Drysyn heating blocks have been selected to equip a new medicinal chemistry laboratory for the Northern Institute for Cancer Research (NICR) at Newcastle University.
Medicinal chemistry is an integral component in anticancer drug discovery and development.
Opened by Dr Andy Takle, director of translational research at Cancer Research UK, the Newcastle Cancer Centre Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory provides valuable additional space for the NICR Drug Discovery and Imaging Research group.
This group aims to help discover and develop targeted therapies for all types of human cancer.
Drysyn Multi is designed to rapidly heat 12 small-scale reactions, control temperature and agitate simultaneously.
Drysyn Parallel Synthesis Kit is claimed to be a convenient, low-cost solution for chemists conducting simple synthetic reactions with temperature control and magnetic stirring, but without the complications of reflux or inerting.
It is suitable for producing small, focused libraries of compounds and can also be upgraded to a parallel reaction station for standard round-bottom flasks by using the appropriate Drysyn Multi inserts.
According to Roger Griffin, professor of Medicinal Chemistry at Newcastle University, the chemists there appreciate the Drysyn range for providing a safe and reliable method of heating their reactions, thus avoiding the need for messy and dangerous oil baths.
In this respect the compact Drysyn Multi is particularly useful, as multiple reactions can be carried out on a single stirrer hotplate, saving space and increasing efficiency.
In addition, the modular system enables chemists to mix and match inserts to use a variety of flasks and vials at the same time.
The Drysin range also allows customers to have inserts custom-made to fit reaction vessels for their individual applications.
Made of chemically resistant, 100 per cent recyclable aluminium, Drysyn heating blocks offer excellent heating up to 300C and can heat a reaction flask 25 per cent faster than an oil bath.
Other advantages include a small footprint and shallow well shape, which increases reaction visibility and minimises the possibility of glass fractures.
