Equipment

The Core currently houses and operates the following equipment: 
This equipment is intended for Molecular Genomics personnel use only.

Applied Biosystems 3130xl Genetic Analyzer is the latest generation of 16-capillary electrophoresis instruments for the low to medium throughput laboratories. The system offers industry-leading performance, plus sophisticated automation capabilities allowing you to save time, reduce costs and increase productivity.

Affymetrix Scanner
The GeneArray™ Scanner uses an argon-ion laser to excite fluorescent molecules incorporated into the nucleic acid target to generate a quantitative hybridization signal. All you do is add the hybridized array. With precise optics, the GeneArray™ scanner focuses the laser on 3-micron spots within each of the thousands of probe features contained on the GeneChip® probe array. A high-resolution image of the probe array is displayed in real time during scanning, and fluorescence intensity data is automatically stored in a raw file. The easy to use scanner will provide you with high quality data for years to come.

GeneChip Fluidics Station 400
The GeneChip® Fluidics Station automates the introduction of the nucleic acid target to the probe array cartridge, controls the delivery of reagents and the timing and temperature for hybridization of nucleic acid target to the probe array. Each fluidics station can independently process four arrays at one time.
Simply load the probe array nucleic acid target you've prepared on the fluidics station. Enter information about the type of array to be analyzed and press a key to start the process. The software automatically selects the appropriate protocol. Once processing is complete, messages are displayed on the PC and the fluidics station that the probe array is ready for scanning.

GeneChip Hybridization Oven 640
The Hybridization Oven 640 automates your hybridization process for GeneChip® probe arrays. The oven provides precise temperature control to ensure successful hybridization, and cartridge rotation to provide continuous mixing. Up to 64 arrays can be processed at one time. The digital speed control display provides you with the option of selecting specific rotation speeds and to visually monitor the speed during the cycle.

Gene Pix4000B
The GenePix 4000B scanner and GenePix Pro software is powerful, flexible, and easy to learn and use.
Simultaneously scans microarray slides at two wavelengths using a dual laser scanning system, which dramatically reduces scan time.

• User-selectable laser power
• User-selectable focus position.
• Displays images from up to four channels and three ratios as they are acquired in real time.
• Precisely controls the scan area, further reducing scan time and image storage requirements.
• Includes three GenePix Pro software for maximum efficiency and full microarray spot finding and analysis capability

ABI Prism 7000 Sequence Detection System
Multicolor detection provides flexibility for multiplex quantitation assays, allelic discrimination assays, and plus/minus assays

• Precision optics, combined with a sophisticated multicomponenting algorithm, provide accurate, highly-reproducible results
• Small footprint facilitates easy placement in any laboratory
• Peltier-based, 96-well block thermal cycling system is easy to use with standard 96-well plates or 0.2 mL tubes
• Proven assay development guidelines save time and money

7500 Real-Time PCR System
The Applied Biosystems 7500 Real-Time PCR System is a powerful platform for labs requiring superior performance and maximum dye versatility. The 7500 Real-Time PCR System is a sophisticated platform for users who require extended capabilities and maximum versatility. The 3rd generation platform features an innovative optical system that enhances sensitivity and lets you access a broader range of fluorophores. The variable excitation capability allows greater sensitivity for longer wavelength (red) dyes.

• Powerful, five-color platform is calibrated for the broadest range of dyes available: FAM™/SYBR® Green I, VIC®/JOE™, NED™/ TAMRA™/ Cy3™, ROX™/Texas Red®, and Cy5™ dyes
• Specialized optical system enables easy and accurate calibration to new dyes without requiring the addition of new filter sets
• Advanced multi-componenting algorithm minimizes spectral crosstalk – superior for multiplexing
• User-friendly software includes plate set-up wizards, multi-plate data viewing capabilities, and advanced analysis tools to make data processing simple and straightforward

NanoDrop® ND-1000 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer

The NanoDrop® ND-1000 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer enables highly accurate analyses of 1 microliter samples at an affordable price. The novel sample retention system eliminates the need for cuvettes and improves laboratory efficiency.

• Only 1 microliter of sample required
• Only 30 seconds to load sample, analyze and prepare for next sample!
• No cuvette needed
• No dilutions required on dsDNA samples up to 3700 ng/microliter
• Highly accurate UV/Vis spectrum
• Small footprint

Beckman Biomek FX
Plate Replication Solutions

• Four formatting options 96-96, 96-384, 384-96, 384-384
• Add up to three reagents
• Large plate capacity — up to 240 plates with Stacker Carousel
• User interchangeable 96- or 384-channel pipetting heads
• Software Wizard Integrated gripper for moving labware
• Automated tip loading

MJ Research Peltier Tetrad Thermal Cycler
The DNA Engine Tetrad™ thermal cycler expands the envelope of discovery beyond the pioneering PTC-200 DNA Engine™ cyler. It has four times the capacity with a footprint only twice the size, providing very high throughput for laboratories that run massive quantities of reactions, such as sequencing or diagnostic labs.

The Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer uses lab-on-a-chip technology to provide improved analysis of DNA, RNA, proteins and cells through:

• Automation for improved accuracy and reproducibility
• Rapid visualisation of sample quality and quantity
• High sensitivity with minimal sample quantities
• Significant time savings - up to12 samples in 30 minutes
• Easy comparison or sharing of digital sample data
• Simple, robust protocols and reagents
• Reduced use and waste of hazardous chemicals