The Pittcon conference has long been a place to introduce new products and services to the analytical chemistry community. The 2025 Pittcon was held in Boston, MA, from March 3-5. Through the exhibit floor and press conferences, we learned about some innovative new products available to labs. Here is a summary of our editor’s picks of the new products.
Nitrogen analysis
Xylem’s N-Realyzer provides total nitrogen and protein analysis with detection limits as low as 0.003 mg nitrogen. It uses the Dumas combustion method in a compact and closed system. It features an automated process that can analyze up to 100 solid or liquid samples in about five hours. It provides faster analysis times, efficient sample preparation, higher precision, and significant cost savings compared to traditional nitrogen analyzers.
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Software
MatterWorks introduced Pyxis, an AI/ML-driven software tool that learns how to map and annotate raw mass spectrometry (MS) data. It uses an ML model, proprietary universal calibrants called StandardCandles, and standardization. It can broadly identify and quantify many features from raw untargeted data. It is automated and does not require high-level expertise to manually curate features and analyze data. Its speed enables quick decision-making as soon as data acquisition is complete.
Spectroscopy
BrightSpec introduced a new molecular rotational resonance (MRR) spectroscopy instrument. Rotational spectra are unique to the three-dimensional details of a molecule. The MRR instrument provides ultra-high-resolution spectra that offers both qualitative specificity and selectivity and quantitative results. The instrument is available in three different models—nano, iso, and spectra—that address different molecular sizes and structures.
Horiba introduced two new spectroscopy instruments, the Veloci BioPharma Analyzer and the Polyspectra RPR for HTS. The Veloci BioPharma Analyzer uses absorbance, transmission, and fluorescence to produce rapid fingerprinting of molecules. It provides the selectivity of chromatography with the speed of spectroscopy. It requires no sample preparation and provides analysis times as fast as three minutes per sample. It is effective for characterizing molecules in a wide range of life science applications.
The Horiba Polyspectra RPR for HTS is a rapid Raman plate reader designed for high-throughput applications. Using Raman spectroscopy, it can measure 96 wells in a plate in only one minute. It is compatible with 96- to 384-liquid well plates. The non-destructive nature of Raman is ideal for live reaction monitoring.
PerkinElmer showed the Spotlight 400 FTIR Imaging System, which is designed to provide high-quality, reproducible data with high sensitivity and rapid imaging. It has the capability to image large sample areas rapidly with high spatial resolution. It can be configured to be used with mid-IR, near-IR, or dual range FTIR systems.
Shimadzu introduced three new UV-Vis spectrometers—UV-1900i Plus, UV-2600i Plus, and UV-2700i Plus. The UV-1900i Plus is a high-performance instrument to serve most lab needs. The UV-2600i Plus has an extended wavelength range to include the near infrared. The UV-2700i Plus has a double monochromator that enables measurements to high 8 Abs (0.000001 percent) levels.
Materials testing
Waters/TA introduced three new materials testing instruments, ElectroForce APEX1, Discovery Core Rheometer, and the Rapid Scanning DSC. The ElectroForce APEX1 is a mechanical testing instrument that enables labs to characterize the mechanical properties of materials efficiently and reliably. It includes a break detector to preserve the samples for further characterization. The instrument features improvements in versatility with an increased motor stroke range, dynamic performance by running up to 30 percent faster, and streamlined workflows.
The Discovery Core Rheometer is designed to bring the power of rheology to any materials lab. It combines measurements of viscosity and viscoelasticity to an instrument that is as simple to use as a viscometer. In addition to common materials, it can also characterize complex, non-Newtonian fluids like suspensions, emulsions, gels, pastes, and slurries.
The RS- DSC provides labs with the opportunity to rapidly screen multiple samples for thermal stability. It can analyze up to 24 samples simultaneously. The samples are contained in disposable microfluidic chips that require less than 15 microliters of sample volume. It comes with software that handles the increased sample volume and provides clear insights into thermal stability and thermodynamic properties.
Enclosures
Plas-Labs introduced the new 825-PCR/HEPA/36 enclosure designed for PCR instruments. The new chamber is 36 inches wide, includes nine cubic feet of capacity, has eight adjustable internal shelves, a large HEPA filter, and a large 254 nm ultraviolet light to decontaminate all exposed surfaces in the interior. This enclosure will improve the accuracy of PCR by greatly reducing airborne contamination during sequencing. The front viewing panel is 9.5 mm thick to extend the service life and optically clear.
Chromatography
Shimadzu introduced the Brevis GC-2050 compact gas chromatograph. Its small footprint helps best utilize lab bench space but still has room for two 100 m columns. It is very flexible and accommodates a variety of inlets, detectors, and pre-treatment devices. Its new thermal conductivity detector provides high sensitivity with a minimum of stabilization.
Microscopy
The new scanning probe microscope from Horiba, SignatureSPM, combines atomic force microscopy (AFM) with chemical identification using Raman and photoluminescence. Both sets of data can be collected in a single, real-time experiment. The AFM can collect topographic, Kelvin probe, piezo response, magnetic force, and force-curve data. The spectroscopy experiments utilize up to three gratings and have minimal light loss for high sensitivity.
Mass Spectrometry
PerkinElmer showed its new QSight 500 LC/MS/MS triple quadrupole instrument, which is designed to analyze PFAS and other contaminants. It reduces the requirements of sample preparation through a direct injection process. The instrument is designed for robustness, significantly reducing downtime and maintenance.
Shimadzu introduced the GCMS-QP2050 single quadrupole instrument. It can pair with different gas chromatographs depending on the lab’s needs. It aims to increase uptime by reducing maintenance to three simple steps that can be accomplished in about one minute.
Particle size
Anton Paar introduced the Litesizer DIF, a particle size analyzer capable of measuring particles from 10 nm to 3.5 mm. It boasts both 10 mW and 25 mW lasers and the widest range of detected diffraction angles from 0.01 degrees to 170 degrees. The instrument can switch between liquid and dry dispersion samples in just one action and is designed to be robust even in harsh environments.
Analytical labs benefit greatly from innovative instruments and tools that enable the lab to operate with greater productivity. These new instruments provide opportunities to save time and effort while providing high-quality data.
