Supply, Delivery and Commissioning of a Multiscale Metrology Suite

The University of Strathclyde is seeking notes of interest for a tender opportunity for the supply, delivery and commissioning of a multiscale metrology suite (MMS) configuration for profiling next generation health nanotechnologies.

The MMS must be a modular system that will integrate Flow Field Fractionation (FFF) and multiple detector modalities. Synergistic coupling of these detectors to multiple FFF modes will be a powerful tool in the combined physical and chemical profiling of a diverse nanomaterial and biomacromolecule portfolio. All components listed below must be integrated into the MMS and operatable using a software interface. Flexibility must exist to operate the system using all components or a selected detector range. The three MMS modules must consist of:

1. Flow Field Fractionation (FFF) System: Suitable for analytes in the 1 nm-100 µm size range. Consisting of an i) analytical channel, ii) stream splitter (0.1-5 mL/min, 1-30 bar), and iii) preparative components for sample recovery.

• Centrifugal (CF3): A density-dependent system, suitable for analytes in the 0.01-20 µm size range. A separation channel for rotation speed up to 2,688g.
• Electrical (EAF4): Consisting of i) a special hybrid channel for simultaneous electric and asymmetric flow FFF in organic solvents and aqueous systems (up to 90 °C) and ii) control electronics for supply of different currents (±75 mA)/voltages (±22.5V) for EAF4 channels and iii) a integrated flow-through conductivity measurement sensor.
• SEC module (analytical and preparative): <1-105 kDa analyte size range depending on column type.

2. Multidetector Suite: All detectors listed are connected to FFF/SEC via a flow cell and operated using control software.

Optical Detector:

• UV/VIS: Variable selectable wavelength (range: 190-900 nm), 10mm path length, 12 µL flow cell.
• Fluorescence: Xenon lamp light source, 200-650 nm wavelength range, 20 nm bandwidth, ±2nm accuracy, 12 µL flow cell.
• RI: Noise level 2.5nRIU, linearity 600 µRIU, integrator output 0-1V, 8 µL flow cell
• Raman: A three-wavelength bespoke detector must be constructed and integrated into the MMS via a Raman flow cell

Light Scattering:

• MALS: MALS: 21-angle, equipped with a 532 nm laser (50mW). Direct control for SEC/FFF. Suitable for analyte with 8->500 nm radius of gyration or molecular weight in the 1-106 kDa range.
• DLS: NIBS suitable for analyte in the 1 nm-1 µm size range.

Viscometer:

High-sensitivity 4 capillary differential viscometer detector for molecular weight, size, intrinsic viscosity and structure analysis.

3. Triple Quadrupole Inductively-coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-QQQ-MS): The ICP MS will be connected to an advanced electronic and fluidic interface for coupling with FFF. It can flexibly be operated standalone or with FFF connectivity. The system must have high sensitivity (part per trillion sensitivity) and fast time-resolved analysis for single-particle analysis. A four channel collision reaction cell must be included to increase flexibility by supporting a wider range of reaction gases. Additional information: Please note your interest against this PIN by COB Friday 4th June 2021. After this, any details on further pre-tender activity will be released.