Equipment at MBGC
Advanced molecular biology and sequencing platforms supporting DNA/RNA extraction, quality control, library preparation, and short- and long-read sequencing.
The QIAcube Connect brings automation to nucleic acid and protein purification, streamlining workflows with minimal hands-on time. It is designed to work with QIAGEN spin-column kits, ensuring high-quality and reproducible extractions of DNA, RNA, and proteins. The system features an intuitive touchscreen interface and remote connectivity, allowing researchers to monitor and control runs from virtually anywhere. By standardizing purification procedures, the QIAcube Connect enhances efficiency and consistency across experiments. Learn more about QIAcube Connect
The ChemiDoc MP is a high-performance imaging system for the detection and analysis of nucleic acids and proteins. It supports multiple imaging modes, including chemiluminescence, fluorescence, and colorimetric detection, making it a versatile tool for applications such as Western blot imaging, gel electrophoresis documentation, and protein quantification. The system provides high sensitivity, rapid imaging, and automated analysis, ensuring accurate and reproducible results for molecular biology research. Learn more about ChemiDoc MP
The Labconco CentriVap DNA Concentrator is specifically designed for the rapid and efficient concentration of DNA and RNA samples. Using vacuum centrifugation technology, it gently removes solvents without damaging nucleic acids, making it ideal for preparing samples for downstream applications such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), PCR, and microarray analysis. Its small footprint and user-friendly operation make it a valuable addition for researchers requiring high-concentration nucleic acid samples. Learn more about CentriVap
The Agilent Technologies 4200 TapeStation is a microfluidics electrophoresis system that provides sizing and quantification of DNA and RNA samples and displays results in a digital format. Sizing range:
- RNA: 100-6000nt
- DNA: D1000: 35-1000bp; D5000: 100-5000bp
- Genomic DNA: 200-60,000bp
The Qubit Fluorimeter 2.0 and Qubit Assay Kits (Sage Science) allow for accurate measurements of DNA or RNA concentrations by detecting target-specific fluorescence. The DNA or RNA samples are mixed with the Qubit Assay Kit reagents containing dyes that fluoresce only when bound to nucleic acids, and the concentration is read in the fluorimeter. The assay is performed at room temperature, and the signal is stable for up to 3 hours. Different Qubit Assay Kits are available for dsDNA, oligonucleotide, RNA, microRNAs, and different sensitivity/concentration ranges.
The NanoDrop 2000 (single channel) and NanoDrop 8000 (8-channel) are UV–Vis spectrophotometers used to measure the concentration and purity of DNA, RNA, and protein samples. These systems require only 0.5–2 µL of sample and provide rapid assessment of sample purity using absorbance ratios (A260/280 and A260/230). The NanoDrop 8000 enables higher-throughput analysis through multichannel capability.
The Sage Science Pippin Prep is used for targeted size selection of DNA libraries for Illumina or Ion Torrent sequencing. The instrument allows the collection of narrow, even fragment distributions between 100 and 1500 bp. Target sizes or size ranges are entered into the software, and fractions are collected in the buffer. Up to 5 samples per gel cassette may be run, with no possibility of cross-contamination.
The Eppendorf epMotion 5075 automated liquid handling system automates routine pipetting tasks. This accurate pipetting station helps eliminate manual pipetting errors and maximizes the reproducibility of assays.
The system is set up for:
- DNA extractions
- Setting up PCR reactions
- Pooling of PCR reactions from several microtiter plates
- Preparation of Illumina libraries
The Covaris S220 Focused-Ultrasonicator patented operates at high frequencies (500KHz) and uses Adaptive Focused Acoustics Tubes and advanced electronics to deliver controlled energy precisely and accurately to sample volumes from 25 μl to 10 ml. It's used for DNA, RNA, and chromatin shearing to specific sizes, tissue homogenization, cell lysis, compound dissolution, and particle micronization.
