Technology & Specialized Equipment
At the Genomics & Bioinformatics Core Facility (GBCF), we leverage cutting-edge technologies such as Illumina sequencing, single-cell analysis, and spatial transcriptome analysis to facilitate comprehensive data acquisition for a wide range of applications. Our range of genomic and computational equipment is tailored to meet the needs of our research community. We have the tools needed to drive scientific advancement.
Next-Generation Sequencing
Illumina MiSeq System: A compact benchtop sequencer well-suited for small-scale sequencing projects up to 15 Gbps and 50 million paired-reads per run.
Illumina NextSeq 2000 System: A robust benchtop sequencer designed to deliver flexible sequencing solutions for a range of genomic applications and scalable up to 540 Gbps and 3.6 billion paired-reads per run.
Single-Cell Analysis
10x Genomics Chromium iX: GEMx technology utilizes a distinct reagent delivery system to partition individual cells or nuclei for simultaneous preparation of next-generation sequencing libraries.
Invitrogen Countess II Automated Cell Counting System: An advanced image-based technology designed to accurately quantify cell numbers and assess cell viability within a sample.
Spatial Transcriptome Analysis
10X Genomics Visium Cytassist: A specialized instrument designed to automate tissue sectioning, mounting onto Visium slides, and staining protocols.
10X Genomics Xenium in situ system: An in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) compatible technology for visualizing and analyzing gene expression patterns and protein localization within tissue samples.
Biocomputation Equipment
[Coming Soon]
Specialized Laboratory Equipment
Applied Biosystems 3730xl Genetic Analysis System: A capillary electrophoresis instrument designed for DNA sequencing (Sanger), genotyping, fragment analysis, and mutation detection.
Qiagen TissueLyser: A specialized instrument designed for disruption and homogenization of biological samples (i.e. tissue and cells) to extract DNA/RNA, proteins and other biomolecules by shaking using tubes with stainless steel, tungsten carbide, or glass beads.
Covaris S220 Focused-ultrasonicator: Utilizes Adaptive Focused Acoustics (AFA) tubes designed for precise and controlled shearing of DNA, RNA, chromatin, and other biological materials.
Sage Science BluePippin Automated DNA Size Selection System: Ideal for efficient and precise extraction of DNA fragments of defined sizes by separating DNA fragments of 100 bp to 50 kbp using pulsed-field electrophoresis.
Agilent TapeStation 4150: An automated electrophoresis system designed for DNA and RNA fragment analysis utilizing a microfluidic "screentape". The instrument loads each sample into an independent channel for fragment analysis while the on-board software generates peak and region table analysis in an exportable report.
BioRad ChemiDoc XRS+ Gel Imaging System: An instrument designed for imaging and analysis of fluorescent or chemiluminescent samples, fluorescence, and colorimetric imaging. The maximum image area is 25 cm x 25 cm (9.8 inches x 9.8 inches) and suitable for imaging gels with up to 50 lanes across.
Molecular Devices SpectraMax iD3 Multi-mode microplate reader: A versatile plate reader utilizing a monochromator system, enabling multi-mode analysis of various biological and chemical assays within microplates. This instrument accommodates absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence read modes, offering four types of readings: endpoint, kinetic, well scan, and spectrum. Additionally, it features temperature control and shaking functionalities. For absorbance assays, the SpectraDrop 24-well Low Volume Microplate is compatible, allowing micro-volume measurements.
Invitrogen Qubit 4 Fluorometer: A instrument designed to quantify the concentration of DNA or RNA and can also generate an RNA integrity number. The MyQubit assay design tool allows for the creation of custom assays. Additionally, preconfigured MyQubit assays are available for quantifying cholesterol, galactose, glucose, glutamic acid, peroxide, or sucrose, which can be downloaded and uploaded into the instrument for immediate use.
Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 2000 Spectrophotometer: An instrument that quickly and accurately measures nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) concentration and its purity.
BioRAD Opus 96 Real-Time PCR System: A specialized instrument capable of analyzing 96 wells with a sample volume ranging from 10 µL to 50 µL. It includes 6 filtered LEDs and 6 filtered photodiodes for detection, covering an excitation range of 450–684 nm and an emission range of 510–730 nm. The system operates in a 96-well format and offers a gradient temperature range of 30°C to 100°C, with a programmable range of 1°C to 25°C across 12 columns. The accompanying Bio-Rad Maestro Software enables end-users to monitor amplification curves in real-time, cycle by cycle, providing valuable insights into the progress of PCR reactions.
Eppendorf Mastercycler X50s, silver block: A specialized instrument capable of analyzing 96 wells with a sample volume ranging from 10 µL to 100 µL. The system operates in a 96-well format and offers a gradient temperature of 30°C to 99°C, with a programmable range of operational gradient range of 1°C to 30°C across 12 columns.
Eppendorf 5810R Centrifuge: A medium- to high-throughput refrigerated centrifuge generating speeds of up to 20,913 x g (14,000 rpm). The plate rotor accommodates all types of multiwell plates, such as PCR, cell culture, or deep-well plates.
Eppendorf 5430 Centrifuge: A benchtop centrifuge generating speeds up to 27,237 x g (17,000 rpm). The fixed angle rotor accommodates up to 24 1.5mL to 2.0mL tubes.
Benchmark Scientific MyFuge12 mini centrifuge: A compact personal centrifuge with a combination rotor accepting both 8-well strips and 1.5/2.0mL tubes. Maximum speed is 2,000 x g (5,500 rpm).
Eppendorf MixMate Universal Shaker: Designed for uniform mixing, shaking, and vortexing of samples with controlled speed and time, accommodating a single plate, 0.2mL strip tubes, 0.5mL tubes, and 1.5/2.0mL tubes.
Thermo Scientific Savant DNA120 SpeedVac: A vacuum concentrator system for rapid drying of aqueous solutions in 1.5/2.0mL tubes at ambient (23C), medium, (30C), and high (40C) temperature.
Millipore Milli-Q EQ 7000 Water Purification System: Millipore's Milli-Q EQ 7000 is an auto-dispensing water purification system outputting type 1 water (18.2 MΩ•cm).