Research Instrumentation

Horiba LabRAM 800

Raman spectroscopy can provide detailed information about chemical structure, phase/polymorphy, crystallinity and molecular interactions. Coupling a microscope with a Raman spectrometer allows for better spatial and spectral resolution. Raman spectroscopy provides similar information to FTIR, often without the sample preparation that is necessary for FTIR.  Fluorescence can cause interfere with Raman spectroscopy, which does not happen with FTIR.

Technical Expert: Scott Darveau
Location: BHS 112

Cary 100 with temperature controller

UV-Vis spectroscopy is often used to characterize electronic structure, quantitate solutions, learn about host-guest interactions, and explore reaction kinetics.  The Cary 100 can measure up to 12 samples at a time. With the temperature controller the Cary can measure samples at temperatures from -10 °C to 100 °C. The Cary is used in our upper division Chemistry laboratories.

Technical Expert: Mike Moxley
Location: BHS 417

Shimadzu UV1900i

UV-Vis spectroscopy is often used to characterize electronic structure, quantitate solutions, learn about host-guest interactions, and explore reaction kinetics.  The Cary 100 can measure up to 12 samples at a time. With the temperature controller the Cary can measure samples at temperatures from -10 °C to 100 °C. The Cary is used in our upper division Chemistry laboratories.

Technical Expert: Jeramie Ellis
Location: BHS 417

Thermo-Nicolet Nexus 670

FTIR is a common technique used to identify organic, polymeric and some inorganic materials. The Nexus 670 can obtain FTIR spectra from nujol mulls, KBr pellets, ATR, and solution cells. By using liquid nitrogen as a coolant, the Nexus 670 can take near IR (NIR) spectra. FTIR obtains similar information as Raman spectroscopy. However, unlike Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence does not cause interference with FTIR.

Technical Expert: Chris Exstrom
Location: BHS 112

Bruker Alpha II with Platinum ATR

FTIR is a common technique used to identify organic, polymeric and some inorganic materials. The Alpha II can collect FTIR spectra using many different modules. The Platinum-ATR module is an ideal choice for both solid and liquid samples.  The construction of the ATR assembly allows the application of very high pressure, so even very hard samples can be measured. FTIR obtains similar information as Raman spectroscopy. However, unlike Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence does not cause interference with FTIR.

Technical Expert: Haishi Cao
Location: BHS 411

Horiba Fluoromax-4, and Fluoromax-4C

Fluorescence can be used to quantify samples very accurately. It can also be used to tag and track molecules through a biological system. The Fluoromax can measure the fluorescence of solid or liquid samples in the range of 200 - 850 nm. The Fluoromax-4, in BHS 417 has a temperature-controlled cell that will allow measurements to be taken at temperatures of -10°C to 220°C. 

Technical Expert: Haishi Cao
Location: BHS 411 (Fluoromax-4C)
BHS 417 (Fluoromax-4)

Horiba Fluoromax+

Fluorescence can be used to quantify samples very accurately. It can also be used to tag and track molecules through a biological system. The Fluoromax can measure the fluorescence of solid or liquid samples in the range of 200 - 850 nm. The Fluoromax Plus can also take near-IR (NIR) spectra.

Technical Expert: Mahesh Pattabiraman
Location: BHS 413

Denovix DS-11 FX+

The DS-11 FX+ is a microvolume UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The main use for this instrument is to quantify and qualify DNA, RNA, and protein samples. Typical sample size is 1 µL. The DS-11 FX+ has an integrated 4-channel fluorometer, that enables up to 1000X more sensitivity.

Technical Expert: Kounovsky-Shafer
Location: BHS 411A

NanoDrop ONE

The Thermo Scientific™ NanoDrop™ One Microvolume UV-Vis Spectrophotometer allows easy, accurate and fast quantification of DNA, RNA and protein. The technology can quantify, as well as identify contaminants. It uses only 1-2 ul of sample and provides a full-data analysis within seconds.

Technical Expert: Kim Carlson
Location: BHS 235

Bruker D2 Phaser

XRD is commonly used to identify the crystallographic structure of a material.  The D2 Phaser uses a focusing Bragg-Bretano geometry with a 300 W ceramic X-ray tube KFL Co–2K source and a 1D LYNXEYE detector.

