Thermo Fisher Scientific: Lab Equipment and Research Tools
Scientific discovery begins with the right instruments. For over a century, Thermo Fisher Scientific has served as a trusted partner to researchers, laboratories, and healthcare institutions worldwide, providing the equipment, expertise, and support that transform scientific questions into breakthrough discoveries. As the world leader in serving science with over $42 billion in annual revenue, the company delivers comprehensive laboratory solutions that span from fundamental research to clinical diagnostics and biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
With operations in more than 50 countries and a global workforce exceeding 130,000 employees, Thermo Fisher Scientific combines deep scientific knowledge with local presence. The company’s mission – to enable customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer – drives innovation across every product category, from benchtop spectrophotometers to advanced mass spectrometry systems. Whether you’re conducting groundbreaking genomics research in the United States, developing life-saving vaccines in Europe, or performing clinical diagnostics in Asia, Thermo Fisher Scientific provides the precision instruments and unwavering support your work demands.
Core Laboratory Instrumentation
Modern scientific research depends on reliable, accurate instrumentation. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a comprehensive portfolio of core laboratory equipment designed to meet the rigorous demands of daily research operations while providing the flexibility to adapt as scientific needs evolve.
Spectrophotometers: Precision Measurement for Every Application
Spectrophotometers form the backbone of analytical laboratories worldwide, enabling precise measurement of light absorption across ultraviolet and visible wavelengths. The Thermo Scientific spectrophotometer portfolio delivers quantitative analysis capabilities essential for nucleic acid quantification, protein assays, enzyme kinetics, and quality control applications.
The GENESYS UV-Vis Spectrophotometers provide reliable performance for routine analysis, featuring wavelength ranges from 190 to 1100 nm with high photometric accuracy. These instruments utilize xenon flash lamp technology that eliminates warm-up time while delivering consistent results throughout their operational lifetime. The double-beam optical design automatically corrects for lamp intensity fluctuations and environmental variations, ensuring measurement precision even in demanding laboratory conditions.
For researchers requiring advanced capabilities, the Evolution Pro UV-Vis Spectrophotometer combines high-resolution optics with intuitive software control. This platform supports applications ranging from DNA concentration analysis at 260 nm to protein quantification using Bradford and Lowry methods. The system’s microvolume sampling accessories enable analysis of precious samples with volumes as small as 0.5 microliters, preserving valuable research materials while delivering accurate results.
Educational institutions benefit from the SPECTRONIC 200 Visible Spectrophotometer, designed specifically for teaching laboratories. This robust instrument withstands the rigors of student use while providing the measurement accuracy necessary to teach fundamental spectroscopy principles and analytical techniques.
Bioreactors: Transforming Cell Culture for Biopharmaceutical Production
Bioreactor systems enable controlled cultivation of mammalian cells, microbial cultures, and engineered cell lines for research and commercial biomanufacturing. Thermo Fisher Scientific pioneered single-use bioreactor technology that revolutionizes how laboratories and production facilities approach cell culture, offering unprecedented flexibility and reduced contamination risk.
The HyPerforma Single-Use Bioreactor (S.U.B.) portfolio provides scalable solutions from process development through commercial manufacturing. These systems eliminate the time-consuming cleaning-in-place (CIP) and sterilization-in-place (SIP) procedures required by traditional stainless steel bioreactors, reducing batch turnover time from days to hours. The pre-sterilized, gamma-irradiated bioprocess containers arrive ready for immediate use, dramatically decreasing setup complexity while virtually eliminating cross-contamination risks.
Available in scales ranging from 50 liters to 5,000 liters, HyPerforma bioreactors feature a 5:1 turndown ratio that enables process optimization across a wide working volume range. The unique vessel geometry promotes superior mixing and oxygen transfer, supporting high-density cell cultures necessary for monoclonal antibody production, vaccine manufacturing, and recombinant protein expression.
The groundbreaking DynaDrive Single-Use Bioreactor represents the industry’s first commercially available 5,000-liter single-use system, enabling large-scale biopharmaceutical production with single-use technology. This innovation reduces facility capital expenditure by up to 25% compared to traditional stainless steel infrastructure while maintaining the process performance required for commercial-scale biologics manufacturing. The DynaDrive platform’s modular design facilitates rapid deployment and straightforward scale-up from laboratory development through full production, supporting accelerated drug development timelines.
