Equipment

Bio-layer interferometry (Octet QKe)

The Octet QKe system performs label-free quantitation of antibodies, proteins, peptides, DNA and other biomolecules as well as kinetic characterization of biomolecular binding interactions. This instrument takes advantage of the 96-well approach, eliminating the need for microfluidics. Particularly, this instrument allows affinity measurements (ka, kd, kD), affinity screening, off-rate screening, epitope binding, and isotyping.

Isoelectric focusing (ICE3TM)

The ICE3TM system performs protein charge heterogeneity in a fast way. Determination of isoelectric points and charge isoforms are critical steps in protein characterization for biopharmaceutical and vaccine development. This instrument coupled to the PrinCE Next Autosampler offers an easier operation comparing to other IEF instruments. In addition, the PrinCE Next Autosampler configuration provides sample temperature control with 50-vial sample tray and 96-well plate options.

Isoelectric focusing (ICE3TM)

The ICE3TM system performs protein charge heterogeneity in a fast way. Determination of isoelectric points and charge isoforms are critical steps in protein characterization for biopharmaceutical and vaccine development. This instrument coupled to the PrinCE Next Autosampler offers an easier operation comparing to other IEF instruments. In addition, the PrinCE Next Autosampler configuration provides sample temperature control with 50-vial sample tray and 96-well plate options.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight/time of flight (MALDI ToF/ToF)

The MALDI ToF/ToF Plus is a powerful platform for quantitative proteomics. The MDS SCIEX 4800 Plus MALDI ToF/ToFTM Analyzer has a user-friendly innovative ProteinPilotTM software facilitating sample analysis and data recovery.

Neuroimaging and Electrophysiology Facility

NIEF provides state of the art instrumentation and support to the COBRE Puerto Rico Center for Neuroplasticity investigators and the biomedical research community in Puerto Rico and Latin America. The COBRE Puerto Rico Center for Neuroplasticity consolidates the NeuroImaging Facility at the Institute of Neurobiology and the Confocal Imaging Facility at UPR (CIF-UPR) bringing the latest technology in imaging and electrophysiology to the Molecular Sciences Research Building.

The NIEF was established and is supported by NIH grant 1P20 GM103642 01A1 and by University of Puerto Rico institutional funds.

  1.   A1Rsi with a Ti-E Inverted Microscope

The A1si is a powerful point scanning confocal microscope system suitable for a broad range of applications, particularly spectral resolution and rapid imaging. The A1R comes equipped with a unique hybrid scan head, incorporating both an ultra high-speed resonant scanner and a high-resolution galvano scanner, enabling simultaneous bleaching/photoactivation and acquisition. The enhanced spectral imaging capabilities feature acquisition of a 32-channel spectral image (512 x 512 pixels) with a single scan in 0.6 second. 512 x 32-pixel images can be captured at 24 fps.

  1.   A1R Multiphoton with FN1

The A1 confocal laser microscope system is Nikon’s powerful fully-automated confocal imaging system, capable of capturing high-quality confocal images of cells and molecular events at high speed and enhanced sensitivity.

Neuroimaging and Electrophysiology Facility

NIEF provides state of the art instrumentation and support to the COBRE Puerto Rico Center for Neuroplasticity investigators and the biomedical research community in Puerto Rico and Latin America. The COBRE Puerto Rico Center for Neuroplasticity consolidates the NeuroImaging Facility at the Institute of Neurobiology and the Confocal Imaging Facility at UPR (CIF-UPR) bringing the latest technology in imaging and electrophysiology to the Molecular Sciences Research Building.

The NIEF was established and is supported by NIH grant 1P20 GM103642 01A1 and by University of Puerto Rico institutional funds.

  1.   A1Rsi with a Ti-E Inverted Microscope

The A1si is a powerful point scanning confocal microscope system suitable for a broad range of applications, particularly spectral resolution and rapid imaging. The A1R comes equipped with a unique hybrid scan head, incorporating both an ultra high-speed resonant scanner and a high-resolution galvano scanner, enabling simultaneous bleaching/photoactivation and acquisition. The enhanced spectral imaging capabilities feature acquisition of a 32-channel spectral image (512 x 512 pixels) with a single scan in 0.6 second. 512 x 32-pixel images can be captured at 24 fps.

  1.   A1R Multiphoton with FN1

The A1 confocal laser microscope system is Nikon’s powerful fully-automated confocal imaging system, capable of capturing high-quality confocal images of cells and molecular events at high speed and enhanced sensitivity.

Nikon Center of Excellence

A Nikon Center of Excellence was recently established at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), in the Molecular Science Research Center (MSRC). The MSRC is a joint project of UPR and the Medical Sciences Campus (RCM) and reflects a total investment of $72 million. The building houses the most advanced scientific instrumentation in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. It is the first and only building in Puerto Rico devoted entirely to scientific research.  The building consists of eight floors with a total of 153,000 square feet. The first floor features advanced instrumentation facilities including the areas of proteomics, Electron Microscopy, and Light Microscopy. A Nikon Centre of Excellence (NCE) is a partnership between the University of Puerto Rico and Nikon Instruments that allows for exchange of knowledge between researchers and manufacturers. The institution makes an overall investment in Nikon advanced imaging instruments for the facility, thus giving young researchers access to the latest optical systems so they can advance their research and exposure in the field. This is a symbiotic relation where both institution and manufacturer gain great benefits. The UPR gains access to high-end technology microscopes at a considerable rate and Nikon feedback on technical knowledge. UPR becomes a showcase facility for Nikon products and advisor providing feedback and input from researchers on new emerging applications and prototype microscopes.