Services & Infrastructure
CERES provides a set of services:
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Analyses -Techniques |
Model |
Specifications |
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| Gas Chromatography (GC) | Tremetics 9001 | Quantifies and identifies the various components of a liquid or gaseous mixture, depending on the type of column. Columns: DB1, DB225, DB5MS, BPX5, DBWax, CPSil5CB=DB1, CPSil8CB=DB5. FID detector |  |
| Gas Chromatography (GC) | Hewlett Packard Series II 5890 | Quantifies and identifies the various components of a liquid or gaseous mixture, depending on the type of column. Columns: DB1, DB225, DB5MS, BPX5, DBWax, CPSil5CB=DB1, CPSil8CB=DB5. FID detector |  |
| Gas Chromatography (GC) | Finnigan 9001 | Quantifies and identifies the various components of a liquid or gaseous mixture. FID and TCD detector |  |
| Mass Spectrometry / Gas Chromatography (GC/MS) | Agilent Technologies 7890A GC System, 5975C Triple Axis Detector | Provides detailed information on the chemical composition of different types of samples. Quantifies and identifies the various components of a liquid or gaseous mixture, depending on the type of column. Columns: DB1MS, DB5MS. Detectors FID and MS |  |
| High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) | Shimadzu UFLC Pump- LC 20AD; Degaser DGU 20A5; Auto Sampler SIL 20ACHT; Column Oven CTO 10ASUP; Detectors: Refractive Index Detector RID 10A, Diode Array Detector SPD M20A, Low Temperature Evaporative Light Scatering Detector ELSD-LT II | Used to separate, identify and quantify the components of a liquid sample. Detectors: Refractive Index Detector RID, Diode Array Detector SPD, Low Temperature Evaporative Light Scatering |  |
| High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) | Waters 2695 Separation Module | Used to separate, identify and quantify the components of a liquid sample. Coupled with Waters 2487 Dual (lambda) Absorbance detector |  |
| Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR); MID-IR e NIR-IR regions | PerkinElmer | It is a powerful tool for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples, providing valuable information about their molecular composition and structure. |  |
| Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) | Jasco FT-IR 4200 | It is a powerful tool for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples, providing valuable information about their molecular composition and structure. |  |
| Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) | Jasco V-530 | It is a versatile analytical technique that is widely used due to its simplicity, speed and sensitivity. This technique is used to analyse the absorption of ultraviolet and visible light by a substance, identifying and quantifying the various compounds present in a sample. |  |
| Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) | T60 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer | It is a versatile analytical technique that is widely used due to its simplicity, speed and sensitivity. This technique is used to analyse the absorption of ultraviolet and visible light by a substance, identifying and quantifying the various compounds present in a sample. |  |
| Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) | PG Instruments | It is a versatile analytical technique that is widely used due to its simplicity, speed and sensitivity. This technique is used to analyse the absorption of ultraviolet and visible light by a substance, identifying and quantifying the various compounds present in a sample. Range 190-800nm. |  |
| Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) | Jasco V-650 | Possibility of carrying out three analyses: - antioxidant activity of natural compounds using the coupled reaction of beta-carotene with linolenic acid; - quantification of total phenolics using the Folin-Ciocalteau method; - anti-inflammatory activity of natural compounds using the enzymatic method of inactivating the lipoxygenase enzyme. All the tests require the extract to be ready and pure, with a minimum mass of 300 mg for each technique. The kinetics of the antioxidant and inflammatory activities can be carried out for up to 24 hours, and the data is offered already treated as a percentage of inhibition of oxidation and inhibition of inflammation. In the case of quantifying phenolic compounds, the data is presented as a function of equivalents (in mass) to a phenolic standard found in the extract in question. |  |
| Integrating sphere | Jasco ISV-722 | The integrating sphere, coupled to a Jasco V650 spectrophotometer, works in the visible and ultraviolet and allows you to measure the total integrated reflectance of surfaces, diffuse reflectance and specular reflectance in solids. In other words, a UV-VIS spectrophotometer, generally used for analysing liquids, can also be used on solid samples. |  |
| Microplate Reader | Synergy HTX | System for 6 to 384 well microplates. Performance for UV-Vis absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence |  |
| Elemental Analysis (EA) | NC Technologies, ECS 8040 CHNS-O | Quantifies the total nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and sulphur in a liquid or solid sample. |  |
| Karl Fischer | 831KF Coulometer Metrohm with 860KF Thermoprep; 890 Titrando | Analytical method for determining the water content in a sample |  |
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Analyses -Techniques |
Model |
Specifications |
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| Flame/Graphite Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (metallic ions) (AA) | PerkinElmer PinAAcle 500 | Flame: Quantifies metal ions in various types of samples in the ppm range. The existing lamps are: Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, V, Zn, Ca/Mg, Na/K. Graphite: Quantifies metal ions in various types of samples in the ppb range. The lamps are: Cd, Cr, Pb. |  |
