Translational Analytical Core – Equipment

The TAC provides training and access to the following lab equipment: 96-well plate shakers, centrifuges, homogenizers, microplate readers, fume hoods, biological safety cabinet, pipettes, and microplate readers. The TAC also has equipment marked with (*) for which we offer full-service analysis but are only operated by TAC staff.

Access to equipment: The TAC bench laboratory is located in the NIDA IRP, BRC, Rm. 01B216 and 05A311A. To reserve equipment or lab bench space please sign up on the TAC Calendar. As a BSL-2 lab, users are required to have completed all appropriate safety training to gain access to the lab.

Protein Simple ELLA system is a microplate reader that conducts immunoassays using a microfluidic Simple Plex cartridge. The use of these cartridges simplifies the ELISA protocol required for analysis. Results can be obtained in approximately 90 minutes. Protein Simple offers several assays on the Simple Plex cartridge. A list of current analytes that can be measured can be found here.

BMG LabTech CLARIOstar Plus is a high-performance multi-mode plate reader. It is compatible with most commercially available EIA/ELISA kits. Please reach out to TAC staff if you would like assistance in selecting the appropriate EIA/ELISA kit for your needs.

*Agilent GC/MS system consists of an 8890 gas chromatograph coupled to a 5977B Inert Plus MSD mass analyzer with Extractor El source. The 7697A Headspace Sampler is used for measuring BAL from whole blood or plasma.

*Thermo Fisher Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 120 mass spectrometer is a high-resolution FT bench top system. The instrument is well-suited for exact mass measurements with a mass resolution up to 120,000 (FWHM) at m/z 200 and a mass accuracy down to < 1 ppm. MS/MS analysis allows for structural identification of compounds. The mass spectrometer is coupled to a VanquishHorizon / Flex liquid chromatograph for the analysis of drug molecules and for conducting lipidomic and metabolomic studies.