CNRS Nancy University, France
Founded in 1939, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (National Center for Scientific Research) is a government-funded research organization that account for more than a quarter of the public research in France. Geographically, the CNRS is divided in 19 regional centers, with the Nancy campus being part of one of them.
“We are using KSV NIMA PM-IRRAS instrument to record IR spectra on various monolayers formed at air-water interfaces and often used as model of biological membranes. Our studies aim for instance at characterizing the interaction of drugs or toxics with the monolayers. We use KSV NIMA Langmuir troughs to form monolayers and control packing densities. Our relationship with KSV NIMA is very special: they always give very fast answers and they are interested in helping us with our research. For instance, their PM-IRRAS was created after we expressed our interest toward such a system and following discussions between our research team and KSV NIMA. We had been using another IR system previously, spending a lot of time adjusting the system and playing with mirrors. The ease of use and fast setup of the KSV NIMA PM-IRRAS has greatly simplified our work. This unique configuration of the instrument is benefiting our research on floating monolayers.”
Kyoto University, Japan
Founded in 1869, Kyoto University is one of the best university in the world, claiming no less than 6 Nobel prize winners. The second largest University, in Japan, after Tokyo University with a yearly budget of over ten billion yen.
“We are using LB trough to try to accumulate the polymer on a substrate. Because of its user friendly feature, KSV NIMA LB trough is the best choice for the first time user of LB instruments compared to the system from other manufacturers. Also, since replacement of students usually occurs at University lab, easy to use KSV NIMA trough is, I believe, really fits to this type of environment."
NTNU Trondheim, Norway
NTNU is the Norwegian University of Science and technology specializing in technology and the natural sciences. With a budget over NOK 4.4 billion (approx. USD 800 million) and more than 20,000 students, NTNU is one of the major Nordic Universities. Two researchers from NTNU received the Nobel prize in 1968 and 1973.
“Ugelstad Laboratory (NTNU) is renowned for its scientific work in applying powerful interfacial techniques such as QCM, dynamic contact angle, pendent drop, ISR, and Langmuir-Blodgett to colloid-, polymer-, surfactant-, bio-, and petroleum-based systems. Throughout the years, we have enjoyed the fruits of mutually beneficial collaboration with KSV NIMA, and we have truly experienced a unique spirit of cooperation. This collaboration has been beneficial to the development of interfacial rheology techniques (KSV NIMA Interfacial Shear Rheometer) in both shear and dilational modes, as well as development of diverse Langmuir-based interfacial/surface techniques. The small size and targeted competence of KSV, together with the highly engaged and supportive management team, have allowed fast, nimble, and effective development processes to proceed which would be impossible at larger organizations. The close collaboration and cooperative spirit between Ugelstad Laboratory and KSV NIMA has thereby provided an enormous benefit to modern interfacial science.”
University of Valladolid, Spain
Historians believe the University of Valladolid is probably the oldest University in Spain, founded in 1208 near to the city of Palencia. The University of Valladolid is home to more than 30 000 students and 2000 faculty members. Latest investments are heavily focused in science.
“We are using the LB to prepare LB films of Phthalocyanines on ITO (indium tin oxide) to use them as Voltametric sensors. We’ve recently started to prepare LB films of lipids / enzymes / Phthalocyanines also to be used as electrochemical biosensors. We need KSV NIMA LB because the high order degree allows to get better quality and more reproducible Volta grams. In the case of biosensor, the enzyme is immobile in a similar environmental to cells membrane, so the sensibility is higher. We also get very good results with LbL, in the case of water soluble Phthalocyanines. KSV NIMA and Iberlaser provide great and kind service. Quick technical support with technician who knows very well the instruments”.