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News - Henniker Plasma

Affordable and Flexible Approach for Producing Custom 3D-Printed Cell Culture Devices with Intricate Designs

 
Cell culture devices, such as microfluidic chips and microwells, are essential for complex biological modelling, yet their widespread adoption is hindered by cost and customisation limitations. To address this, a recent paper has been published in PLOS Biology which presents a streamlined, low-cost microfabrication method tailored for biological labs with limited expertise.
 

Materials Library - PCL

The majority of thermoplastics have inherently low surface energy and therefore exhibit poor adhesion characteristics. Plasma treatment offers a reliable and environmentally friendly method of both cleaning and activating the thermoplastic surface, increasing the surface energy and wettability and resulting in greatly improved adhesion characteristics.

Molecular motors – Advancing Microtubule Dynamics

 

Intracellular transport relies on the coordinated efforts of molecular motors, particularly dynein and kinesin, which facilitate bidirectional movement along microtubules. Despite the recognised co-dependency between these motors, the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. In this study, employing in vitro motility assays, researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, unveil a dual role for the kinesin-3 motor, KIF1C, acting not only as an activator but also as a processivity factor for dynein. Using a Henniker Plasma HPT-200 system specifically in the meticulous preparation of the microscopy chambers used for TIRF (Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence) assays.

The Cost of Cultureware

 
Have you ever wondered how your cultureware is made? Why ultralow attachment plates cost so much? In this article, we will explore the factors that impact prices, and how a simple plasma polymerisation system can democratize cultureware and save your lab thousands, improve supply chain resilience, and supercharge your research.
 

Materials Library - EPDM

The majority of synthetic rubbers have inherently low surface energy and therefore exhibit poor adhesion characteristics. Plasma treatment offers a reliable and environmentally friendly method of both cleaning and activating the rubbers surface, increasing the surface energy and wettability, resulting in greatly improved adhesion characteristics.

Materials Library - Polypropylene

The majority of common engineering polymers have inherently low surface energy and therefore exhibit poor adhesion characteristics. Plasma treatment offers a reliable and environmentally friendly method of both cleaning and activating the polymer surface, increasing the surface energy and wettability, resulting in greatly improved adhesion characteristics.

Advancing Microfluidic Production at The Making Lab, Francis Crick Institute, through precision plasma treatment and PDMS bonding

 

Established in 2016, The Making Lab at the Francis Crick provides Crick-affiliated researchers with the expertise, training and tools needed to make devices to aid their experiments, while also acting as a forum to share expertise. Functioning as a collaborative hub, the lab hosts engineers, biologists, and industry partners, fostering innovative problem-solving in engineering and biomedical research. With hundreds of collaborative projects since its inception, the lab has become known for advancements in microfluidic devices, amongst others.

The potential of photoactive materials to manipulate surface topography.

 
Researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science at Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering explored how photoactive materials can manipulate surface topographies, creating opportunities for various applications such as designing stretchable electronic and advanced optical devices.

Materials Library - Polystyrene

The majority of common engineering polymers have inherently low surface energy and therefore exhibit poor adhesion characteristics. Plasma treatment offers a reliable and environmentally friendly method of both cleaning and activating the polymer surface, increasing the surface energy and wettability, resulting in greatly improved adhesion characteristics.

Omniphobic Surfaces with Carbon Nanomaterials and Plasma Technology

 

The Physiochemistry of Carbon Materials Research Group at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, have been publishing and completing work to produce new durable, transparent hydrophobic, superhydrophobic and omniphobic surfaces with the aid of modern carbon nanomaterials and a thermal feathering technique developed in a previous study.

Materials Library - High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)

The majority of common engineering polymers have inherently low surface energy and therefore exhibit poor adhesion characteristics. Plasma treatment offers a reliable and environmentally friendly method of both cleaning and activating the polymer surface, increasing the surface energy and wettability, resulting in greatly improved adhesion characteristics.

Henniker Plasma Enhancing Research Capabilities at The Bridge with the TEM Plasma Cleaner

 

The Bridge: A Hub of Innovation

The Bridge (Advanced Materials and Engineering R&D Centre) at the University of Lincoln is a centre for innovation in advanced materials that works with local and national businesses to provide education, cutting edge engineering and collaboration. The Bridge works alongside the University of Lincoln to create a network of advanced science and engineering professionals that can work on solving problems through innovation.

Materials Library - Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC)

The majority of common engineering polymers have inherently low surface energy and therefore exhibit poor adhesion characteristics. Plasma treatment offers a reliable and environmentally friendly method of both cleaning and activating the polymer surface, increasing the surface energy and wettability, resulting in greatly improved adhesion characteristics.

Plasma Activated Water [PAW] Application Note

 
In our most recent application note we investigate the potential of Plasma Activated Water (PAW), where atmospheric plasmas interact with water to create a unique blend of reactive species. This biochemically active water has applications in many industries including agriculture and food . Our experiments, using the Henniker 'Cirrus' atmospheric plasma system, reveal insights into pH, conductivity, and nitrate changes during plasma-water interaction. Collaborating with Hiden Analytical, we employ membrane inlet mass spectrometry to investigate dissolved species. In our accompanying timelapse video, we show how PAW can improve the health and growth of cut roses.
 

Plasma Application Posters

 

Here, you'll find a collection of informational posters that delve into the unique properties, applications, and importance of plasma in various scientific and technological fields. Feel free to browse through our posters to discover the incredible and versatile properties of plasma.

See what our customers have to say

  • "The technical team at Henniker are very knowledgeable and supportive and always approachable. I have found it a pleasure to work with them."

    Simon Baxter - BAE Systems, MAI

    BAE
  • "Henniker guided us to choose the most suitable plasma unit for our application, ensured an accelerated delivery time & guided us through the very easy setup. We obtained quality results with their unit within minutes of setup & consistent results thereafter. The support they have provided has been rapid and helpful."

    Dr Ravi Desai - Making Lab, Francis Crick Institute

    Francis Crick Institute
  • "Henniker provided our team with excellent service during the course of our work together, the plasma cleaner arrived quickly and was installed with ease, giving us visible results from the outset and confirming that we made the right decision in choosing a local UK manufacturer."

    Dr Panagiotis Manesiotis BSc MRSC - Queen’s University Belfast

    Queens Uni Belfast
  • "Our customers and operations demand reliability at every level and were a key factor in our decision to choose a UK based manufacturer of plasma treatment equipment."

    Tom Doak - Trak Microwave

    Queens Uni Belfast
  • "Henniker’s after sales support is first class. They have always been extremely responsive if we have ever had need to call on them."

    Steve Rackham - Teledyne

    Teledyne
  • "Henniker’s plasma systems have delivered tangible benefits to us right from day one. The team there are very easy to work with."

    Ian Bruce - Coopervision

    Coopervision
  • "Henniker really stood out, both in their product range and technical knowledge. They are a great company to work with."

    Karthik Nair - University of Bradford

    University of Bradford
  • "We are very impressed with the ease of use and reliability of our plasma unit and were producing results within minutes of setting it up."

    Dr Neil Wilson - Warwick University

    Warwick University
  • "Our collaborative work with the team at Henniker was a very positive experience and one that we look forward to developing further."

    Ewen Kellar - TWI

    TWI
  • "Henniker provided a tailored product to match our exact requirements. They are a pleasure to work with."

    Dr Will Shu - Heriot Watt University

    Heriot Watt University

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Henniker 3 Berkeley Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1TQ, UK

+44 (0)1925 830 771   +44 (0)1925 800 035     info@plasmatreatment.co.uk