Technical Expert: Chris Exstrom
Location: BHS 112

Dektak 150

The Dektak 150 is a contact stylist profilometer that is capable of 2D measurements of step height and surface topography. The Dektak 150 can perform measurements on films up to 90 mm thick and wafers up to 150 mm. Surface profilometry is commonly used to determine film thickness and the height and/or width of 3D printed microchannels.

Technical Expert: Scott Darveau
Location: BHS 112

Tencor Alpha Step D-500

The D-500 is a contact stylist profilometer that supports 2D measurements of step height, roughness, bow and stress. Adjustable fore and choice of stylus enable accurate measurements of a wide variety of structures and materials. The D-500 is capable of 2D step height measurements from a couple of nanometers up to 1200 micrometers. Surface profilometry is commonly used to determine surface topography (roughness), film thickness, the height and/or width of microchannels.

Technical Expert: Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer
Location: BHS 417

Malvern Panalytical Epsilon 4

The Malvern Panalytical Epsilon 4 is a desktop energy dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) with the elemental range of carbon (C) to americium (Am) for sample concentrations that range from sub-ppm to 100 wt%. The Epsilon 4 is capable of handling solids (pressed and loose powders), liquids and filters on sample sizes as low as a few milligrams.

Technical Expert: Chris Exstrom, Scott Darveau
Location: BHS 114

DSC: TA Instruments Q20 w/RCS 40

The Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) measures heat flow into and out of a system. This information can be used to characterize phase transitions and reaction kinetics. We can take measurements at temperatures from -40°C to 300 °C, under a nitrogen purge gas. Typical sample sizes are 5 to 10 mg. The SDT is used in our upper division Chemistry laboratories.

Technical Expert: Jeramie Ellis
Location: BHS 417

SDT: TA Instruments Q600

The Simultaneous DSC and TGA (SDT) is capable of functioning as a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and as a Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA). The SDT can simultaneously measure the heat flow into and out of a system and the mass of the system. This is particularly useful for measuring heat flow in systems that undergo significant decomposition at the temperature(s) of interest. DSC and TGA data can be used to characterize phase transitions and reaction kinetics. Our SDT can collect data from room temperature to 1500°C. The SDT is set up to use nitrogen and compressed air as purge gases. Other purge gases could be used upon request. Typical sample sizes are 5 to 10 mg.

Technical Expert: Jeramie Ellis
Location: BHS 417

ITC: TA Instruments Nano ITC

Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) measures heat flow into and out of a liquid system. ITC is used to characterize host-guest, drug-protein, and ligand-metal interactions. This system is sensitive enough to measure the heat exchange that occurs when water is added to bulk water.

Technical Expert: Mahesh Pattabiraman
Location: BHS 417

Reactive Annealing/Physical Vapor Deposition

The reactive annealing/physical vapor deposition is a home-built instrument capable of controlling atmospheric composition and pressure (vacuum to slightly above 1 atm) within the reaction zone of an 8000W chamber heater. Temperatures may be programmed for specific ramp rates and hold temperature for the duration of the reaction. Most commonly used for simple non-reactive annealing or reactive annealing with sulfur or selenium for thin films in multiple applications.

Technical Expert: Scott Darveau
Location: BHS 105

Thin Film Plasma Sputtering

This system uses a magnetron plasma gun to sputter thin films on substrates. Film depth may be controlled from several nanometers to micrometers in thickness using any conductive metal target.

Technical Expert: Scott Darveau
Location: BHS 105

Delong America LVEM-5

The LVEM-5 is capable of imaging features and particles that are as small as 20 nm in size. While this model has a lower magnification than “full-sized” electron microscopes, it is capable of operating in multiple modes. Scanning mode (SEM) is particularly useful in surface analysis of thin films, and transmission mode (TEM) is useful in analyzing discrete nanoparticles

Technical Expert: Chris Exstrom
Location: BHS 112

Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS

The Zetasizer Nano ZS can characterize the size, molecular weight, zeta potential of colloids, nanoparticles, and molecules (Proteins). The Nano ZS uses NIBS (Non-Invasive Back-Scatter) and M3-PALS (Phase Analysis Light Scattering) to ensure a wide size and concentration range, reducing the requirements for sample preparation.

