Core Lab Equipment
Core Lab Equipment
Research growth at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center requires access to and support of appropriate cutting edge core equipment that is the driving edge of research. The University and the School of Pharmacy have invested substantial funds in critical core research equipment.
These core facilities are available for all School of Pharmacy research.
Abilene Core Equipment
Multispectral imaging flow cytometer with ability to locate and quantitate the distribution of signals on or within cells and between cells in cell conjugates.
Lasers:
405nm Violet Laser
488nm Sapphire Laser
658nm Red Laser
785nm
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Click here for --> Manual |
Dr. Irene La-Beck
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About:
Create high-quality digital slides with the ultra-compact Aperio CS2 image capture device – from your desktop. With a five-slide capacity and 20X and 40x magnification capabilities, the Aperio CS2 is a highly reliable workhorse for medium-volume sites.
Aperio CS2 is the ideal tool for preparing slides and data to be shared with other team members for collaboration. Remote assessment of digital slides can improve study turnaround time and ease of access for team members.
A compact, small footprint, high image quality whole slide line scanning instrument, Aperio CS2 occupies only 1.6 square feet of bench top space.
Key Features:
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External sharing and collaboration (institution to institution)
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Internal sharing (Hub & Spoke Network)and collaboration
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eIHC image analysis
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Contract research
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Tissue microarrays
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Click here for --> Manual |
Dr. Maciej Markiewski |
The BD LSRFortessa™ cell analyzer offers the ultimate in choice for flow cytometry, providing power, performance, and consistency. Designed to be affordable and expandable, the BD LSRFortessa has the flexibility to support the expanding needs of multicolor flow cytometry assays. The BD LSRFortessa analyzer can be configured with up to 4 lasers—blue, red, violet, and UV—which enables the detection of up to 18 colors simultaneously. The BD LSRFortessa may be upgraded subsequently with additional or new lasers from BD, as future requirements dictate.
Lasers:
405 Violet Laser
488 Blue Laser
640 Red Laser
Key Features:
- The fluidics system is pressure driven. Hydrodynamic focusing forces sample cells through the cuvette flow cell, where they are interrogated. The flow cell is in fixed alignment with the laser and gel-coupled to the collection optics. This design ensures that the laser is precisely focused on the sample stream and the maximum amount of emitted light can be collected for added sensitivity in multicolor applications. Fixed alignment also minimizes startup time, improves experiment-to-experiment reproducibility, and enables automated daily quality control.
- The optics system consists of laser excitation optics that illuminate cells in the sample, and collection optics that direct light scatter and fluorescence signals through spectral filters to detectors. Innovative designs for both the excitation optics and collection optics in BD LSRFortessa systems reduce excitation losses and optimize collection efficiency for increased sensitivity and resolution.
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-SOP Click here for --> Manual |
Dr. Laurence Wood |
About:
The BD FACSAria cell sorter sets a new standard for high-performance flow cytometry. Based on an entirely new design in instrumentation, the BD FACSAria instrument is the first benchtop sorter that incorporates a fixed-alignment cuvette flow cell. The numerous technological advances embodied in the BD FACSAria cell sorter reduce the cost of owning a highspeed sorter and accelerate research by providing unparalleled, easy-to-use, high-performance sorting and analysis.
With 3 lasers, it can detect up to 11 fluorochromes, for a total of 13 parameters:
488 nm: 7 detectors (SSC + 6 fluorochromes)
633 nm: 3 detectors
405 nm (violet): 2 detectors
Key Features:
- High-speed cell sorting
- 3 air-cooled lasers (blue: 488, red: 633, and violet: 407 nm)
- Digital acquisition rates of up to 70,000 events/second
- Multicolour analysis (up to 9 colors)
- Two- and four-way bulk sorting into tubes and 96-well plates
- Optical filters to detect fluorophores in the following nine channels:
- Digital Fluorescence-activated cell sorter
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Click here for --> Manual |
Dr. Laurence Wood |
About:
The A1 is Nikon's powerful fully-automated confocal imaging system, capable of capturing high-quality confocal images of cells and molecular events at high speed and enhanced sensitivity. Ideal for facilities with a broad range of users, the A1 has been designed with groundbreaking new optical and electronic technology innovations to provide unprecedented system quality and flexibility.
