Sample Preparation
NanoDrop 2000
The NanoDrop 2000 spectrophotometer is available on a first come, first-served basis, free of charge. Users are asked to supply their own tips, gloves, P2 or P10 pipettor and appropriate solution for blanking.
Uses 2 ul of nucleic acid or protein sample.
No dilution is normally required.
No cuvettes required.
Dynamic range of 2 to 3,700 ng/ul ds DNA
Measures absorbance in ultraviolet (UV) and visible light ranges.
Please request training if you are a first time user or need a refresher on how to use the instrument.
Covaris Sonicator
The Genomics Division houses Covaris Sonicator instruments that are used to prepare sheared or fragmented nucleic acid, proteins and tissues. The Covaris S2 system is a single-cuvette instrument and the Covaris E220 system permits the loading of up to 96 samples for shearing. These instruments are available to users by first contacting the Division and reserving a time.
The Covaris Sonicators are used to give controlled DNA shearing for NGS applications including library preparation and chromatin shearing for ChIP-Seq experiments.
The Covaris system uses adaptive Focused Acoustics (AFA) to shear samples. The sample is placed into a cuvette that is in a nuclease-free environment so the introduction of nucleases is minimized. Read More
Fees
Covaris S2 Instrument Fee: $5/run
Covaris E220 Instrument Fee: $50/run
Covaris Tubes: $7/tube
Sage Science BluePippin
The Genomics Division maintains the Sage Science BluePippin DNA Size Selection for Next-Gen Sequencing, with Pulsed-Field (100bp – 50kb).
The BluePippin has the DNA capabilities of the Pippin Prep, plus the extra benefit of pulsed-field electrophoresis for resolving and collecting high molecular weight DNA. For long-range genomic applications, high-pass filtering allows users to collect all fragments above a size threshold set by the user.
Target sizes or ranges of sizes are entered in software, and fractions are collected in buffer. Up to 5 samples/gel cassette may be run, with no possibility of cross contamination. https://sagescience.com/products/bluepippin/
Fees
Full Service: $90.00 + $60.00/gel (4-5 samples/gel)
Self-Service: Instrument Fee $10.00 + $60.00/gel (as needed)
Agilent Bioanalyzer
A good quality sample is essential for the successful completion of most sequencing and PCR-based applications. The Agilent Model 2100 Bioanalyzer enables scientists working with nucleic acids to carry out automated quality control, sizing and quantification. The quality assessment analysis provided by the bioanalyzer gives a reliable indication of whether samples are degraded, and if samples submitted for NGS or microarray projects will successfully complete the workflow.
The system uses micro-fabrication technology to transfer samples onto miniature glass chips that contain a network of interconnected channels and reservoirs. Filling the channels with a gel matrix and the wells with buffer or sample allows electrophoresis to be carried out on a miniaturized scale. Sample components are detected by their fluorescence and translated into gel-like images (bands) and electropherograms (peaks).
The system automatically calculates the overall RNA concentration and shows the relative ratios of 18S and 28S ribosomal peaks, along with degradation to determine sample RNA integrity number (RIN). The assigned RIN is independent of sample concentration. The RIN value ranges between 1 and 10. A RIN of 1 represents a completely degraded sample that will likely not work in most experiments (e.g., qPCR, microarray and RNA-Seq). A RIN of 10 indicates there is little if any degradation of the RNA sample would likely work in most experiments. As the RIN drops, the RNA quality worsens, and its ability to work in experiments also drops.
Fees
RNA Pico Bioanalyzer: $9.00/sample
RNA Nano Bioanalyzer: $9.00/sample
DNA High Sensitivity Bioanalyzer: $10.00/sample
DNA 1000 Bioanalyzer $65.00/chip
Sample and Liquid Handling Robotics
The Genomics Division operates robotic systems to assist in processing samples for next generation and Sanger sequencing sample preparation as well as basic liquid handling procedures. Instruments are operated by Division personnel, and can be available to support custom liquid handling needs.
Caliper NGS SciClone
he service operates Caliper SciClone Liquid Handling Robots to prepare samples for NGS applications. Currently, these high throughput robots can process up to 96 samples at a time and have been programed to run the methods for the Agilent SureSelect whole exome capture, Agilent SureSelect Custom Capture, Illumina RNA-Seq v2, and Illumina DNA-Seq protocols.
Beckman Biomek FX
The Beckman Biomek FX liquid handling system is used to prepare samples Sanger sequencing as well as custom liquid handling operations. Please contact Kevin Knudtson if you are interested in perform custom liquid handling operations.