Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Explore the molecular biology and biochemistry instrumentation available in the College of Science, including descriptions, capabilities, and common applications.

Oxford Nanopore MinION M1kc 3rd Generation DNA and RNA Sequencer

This is a portable, field-ready DNA and RNA sequencing instrument. It performs long-read sequencing (greater than 4 Mb) which significantly reduces the amount of extensive library preparation required. The device supports whole-genome sequencing, metagenomics, and targeted sequencing applications at a much lower cost than traditional platforms. Integrated software provides real-time data analysis, mapping sequences to reference databases or resolving the lineage of mixed samples.

Example Use Cases:

  • Conducting 16S rRNA sequencing to evaluate species diversity and phylogenetics in environmental samples
  • Performing comprehensive transcriptome sequencing of targeted RNA reverse-transcribed into cDNA

Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 3 Real-time Quantitative PCR (qPCR)

The qPCR platform allows for the precise quantitation of targeted genes across wide-ranging environmental and experimental samples. By pairing customized primers to amplify specific target genomic zones, it tracks real-time molecular concentrations. It also quantifies mRNA expression profiles following reverse transcription and acts as a vital validation tool to check library quality metrics before full-scale sequencing runs.

Example Use Cases:

  • Quantitating mRNA levels under variable conditions to evaluate how treatments modulate gene expression
  • Screening and tracking specific functional genes of interest inside environmental or soil samples
  • Performing pre-sequencing validation and quality control on prepared DNA genomic libraries

TECAN Spark MultiMode Microplate Reader

The TECAN Spark is an automated microplate reader configured to monitor live cell cultures across an array of optical detection systems. It tracks cell assays using UV/Vis, fluorescence, or luminescence spectroscopy profiles. Engineered for advanced cell-based assay development and drug discovery, it features active heating and cooling elements for precise temperature regulation during automated growth curve tracking.

Example Use Cases:

  • Automated microplate cell counting and downstream cell viability assays
  • High-throughput quantitative profiling of total DNA yields
  • Generating precise, temperature-controlled kinetic microbial growth curves
  • Assessing cellular response metrics following systematic drug or chemical exposures

Agilent Cary 60 UV/Vis Spectrophotometer

The Agilent Cary 60 is a highly flexible, cuvette-based spectrophotometer system analyzing optical wavelengths from 190 to 1100 nanometers. Full-spectrum scans take less than 3 seconds, enabling rapid investigation of complex sample spectra. The system features a modular fiber-optic dip probe attachment, allowing measurements to be captured directly from solutions on the lab bench or out in the field.

Example Use Cases:

  • Conducting real-time nitrate analysis in water bodies using the fiber-optic dip probe
  • Measuring the active ingredient concentration profiles of dissolved pharmaceutical tablets
  • Verifying nucleic acid sample purity by tracking traditional 260/280 nm absorbance ratios

Thermo Nanodrop Lite Spectrophotometer

The NanoDrop Lite is a microvolume UV spectrophotometer requiring just 1 microliter of sample to deliver rapid concentration metrics without dilutions. It isolates and measures total DNA, RNA, and protein concentrations using targeted 260 nm and 280 nm light absorbance wavelengths, making it perfect for quick benchtop checks.

Example Use Cases:

  • Determining the final concentration of purified plasmid DNA following a miniprep workflow
  • Quantifying target protein yields immediately following chromatographic purification steps