List of equipment available at GPAST Core Research Facility
UPLC (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography): Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography, or UPLC, is an advanced form of liquid chromatography that utilizes high-pressure pumps and columns packed with smaller particles to achieve higher resolution and faster separation of compounds. The introduction of smaller particle sizes in the column results in reduced diffusion and improved peak shapes, allowing for better separation of complex mixtures. UPLC is particularly beneficial when analyzing samples with a large number of compounds or when dealing with limited sample volumes. In research, UPLC is widely used for chemical/drug analysis, metabolomics, proteomics, and environmental monitoring, providing researchers with precise and rapid data for complex sample analysis.
Rotary Evaporator: A rotary evaporator is a widely used laboratory instrument for the gentle and efficient removal of solvents from samples through evaporation. It consists of a rotating flask that is heated under reduced pressure, allowing volatile components to evaporate and leaving behind concentrated samples. The rotating motion ensures a larger surface area for evaporation, enhancing the efficiency of the process. Rotary evaporators are essential in various research applications, such as natural product extraction, sample preparation for analysis, and solvent recovery in organic synthesis.
Cryogenic Lyophilizer: Cryogenic Lyophilizers, commonly known as freeze dryers, are indispensable tools in research and industry for preserving sensitive materials. The lyophilization process involves freezing the sample and then subjecting it to a vacuum to remove moisture in its frozen state, bypassing the liquid phase. By removing water through sublimation, cryogenic lyophilizers can preserve the structural integrity of biological samples, vaccines, enzymes, and pharmaceuticals for extended periods. This technique is particularly vital for research involving delicate biomolecules and temperature-sensitive compounds.
Karl Fischer/Potentiometric Titrator: Karl Fischer titrators are specialized instruments designed to determine the moisture content of various substances accurately. The titration method relies on the reaction between iodine and water in the presence of a base, and the endpoint is detected potentiometrically. Karl Fischer titrators are crucial in industries and research fields where moisture content affects the quality and stability of products. Applications include testing the water content in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, oils, and food products. Potentiometric titrators are versatile instruments used in research to analyze the concentration of chemical substances in a sample. They measure the potential difference between two electrodes during a titration process, and the endpoint is determined by a sharp change in potential. This allows researchers to precisely determine concentrations of acids, bases, redox species, and other analytes. Potentiometric titrators find widespread use in pharmaceutical research, environmental analysis, and quality control processes in various industries.
pH Meter: A pH meter is a fundamental tool used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The instrument consists of a pH-sensitive glass electrode and a reference electrode. The glass electrode generates a potential difference that is directly proportional to the hydrogen ion concentration in the sample, allowing the determination of its pH value. pH meters are vital in countless research applications, including biochemistry, agriculture, environmental science, and water quality analysis.
Conductivity Meter: Conductivity meters measure the ability of a solution to conduct electricity, which is directly related to the concentration of ions present. The instrument typically employs two electrodes to assess the conductance of the sample. Conductivity meters are invaluable for analyzing water quality, assessing the concentration of ions in solutions, and monitoring electrolyte levels in various research settings.
Refractometer: Refractometers are optical instruments used to determine the refractive index of liquids and transparent solids. They operate based on Snell's law of refraction, which relates the angles of incidence and refraction of light passing through a sample. The refractive index is then used to calculate various properties of the sample, such as concentration or purity. Refractometers are commonly used in the food industry to measure sugar content, in pharmaceuticals for quality control, and in gemology to assess the authenticity of gemstones.
Centrifugal Vacuum Concentrator: Centrifugal vacuum concentrators combine centrifugal force and vacuum to remove solvents and concentrate samples efficiently. They are especially useful in research where researchers need to concentrate large volumes of liquid samples without losing valuable compounds or analytes. This instrument is widely used in molecular biology, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry for applications like concentrating DNA, RNA, proteins, and other biomolecules.
Centrifuge: Centrifuges are indispensable tools used to separate particles and substances in a sample based on their density under centrifugal force. The sample is placed in tubes or bottles within the rotor, and when spun at high speeds, the denser components move towards the bottom while the lighter ones remain at the top. Centrifuges have various applications in research, including cell separation, protein purification, blood component isolation, and sedimentation studies.
Vortex: Vortex mixers are simple yet effective tools used in laboratories to mix small volumes of liquids in tubes or microplates. The instrument operates by creating a swirling vortex motion, which ensures thorough mixing of the contents. Vortex mixers are extensively used in biological, chemical, and pharmaceutical research for tasks like reagent mixing, sample preparation, and enzyme assays.
Hot Air Oven: Hot air ovens provide a controlled and uniform dry heat environment for sterilization, drying, and baking applications. They are widely used in laboratories and industries to sterilize glassware, dehydrate samples, and determine the moisture content of materials. Hot air ovens ensure uniform heating, which is essential for achieving reproducible and reliable results in research and manufacturing processes.