Equipped with 4 lasers 405, 488, 561, and 635nm.
High precision motorized-focus, and image capture in 3D and many more features.
Key Features:
- A high-speed resonant scanner allows imaging of intracellular dynamics at 30 frames per second (Fps). Moreover, image acquisition of 420 fps is also possible.
- Simultaneous imaging and photo activation with the proprietary hybrid scanner reveal intermolecular interaction. Analysis software for FRAP and FRET is provided standard.
- Fast spectral image acquisition for 32 channels at a maximum of 24 fps (512 x 32 pixels) is possible. New real-time spectral unmixing and the V-filtering function expand the range of use of spectral images.
- Fluorescence efficiency is increased by 30 percent, and S/N ratio of images is also increased. With diverse new technologies such as the VAAS pinhole unit, superior image quality has been achieved.
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-SOP Click here for --> Manual |
Dr. Magdalena Karbowniczek |
Amarillo Core Equipment
About:
This highly anticipated instrument has been set up in core laboratory Room 1207 of the Amarillo Research Building and is ready for work after initial installation, testing and training is completed. It is equipped with three lasers and can measure up to 10 parameters, offering more options for researchers when designing assays. It is also outfitted with a Flow Sensor, which allows an accurate measurement of cell or particle concentration.
The equipment was purchased with funds provided by Dr. Douglas Stocco and the TTUHSC Research Office, the Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biomedical Sciences at the School of Pharmacy and the Office of Sciences at the School of Pharmacy. The School of Pharmacy is very excited for this new resource at the Amarillo campus and we wish to thank everyone involved for supporting and advancing this initiative.
Key Features:
- Digital Fluorescence-activated cell sorter
- 2-way sorting and 4-way sorting
- Two excitation lasers at 488nm and 633nm wavelength
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Texas Tech University Health Science Center |
Dr. Ulrich Bickel, M.D. Dr. Zijuan Liu, Ph.D. (for training and assistance) |
About:
The Lumina XR system combines highly sensitive bioluminescence and fluorescence molecular optical imaging with the anatomical precision of digital x-ray. Integrating these three imaging modalities provides researchers with additional capabilities to explore the molecular basis of disease and determine the response to drug therapies.
Key Features:
MULTIMODAL IMAGING
In vivo preclinical imaging of brain metastases of breast cancer. Left panel shows
metastases distribution and location in mouse overlayed on a radiographic image. Scale
bar shows areas that have greater tumor burden. Histological verification confirms
tumor distribution and location. Imageable metastases were captured approximately
four weeks after brain seeking MDA-MB-231 cells were stably transfected with Luc-2
and injected into the circulation of the mouse. (Dr. Paul Lockman)
Imaging
- InVivo IVIS Lumina XR Imaging
- InVitro Organ or Tissue Sections
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center |
Dr. Ulrich Bickel, M.D. Dr. Zijuan Liu (for training and assistance) |
About:
IR VIVO is an infrared multispectral imager for small animal studies. This system benefits from reduced light scattering, absorption and auto-fluorescence by using a detection system in the near and short-wave infrared. Visualize your biomarkers in vivo and in real-time with optimized contrast resolution and sensitivity. IR VIVO takes advantage of the most recent developments in SWIR imaging with an ultra-low-noise InGaAs camera (Alizé 1.7 or ZephIR 1.7), novel homogeneous illumination and powerful analytical software to provide an unprecedented combination of fast, high resolution and deep imaging.
NIR-II Imaging properties
- High spatial resolution
- High temporal resolution (real-time dynamics)
- Non-ionizing & non-invasive
- Good penetration depth (10x greater than traditional visible optical systems).
About:
The UHPLC/MS/MS system is composed of a highly sensitive AB SCIEX QTRAP 5500 mass spectrometer interfaced to a Shimadzu NEXERA Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (UHPLC). The NEXERA UHPLC offers pressure range up to 19000 psi and is suitable for both conventional and fast analysis in combining use of small particle column. The QTRAP 5500 is a hybrid Triple Quadrupole Linear Ion Trap mass spectrometer, offering some very unique features.
