Equipment
Beckman Coulter Ultracentrifuges
The Beckman Coulter Optima XPN 80 – IVD and Optima Max XP are exceptionally designed for our state-of-the-art density gradient extracellular vesicle preparations that require a series of high speed ultracentrifugation steps for optimal separation and refinement of vesicle populations.
New users must complete training prior to using ultracentrifuges.
Please contact Cara Bekas to schedule in advance.
Note: New users conducting EV isolations must contact Cara at least two weeks in advance to coordinate ultracentrifuge and NTA training.
ZetaView® Multiple Parameter Particle Tracking Analyzer
The ZetaView® is a nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) instrument that counts and tracks each individual particle in a sample field using laser scattering video microscopy. Based on the Brownian motion of particles both individually and in relation to one another, we obtain high resolution size distributions, concentrations and zeta potential distributions for exosomes, microvesicles and extracellular vesicles. Equipped with a 488 nm laser, tracking of subpopulations of EVs is also accomplished using Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated antibodies.
New users must complete a two-phase training process prior to accessing the ZetaView®. Training is conducted on a weekly basis. Please contact Cara Bekas to schedule in advance.
ProteinSimple Jess Automated Western System
The ProteinSimple Jess System automates traditional Western blotting of up to 25 samples in just 3 hours, with far less protein and antibody required (protein: 0.5-4 ug/3uL/well). With replexing and multiplexing using the different detection channel options, you can quantify protein levels, compare relative protein levels and assess the degree of protein modification. Simply load your samples and reagents into the microplate, walk away and Jess takes it from there. From the electrophoretic run to the interaction with the antibody and quantification of the signal, it all takes place in the capillaries. JESS separates proteins by size from 2–440 kDa, then runs automated antibody additions, incubations, washes and signal capture, eliminating user error and providing you with fully analyzed, quantitative size-based immunoblot results.
Jess access requires prior training. Please contact Cara Bekas to schedule in advance.
ONI Nanoimager Super Resolution Microscope
The Nanoimager is the world’s first desktop-compatible super resolution microscope offering various modes of operation including dSTORM, PALM, smFRET. It supports illumination modes from epifluorescence to TIRF for imaging fixed samples or live cell imaging. Importantly, the Nanoimager is able to easily visualize EVs with 100x magnification and a resolution reaching 20 nm. Sizing and counting is enabled using ultra-high single-molecule sensitivity and advanced tracking-based methods, while simultaneous dual-color imaging supports colocalization studies and the capture of dynamic information for two different molecular species.
Nanoimager access requires prior training. Please contact Bong Hwan Sung to schedule in advance.
For general information about access to Center resources and EV isolation support, please contact Center Manager, Renee Dawson