Autoclave: Autoclaves are pressure chambers used for sterilizing equipment and media by subjecting them to high-pressure saturated steam at elevated temperatures. This process effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, making it crucial in microbiology, medical research, and the pharmaceutical industry to maintain sterile conditions and ensure safety. Autoclaves play a critical role in preventing contamination and enabling the growth of pure cultures in research settings.
Sonicator: Sonicators, also known as ultrasonic homogenizers, use high-frequency sound waves to disrupt cells and particles in a sample. The process, known as sonication, generates cavitation bubbles that create intense local energy, leading to the breakdown of cell membranes or particle agglomerates. Sonicators are used in various research areas, including biology, nanotechnology, and material science, for tasks like cell lysis, nanoparticle synthesis, and sample preparation.
Shaking Incubators: Shaking incubators combine temperature control and agitation to provide researchers with a controlled environment for cell cultures and biochemical reactions. The shaking mechanism ensures even distribution of nutrients and gases, promoting optimal cell growth and protein expression. Shaking incubators are crucial in molecular biology, microbiology, and cell culture research for applications such as protein expression, cell proliferation, and fermentation processes.
-80 °C Freezer: A -80 °C freezer, also known as an ultra-low temperature freezer, is designed to store samples and biological materials at extremely low temperatures to preserve their integrity for long periods. These freezers typically maintain temperatures around -80 °C, which helps prevent degradation and denaturation of biomolecules. -80 °C freezers are essential in biological research, biobanks, and clinical laboratories for storing valuable samples, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and cell cultures.
Spectrophotometer: Spectrophotometers are analytical instruments that measure the intensity of light absorbed or transmitted by a sample at different wavelengths. The instrument operates based on the principle of Beer-Lambert law, which relates the absorbance of a sample to its concentration. Spectrophotometers are versatile and widely used in various research fields, including chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental science. Researchers use spectrophotometers for tasks such as quantifying concentrations, determining enzyme activity, and studying molecular interactions.
UV Transilluminator (TLC, Gel and SDS-PAGE): UV Transilluminator for TLC, gel electrophoresis, and SDS-PAGE is a versatile instrument that serves as a light source for visualizing and analyzing different types of samples in the laboratory. This combined UV Transilluminator typically features different wavelength settings to accommodate the specific needs of each application. For TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography), the transilluminator emits ultraviolet light at a specific wavelength to visualize the separated compounds on the TLC plate. The fluorescent compounds present in the stationary phase become visible under the UV light. For gel electrophoresis, transilluminators emit ultraviolet light, which causes DNA and RNA stained with ethidium bromide, or other staining agents to fluoresce, making the bands visible against the background gel. UV transilluminators are crucial for tasks like DNA fragment analysis, PCR product verification, and plasmid screening. For SDS-PAGE (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis), the transilluminator emits UV light to visualize protein bands stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue or Silver stain. The imager software allows researchers to analyze the data, quantify the intensity of bands, and compare different samples.
Melting Point Apparatus: The melting point apparatus is a tool used to determine the melting point of solid samples. The instrument gradually heats the sample while observing at which temperature it transitions from a solid to a liquid state. Melting point determination is vital in characterizing and identifying compounds in fields such as organic chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and material science. It helps researchers assess the purity and identity of substances, ensuring high-quality results in various research applications.
Viscometer: Viscometers are instruments used to measure the viscosity or flow properties of liquids. It is based on the principle of rotational measurement, where a spindle or rotor is immersed in the fluid, and its rotational speed is varied. The resistance experienced by the spindle as it rotates through the fluid is used to determine the viscosity. The rotational viscometer consists of a motor that drives the spindle and a torque sensor that measures the resistance encountered by the spindle. The rotational speed and torque are recorded and used to calculate the viscosity of the fluid based on the instrument's calibration. Viscometers find applications in various research areas, including polymer science, petrochemicals, and food technology.
Analytical Balance: An analytical balance is a highly precise and sensitive laboratory instrument used to accurately measure the mass of substances with a high degree of accuracy. Analytical balance at the facility is designed to provide precise measurements, with a readability of up to 0.001 grams.
Microscope: A standard microscope, also known as a compound microscope, is a basic optical instrument used for magnifying and observing small objects or specimens. It consists of an eyepiece, objective lenses, a stage, focus knobs, a condenser, and a light source. Standard microscopes are widely used in biology, medicine, and education for various applications such as cell observation and tissue examination.
Water Purification Systems: Type 2 water purification systems produce laboratory-grade water with moderate purity suitable for general lab tasks. They use pre-filters and reverse osmosis to remove impurities, providing water with electrical conductivity of 1-10 μS/cm. Type 1 water purification systems, or ultrapure water systems, employ advanced purification technologies, including ion exchange and ultrafiltration, to produce high-purity water with conductivity of 0.055-0.1 μS/cm. Type 1 water is ideal for critical research applications such as molecular biology and HPLC, where minimal contaminants are crucial for accurate results.