Single-use bioreactor advantages extend beyond contamination control and time savings. These systems eliminate the substantial water consumption, harsh cleaning chemicals, and energy-intensive sterilization cycles associated with traditional equipment, supporting more sustainable biomanufacturing practices. The reduced facility footprint and simplified infrastructure requirements enable smaller companies and contract manufacturing organizations to enter biopharmaceutical production with significantly lower capital investment.
Chromatography Systems: Separation Science at the Highest Level
Chromatography represents the gold standard for separating and analyzing complex chemical mixtures in pharmaceutical quality control, environmental testing, and research applications. Thermo Scientific chromatography platforms deliver the resolution, sensitivity, and regulatory compliance features essential for modern analytical laboratories.
The Vanquish HPLC and UHPLC systems provide comprehensive liquid chromatography solutions for method development, routine analysis, and high-throughput applications. These instruments achieve exceptional chromatographic resolution through precise flow control, minimal system dispersion, and advanced detection capabilities. The platform’s binary and quaternary pump configurations support diverse separation modes including reversed-phase, ion exchange, size exclusion, and hydrophilic interaction chromatography.
Chromeleon Chromatography Data System (CDS) software integrates seamlessly with Vanquish platforms, providing intuitive instrument control, automated data processing, and comprehensive reporting capabilities. The software’s 21 CFR Part 11 compliant features ensure data integrity and audit trail requirements for regulated laboratories, supporting pharmaceutical quality control and clinical research applications.
For ion chromatography applications, Thermo Scientific Dionex systems enable analysis of inorganic anions, cations, and polar organic compounds in complex matrices. These platforms support environmental monitoring, food safety testing, and pharmaceutical analysis through specialized columns and suppressor technology that enhances detection sensitivity.
Electrophoresis Equipment: Fundamental Tools for Molecular Biology
Gel electrophoresis remains essential for DNA fragment analysis, RNA quality assessment, protein characterization, and western blotting applications across molecular biology laboratories. Thermo Scientific electrophoresis systems provide reliable performance for both nucleic acid and protein applications.
The Mini Gel Tank and XCell SureLock systems accommodate precast polyacrylamide gels in various formats, enabling rapid SDS-PAGE analysis of protein samples. These chambers feature optimized buffer circulation and temperature control that produce sharp, reproducible protein bands essential for accurate molecular weight determination and sample comparison.
PowerEase Touch power supplies deliver precise voltage, current, and power control for electrophoresis applications. The intuitive touchscreen interface provides access to pre-programmed protocols for common applications while enabling custom method development. Advanced safety features including automatic lid detection and high-voltage cutoff protect users and preserve valuable samples.
For agarose gel electrophoresis, horizontal gel systems provide straightforward DNA and RNA fragment separation. Integrated UV transilluminators enable convenient visualization of nucleic acids stained with ethidium bromide or safer modern alternatives, streamlining workflow from gel loading through documentation.
Specialized Tools for Specific Tasks
Beyond fundamental laboratory instrumentation, scientific research often requires specialized tools designed for specific applications. Thermo Fisher Scientific provides both sophisticated analytical platforms and accessible online resources that address precise research needs.
The TM Calculator: Essential Tool for PCR Optimization
Every successful PCR reaction begins with properly designed primers. The Thermo Scientific TM Calculator serves as an indispensable free online tool for molecular biologists worldwide, enabling accurate calculation of primer melting temperatures and optimal annealing conditions.
This web-based calculator employs the modified Breslauer method to predict melting temperatures with exceptional accuracy across various buffer conditions. Researchers simply enter their primer sequences and select their polymerase – whether Phusion High-Fidelity DNA Polymerase, Phire Hot Start DNA Polymerase, or Platinum SuperFi DNA Polymerase – and the calculator provides precise annealing temperature recommendations.
