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Image Analysis Core Facility 

The 4D-Nucleofector Core X/Y (Lonza) system consists of two units: the X Unit, which is designed for transfecting cells in suspension and can handle various cell numbers and formats, and the Y Unit, which is used for transfecting adherent mammalian cells in 24-well plates. Both units are capable of transfecting cells with either DNA or RNA. For more information about the 4D-Nucleofector, please visit the Lonza .

The Nikon T1-E microscope is a versatile imaging system featuring an A1 confocal module and STORM super-resolution capabilities. It can image both live and fixed cells and tissues using conventional or confocal microscopy techniques. Additionally, the STORM module provides super-resolution microscopy, which allows for extremely precise localization of fluorophores beyond the diffraction limit of light, achieving resolution up to ten times greater than standard optical microscopy. The system also supports spectral imaging and advanced fluorescent optical techniques, including TIRF, FRET, and FRAP. It is equipped with a high-resolution EMCCD camera and a stage-top environmental chamber for extended observation of living cells.

The Zeiss Axiovert 200 M microscope is a popular choice in the Image Analysis Core Facility. This inverted, fully motorized microscope features 10x, 20x, and 63x objectives for wide-field fluorescence microscopy. It has both color and monochrome Axiocam cameras attached, enabling the capture of various samples: color images (e.g., H&E-stained or peroxidase-stained) with the color camera, and low-intensity fluorescent images (e.g., YFP, GFP, RFP, and DAPI) with the monochrome camera. The microscope also supports phase contrast and differential interference contrast (DIC) imaging. Its stage includes a versatile holder that fits different sizes of cell culture dishes and plates, making it easy to quickly assess transfection efficiency.

The Zeiss Axio Imager M2 microscope is a fully motorized system designed for brightfield and multi-channel fluorescent imaging. It features motorized x, y, and z stages and is equipped with the Zeiss Apotome system, which uses structured illumination to create sharp optical sections through thick specimens. Images are captured with a low-noise CMOS digital camera (ORCA-Flash4.0, Hamamatsu) with a resolution of 2048 x 2048 pixels. Additionally, the microscope is linked to Zeiss ZEN 3.5 Pro (Blue Edition) software, which offers advanced automated imaging and analysis tools to enhance your research.

Our workstation area for data analysis is equipped with several computers dedicated to off-line analysis of digital images generated in the facility. Each computer is loaded with essential image analysis software, including Imaris. Imaris offers powerful tools for 3D and 4D image visualization and analysis, allowing you to track and quantify structures within your images. It supports advanced features such as automated object detection, spatial statistics, and detailed visualization of complex datasets. Whether you need to analyze cellular structures, track dynamic processes, or create detailed renderings, Imaris provides a comprehensive suite of tools to enhance your research.

Additional equipment available in the Image Analysis Core Facility include CO₂ incubators and O₂/CO₂incubators for normoxic or hypoxic experiments as well as two Biological Safety II Cabinets to allow handling of biological samples under sterile conditions.

Molecular Biology Core Facility

The 2100 Bioanalyzer uses microfluidics technology to analyze RNA, DNA, and protein samples. It's particularly useful for assessing RNA quality (RNA Integrity Number) before running microarrays, RNA-seq, or real-time quantitative PCR. The instrument analyzes each sample, creating a pseudogel image where nucleic acid or protein bands are sized and quantified. It requires only a minimal sample volume (4 µl) and provides fast, automated, and high-quality digital data. This replaces the need for time-consuming agarose gel or SDS-PAGE techniques. Sample preparation takes about 5 minutes, and digital results are available within 30 minutes. For more information, please visit the company's . 

The BioLector (M2P Labs) is a versatile instrument designed for growing bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells in suspension using a 48-well plate. It continuously monitors several key factors, including cell growth (biomass), fluorescence, acid production (pH), and oxygen consumption. The system also fully controls and adjusts CO2, oxygen, humidity, and temperature, making it ideal for rapidly optimizing growth conditions and conducting cytotoxicity assays. Additionally, the Multitron II shaker (used offline) complements the BioLector by enabling parallel experiments, thus allowing you to maximize efficiency and free up time on the BioLector. For more information, please visit the company's . 

The Cellometer Vision Image Cytometry (Nexcelom Bioscience) system is designed for straightforward image cytometry with just a 20 µl sample. It can perform a variety of analyses, including cell cycle analysis, apoptosis, autophagy, cell proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential, viability assays, morphology analysis, and cell counting. The instrument can monitor fluorescence from a range of dyes and fluorochromes, including GFP, FITC, Acridine Orange (for DNA and RNA), RFP, PI, and PE, across green and red spectra. It captures high-quality images using an integrated digital camera and a 20x objective lens. For more details about the instrument, please visit the company's . 