Technical Expert: Haishi Cao
Location: BHS 411

PREP HPLC: Gilson PLC 2020

Preparative High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (Prep HPLC) is typically used to separate and purify mixtures for downstream operations. Prep HPLC offers much better resolution than flash chromatography. To accomplish this, prep HPLC requires lower sample sizes than flash chromatography. The Gilson PLC 2020 is capable of producing flow rates from 1 to 100 mL/min with pressures up to 4060 psi. It has an integrated dual wavelength UV-Vis detector and fraction collection capabilities. Typical sample sizes are 1 to 10 mL.

Technical Expert: Allen Thomas
Location: BHS 405A

 PREP HPLC: Gilson semi-prep HPLC

Preparative High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (Prep HPLC) is typically used to separate and purify mixtures for downstream operations. A semi-prep HPLC is capable of performing both preparatory and analytical HPLC. The Gilson semi-prep HPLC is equipped with a 322 H2 pump that allows flow rates up to 30 mL/min at pressures up to 300 bar. Fraction collection is achieved via a GX-271 sample collector.

When utilized as prep HPLC, this instrument uses a UV-Vis detector and a Verity 1601 ELSD. The 157 UV-Vis detector is a single, but variable, wavelength detector capable of measuring absorbance from 190 to 750 nm. The 1601 ELSD is designed to provide low-temperature evaporation, which allows for detection of semi-volatile or thermally labile compounds.

When utilized as an analytical HPLC the instrument uses a Verity 1741 UV-Vis DAD detector. The Verity 1741 UV-Vis detector is a multi-wavelength detector capable of monitoring wavelengths from 200 to 800 nm.

Technical Expert: Hector Palencia
Location: BHS 409

LCMS: Agilent 1260 Infinity

Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) is used to separate and identify the components of a mixture. LCMS is particularly useful in separating mixtures that have components that have low thermal stability. The 1260 Infinity LC system is fitted with an autosampler, UV detector and single quad MSD that is capable of analysis under positive or negative polarity. Typical sample size for LCMS is 1 - 10 µL.

Technical Expert: Allen Thomas
Location: BHS 417

GCMS: Agilent 7820A GC w/ 5975 MS

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) is used to separate and identify the components of a mixture. GCMS is best suited for mixtures that have components with a high degree of thermal stability. Our GCMS operates with helium as the carrier gas. Typical sample size for GCMS is on the order of several microliters. The GCMS is used in our upper division Chemistry laboratories.

Technical Expert: Annette Moser
Location: BHS 417

Jasco RHPLC system

Reverse phase High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (RHPLC) is a common method for the analysis and purification of peptides, proteins, and glycoproteins. The Jasco RHPLC system is equipped with a PU-4180 pump capable of delivering flow rates up to 5 mL/min with pressures up to 700 bar. The AS-4150 autosampler is a high-capacity autosampler with a minimum injection cycle time of 30 s. The RHPLC system is equipped with two detectors. A MD-4010 photodiode array detector has a measurement wavelength range of 190 to 900 nm, capable of obtaining 100 spectra/s. The FP-4025 fluorescence detector is a dual wavelength detector with excitation and emission wavelength range of 220 to 700 nm.

Technical Expert: Mahesh Pattabiraman
Location: BHS 417

Teledyne Combiflash NextGen 300+

Flash chromatography is used to separate and purify mixtures for downstream operations. Flash chromatography can handle much larger samples than prep HPLC. To accomplish this, separation and purification occurs with a lower resolution than prep HPLC. The Combiflash NextGen 300+ is capable of producing flow rates from 1 to 300 mL/min with pressures up to 300 psi. Sample size can range from 10 mg to 30

The Combiflash in BHS 405 (Technical Expert: Allen Thomas) is equipped with an integrated UV-Vis detector.  
The Combiflash in BHS 411 Technical Expert: Haishi Cao) is equipped with an integrated UV-Vis ELSD detector.