The tool’s importance extends beyond convenience. Accurate melting temperature prediction directly impacts PCR success rates by preventing primer-dimer formation, reducing non-specific amplification, and optimizing product yield. For researchers designing primers for challenging templates or multiplex reactions, the TM Calculator provides the foundation for successful experimental design.
The Multiple Primer Analyzer complements the TM Calculator by evaluating interactions between primer pairs, identifying potential cross-reactivity issues before expensive reagents are purchased or valuable sample material is consumed. These free computational tools democratize access to professional-grade primer design capabilities, supporting scientists from undergraduate teaching laboratories through advanced research institutions.
Q Exactive Portfolio: Revolutionary Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry has evolved from a specialized analytical technique to a cornerstone of modern proteomics, metabolomics, and pharmaceutical research. The Thermo Scientific Q Exactive series represents the pinnacle of this evolution, combining quadrupole precursor selection with Orbitrap high-resolution accurate mass (HR/AM) detection.
The Orbitrap technology underlying Q Exactive instruments provides resolution exceeding 140,000 (FWHM at m/z 200) with sub-ppm mass accuracy. This extraordinary performance enables confident identification and quantification of complex biological molecules, from intact proteins and peptides to small molecule metabolites and lipids. The hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap architecture permits targeted precursor ion selection followed by high-resolution fragmentation analysis, supporting both discovery workflows and targeted quantitation assays.
The Q Exactive Plus delivers exceptional sensitivity for proteomics applications, enabling comprehensive protein identification from limited sample amounts. Advanced features including fast polarity switching, multiplexing capabilities for isobaric tags, and intelligent data acquisition maximize the information obtained from each analytical run. Researchers studying post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions, or biomarker discovery rely on Q Exactive platforms to reveal subtle differences in complex biological samples.
For researchers analyzing ultra-high molecular weight complexes, the Q Exactive UHMR (Ultra-High Mass Range) extends the mass range to 80,000 m/z while maintaining resolution capabilities exceeding 200,000. This specialized platform enables intact virus particle analysis, antibody-drug conjugate characterization, and native mass spectrometry of megadalton-scale protein assemblies.
Applications span disciplines. Pharmaceutical scientists employ Q Exactive instruments for drug metabolism studies, impurity profiling, and biosimilar characterization. Clinical researchers utilize the platform for biomarker validation and translational medicine applications. Environmental chemists detect trace contaminants with confidence based on accurate mass measurements and isotope pattern matching.
The Orbitrap Astral Zoom and Orbitrap Excedion Pro represent the latest generation, incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize acquisition parameters in real-time, further advancing the boundaries of mass spectrometric performance.
Supporting Your Work
Sophisticated instrumentation is only valuable when it performs reliably and accurately. Thermo Fisher Scientific provides comprehensive services and supply solutions that ensure equipment operates at peak performance throughout its operational lifetime.
Equipment Services and Support: Maintaining Peak Performance
Laboratory instruments require regular maintenance, calibration, and occasional repair to deliver consistent, reliable results. Thermo Fisher Scientific equipment services encompass the full lifecycle of laboratory instrumentation, from installation qualification through decommissioning.
Calibration and validation services ensure instruments meet manufacturer specifications and regulatory requirements. Factory-trained service engineers perform installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ) protocols that document instrument performance according to industry standards. These services prove particularly critical for regulated laboratories supporting pharmaceutical development, clinical diagnostics, or environmental testing, where documented instrument performance underpins data integrity.
Preventive maintenance programs extend instrument lifespan while minimizing unexpected downtime. Scheduled service visits identify potential issues before they impact operations, replacing wear components and performing adjustments that maintain optimal performance. Service contracts provide predictable budgeting while ensuring priority response when urgent repairs become necessary.
The company’s global service network spans over 50 countries, providing local technical expertise backed by centralized technical resources. Remote monitoring capabilities enable proactive service notification, while telephone and email support channels connect users directly with application scientists who understand both the instrumentation and the science it supports.
Compliance support services assist laboratories navigating FDA, EPA, and international regulatory requirements. Specialists provide guidance on 21 CFR Part 11 electronic records compliance, GxP documentation practices, and validation strategies that satisfy regulatory expectations while streamlining operational efficiency.