- Mass/charge range of 5-1250 Da in triple quadrupole mode and 5-1000 Da in linear ion trap mode.
- Operating software : Analyst 1.6.3; Quantitation software: MultiQuant 3.0.3.
- Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) quantitation using triple quadrupole system.
- Both qualitative and quantitative analysis in single run.
- High sensitivity and relatively high resolution full-scan MS, MS/MS, and MS3 in Linear Ion Trap mode.
- Triple quadrupole precursor ion and neutral loss scans.
- Metabolite identification facilitated by LightSight 2.2.1and ACD/labs MS processor.
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center |
Dr. Ulrich Bickel, M.D. Dhaval Patel |
About:
This instrument offers a superior quantitative result with its Triple Quadrupole (QQQ) technology as well as optional Linear Ion Trap (LIT) functionality. This instrument mostly used in our core facility for the Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) of small molecules quantitative analysis which provides highly sensitive and reproducible results from complex matrices such as plasma, urine, tissues, etc. The QTRAP technology offers additional scan type such as MRM3 (MS/MS/MS), Enhanced Product Ion Scans (EPI) and many more that offers additional benefits of septicity and semi-qualitative analysis through its unique QTRAP technology.
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center |
Dr. Ulrich Bickel, M.D. Dhaval Patel |
About:
The Varian LC/MS/MS system is composed of a 1200L triple quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled to a Varian ProStar HPLC.
Key Features:
- Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) quantitation
- Triple quadrupole Precursor ion and Neutral loss scan
- Easy to use operating software
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center |
Dr. Ulrich Bickel, M.D. Dhaval Patel |
About:
Key Features:
- DMi8 inverted microscope stand
- Immersion lenses for super resolution imaging (< 50 nm)
- 86x (water), 93x (glycerol), 100x (oil)
- White light laser, 405 nm UV laser
- Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) module for optical super resolution
- STED lasers 592 nm, 660 nm, 775 nm
- 4 hybrid detectors, resonant scanner, transmitted light detector
- Fluorescence lifetime imaging
- On-stage live cell incubation system (Okolab)
- Normoxia, hypoxia, hyperoxia
- LAS X Control and Analysis Software
- Deconvolution (Lightning Expert)
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center |
Dr. Ulrich Bickel, M.D. Alexander Mdzinarishvili, Ph.D. |
About:
Ptychographic Quantitative Phase Imaging
Livecyte™ utilises ptychography to capture relative phase shift information, allowing high contrast images to be generated using low level illumination.Individual cells can be identified and characterised according to morphological and behavioural characteristics, providing accurate data for quantitative analysis.
Fluorescence-like images without the compromise
Label-free imaging using low level illumination allows individual cells to be continuously monitored for weeks at a time, without altering cell behaviour.
About:
In live cells and tissue imaging, a key technology is two photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM). It minimizes phototoxic effects and offers the possibility to image deep into tissues. A set of instruments using this powerful technology is available in the Imaging Facility at School of Pharmacy.
Key Features:
- Simultaneous excitation imaging with two-wavelength IR laser
- Deep in vivo imaging with super high-sensitive GaAsP NDD
Ultrahigh-speed imaging of up to 420 frames per second
Multi-color in vivo imaging
Deep specimen imaging with non-descanned detectors (NDD)
Nikon's high-NA objectives are ideal for multiphoton imaging
Auto laser alignment when changing multiphoton excitation wavelength
Two types of scanning head enable high-speed, high-quality imaging
NIS-Elements C acquisition and analysis software
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center- SOP |
Dr. Ulrich Bickel, M.D. Dr. Zijuan "Amy" Liu, Ph.D. |
About:
The XFe Analyzer simultaneously measures the two major energy pathways of the cell — mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis — in live cells using a label-free, solid-state sensor cartridges in a microplate format. The XFe Analyzer works with all cell types, including primary cells, cell lines, suspension cells, as well as islets, C. elegans, yeast, and isolated mitochondria.
Key Features:
- Simultaneously measure oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in all assay wells.
- Rapidly detect cellular responses to substrates, inhibitors, and other perturbants.