Advion puriFlash XS 520 Plus

Flash chromatography is used to separate and purify mixtures for downstream operations. Flash chromatography can handle much larger samples than prep HPLC. To accomplish this, separation and purification occurs with a lower resolution than prep HPLC. The puriFlash XS 520 Plus is capable of producing flow rates from 1 to 300 mL/min with pressures up to 20 bar. The puriflash has a true quaternary gradient that allows simultaneously mixing of up to 4 channels and is equipped with an integrated UV detector

Technical Expert: Mahesh Pattabiraman
Location: BHS 413

Teledyne Combiflash RF+

Flash chromatography is used to separate and purify mixtures for downstream operations. Flash chromatography can handle much larger samples than prep HPLC. To accomplish this, separation and purification occurs with a lower resolution than prep HPLC. The Combiflash RF+ is capable of producing flow rates from 10 to 200 mL/min with pressures up to 200 psi. The Combiflash RF+ is equipped with an integrated UV-Vis detector.

Technical Expert: Hector Palencia
Location: BHS 409

Bruker Advance III HD 400 MHz

The main use for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is for sample characterization. The Advance III is equipped with an autosampler capable of holding 24 samples. Typical sample size is 5 - 10 mg for a 1H NMR, and 20 - 40 mg for a 13C NMR.

Technical Expert: Haishi Cao
Location: BHS 411C

ICP-OES Varian 720-ES

Inductively Couple Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is used to determine the elemental composition of an acidic solution. The 720-ES provides an exceptionally low detection limit (linear range from ppb to percentage levels) and is ideal for the analysis of waters, wastes, soils, sediments, foods, beverages, and agricultural samples. The 720-ES is able of measuring elements from trace to major levels simultaneously. Full spectrum coverage, from 167 to 785 nm, is provided by the VistaChip II CCD detector.

Technical Expert: Chris Exstrom, Mahesh Pattabiraman
Location: BHS 417

Motion Capture and Analysis

Strength training equipment, force plate technology, portable motion capture system, and a Biodex are available to collect data on the health, fitness, training, performance and injury prevention in athletes. The DARI system is a portable markerless motion analysis system that combines the information of functional and sport-specific screening for both simple and complex movement tasks.

Technical Expert: Dr. Kazuma Akehi
Location: Athletic Training Education Lab, Cushing Coliseum

GE Lunar IDXA2

The GE Lunar IDXA2 includes the newest technology that provides valid, reliable measures of fat mass, fat-free mass, bone mineral density, visceral fat and pediatric assessments.

Technical Expert: Dr. Kate Heelan
Location: Physical Activity and Wellness Lab, Cushing Coliseum

Light Force XLi

LightForce XLi deep tissue laser therapy is the first therapeutic modality that provides deep tissue heating and tissue regeneration that none of other therapeutic modalities can achieve efficiently.

Technical Expert: Dr. Kazuma Akehi
Location: Athletic Training Education Lab, Cushing Coliseum

Metabolic Testing

The ParvoMedics True One 2400 metabolic cart, assessment treadmill and bicycle ergometer are used for measuring resting and exercise energy expenditure and substrate metabolism. These instruments can be used for children and adults.

Technical Expert: Dr. Kate Heelan
Location: Physical Activity and Wellness Lab, Cushing Coliseum

HPP 750eco Memmert constant climate chambers

Capacity of 749L (200 kg max. loading); lockable doors with internal glass panels; control of temperature (+5 to +70 °C), humidity (10-90% rh) and lighting (cold white 5,500 Kelvin + warm white 2,700 Kelvin, 10k Lux light modules). Precise programming (with timers and alarms) is done directly on the units, or externally on a PC (usb or ethernet interfaces).”

Technical Expert: Benjamin Pelissie
Location: BHS 102A

The Smith-Toot SR-7 Tote Barge

The Smith-Toot SR-7 Tote Barge is designed for electrofishing in rivers and larger streams.  Included in the barge is a gas-powered generator, power box, one anode wand, and three 5-gallon buckets.  Training is required for new users, but those with previous experience using a similar tote barge unit do not require training. Gas for the generator will need to be replenished during and at the end of each rental by the renter.

Technical Expert: Dr. Melissa Wuellner
Location: BHS Annex

LiCOR 6800F

The LiCOR 6800F is a photosynthesis system capable of measuring combined gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence from leaves and aquatic samples.

Technical Expert: Dr. Gregory Pec
Location: BHS 306

METER Group WP4C

The WP4C Dewpoint PotentioMeter measures water potential of soils, roots, and leaf samples. The WP4C determines the relative humidity of the air above the sample in a sealed chamber, once the sample comes into equilibrium with the vapor, relative humidity is determined using the chilled mirror method. At the dew point, the WP4C measures temperature within 0.001 C, with -0.1 MPa to -300 MPa range for sample readings.

