Introducing…epsilon™

A highly-interactive approach to chemical analysis has been developed Craig S. Bruntlett, Ph.D. Bioanalytical Systems, Inc. by BAS through the introduction of an instrument platform named 2701 Kent Avenue epsilon. Experiments can be both monitored and controlled from any West Lafayette, IN 47906-1382 remote location with Internet access. Such worldwide connectivity enables global research collaborations, as well as the ability to select, [email protected] purchase and take delivery of new analytical methods whenever they are needed. The epsilon-enabled instruments join the needs of the research laboratory with the convenience of e-business.

In this issue of Current Separations, number of auxiliary components. much more feasible within the epsi- there have been several articles The latter include processor-based lon concept. Such customized epsi- which refer to the use of a BAS high pressure pumps, syringe lon devices can be fabricated under epsilon instrument. What is epsilon? pumps, autosamplers, fraction col- contract. The epsilon is an instrument lectors, temperature controllers, The epsilon experience begins platform made possible by the electrochemical cells, and other de- by defining a chemical measure- covergence of electrochemistry, vices used in both liquid chromatog- ment problem. From there, a selec- chromatography, and e-business. raphy and electroanalytical tion of hardware and software The heart of epsilon is a system for chemistry. options can be chosen from the ep- solution-phase analytical chemistry. Among the familiar analytical silon web site in consultation with It consists of an interface and com- techniques made possible by epsilon BAS scientists. For example, a re- puter buss structure enabling the are: ; liquid chromatog- searcher who needs an electro- personal computer to seamlessly ac- raphy; titrations; and potentiomet- chemical detector for a cess the world of analytical instru- ric, amperometric or galvanostatic chromatographic determination of mentation. Providing both control sensors. The extent of analytical macrocyclic antibiotics, 8-hydroxy- and data acquisition, the epsilon techniques made possible by the ep- guanosine, or a thiol-containing platform also provides the means to silon is not yet known! The lists pro- peptide, would begin by expressing upgrade functionality via Internet vided in T1 and T2 represent only that need to BAS via the epsilon web access. The epsilon is NOT a single what we now offer or have in devel- site, email, or a telephone call. A product. Instead, it is a family of opment. As a development platform, dialog would ensue to further define products sharing a common basis for epsilon provides limitless possibili- the problem and its solution, includ- communication with each other, ties for further product development. ing a list of the instrumentation and with a personal computer, with BAS For example, custom instruments for accessories needed to accomplish technical centers worldwide, and companies or laboratories which the goals defined by the researcher. with the Internet. It can encompass have unique applications or instru- Another example, from the perspec- a variety of software modules and a mentation requirements are now tive of electroanalysis, is the educa-

159 Current Separations 18:4 (2000) tor who also conducts research and titrimetic method using dual, polar- purchased via the Internet according needs a flexible instrument perform- ized , and also monitor the to the dictates of funding, or priori- ing a variety of techniques. The ep- long term response from a collection ties. silon organization would enable this of amperometric biosensors. Once The user of epsilon products person to measure the potential of an the basic package was purchased, ad- works with our proprietary “expert” ion-selective , generate a ditional software modules enabling software within the familiar Win- cyclic voltammogram, develop a such disparate techniques could be dows PC framework. An experiment begins with a brief interview of the T1 user by the software to define condi- Epsilon-enabled • Cyclic and tions. Then, the optimal experimen- Electrochemical • and Chronocoulometry Techniques tal configuration is suggested by the • DC Amperometry • (controlled potential or current) software. Upon acceptance by the • Chronopotentiometry (open circuit or controlled current) user, instruments are then controlled • Differential Pulse VoltammetryPolarography/Stripping Voltammetry and data is acquired, processed, and • Normal Pulse Voltammetry/ • Staircase Voltammetry/(TAST) Polarography displayed. Although the epsilon soft- • Square Wave Voltammetry/Polarography/Stripping Voltammetry ware represents more than a century • Potentiometry of accumulated analytical experi- • Potentiometric Stripping Analysis • Conductivity ence, this knowledge base is not • Bipotentiostat static. It will remain as advanced as • Quad- evolving developments in personal • Galvanostatic Methods, Pulse and Step • Auxiliary Control and Response, e.g. coupling with a computing will allow. The interac- spectrophotometer, or controlling a titration tive nature of epsilon instruments provides other opportunities. Web- based research collaborations, shar- T2 ing of educational materials, online Epsilon-enabled Liquid demonstrations, remote access and Chromatography • Electrochemical Detectors: Amperometric, DC, or PAD (Pulsed Amperometric Detector) data processing (from home…or far- • Your choice from one to four detector channels ther), and rapid data exchange from • ChromGraph-e Control, Data Aquisition and contract research groups to clients Data Analysis Package are among the possibilities available to epsilon users now. Service engi- neers can log into a remote epsilon F1 and diagnose a problem or verify The Greek symbol epsilon correct operation without setting was adopted to represent the union of several foot in the laboratory. faculties beginning with high performance pumps Learn more about the epsilon the letter e which merge into one concept. These concept and the range of instruments syringe pumps included e-mail, available by visiting the web site de- e-commerce, www.epsilon-web.net electrochemistry, voted to this product line at autosamplers enabling, and experiment. www.epsilon-web.net. The application of the epsilon platform currently fraction collectors sales includes techniques as diverse as liquid chromatography, flow cells service electrochemistry, simulation, and in vivo sampling, but the potential voltammetry cells demonstration exists for even more. mercury electrodes consultation

temperature controllers collaboration

separation columns applications support

power potentiostat DigiSim™ (simulations)

in vivo sampling instruments remote access & control

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