- Test more conditions with the same amount of sample, maximizing the value of each experiment.
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Texas Tech University Health Science Center-SOP |
Dr. Ulrich Bickel, M.D. Dhaval Patel |
Dallas Core Equipment
A Sciex QTRAP® 5500 which is interfaced with a UHPLC, nano-LC or micro-LC system.
A Sciex QTRAP® 6500+ which is interfaced with a UHPLC, nano-LC or micro-LC system.
A Sciex TripleTOF™ 5600 which is interfaced with interfaced with a UHPLC, nano-LC or micro-LC system.
The Center’s UHPLC-MS/MS systems can be interfaced with Sciex’s SelexION™ which provides the unique capability to separate analytes with identical molecular weights and retention times.
Amarillo Common Equipment
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| EZ Anesthesia | Versa Fex | ARB-B215 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Amsco | 3033S | SOP-423 |
| Amsco | SV1262 | ARB-1206A |
| Amsco | Lab 250 | SOP-431B |
| Tuttnauer EZ 10 (Small) | 2540EA | SOP-423 |
| Tuttnauer EZ 10 (Small) | 2540EA | ARB-1206A |
| Instrument | Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Benchtop High Speed | Thermo Scientific | Legend RT+ | ARB-1206 |
| Benchtop, Ultra | Beckman Coulter | TL-100 | SOP-426 |
| Floor High Speed | Beckman Coulter | J25-I | SOP-434 |
| Floor High Speed | Thermo Scientific | RC 6+ | ARB-1203 |
| Floor, Ultra | Beckman Coulter | LE-80K | SOP-434 |
| Floor, Ultra | Thermo Scientific | WX Ultra 80 | ARB 1203 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Shandon | 77200222 | SOP-426 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Amsco | Reliance 400 | SOP-423 |
| Amsco | Reliance 400 | ARB-1206A |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Vankel | VK7000 | SOP-344 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Leica | EG1550 H | ARB-2203D |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Kodak | 1000A | SOP-410 |
| Konica Minolta | SRX101A | ARB-2103 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Bio-Rad | Chemidoc | SOP-426 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Labconco | NA | ARB-1207B |
| Instrument | Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| 1 Detectors | Perkin Elmer | 2470-0010 | ARB-2203 |
| 5 Detectors | Perkin Elmer | 2470 | SOP-434 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Heidolph | Hei Vap ML | SOP-427 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Varian | Prostar | ARB-1207 |
| Varian | Prostar | SOP-344 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Beckman Coulter | LS6500 | SOP-434 |
| Beckman Coulter | LS6500 | ARB-2203 |
| Beckman Coulter | LS6000SC | SOP-B34 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| MCA Microdialysis | CMA600 | SOP-B37 |
| Instrument | Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| EPI- Fluorescence System | Olympus | MVX-10 | ARB-2203B |
| Digital Camera | Olympus | DP71 | ARB-2206B |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Leica | RM2255 | ARB-1207 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Amaza | AAD-1001S | Abilene |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Bio-Rad | C1000 | ARB-1207 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| BioTek Instruments Inc. | Synergy | ARB-1207 |
| BioTek Instruments Inc. | SMATBL | SOP-434 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Bio-Rad | Protean IEF Cell | ARB-1201 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Vivenda Water Sys | ELGA | SOP-423 |
| ELGA | Ultra GE MK2 | ARB-1207 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Fisher | 500 | ARB-1207B |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Thermo | NEXUS 470 | SOP-344 |
| Instrument | Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Fluorescence | Hitachi | 251-0097 | SOP-434 |
| UV-Vis (Evolution) | Thermo Scientific | EVO 60 UV-VIS | ARB-1207 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Thermo Scientific | 956 Ultra | SOP-427 |
| Thermo Scientific | 956 Ultra | ARB-2203 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Data Sciences | NA | SOP-426 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Leica | TP1020 | ARB-2203D |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Eppendorf | 5305 | ARB-1207 |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| Bio-Rad | 5000 MP | ARB-1207C |
| Manufacturer | Model | Lab |
| BioSpherix Ltd. | NA | ARB-B227 |
Updated 4.7.2021