FlowCam - Flow Imaging Microscopy Blog

The problem of protein aggregation and presence of extrinsic particles in biopharmaceutical formulations is not a small one. With the improvement of particle analysis technologies, developers are discovering that drug impurities and protein aggregation occur at multiple phases of formulation development, production, and quality control. The goal is to ensure the production of pure and safe biologics that can be shipped and delivered to patients, ensuring their health and safety. 

While most imaging particle analyzers only offer gray-scale (black and white) cameras for image acquisition, the FlowCam offers a choice of either gray-scale or color cameras. This post will explain the difference between these two camera choices, and discuss the inherent trade-offs that should be considered when choosing which camera to use. The summary of recommendations can be found in Figure 1 at right. Keep reading to learn the technology behind this important decision.

Please welcome aboard two new team members at Fluid Imaging Technologies: Savannah Judge and Gina Angelo.

At Fluid Imaging Technologies, we work hard...and we play hard! This year's Halloween celebration included much FlowCam-themed silliness, a potluck lunch, and a costume contest! 

Our Aquatics Team is on the road! Here's where you can find us in the month of November:

November 3-7: AWWA Water Quality and Technology Conference

November 3-8: 10th US Symposium on Harmful Algae

November 11-14: 39th International Symposium of the
North American Lake Management Society

Harry, Frances, and our new Sales Coordinator, Savannah, are psyched to see you. And don't forget to bring a water sample to be analyzed in our booth!

It's hard to imagine a more picturesque location from which to perform one's research than Sanibel Island, Florida. However, as can be seen in the picture at the right, our most beautiful places are not exempt from the effects of climate change. Pictured here is what is commonly known as "red tide", but to Dr. Eric Milbrandt and the researchers at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is known to be an algal bloom caused by the phytoplankton Karenina brevis.

Check out some of our upcoming trade show and conference appearances - we hope we'll see you there! (Stay tuned for a separate list of Aquatic Research and Drinking Water appearances):

October 15-16: National Association of Printer Ink Manufacturers' NPIRI Fall Technical Conference

October 22-24: Chem Show

November 3-6: AAPS (American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists) 2019 PharmSci 360

December 17-18: SCC (Society of Cosmetic Chemists) 72nd Annual Scientific Meeting & Technology Showcase

Read on to learn more!

For six days every spring, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences hosts 16 high school students (one from each Maine county) in East Boothbay, Maine, as part of the Keller BLOOM educational program. Students get a chance to work alongside research scientists studying marine life in the field and in the laboratory.

In recent years, Bigelow has expanded the BLOOM program to include a second session in August - this time for Middle and High School educators.

Contaminates in stormwater runoff that feed into our waterways are a leading cause of environmental pollution. Hydro International (a UK company with a local facility just down the road from Fluid Imaging in Portland, Maine) analyzes the content of stormwater and wastewater in order to provide solutions that
prevent contamination utilizing machinery, cleansers, and filters.