Technical Expert: Dr. Gregory Pec
Location: BHS 306

LiCOR 6400XT

The 6400-09 Soil CO2 Flux Chamber along with the LI-COR 6400XT is used to measure CO2 exchange from soils. A pressure equilibration tube, perforated manifold, and automated cycling regime ensure accurate and repeatable measurements

Technical Expert: Dr. Gregory Pec
Location: BHS 306

Reagent Instruments WinRHIZO STD4800

The Regent Instruments WinRHIZO w/Color optical scanner STD4800 w/lighting system is an image analysis system designed for automatic root and leaf tissue measurements, including morphology (length, area, volume), topology, architecture, and color analyses of washed plant tissue.

Technical Expert: Dr. Gregory Pec
Location: BHS 306

Nikon TE 2000

Nikon TE 2000 Fluorescence microscope is designed with multi-port and constructed so that ambient temperature fluctuations do not affect the microscope’s precision. Extendible configuration permits the addition of an optional light source and other attachments within the infinity path. Noise Terminator mechanism actively blocks stray light. This microscope is highly resistant to vibrations.

Technical Expert: Dr. Kimberly Carlson
Location: BHS 208

Olympus FV3000

 Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a technique for obtaining high-resolution optical images with depth selectivity and allows protein localization in specific cellular compartments. Supports complete workflows from live cell 2D-6D imaging through image processing & analysis. Macro/micro imaging of cells, tissues & small organisms.

• High sensitivity image multiplexing
• Super-resolution microscopy- 3D imaging
• Time-lapse imaging
• Deep tissue observation with silicone objectives
• Broad range image magnification

Technical Expert: Drs. Surabhi Chandra & Kim Carlson
Location: BHS 208

Leica SM2010 R Sliding Microtome

The SM2010 R is a manually operated sliding microtome used to create free-floating sections of specimen tissue which can then be stained for specific proteins and cells using immunohistochemistry. The cutting thickness range is 0.5 μm to 60 μm, with an automatic feed function between 0.5 μm and 30 μm. It is currently used in conjunction with a Physitemp Freezing Stage

Technical Expert: Dr. Nick Hobbs
Location: BHS 109

Leica CM1520 Cryostat

The Leica CM1520 is a high-performance cryostat for routine and research applications in biology, medicine, and industry. The machine is used to freeze and section specimen material and is suitable for in-vitro diagnostics (IVD). The temperature range of the chamber is from 0 to -30 °C. The section thickness range of the CM1520 is 2 μm to 60 μm.

Technical Expert: Dr. Nick Hobbs
Location: BHS 109

Beckman Coulter JXN-30 High Performance Centrifuge

Covering all of the applications of a floor-standing centrifuge, the Avanti® JXN-30 features rotor speed of 30,000 RPM and RCF greater than 100,000 x g. The exceptional, reliable performance, improved BioSafety* and advanced levels of networking found in the Avanti JXN-30 can help you master daily lab challenges, and achieve your daily goals with the throughput you need for shared labs, GMP environments, and networked instruments.

Technical Expert: Dr. Kim Carlson
Location: BHS 220A

Eppendorf Centrifuge 5804R

A benchtop refrigerated centrifuge offers the medium-throughput applications requiring speeds of up to 11,000 rpm.  It comes with a fixed–angle rotor accommodating 6 × 50 mL conical tubes for molecular applications. 

Technical Expert: Dr. Yipeng Sui
Location: BHS 212

Attune NxT 4-laser (BRYV6) Acoustic Focusing Cytometer

The Attune NxT 4-laser flow cytometer can detect 16 parameters (14 different colors + 2 parameters to detect cell size and complexity) with its laser combination (Blue, Red, Yellow, Violet – Thermo Fisher calls this machine the BRYV6 model). This machine has two detectors for the blue laser, three detectors for the red laser, three detectors for the yellow laser, and six detectors for the violet laser. The method the Attune NxT flow cytometer uses to focus cells (hydrodynamic focusing guided by acoustics) as it runs allows us to analyze more sample in a more efficient manner (10X faster than a typical flow cytometer), making detection of any sample much easier, let alone those samples with rare cellular populations.

