The Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Instrumentation (BMBI) module is an essential core resource to support the preparation and analysis of biological samples (RNA, DNA, and protein). Researchers are encouraged to seek assistance from core director (Dr. Radu) or staff research associates to select the appropriate instruments for specific analysis, to schedule & properly use the instruments, and to obtain protocols to prepare the samples.
Basic instrumentations (centrifuges, incubators, cyclers, gel imagers, etc)
The BMBI core module resources consist of common instrumentations such as autoclaves, ultra-low temperature freezers, various centrifuges, incubators, an Alpha Innotech multi-imaging instrument, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines for DNA and RNA analysis (Bio-Rad Dual C1000 Thermal Cycler). Investigators can also determine gene expression profiles using high throughput microfluidic assays (BioMark Fluidigm Thermal Cycler), a next generation single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) PCR approach.
Specialized spectrophotometers and protein dynamic analyzers
Besides other common instruments (Shimadzu UV-2600 and UV-2700 spectrophotometers), microplate readers (Tecan Spectrofluor), immunoassay protein analyzers, this module has available specialized spectrometers for detailed protein structural and functional analysis, including fluorescence, UV-visible absorbance (Agilent Cary Eclipse and Horiba Fluorolog spectrophotometer), Fourier transform infra-red, and customized circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies and sophisticated multi-angle and quasi-elastic light scattering instruments are also available (Bruker Tensor spectrometer).
Highly-sensitive instruments for protein quantification and biochemical assays
Researchers have access to an automated Western immunoblot system allowing for quantification of low abundant proteins via a sensitive immunoassay reaction involving minimal sample manipulation with data being analyzed digitally (Automated Protein Simple WES). This acquisition complements two infrared imagers (Li-COR Odyssey CLx) and two NanoDrop ND-1000 spectrophotometers. Additionally, newly acquired Molecular Devise SpectraMax iD3 microplate reader permits quantification at multiplex formats (6 to 384-well) for absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence, thus enabling multiple biochemical assays at the same time.
