Our Agilent 6550 iFunnel Q-TOF LC/MS system is used to screen for bioactives and other high value constituents in biomass
We have several FOSS XDS NIR devices. These have solid content modules, that can allow for samples of a heterogenous particle to be analysed, and liquid modules that allow liquids to be analysed via transmittance spectroscopy.
A Dionex ICS-3000 system that is equipmed with electrochemical, conductivity, and ultraviolet-visible detectors.
Our Carbolite CAF G5 BIO ash melting furnace can determine the characteristic ash deformation temperatures for biomass.
Our lab is equipped with an Agilent 5110 ICP-OES which we use for the analysis of the major and minor elements in biomass and ash.
NOVA 2200e Surface Area and Pore Size Analyser
We have a TA Instruments Q500 TGA unit that allows us to monitor the weight loss of samples up to 1000C, using nitrogen, air, or other gases.
Our lab has an Agilent 6890 gas chromatograph (GC) coupled to an Agilent 5973 mass selective detector (Mass Spectrometer).
We use an automated device, developed by Anaero Technologies, to determine the biochemical methane potential of biomass.
We use this item, coupled to our GC/MS system, to determine the S/G ratio in lignin.
A Vario MACRO cube elemental analyser is used for the quantification of the Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Sulphur content of samples.
This unit offers the broadest set of capabilities for the large-scale study of cell biology (cellomics) in a single modular platform.
For size exclusion chromatography/gel permeation chromatography of polymers and oligomers.
Allows introduction of volatile compounds automatically into our GC or GC/MS systems.
This unit can collect spectra at wavelengths between 190 to 800nm and is used for many HPLC analyses (e.g. pigments, organic acids, vitamins, etc.)
Electrochemical detection for the analysis of carbohydrates and amino acids via High Performance Anion Exchange Chomatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection
For the analysis of anions and cations.
We have two units, one covering the 190-1000nm wavelength region and the other focused on fluorescence detection.
A HP 8452A Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy device that is used for the determination of the acid soluble lignin concentration of the acid hydrolysate of samples.
We use a Parr 6200 bomb calorimeter to determine the gross and net calorific value (higher and lower heating value) of samples.
We use a Carbolite Volatile Matter Furnace to determine the volatile matter and fixed carbon contents of samples.
This bioreactor has a working capacity of 100 litres and allows us to undertake scaled-up fermentations.
This unit allows for intermediate scale fermentations to take place.
We have 10 Towers, allowing for simultaneous parallel fermentations using 1 litre to 5 litre bioreactors.
We also have a number of fermentation control systems, from New Brunswick and Applikon, that can use bioreactors of up to 10 litres.
We have two of these systems, used for measuring the oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate of live cells.
For the weight-based measurement of contact angle, surface and interfacial tension, critical micelle formation concentration, density, sedimentation and penetration rate, plus penetration resistance.
For high quality, high-throughput, gravimetric sorption analysis.
Dionex ASE-200 devices are used to determine the extractives (water-soluble, ethanol-soluble) contents of biomass samples.
For several analysis packages we use a CEM MARS 6 microwave digestor to prepare extracts/digests for analysis.
A Retsch SM2000 heavy duty mill is used for processing larger samples and a FOSS Cyclotec 1093 mill for further particle size reduction.
A Nabertherm furnace is used for the determination of the ash content of samples and also in the analytical protocol for determining Klason lignin content.
A Retsch AS 400 sieve shaker is used for particle size analysis and to ensure samples are of a suitable particle size for wet chemical and NIR analysis.
An autoclave is used in the protocols for the determination of the lignin and structural sugars (cellulosic and hemicellulosic) contents of samples.
For process automation.
We use a Memmert UF260 oven to determine moisture content according to standard EN methods of analysis.
This is used in analysis packages involving enzymes, for example in the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass.
An Elga Purelab-Option-Q unit is used for obtaining high-purity water for our analysis methods and ion chromatography system.