Technical Expert: Dr. Joseph Dolence
Location: BHS 109

SONY Benchtop SH800S cell sorter

The benchtop SH800S cell sorter permits sorting of a wide range of cell sizes and applications using the 70 µm, 100 µm, and 130 µm microfluidics sorting chips.  Cell sorting allows the separation of cells based on their intra- or extracellular properties, including DNA, RNA, and protein interactions, size, and surface protein expression.  This cell sorter is equipped with 3 excitation lasers (405nm, 488nm, and 561nm) and 6 fluorescent detectors with measurement from 4 colinear lasers & sorts at 5,000 events/second, with 99% purity.  Six color User-supplied chip allows for minimal cross-contamination & automated setup.  This system supports sorting into tubes, 96- and 384-well plates. The software generates FCS 3.0 and FCS 3.1 files that can be exported to third party analysis tools.

Technical Expert: Dr. Austin Nuxoll
Location: BHS 207

BioRAD ChemiDoc MP (2 Instruments)

• Chemiluminescence, fluorescence capability
• Imaging and quantifying nucleic acid and proteins in gels and blots
• Touch screen display, camera and Image Lab Software

Technical Expert: Dr. Surabhi Chandra, Location: BHS 206

Technical Expert: Dr. Kim Carlson
Location: BHS 209

BioRAD Gel Doc Go

The GelDoc Go imaging System gives high-resolution, publication quality images of up to four nucleic acid or protein gels at once. The GelDocGo Imaging System also comes with three trays: 1) a UV tray for nucleic acid and stain-free imaging (ethidium bromide) and colorimetric blots with epi-white illumination, 2) a blue tray for DNA/RNA imaging and excision, and 3) a white tray for Coomassie and other trans-white applications.

Technical Expert: Nick Hobbs
Location: BHS 109

Agilent BioTek Synergy H1 Hybrid Multi-mode reader

A microplate reader is a spectrometer that is designed to use a microwell plate as the sample cuvette. The Synergy H1 is able of operating under multiple detection modes, UV-Vis absorbance (230 to 999 nm), Fluorescence intensity (250 to 700 nm), Luminescence, Fluorescence polarization and Time-resolved fluorescence. The Synergy H1 offers optics with variable bandwidth that allow the user to select for increased sensitivity or increased specificity. Microwell plates from 6 to 384 wells are supported with incubation up to 45°C.

Technical Expert: Mike Moxley
Location: BHS 232

BioTek Synergy H1MD

Technical Expert: Mahesh Pattabiraman
Location: BHS 205

Photo and description coming soon

CM Liberty Blue With HT-12 System

The Liberty blue peptide synthesis system is an automated microwave peptide synthesizer designed for Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis, capable of automated synthesis of 12 peptides sequentially over a scale range of 0.025 to 0.5 mmol.  The system is also capable of automated synthesis of a single peptide for scales of 0.005 to 0.01 and 1.0 to 5.0 mmol.  All reagent movements are controlled by nitrogen pressure.

Technical Expert: Hector Palencia
Location: BHS 409

Cryotank Storage

• Can accommodate 7000 x 2 ml vials
• Capacity 165L
• Vapor storage temperature of -185C or colder
• Extremely low nitrogen consumption
• Auto-fill convenience

Technical Expert: Dr. Surabhi Chandra
Location: BHS 206

ABI QuantStudio 5 Real-time PCR System

This system is designed for users who need superior performance, maximum dye versatility, and security options in a real-time PCR system that is affordable and easy to use. The optimized Design and Analysis software is ideal for both first-time and experienced users. Using proven OptiFlex technology (featuring six decoupled channels and white LED) and featuring six independent Veriflex temperature zones, the system enables improved data accuracy and sensitivity for a broad range of genomic applications. The system also offers the built-in software features of electronic record security and prevention of unauthorized instrument access.

Technical Expert: Dr. Kim Carlson
Location: BHS 234

BioRad Fully Automated QX200 Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR)

Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) is a method for performing digital PCR that is based on water-oil emulsion droplet technology. A sample is fractionated into 20,000 droplets, and PCR amplification of the template molecules occurs in each individual droplet. ddPCR technology uses reagents and workflows similar to those used for most standard TaqMan probe-based assays. The massive sample partitioning is a key aspect of the ddPCR technique. Absolute quantification of target molecules for EvaGreen & probe-based ddPCR™ can be achieved. Automated Droplet Generator simplifies workflow, making ddPCR scalable and practical.

