Flow-through monitoring of radiolabelled compounds separated by chromatographic techniques has been established as one of the most powerful tools in many biochemistry related research areas.

Radiolabelled compounds for drug, pesticide, metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies provide very high sensitivity and specificity which is not available with mass detection, UV, fluorescence or conductivity measurements.

The FlowStar represents the latest enhancements in flow-through detectors for Radio HPLC. It combines the latest technology such as touch screen for easy operation and the highest sensitivity. FlowStar can be controlled by the RadioStar software. A control library to implement FlowStar into other software packages is available on request. The instrument can be operated in stand-alone mode and can be interfaced with all HPLC systems currently on the market.

FlowStar Features

• High sensitive detection unit with random coincidence counting with chemiluminescence subtraction for best sensitivity
• Touch screen for easy operation and data representation
• Automatic cell detection and parameter presets
• Automatic HV shutdown for system safety
• Built in leak detector
• Integrated multi channel analyzer for improved service friendliness
• Onboard system performance tests with instrument based history function
• User access control with security lock
• Integrated A/D converter for external analog signals
• Dual analog output for easy connection to existing HPLC systems
• Comunication ports using USB or Ethernet
• Printout capabilities for chromatograms and parameters

The detector

Berthold Technologies provides two versions:

• The stand-alone version with analog outputs
  compatible with UV type data stations (0-1 volts,
  with linear over range up to 3 volts).
• The fully PC driven version is under control of the powerful Windows software package RadioStar

The measurement of all radio-labelled compounds is possible with the best and most sensitive configuration. Further exclusive features are the control of scintillation pump, fraction collector and waste valve to divert radioactive waste to a separate container. In addition, there are also dynamic splitters available, which make it easier to safe your labelled compounds. Additionally an external start is possible that can be controlled by the autosampler or over a manual valve.

The Flow Cell

Berthold Technologies provides the widest range of flow cells available, including high pressure cells (HPLC/MS), microbore, gamma, Cerenkov and unique YG solid scintillator types. Automatic measuring cell recognition is implemented in the FlowStar instrument.

The Scintillator Pump

For admixture applications, where a liquid scintillator is continuously mixed with the column eluate, a mixing pump is required. The pump is separate from the main detector to eliminate the possibility of scintillator leaking into the detector and associated electronics. It is also possible to split the eluate stream prior to mixing.

Highest Efficiency

The efficiency is not just a function of the detector but also of the scintillator. The liquid scintillator must be carefully selected to provide the optimum sensitivity for a given solvent system. For solid scintillator the proven YG material, unique to Berthold Technologies, provides the ultimate in efficiency/background performance. The detector is equipped with the most sensitive 2”-photomultiplier tubes operating incoincidence. The coincidence time for each type of scintillator will vary and by using automatic Optimised Coincidence Time (O.C.T) the best E2/B is achieved. Automatic optimisation of the electronics to capture the complete energy spectrum of the isotope is also performed to ensure themonitoring of all detectable events.

Applications

• Metabolic research (urine, plasma, cell and plant-extracts)
• Pesticide research (residue studies)
• Labelling of antibodies and proteins
• Development, production and quality control of radio-chemicals

Cell Types

•  Liquid Mixing
•  Microbore
•  HPLC/MS
•  Gamma Isotopes and Positron Emitter PET (Teflon inner)
•  Solid Scintillator
•  Preparative SFC
•  125I (Teflon inner)
•  32P (Teflon inner)
•  GLP Test Cells
•  custom-made cells