Cellar to molecular services
The Conestoga Bio Hub’s state-of-the-art technology and expertise propel innovative cytological and molecular research. Our facilities are equipped to support comprehensive investigations into cellular and molecular processes, providing state-of-the-art instrumentation for cellular analysis, protein analysis, and nucleic acid analysis and manipulation.
Equipment and instrumentation
Our instrumentation for cytological and molecular research includes:
- Real-time quantitative PCRs (qPCR)
- Advanced imaging systems
- Nanodrop spectrophotometer (measures sample volumes as low as 2 µL)
- iBright 1500 imaging system (nucleic acid/protein gel reader)
- Attune CytPix cell imager (cellular imaging and analysis)
- Synergy H1 (multimode microplate reader)
- Lionheart LX (brightfield and phase contrast microscopy with in-system incubator for live cell visualizations)
- Gel electrophoresis
- Western blotting
Research applications
Our suite of cytological and molecular capabilities is ideal for a wide range of applications:
- High-throughput screening assays: early stages of drug discovery, toxicological assessments, and pesticide development.
- Live cell imaging: long-term observation and documentation of live cells for investigating cell migration, cell signaling, drug effects, toxicity testing, immune response, and microbial behavior.
- DNA/RNA quantification: real-time quantification of specific DNA or nucleic acid sequences using qpcr, crucial for gene expression studies, pathogen detection, and identifying gene abnormalities.
- Protein quantification: clinical diagnostics, drug development, protein engineering, enzyme production, nutritional analyses, and more.
Instrumentation highlights
Lionheart LX automated inverted microscope
The Lionheart LX is an automated inverted microscope that allows for usage, with fluorescence, brightfield, colour brightfield, and phase contrast microscopy. It contains an in-system incubator that can house plates for prolonged periods, allowing for usage with live or fixed-cells, allowing for a variety of applications.
Attune CytPix flow cytometer
The Attune uses ultrasonic waves - such as those used in medical imaging, fluidic pressure, and fluorescence detection to position cells in a sample into a single focused line so that they can be detected, quantified, and distinguished from other cell types. It combines acoustic focusing with a high-speed brightfield camera for simultaneous high throughput flow cytometry and high resolution brightfield imaging. An example of this is blood plasma in a patient sample to detect specific cell abundance.
Quant Studio 6 Pro qPCR
The Quant Studio 6 Pro is a real-time PCR system that allows for hands-free operation and remote monitoring. This system is a powerful technique used to amplify and simultaneously quantify a targeted DNA molecule. It is widely used in various fields, including gene expression analysis, pathogen detection, genetic variation studies, diagnostics, gene regulation, or protein expression experiments.