The Supply Center: Your Source for Consistent Quality
Consumables and reagents represent an often-underestimated component of laboratory operations. Inconsistent supply quality or availability disrupts workflows, compromises experimental reproducibility, and frustrates researchers. The Thermo Fisher Scientific Supply Center program addresses these challenges through integrated inventory management solutions.
The Supply Center concept establishes on-site inventory locations within customer facilities, providing immediate access to frequently used laboratory consumables, chemicals, and supplies. Three program formats – Standard, Express, and Premiere – accommodate facilities ranging from small research laboratories to large pharmaceutical manufacturing sites. Each format provides customized inventory selection, automated replenishment systems, and consolidated deliveries that reduce administrative burden while ensuring product availability.
Automated replenishment eliminates stockouts and excess inventory. Barcode scanning or RFID technology tracks consumption in real-time, automatically generating purchase orders when inventory reaches predetermined reorder points. This just-in-time approach reduces working capital tied up in inventory while ensuring researchers never wait for critical supplies.
E-procurement integration streamlines purchasing workflows for organizations using SAP, Oracle, or other enterprise resource planning systems. Punch-out catalogs enable one-click ordering with automated approval routing and budget controls, while electronic invoicing and order tracking provide complete procurement visibility.
Beyond operational efficiency, Supply Center programs support sustainability initiatives. Consolidated deliveries reduce transportation-related carbon emissions, while vendor-managed inventory minimizes packaging waste associated with frequent small-quantity shipments. Many organizations realize 20-30% reductions in laboratory supply costs through optimized inventory levels and preferential pricing structures associated with Supply Center agreements.
Finding What You Need
Navigating a product portfolio encompassing thousands of instruments, consumables, and reagents requires accessible information and expert guidance. Thermo Fisher Scientific provides multiple pathways to connect researchers with the products and support they need.
The Thermo Fisher Scientific website (thermofisher.com) serves as the primary digital gateway, offering comprehensive product information, technical specifications, application notes, and purchasing capabilities. Advanced search functionality enables filtering by application, technique, or sample type, helping researchers quickly identify appropriate solutions for specific experimental needs. Product pages include downloadable brochures, user manuals, and safety data sheets that support informed purchasing decisions.
Fisher Scientific, the commercial channel of Thermo Fisher Scientific, operates dedicated web portals for specific geographic regions. The Fisher Scientific website (fishersci.com) provides streamlined ordering for laboratories in the United States and Canada, with specialized portals serving European, Asian, and Latin American markets. These regional sites ensure accurate product availability, correct pricing in local currencies, and compliance with jurisdiction-specific regulations.
Local representatives and customer service teams provide personalized support for complex purchasing decisions. Technical sales specialists offer instrument demonstrations, application consultations, and configuration recommendations that match instrumentation capabilities to specific research needs. Customer service representatives assist with order placement, delivery coordination, and issue resolution through phone, email, and live chat channels.
For organizations operating across multiple locations or countries, Global Solutions teams coordinate international purchasing, export documentation, and logistics. These specialists navigate customs regulations, harmonized tariff codes, and compliance requirements that vary by destination, ensuring seamless product delivery regardless of geographic complexity.
Training and education resources help researchers maximize the value of their equipment investment. Live and on-demand webinars cover instrument operation, application development, and troubleshooting techniques. Regional training centers provide hands-on workshops where researchers gain practical experience with new technologies before deploying them in their own laboratories.
Scientific progress depends on reliable tools, expert support, and trusted partnerships. Thermo Fisher Scientific delivers this comprehensive ecosystem – from precision spectrophotometers measuring nanogram protein concentrations to industrial-scale bioreactors producing life-saving therapeutics. The company’s century-long legacy of innovation, combined with unwavering commitment to customer success, positions it as the partner of choice for researchers addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges.
Whether you’re optimizing PCR primers using the TM Calculator, analyzing complex proteomes on Q Exactive mass spectrometers, or scaling cell culture processes in HyPerforma bioreactors, Thermo Fisher Scientific provides not just equipment, but complete solutions that accelerate discovery and improve outcomes. Visit thermofisher.com or fishersci.com to explore the full portfolio, access technical resources, and connect with specialists who understand your science.
