The Assay Development Service Division offers extensive experience and knowledge in the design and implementation of new research protocols as well as the ability to streamline and enhance current methodologies. We offer a wide variety of services to complement the needs of the research community: multiple automation platforms and specialized equipment, a TECAN Fluent liquid handler, automated NGS library synthesis, high-throughput IVD quality nucleic acid extraction, conventional and real time PCR, anaerobic chamber supported studies, quantitative metabolomics, assay development, optimization and validation services. We offer competitive pricing through our service center. Contact us to discuss your project.
rbpyles@utmb.edu
aamiller@utmb.edu
Office Phone: (409) 747-8142
Anaerobic Chamber Services
Bacteria isolation and culture from a variety of sources are supported through the use of an Anaerobe Systems anaerobic chamber. This system can be utilized for a variety of studies requiring an oxygen free environment.
Automated Liquid Handling
The TECAN Fluent robotic liquid handling system provides medium- to high-throughput assay design and implementation. Coupled with a small-molecule compound library, we possess the ability to optimize and/or upgrade existing protocols to HTS standards. Cell culture-based assays, and a number of commercially available kit-based assays are compatible with this TECAN robotic platform.
Convention/Real Time PCR
The ADSD is equipped with multiple real time and conventional PCR instruments. Probes and primers can be created to meet the requirements for most protocols. Custom array panels can be created for a variety of screening applications. Automated 96-well RNA/DNA extraction services are accomplished using a Roche MagNA platform yielding the highest quality IVD level nucleic acids.
High-throughput ELISAs
96-well format ELISAs can be automated using the TECAN Evo200 liquid handling system with associated plate washer and reader. Customized scripts directing work-flow are offered through the ADSD.
NGS Library Services
The ADSD possesses a TECAN Fluent outfitted with a Dreamprep NGS library package. This instrumentation facilitates high-throughput library creation as well as conversion of existing protocols to high-throughput. In addition, the ADSD offers a metatranscriptomics pipeline for evaluation of microbiome functional reads. This RNA-based approach allows for further investigation of complex microbiota relationships and can be partnered with host mucosal response evaluations using our automated Smart-3Seq NGS library preparation. Data analysis services facilitate evaluation of complex NGS data with the goal of developing focused quantitative assays.
Quanti/Imaging Microplate Reader
Cytation 3 offers quantitative imaging in addition tomulti-label evaluation with fluorescence filter-based and monochromator-based detection capable of TRF/TR-FRET, fluorescence polarization, absorbance and luminescence. Wound healing protocols using the in3D system have been evaluated using the Cytation. Gen5 software facilitates data reduction and analysis.
