In 2024, the world added a record 585 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, a 15.1 per cent year-on-year increase and the fastest annual growth rate ever recorded. This surge reflects the growing demand for science and technology innovation, with artificial intelligence powering even faster growth in biotechnology, computing and climate change mitigation in the next five years. Here, Dr Raymond Wong, Technical Manager at Shimadzu, leading manufacturer of analytical instrumentation, explores the vital role manufacturers play in driving scientific advances, on behalf of Lab Innovations, the UK’s largest gathering of laboratory professionals.
Technologies that were once aspirational are now actively shaping real-world solutions. Take the health sector, for example, and CRISPR-Cas9, a major gene-editing technology pioneered in 2012.
The integration of CRISPR-Cas tools with sequencing technologies allows for high-throughput evaluation of mutations, letting researchers study the functional consequences of point mutations. This is critical for understanding disease-associated genetic variants and expanding the reach of precision medicine.
Innovation in materials science has also become essential in addressing global warming and the decade-long challenge of meeting the Paris Agreement. Leaders across the scientific community are developing innovative solutions, with biogas-as-fuel and carbon capture emerging as two of the most impactful advancements in this area.
Geological chemists are exploring enhanced rock weathering as a promising method to tackle climate change. This approach accelerates a natural process in which silicate rocks absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Beerling et al. paper recently published in Nature explains the co-benefits of this process for improved food and soil security, and reduced ocean acidification.
The need for custom-built lab tools
These are just a few ways research is advancing to solve global challenges. Start-ups, especially in promising areas like biotechnology, materials science and clean technology, rely on prototyping and experimentation to bring new products to market. At the same time, academic researchers are expected to deliver high-impact results under tight budgets and timelines.
While many groundbreaking research projects are conducted using high-end commercial instruments, certain specialised applications, such as green transformation and advanced gas analysis, require tailored solutions to meet unique demands. Custom-built systems offer researchers the flexibility to address these specific challenges, complementing the capabilities of standard lab equipment designed for broader versatility.
By collaborating with manufacturers, researchers can develop tailored solutions that address specific challenges while leveraging the strengths of existing technologies.
Wild Hydrogen and custom lab equipment
The cleantech start-up Wild Hydrogen is a clear example. It has designed a Rising Pressure Reformer (RiPR) that makes hydrogen production carbon-negative. The problem with most hydrogen on the market, known as grey hydrogen, is that it’s made by gasifying fossil fuels and emits CO₂.
Wild Hydrogen’s process uses biogenic material and even waste instead, converting it into hydrogen using super critical water and capturing carbon dioxide in the process. However, verifying product purity is a crucial step, as the method also generates other valuable outputs such as biomethane and biochar.
To prove the purity of their hydrogen and track emissions, Wild Hydrogen needed to analyse liquid, solid and gas outputs. It worked with Shimadzu to develop a custom-built gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) system. The result was a unique setup based on the Shimadzu GCMS-QP2020NX.
The gas analysis involved two sample loops filled from a canister or gas bag, connected to porous layer open tubular (PLOT) columns that separated hydrogen, carbon dioxide and other gases. For volatile compounds from the bio-oil and biochar, the system used an MS detector and a switchable column setup. This gave Wild Hydrogen the data they needed to validate their “clear hydrogen” technology.
Manufacturers as innovation partners
Manufacturers play a crucial role in advancing innovation. Consulting and collaboration enable them to supply customised systems. Ongoing technical support and expert advice are also essential to ensure these systems meet evolving research needs.
The benefits go both ways. Researchers can be a starting point for ideas that lead to product development. In a landscape where innovation is both urgent and constant, the ability to adapt tools to specific research needs is increasingly valuable.
Intrigued by our case study? Visit us at stand H70 at Lab Innovations this year to see our technology in action and chat with our experts.
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