The Access Array System (originally Fluidigm) is a high-throughput target enrichment tool designed to enrich multiple specific targets (such as exons) from many samples simultaneously. It allows for the simultaneous barcoding (indexing) of numerous samples and amplicons, making next-generation sequencing library preparation more efficient and streamlined. For more information about the Access Array System, please visit the company's . 

The C1 Single-Cell Auto Prep System (originally Fluidigm) is designed for studying gene expression, mRNA analysis, and genomics at the single-cell level. It uses microfluidic technology to quickly and reliably isolate, process, and profile 96 individual cells. The C1 system can be used in conjunction with the Access Array System for enhanced research capabilities. For more details about the C1 Single-Cell Auto Prep System, please visit the company's . 

The BD Accuriâ„¢ C6 Plus Personal Flow Cytometer is a compact and lightweight flow cytometer, measuring 11 x 14.75 x 16.5 inches and weighing 30 lbs. It supports diverse applications, including immunology, cell and cancer biology, plant and microbiology, and industrial uses. Despite its small size, it offers powerful analysis capabilities with a blue and red laser and four fluorescence detectors optimized for common fluorophores like FITC, PE, PerCP, and APC. It accommodates 12 x 75 mm sample tubes and microcentrifuge tubes and can automate data collection from 48- and 96-well plates. The C6 Plus is ideal for studying various cellular functions, such as apoptosis, cell cycle, cell proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential, immunoassays, cell phenotyping, cytosolic calcium and pH, and nitric oxide. For more information, visit the company's .

The ImageStream Mark II combines the rapid, statistical power of flow cytometry with the detailed insights of high-resolution microscopy. It offers high-resolution imaging in flow with 20x, 40x, and 60x objectives, four lasers (405 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, 642 nm, 785 nm), and 12 imaging channels. Dual CCD cameras serve as detectors, allowing evaluation of various fluorochromes in non-adherent cells, whether alive or fixed. For more information, visit the company's .

The MESO QuickPlex® SQ 120MM is a versatile and compact system known for its reliability and ease of use. It performs multiple tests on a single sample quickly, increasing productivity and saving sample volume. This instrument supports 96- and 384-well formats and can detect biomarkers in single or multiplex formats. It uses specialized kits for profiling various biomarkers and diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular issues, and neurodegenerative disorders. Equipped with an ultra-low noise CCD camera, it offers high sensitivity, a broad dynamic range, and fast read times. For more information, visit the company's . 

The Infinite M1000 PRO quadruple Monochromator Microplate Reader (Tecan) is an advanced microplate reader designed for a range of applications, including UV, VIS absorption, fluorescence intensity, and fluorescence polarization. It also supports time-resolved fluorescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and AlphaScreen technology. The reader can quantify luminescence and analyze luminescence spectra. It features temperature control (up to 42°C) and can shake plates both orbitally and linearly. The system accommodates various plate formats, including 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 96-, 384-, and 1536-well plates, and provides high spectral resolution at 1 nm.

The ImageQuant LAS 4000 is a versatile imaging system featuring a 16-bit, 3.2-megapixel CCD camera. It provides sensitive and quantitative imaging for chemiluminescence, standard UV transillumination, and white light documentation of gels or blots.

The QuantStudio 12K Flex Real-Time PCR System (Life Technologies) is designed for gene expression analysis, microRNA profiling, and non-coding RNA analysis. It supports both TaqMan and SYBR Green assays and can handle real-time PCR in 96- and 384-well plate formats, as well as TaqMan Low Density Array cards. For more information, .

The Typhoon 5 Biomolecular Imager is a versatile imaging system designed for sensitive and quantitative analysis of gels and blots. It excels in phosphoimaging and near-infrared imaging, with capabilities for 700 and 800 nm wavelengths, making it suitable for Western blots with appropriate antibodies. The system features advanced optics for detecting a wide range of fluorescent and chemiluminescent signals. It supports multiple imaging modes, including fluorescent, chemiluminescent, and colorimetric, with customizable resolution settings. For more details, please visit the manufacturer's . 

NOTE:  To use any of the microscopes, contact Dr. Grozdanov at imagecore@ttuhsc.edu or phone: +1 (806) 743-4624.