| Ionic Chromatography (anions and cations) | Waters ACTION Analyzer; Waters 431 Conductivity Detector, Waters 626 Pump | Quantifies the concentration of anions and cations in aqueous samples. |  |
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Analyses -Techniques |
Model |
Specifications |
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| Total Organic Carbon (TOC) | Shimadzu | Quantifies the organic carbon present in a liquid sample | |
| Chemical Oxygen Demand (CQO) | Hanna instruments HI839800 | Determines the amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize organic and inorganic substances in a water sample. It is a valuable tool for assessing water quality, monitoring wastewater treatment processes, and managing environmental impact. |  |
| Nitrogen Analyser | Velp | Nitrogen determination by the Kjeldahl method | |
| Oxygen meter | WTW Inolab | Measurement of dissolved oxygen | |
| Luminescence Detector | DRlange Lumistherm | Toxicity tests, based on luminescence |  |
| Anaerobic Digestion Reactor | 5L bioprocess control CSTR-5G | Reactor for anaerobic digestion tests in discontinuous or semi-discontinuous mode |  |
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Analyses -Techniques |
Model |
Specifications |
|
| Laser Diffraction Spectroscopy (LDS) | Malvern Instruments, Mastersizer 2000 AP A2000 | Measures particle size by laser diffraction. The signal can be processed according to the Fraunhofer or Mie Scattering theories depending on the characteristics and size of the particles. The equipment's operating range is from 0.02 μm to 2 000 μm. Measurements are made in a humid environment. The equipment has a HYDRO UM manual dispersion accessory with a capacity of 600-1000 ml (depending on the size of the beaker in which the suspension is prepared). It has an ultrasound system with a maximum frequency of 20 kHz, which can be used to deagglomerate aggregates. |  |
| Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) | Malvern Instruments, ZetaSizer Nano ZS | Characterisation of particles/molecules. It includes three complementary techniques: Dynamic light scattering (DLS) - measures particle/molecule sizes; 0.3nm - 10.0 microns; Static light scattering (SLS) - determines the molecular weight of proteins and polymers; 3.8nm - 100 microns (there is no zeta potential detection limit); Laser DopplerMicroelectrophoresis - measures particle zeta potential, 980Da - 20M Da |  |
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Analyses -Techniques |
Model |
Specifications |
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| Capillary Viscometer | Viscologic TI1 (Sematech) | Automatic capillary viscometer for determining the intrinsic viscosity of solutions and estimating the molecular weight of polymers in various solvents. | |
| High Temperature Viscosity Bath | PMT TV2000 Tamson instruments Holland | Unit for determining the kinematic viscosity of liquid petroleum products (transparent and opaque) |  |
| Rotational Rheometer | Haake RheoStress 1 | Measurement of viscous and viscoelastic properties by rotational rheometry in the following modes: Controlled Stress, Controlled Rate, Controlled Deformation and by Oscillatory Rheometry (frequency and stress tests: Controlled Stress, Controlled Deformation). It also allows temperature ramps to be carried out. Accessories: - HAAKE Phoenix II P1 recirculation bath (temperature control: 0-200ºC); - Software (Rheowin) for acquiring and processing results |  |
| Refractometer | Atago RX-5000a | Measuring the refractive index of liquids at different temperatures. |  |
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Analyses -Techniques |
Model |
Specifications |
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| Modular Differential Scanning Calorimetry (MDSC) | TA Instruments, Discovery series DSC25 | Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measures the heat flow variation between the sample and the reference when subjected to a temperature programme in a controlled atmosphere. This technique is used to study thermal transitions, such as phase transitions, melting, crystallisation, chemical reactions, among others. In modulated DSC (MDSC), it is possible to separate the total heat flow into kinetic and thermodynamic (Cp) components using temperature modulation technology (a sinusoidal temperature programme is superimposed on the conventional linear temperature profile). |  |
| Specific Heat Capacity Measurements Using MDSC | TA Instruments, Discovery series DSC25 | In modulated DSC (MDSC), it is possible to separate the total heat flow into kinetic and thermodynamic (Cp) components using temperature modulation technology (a sinusoidal temperature programme is superimposed on the conventional linear temperature profile). | |
| Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) | TA Instruments, TGA Q500 | In TGA differents components of a sample may suffer decomposition, volatilization, oxidation, or other reactions at specific temperatures, leading to changes in mass. By monitoring these changes, we can gain insights into the composition, thermal stability, and reaction kinetics of the sample. |  |
| Simultaneous Differential Thermal Analysis (SDT) | TA Instruments, TGA Q600 | Simultaneous Differential Thermal Analysis (SDT) is a thermal analysis technique that combines both DSC and TGA simultaneously, allowing a more comprehensive understanding of the thermal behavior of a sample. This combined approach is particularly useful in studying materials that undergo both chemical reactions and changes in mass during heating or cooling. |  |