Technical Expert: Dr. Julie Shaffer
Location: BHS 234

Qiagen TissueLyser II

The Qiagen TissueLyser II can be used to pulverize animal or leaf tissue in preparation for DNA extraction. Up to 192 samples can be pulverized simultaneously. The process only takes about 2 minutes and is much more time efficient than grinding tissue using a mortar and pestle.

Technical Expert: Dr. Bryan Drew
Location: BHS 211

Gentlemacs Octo Dissociator with Heaters

The gentleMACS Octo Dissociator with Heaters tissue dissociator allows you to break down tissue from humans, mice, or other organisms for downstream cellular or molecular applications. Using specialized tubes along with specialized reagents (e.g. organ dissociation kits) obtained from Miltenyi Biotec, investigators can isolate high-quality single-cell suspensions for cellular analysis or homogenous tissue lysates for Western blots. The machine uses standardized protocols to significantly reduce user error while preparing these samples and therefore allowing investigators to obtain samples more easily for research applications.

Technical Expert: Dr. Joseph Dolence
Location: BHS 109

ELx405 Automated Plate Washer for 96-well plates

The ELx405 Plate Washer allows investigators to save time and reagents during ELISA protocols by automating the washing process. Using either pre-programmed or self-designed washing procedures, this machine makes washing plates more efficient. For typical washes, once you start the wash procedure, the machine aspirates up the samples in each of the 96-well plate and then dispenses wash buffer into each well before aspirating the wash buffer again to complete the wash step. Investigators can program the machine to do multiple wash steps as well as allowing the buffer to soak in the wells before aspiration.

Technical Expert: Dr. Joseph Dolence
Location: BHS 109

Tissue Culture Rooms

Tissue culture rooms are essential to manipulating infectious agents or cell cultures from various animals and plants.  Isolating tissue culture operations from the open lab reduces the risk of contamination of mammalian cell cultures and random exposure to biohazards. It’s important for labs containing higher risk biological materials to be equipped with appropriate engineering controls, including a hand washing sink. Two tissue culture rooms are equipped with sinks, as well as biosafety cabinets and CO2 incubators.  One room is a larger with two 6 foot biosafety cabinets, 2 CO2incubators, a full size fridge, microscope, centrifuge, as well as accessory equipment.  The smaller room has a 4 foot biosafety cabinet, office size fridge, one CO2 incubator, and a centrifuge. Both are equipped with vacuum aspiration systems and are BSL2 designated.

Technical Expert: Surabhi Chandra
Location: BHS 209 and 233

Double Walled-Sound Booth and Audiological Equipment

The department of Communication Disorders has an audiological testing facility. The double-walled sound booth is ADA compliant and can serve patients of all ages. The audiology equipment includes diagnostic two-channel audiometers of tone and speech testing. Infants can be tested with our computerized visual reinforcement audiological equipment.

Technical Expert: Jan Moore

Mobile Audiology Lab

The UNK Mobile Speech & Hearing Clinic was purchased in 2008 for provision of services at community fairs and schools.  The 34-foot van contains a small soundbooth and a waiting area. It uses 220-volt power to operate the van. It is used primarily at agricultural fairs for hearing loss research.

Technical Expert: Jan Moore

AAC Lab incl/ Eye-Tracking

The focus of the Speech and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) lab is to implement the use of diagnostic equipment and AAC devices for adults and children with severe physical impairments. The lab is home to a host of diagnostic equipment for speech, communication and swallowing. Included among the instruments are the following: speech and voice diagnostic equipment; Phonatory Aerodynamic System; PENTAX Model 6450 Nasometer II; and various augmentative and alternative communication equipment including eye-gaze communication equipment and devices to accommodate motor diversity.

Contact: Communication Disorders Department

Boothless Audiometry

The department of Communication Disorders has an EDARE boothless audiometry system that allows accurate assessment of hearing sensitivity in real world environments. The equipment is controlled by a tablet. UNK is the first facility outside the US Military to have a boothless EDARE system.

Technical Expert: Jan Moore
Location: College of Education A 109