The Biomolecular Interactions Core Facility provides the necessary infrastructure and support for individual investigators to undertake studies of macromolecule binding and folding, as well as protein and lipid quantification. Our calorimetry instruments are fully automated and require the least amount of sample of any commercially available instruments. Specifically, we provide instrumentation and collaborative assistance for:
- Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) for studying ligand-macromolecule binding
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for investigating stability and folding thermodynamics
Our experienced staff is available to assist with project development and research.
A joint venture between the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and the Materials Research Institute, the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility houses a one-of-a-kind FEI Titan Krios microscope that offers uncompromised data collection for the life sciences while incorporating materials science applications. Specifically, the facility allows for fully-automated atomic-resolution single-particle and high-contrast tomography tilt-series data collection. Additional microscopy components permit a full range of materials science applications, including EELS, STEM, and DPC.
The CSL Behring Fermentation Facility is a biotechnology pilot plant capable of research- and pilot-scale production of microbial cells, recombinant proteins, and other microbial products over a wide range of controlled conditions. The facility provides equipment and expertise to university-affiliated and independent government and industry researchers interested in fermentation and related technologies, including cell separation and disruption, biomolecule production and purification, and process monitoring.
The Flow Cytometry Facility is equipped with flow cytometers and cell sorters that enable researchers to examine cell samples within the range of the micron. The facility's research staff engage in experimentation, training, project collaboration, and consultation. Specifically, staff members train customers in experimental design, sample preparation, and the use of equipment, as well as provide guidance in the interpretation of results.
The Genomics Core Facility provides services using several different next-generation sequencing platforms. Applications supported include:
- Whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing of non-model organisms
- Amplicon sequencing for metagenomic studies
- Differential expression analysis of mRNA and miRNA
- Degradome sequencing
- ChIP and RIP sequencing
In addition, the facility continues to offer a variety of traditional services, including:
- Sanger DNA sequencing
- Genotyping of SNPs and VNTRs
- Microarray analysis
- Real-time qPCR
- Digital PCR
The High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Facility houses a Bruker BioSpec 70/30 horizontal magnet and an Agilent 14.1 Tesla vertical magnet.
The Metabolomics Core's primary goal is to identify and quantify the small (<1kDa) molecules present in plant and animal biofluids and tissue extracts, as identifying perturbations in the amounts of particular metabolites can offer insights into the underlying biological processes involved in their production.
The Microscopy Facility specializes in three areas: optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and histology. The facility is equipped with confocal microscopes, research fluorescence microscopes, and transmission- and scanning-electron microscopes. Its research staff engage in experimentation, training, project collaboration, and consultation.
The Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility offers highly sensitive and accurate mass spectrometry analysis, including identification and quantitation of proteins by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS-MS) or by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS).
The X-Ray Crystallography and Scattering Facility provides the necessary infrastructure and support for individual investigators to undertake single crystal X-ray structural studies. Specifically, we provide instrumentation, training, and collaboration for:
- Protein characterization, including dynamic light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, bio-layer interferometry, and circular dichroism
- Binding studies using isothermal titration calorimetry
- Robotic crystallization, incubators, UV, and digital microscopes
- Robotic imaging
- Diffraction data collection and processing
- Structure determination and analysis
- Molecular modeling
- Small angle X-ray scattering
Our experienced staff is available to train researchers to use equipment and to assist with project development and research.