| Thermal Constants Analyzer | Hot Disk, Modelo TPS 2500 S | Determines the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and heat capacity of (non-granular) solids in the temperature range -20 ºC to 180 ºC. |  |
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Analyses -Techniques |
Model |
Specifications |
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| Inverse Gas Chromatography | Dani GC1000 DPC | Determination of surface energy dispersive components and acid-base surface parameters. Determination of surface properties of solids (films, fibres and powders of crystalline and amorphous structures) |  |
| Surface Tension | Measurements of surface tension, contact angle and others, SENSORS: Du Nouy ring and Wilhelmy plate. | |
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| Contact Angle Determination | Dataphysics, Contact Angle System OCA | Contact angle determination is a technique used to measure the angle between a liquid drop and a solid surface at the point where the three phases (solid, liquid, and gas) meet. Is important in the study of wetting properties and surface interactions, providing insights into the surface energy and hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature of materials. |  |
| Mechanical tests | Hegewald & Peschke, Inspekt | Mechanical tests - compression, compression-decompression, film tensile, bending |  |
| Coater Laboratorial | Mathis SVA-IR | Surface coatings |  |
| Spin Coating | Spin 150 | Surface coatings | |
| Coating System | Quorum MiniQS | Surface coatings for SEM analysis |  |
| Optical Microscope | Olympus, série BH2 | It has lenses of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 100. It is coupled with a digital camera (Colour VIEW IIIu) that allows you to acquire images of the plateau. The Color VIEW IIIu is a camera with 5 Megapixels of resolution, which enables high definition image acquisition. The ANALYSIS 5 software is used for image acquisition, processing and analysis, allowing parameters inherent to the morphological characterisation of the particles to be determined, namely: projected area, perimeter, Feret diameter, sphericity, shape factor, ECD (equivalent diameter) and Hole count. |  |
| Scanning Electron Microscope | Hitachi SU1000, Flex SEM 1000II | Electron microscope capable of producing high-resolution images of the surface of a sample. Produces images of a sample by scanning the surface with a focused beam of electrons |  |
| Surface Area Gas Sorption Analyzer | Autosorb iQ ST1527117 | Surface area, volume and pore area analyser | |
| Film Applicator | Elcometer 4340 Automatic | Film production with temperature control up to 200º C |  |
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Analyses -Techniques |
Model |
Specifications |
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| Vacuum Oven | Binder, apt.line performance VD oven | Used for fast drying and sterilization |  |
| Laboratory Muffle Furnace | Nabertherm (30-1200ºC) | Used for high-temperature heating, recovery and cooling of a material. It can be programmed with predefined ramps or isotherms. |  |
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Analyses -Techniques |
Model |
Specifications |
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| Electrospinning | Electrospinning: fonte de alta tensão (SL10, Spellman) e bomba difusora (NE-1000 Multiphaser, New Era Pump Systems) | Production of polymeric nano/microfibres using the electrospinning technique. | |
| Homogeniser (HPH) | GEA, Modelo Panda Plus 2000 | Equipment used to make a substance more homogeneous, i.e. to mix or disperse components of a sample in a uniform way. It is ideal for processing nanoparticles, nanodispersions and nanoemulsions, for cell breakdown, but can also be used in the pharmaceutical, food, chemical and biotechnology industries |  |
| Freeze-dryer | MRC modelo FDL-LON-80-TD-MM | Drying materials/samples by water sublimatio |  |
| Microwave Digestion System | AURORA INSTRUMENTS, modelo TRANSFORM 680 | System with high-pressure capabilities to enhance the digestion quality while decreasing the overall sample preparation time |  |
| Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extractor | Homemade | Extraction with carbon dioxide in a supercritical state of vegetable matrices with the aim of extracting slightly apolar compounds. The composition of the extracts depends on the operating conditions of the unit, and therefore the conditions are provided by the client. We do not carry out a complete optimisation study of the best extraction conditions with the aim of obtaining a specific composition. Extraction and drying of hydrogels using water, organic solvents and supercritical carbon dioxide. It cannot be guaranteed that the final matrix will not suffer any structural damage. The drying conditions and organic solvents are indicated by the client. We do not carry out a complete optimisation study of the best drying conditions in order to obtain a specific morphology. | |
| Supercritical CO2 Plant (scCO2) | Paralab (modificado) | Washing samples in syringe format with organic solvents at high pressure. Extraction of solvents using scCO2. |  |
| High Temperature Supercritical Plant | Paralab (modificado) |  |
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| Solid-Liquid Extraction by Hydrodistillation | Schilcher | Obtaining slightly polar volatile extracts, generally aromatic and of low molecular weight | |
| Solid-Liquid Extraction | Soxhlet | Obtaining apolar extracts with hexane, generally of high molecular weight | |
| Ball Mill | Retsch, Planetary ball mill PM100 |  |
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| pH Meter | Mettler Toledo |  |
For more informations, please contact:
Tel. +351 239 798 790
E-mail: ceres@eq.uc.pt