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|  University of Texas at El Paso |
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| University of Texas at El Paso |
The Cytometry, Screening and Imaging Core Facility (CSI) Core Facility is a comprehensive research cell-culturing and cytometry facility established in 2007, as part of the Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC). This facility was conceived to provide investigators, students and other researchers access to state-of-the-art technology for conducting experiments related to cellular, immune and physiological responses to stress, infectious agents, and toxicants. The laboratory also provides assistance and training related to cell culture techniques and equipment operation . The 1,756 sq ft core facility includes 6 individual cell culture suites that are available 24/7 to any researchers that have completed in-house training. The core also provides customized project support for experimental design and data analysis. The integration of the CSI has allowed investigators to screen a large number of compounds for their therapeutic potential against pathogens, cancer, and other diseases.
Member:
Almodovar, Gladys
Role:
Research Engineering Science Associate IV
Member:
Gutierrezz, Denisse
Member:
Varela, Armando, Ph.D.
"This multiwell (96 and 384) plate reader confocal microscope system has stationary stage with movable optics and it is assisted with Attovison software to capture images and data analysis.
The system is equipped with environmental control chamber (37ºC, 5% CO2) and liquid handling system. Light from two mercury lamps provides illumination from 360 nm to 700 nm.
Also, this Bioimager provides the ability to capture bright-field images that can be overlaid onto fluorescent images.
The laser-based autofocus capability of the BD Pathway systems enables rapid acquisition of high-quality images.
Four objectives (4X, 10X, 20X and 40X) are available to capture images in an ample variety of montages (contiguous frames and confocal Z stack acquisition mode)."
"The Cytomic FC 500 System offers automated tube-based acquisition for cell-based assays. This system is equipped with the following two lasers: an Argon ion laser (488nm) and a Red solid state HeNe laser (631nm). Photodiodes also detect Forward Scatter (FS) and Side Scatter (SS) signals."
"The system is useful to perform serial dilutions, reagent distribution,
sample dispensing from tubes to plates, or from plate to plate. This system can use tissue culture or PCR plates with 96 and 384 wells."
The Gallios offers three highly reliable, solid-state lasers; enabling concurrent detection of 10 color, 3 laser (488 nm Blue, 638 nm Red & 405 nm Violet) (5 + 3 + 2). By incorporating the optional 405 nm violet laser the Gallios Flow Cytometer offers a greater choice of fluorochromes to perform sophisticated multicolor experiments.
This freezer maintains a uniform temperature of -140°C.
IN Cell 2000 Analyzer bioimager system is designed to provide the throughput and performance you need for both high content analysis (HCA) and high content screening (HCS) of fixed and live cells.
"Combined the two LSM 700 Confocal Microscopes (Zeiss) have the following features:
* Four lasers: 405, 488, 555 and 639 nm.
* Four objectives: 10X, 20X, 63X oil, and 100X oil.
* Plus LSM T-PMT detector to capture DIC images.
* Zen 2009 software is used for image capture and analysis."
Facility has 2 confocal microscopes.
One pre-plated set of 10,000 compounds from the DIVERSet libarary
"PCR Detection Kit For most commonly encountered mycoplasma species"
Access to the automated pipetting system available to trained users.
Services include:
* Individualized training and instruction on the instruments operation, depending on the investigator's knowledge and applications requested
* Assistance with experimental design
* Recommendations on sample handling and preparation
* Consultation on data acquisition and analysis
* Experimental and instrument troubleshooting
* Alignment, liquids handling and maintenance of the instruments
Provision of training, assistance and consultation in cell culture techniques
After completion of training on the proper use of the confocal microscopes, investigators will have 24/7 access. Users need to sign-up and scheduling should be discussed with the Core personnel first. The Core Facility operates on a first come first serve policy for the use of the analytical instruments.
Cells are stored in an ultra low freezer at -140°C
Establishment of Seed Stocks (up to 10 vials) with cells purchased from cell banks
After completing training on the proper use of the cytometer, investigators will be granted 24/7 access to the FC 500. Users need to sign-up and scheduling should be discussed with the Core personnel first. The Core Facility operates on a first come first serve policy for the use of the analytical instruments.
Screening for mycoplasma contamination in a sample
Preparation of high titer viral stock.
Provide high volume ( up to 1 liter ) of insect cell suspension culture for protein expression
Treatment must be justified and cell line must be non-replaceable