Resources and Equipment
The Beacon
Bruker Cellular Analysis Beacon Optofluidic System
The Beacon is an optofluidic platform that enables manipulation of single cells and beads with LED light. Separation of single cells into microfluidic compartments has expanded the level of determinism available to single cell biology without compromising culturing of cells. Thus, antibody discovery, cell line development, cell profiling and more can be done using creative single cell functional assays.
Lenovo ThinkPad Plbs Gen2 Data Analysis
Our Lenovo ThinkPad is a powerful computer fitted with Bruker Cellular Analysis' Image Analyzer and Assay Analyzer software, allowing us to analyze assays in real-time as they are completed on the Beacon. Assay results inform which cells are selected and exported off the Beacon for downstream single-cell cloning processes.
AirClean 600 PCR Workstations
'Biggie' PCR Clean Workstation 1
This PCR workstation facilitates the elimination of DNA cross-contamination across different projects during downstream molecular cloning by ensuring a plasmid-free work area via a HEPA filtered air filtration system and a UV lamp available for UV sterilization.
Lil' PCR Clean Workstation 2
This PCR workstation is a dedicated cDNA and plasmid free work space that is essential to prevent any cross-contamination during PCR master mix preparation. Similarly to our larger workstation, it is a great solution for maintaining a clean workspace separate from the our cell culture BSC.
Equipment Dedicated to Quality Control
Agilent 4200 TapeStation System
The Agilent 4200 TapeStation system automates the electrophoresis of DNA and RNA samples. It allows the user to analyze size, concentration, and integrity of the sample. At the Beacon Center, the TapeStation allows us to quickly visualize cDNA libraries, and intermediate PCR products throughout our downstream cloning workflow and is an important step in validating our progress and process.
ThermoFisher Countess 3
The Invitrogen Countess 3 is an Automated Cell Counter that we use when actively running an assay on the Beacon to ensure real-time cell viability and density when loading samples for analysis.
Invitrogen Qubit 4 Fluorometer
The Invitrogen Qubit 4 Fluorometer is used to accurately and rapidly measure the concentration of dsDNA, RNA, and protein. This machine informs validity of our samples and allows our team to consider whether we proceed our workflow with the pertinent material, or troubleshoot for improved results. Our Qubit system operates at a medium throughput capacity, allowing us to process 8 samples simultaneously.