Assay Development Service Division
Contact Us
Email: aamiller@utmb.edu
Phone: (409) 266-6688 or (409) 747-8147
Staff
Richard Pyles, PhD
Co-Director
Nigel Boune, PhD
Co-Director
Aaron Miller, MS
Assistant Director
Carrie Maxwell, BS
Sr. Research Associate
Enhancing Science with Automation
The Assay Development Service Division supports research through services that include automation, optimization, validation and sophisticated technology platforms to reduce costs and increase throughput for most lab-based assays.
We have the equipment and experience to facilitate new protocol design and can aid in optimizing current procedures for high-throughput processing.
Our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art robotics for high-throughput screening studies (validation and optimization), two next generation sequence platforms, nine real-time PCR instruments and a variety of specialty equipment.
We have quantitative imaging as well as multi-label (fluorescence, luminescence and absorbance) micro-plate reader capability, including a variety of data reduction software packages for analyzing raw data in real time. A variety of molecular platform technologies complement a full range of cell culture and cell-based assays.
Automated Liquid Handling
The TECAN Evo200 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 the TECAN robotic platform.
Automated Liquid Handling
The TECAN Evo200 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 the TECAN robotic platform.
Cell Culture
A roller bottle incubator facilitates large-scale cell expansion including antibody production. 3D culture systems in multiple formats are available .
Cell Culture
A roller bottle incubator facilitates large-scale cell expansion including antibody production. 3D culture systems in multiple formats are available .
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.
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.
Nanoparticle Analysis
A ZetaView system for particle tracking analysis offers both qualification and quantification of nanoparticle preparations including exosomes. The system is outfitted with a 488nm laser to provide enhanced analysis of labeled materials. The system has one of the most sensitive detection ranges and can work with smaller sample volumes than other platforms.
Nanoparticle Analysis
A ZetaView system for particle tracking analysis offers both qualification and quantification of nanoparticle preparations including exosomes. The system is outfitted with a 488nm laser to provide enhanced analysis of labeled materials. The system has one of the most sensitive detection ranges and can work with smaller sample volumes than other platforms.
NGS including Metagenomics
The ADSD has two next gen sequencing platforms including an Ion Torrent S5 gene studio and a PyroMark Q96 ID. The S5 provides 16s gene tiling as well MLST-style speciation of microbiomes. Deep sequencing of microbial genomes and commercial Ampliseq technology are also available. The Pyromark system offers 96-well format high-throughput customizable sequencing of specific targets including quantitative analysis of SNPs and epigenetic ethylation status. Virus speciation and forensic haplogrouping applications are further examples of available assays.
NGS including Metagenomics
The ADSD has two next gen sequencing platforms including an Ion Torrent S5 gene studio and a PyroMark Q96 ID. The S5 provides 16s gene tiling as well MLST-style speciation of microbiomes. Deep sequencing of microbial genomes and commercial Ampliseq technology are also available. The Pyromark system offers 96-well format high-throughput customizable sequencing of specific targets including quantitative analysis of SNPs and epigenetic ethylation status. Virus speciation and forensic haplogrouping applications are further examples of available assays.
Nucleic Acid Preparation & Evaluation 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.
Nucleic Acid Preparation & Evaluation 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.
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.
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.