Optional features in the OMNISEC software

I can levitate this glowing key - check it out!

The OMNISEC software is a versatile companion to the OMNISEC system.  Its accessible, modern interface allows you to control the instrument, acquire data, and calculate results.  You can even do all three at once!  If you’ve downloaded the software (for free!) and practiced in simulation mode, you know it’s packed with useful features.  But sometimes specific applications require more – that’s where the OMNISEC software optional features come in!

The OMNISEC software optional features are (links direct you to the item on the eStore):

The following sections will describe how to activate the optional features and what each one offers.

How to access the OMNISEC software optional features 

Before I get into the details of each, I wanted to describe how you can access these features.  Firstly, determine which software module(s) you need and purchase the license key.  You can do this through your local sales representative, or more conveniently, through our eStore.  Please ensure you are using the most recent version of the OMNISEC software so the desired option(s) is available.  In case there is any confusion, remember the version numbers for the OMNISEC software will all be greater than 10.

Secondly, once you have the license key, enter it into your software to unlock the corresponding feature.  To do so, go to File (1), select Options (2), locate the corresponding page under the Licensing section (3), and enter the license key/unlock code (4).  Please see the screenshots below for direction. 

How to enter the license key for OMNISEC software optional features - fun!

Thirdly, with the 21 CFR Part 11 feature, administrator credentials are required to authenticate.  Then make the desired selections regarding audit trails and access rights. 

And last, start using your new feature!

21 CFR Part 11

The 21 CFR Part 11 feature allows OMNISEC to operate in a regulated environment to ensure data integrity.  The available options include auditing, electronic signatures, access control, and authentication upon sign-in.  The auditing function records all actions related to the samples and requires a comment if you decide to change something.  This includes tracking when sample acquisition has been initiated, terminated, completed, and when data analysis has been saved and edited.

OMNISEC software 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail screenshot

The access control defines user roles in terms of what specific software functions are available to each.  These permissions can be set indefinitely or for a specified time and date range. You can find more details in this document.

MAC user permissions with the OMNISEC software optional feature for 21 CFR Part 11

Column Calibration

The column calibration feature allows access to conventional, universal, and Mark-Houwink calibration analysis methods.  These methods can come in handy when you don’t have access to multi-detection with light scattering.  Additionally, you might want these calibration-curve methods when comparing to historical data acquired in the same manner.  Universal calibration, using a combination of viscometer and concentration detector, offers accurate molecular weight calculation in the absence of reliable light scattering data.  

You’ll need the appropriate series of standards to generate a calibration curve.  After that, the intuitive software makes it easy for you to follow the procedures demonstrated in the videos below.

Compositional Analysis

When analyzing a sample consisting of two components there is a chance that compositional analysis can provide deeper insight.  You can determine the concentration of two components within a single sample, in addition to accessing the concentration profile of each.  This is perfect for analyzing AAVs, protein conjugates, copolymers, polymer blends, and more.  The two components don’t even need to be covalently bound to each other! 

To perform compositional analysis on your samples, you will need a detector configuration that includes refractive index and UV-Vis PDA detectors, at a minimum.  You will also need to know the respective dn/dc and dA/dc values for each component.  But that’s the hard part!  Once you have that information, this OMNISEC software optional feature handles the rest of the calculations.  Check out the video below to see for yourself!

Final thoughts

In conclusion, the OMNISEC software optional features offer expanded capabilities to accommodate your unique applications.  Furthermore, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us or email me directly at kyle.williams@malvernpanalytical.com.