The Eppendorf ThermoMixer R combines precise temperature control with high-speed orbital mixing in a compact dry-bath format. It supports temperatures up to 99 °C and enables simultaneous incubation and agitation, making it ideal for enzymatic reactions, nucleic acid workflows, and sample preparation. With interchangeable blocks for tubes and plates, the system provides flexibility and reproducibility across a range of molecular biology applications. Short Instructions:
The Milli-Q Synergy UV system provides Type I ultrapure water for molecular biology and genomics applications. It delivers consistently high-quality, contaminant-free water suitable for sensitive workflows such as PCR, qPCR/ddPCR, and next-generation sequencing. The integrated UV purification helps reduce organic contaminants, ensuring reliability and reproducibility across experiments.
The Eppendorf 5417 R is a compact refrigerated microcentrifuge designed for efficient sample separation in molecular biology workflows. It provides high-speed centrifugation with precise temperature control, helping maintain sample integrity for temperature-sensitive applications such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR setup, and protein work. Its user-friendly interface and reliable performance make it well-suited for routine laboratory use.
The Thermo Scientific Sorvall Legend RT is a versatile benchtop centrifuge designed for efficient sample separation across a wide range of molecular biology and general laboratory applications. It supports multiple rotor options for tubes and plates, enabling flexible processing of various sample types. With reliable performance and user-friendly controls, it is well-suited for routine centrifugation tasks such as sample preparation, nucleic acid workflows, and cell pelleting.
The Invitrogen HulaMixer Sample Mixer provides gentle and efficient mixing for a variety of tube-based applications. It offers multiple mixing modes—including orbital rotation, reciprocal motion, and vibration—allowing flexibility for different sample types and protocols. Ideal for nucleic acid purification, hybridization, and general sample preparation, the system ensures consistent mixing to support reproducible results.
The Formulatrix MANTIS is a compact liquid handling system designed for precise, low-volume reagent dispensing across multiwell plates. It enables rapid and accurate distribution of reagents with minimal waste, making it ideal for assay setup, PCR/qPCR workflows, and library preparation. The system supports flexible plate formats and improves consistency and efficiency in high-throughput applications.
The Eppendorf MixMate is a compact mixer designed for rapid and uniform mixing of samples in tubes and microplates. It supports a range of formats, including PCR plates and microcentrifuge tubes, making it ideal for sample preparation, PCR/qPCR setup, and library preparation workflows. The system provides consistent mixing performance to enhance reproducibility in molecular biology applications.
The Spectroline CC-80 is an enclosed UV fluorescence analysis cabinet designed for safe visualization of DNA and RNA in agarose gels stained with fluorescent dyes (e.g., ethidium bromide, SYBR® dyes). It provides UV excitation for clear detection of nucleic acid bands while minimizing user exposure. The system is commonly used for gel electrophoresis analysis, PCR product verification, and DNA fragment excision.
The Fluidigm Access Array system enables high-throughput, microfluidic-based target enrichment and amplicon library preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS). Using integrated fluidic circuits (IFCs), the system performs parallel PCR amplification, barcoding, and tagging of hundreds of target regions across multiple samples simultaneously. This approach significantly reduces reagent use, hands-on time, and cost while generating sequencing-ready libraries for platforms such as Illumina and Ion Torrent.
The platform is ideal for targeted resequencing, multiplexed gene panels, and SNP genotyping studies, allowing efficient processing of up to dozens of samples and hundreds of amplicons in a single run.
The Denville IncuBlock is a compact dry bath incubator designed for precise and uniform temperature control of samples in tubes. It supports a range of interchangeable heating blocks for different tube sizes and is suitable for routine molecular biology applications such as DNA/RNA incubation, enzymatic reactions, and sample preparation. The system provides reliable heating performance in a simple, easy-to-use format.
The VWR Mini Plate Centrifuge is designed for rapid spin-down of samples in PCR plates, helping collect droplets and remove bubbles prior to downstream applications. It is ideal for PCR/qPCR setup and other plate-based workflows, providing quick and convenient centrifugation in a compact, easy-to-use format.
The mosquito HV liquid handler enables precise, low- to mid-volume dispensing (µL range) for 96- and 384-well plate formats. It is designed for high-throughput applications such as PCR/qPCR setup, NGS library preparation, and assay setup, offering accurate, contact-free pipetting with minimal dead volume. The system improves reproducibility and efficiency while reducing reagent consumption.
