlo Dessy has been invited to the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia to perform an upgrade on their 200SM light scattering goniometer system. During his visit – Carlo will also provide expert advice and training covering all aspects of advanced static and dynamic light scattering techniques for challenging research applications. Founded in 2009, KAUST is renowned for advancing science and technology through distinctive and collaborative research.
November 10th 2022
Accurately measuring the rate of addition of liquid reagents is a critical consideration for many laboratories undertaking batch or flow chemistry reactions. When dispensing expensive chemicals or other fluids into a reaction, labs must ensure the right amounts are added as part of quality control. Without accurate flow measurement, too much or too little chemical can be injected into a reaction, resulting in adverse outcomes, expensive reagent overuse and safety issues. In fact, inaccurate flow measurement can mean the difference between profits and lost revenue.
November 3rd 2022
Light scattering is a trusted detection method for measuring molecular weight and therefore a widely used tool for analyzing biopolymers, polymers and proteins by GPC/SEC. One of the most important parameters to ensure top quality light scattering data is the refractive index increment (dn/dc). Accurately determining the dn/dc value is vital because it is the link that translates raw refractive index data into sample concentration. The most accurate method of determining dn/dc is to use a stand-alone batch instrument, such as our HK series differential refractometer, and to take measurements at different concentrations.
October 27th 2022
Recent technical developments on our popular Differential Refractive Index detector (DRI) now enable impressive stability right after power up. Unlike other DRI’s on the market, the HK Series DRI reaches perfect stability and drift close to zero in under 10 minutes after being switched on, independent of flow. Why wait for top quality HPLC or GPC/SEC refractive index detection results?
October 19th 2022
Having proof of the precision and accuracy of any measurement device is essential to being able to demonstrate the reliability and repeatability of the data it produces. In applications including liquid chromatography and flow chemistry where stable and precise flow are directly related to the reliability of results or quality of product – having a certified, calibrated flow measurement device is required by many users especially those working in regulated industries. In response to this need, we have introduced a calibration and validation service for all users who might need or wish to have their TESTA flowmeter checked or calibrated with a specific solvent. This annual service is available across Europe and is performed at the manufacturer facility, with fast response time and competitive service fees.
October 12th 2022
Determination of polymer branching with GPC/SEC is often a challenging task. The requirements regarding accuracy and precision of measured data are more demanding than those for simple molecular weight determination. This challenge places specific requirements on your choice of the required GPC/SEC detectors - DRI, MALS, and viscometer. The typical connection of these three detectors in series leads to an improvement in branching determination results. However, as the delay volume between detectors cannot be optimized, this limits the quality of achievable results. Through development of a combined DRI Viscometer, the HK Combo in which the DRI cell is integral component of the viscometer bridge, TESTA has overcome most of the described problems through its unique “Zero-Delay” design. Used in combination with a MALS, this elegant solution leads to enhanced sensitivity in the lower molecular weight range and to much higher #reliabilityofresults.
October 5th 2022
Our new AB-40004 microflowmeter (µFlowmeter) is an affordable non invasive device optimised to provide continuous high precision measurement of low volume liquid flows that may be split off for analysis from chromatography systems. Fully compatible with all organic and aqueous chromatography solvents, the AB-40004 µFlowmeter is the perfect tool for precise measurement of liquid flow to ensure reliable, quantitative HPLC / mass spectrometry (LC/MS) measurements.
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