Mission: To use mass spectrometry for studies of infectious and chronic diseases and to promote and facilitate biomedical and translational research at Howard University
Objectives:
To provide modern analytical instrumentation, technical expertise and essential services for biomolecular analysis
To provide a broader training experience for students and faculty in biomolecular analysis through methodology- centered seminars, workshops, mini-courses, and internships
To foster new multidisciplinary research collaborations using modern Proteomics technology
The RCMI Proteomics Core Facility runs several research projects and provides collaborative consolidation of instrumentation, technical expertise, and support personnel to enhance the impact and availability of Mass Spectrometry and other analytical techniques for biological and biomedical science community at Howard University
Member:
Obukhov, Yuri, PhD
Role:
Research Scientist
"The ChemiDoc™ XRS+ system is based on CCD high-resolution, high-sensitivity detection technology and modular options to accommodate a wide range of samples and support multiple detection methods including fluorescence, colorimetry, densitometry, chemiluminescence, and chemifluorescence. The system is controlled by Image Lab™ software to optimize imager performance for fast, integrated, and automated image capture and analysis of various samples.
The system accommodates a wide array of samples, from large handcast polyacrylamide gels to small ReadyAgarose™ gels and various blots. The system is an ideal accompaniment to PCR, purification, and electrophoresis systems, enabling image analysis and documentation of restriction digests, amplified nucleic acids, genetic fingerprinting, RFLPs, and protein purification and characterization.
Key benefits include:
Gel and blot imaging and analysis are quick and accurate
Automated, hands-off routines; no training is required
Save and recall all the steps in the workflow for repeatable and reproducible results
Optimize the system at setup for image data that is always accurate, reproducible, and free of imaging artifacts
Wide range of applications with special accessories to preserve sample integrity for downstream research while ensuring user safety
Comprehensive, automated quantitative analysis of protein and DNA samples in seconds
Customize and organize data in reports
Obtain publication-quality results quickly
The ChemiDoc XRS+ system optimizes reproducibility and reliability of experimental data, enabling quantitative comparisons between different experiments. Using proprietary algorithms, this imaging system is calibrated at setup to ensure:
Images are in focus at all times, regardless of zoom level or sample position
Appropriate flat fielding correction is automatically and consistently applied to image data for every application
Imaging artifacts are automatically corrected
The ChemiDoc XRS+ system offers fast and sensitive chemiluminescence detection in addition to gel and blot documentation of fluorescent and colorimetric samples. The system includes a supersensitive 16-bit CCD camera that is supercooled for detection of faint samples. The ChemiDoc XRS+ system can be used for imaging with a wide variety of applications that require high resolution and sensitivity (such as chemiluminescent western blots).
The ChemiDoc XRS+ system eliminates the need to use costly and unreliable X-ray film technologies while providing quantitative and reproducable data in seconds. The system features a signal accumulation mode (SAM), which guides a user through determining optimum exposure time and capturing a desired image of a chemiluminescent sample."
"Thermo Scientific* LTQ Orbitrap XL hybrid FTMS (Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometer) supports a wide range of applications from routine compound identification to the most challenging analysis of low level components in complex mixtures.
The LTQ Orbitrap XL is based on the fast and highly sensitive Thermo Scientific LTQ XL linear ion trap and the proprietary Orbitrap* technology. The LTQ Orbitrap XL features a new HCD collision cell for ultimate flexibility in fragmentation experiments for advanced proteomics and small molecule research."
The RCMI Proteomics facility operates the Orbitrap with:
-Shimadzu Nanoflow Liquid Chromatograph
-Thermo Finnigan Syrveyor Chromatograph
-Nano Spray, ESI
-Proteome Discovery analysis software (now it supports SEQUEST search engine)
"The The AKTA Purifier Range (formally GE Amersham Pharmacia AKTA Purifier) is the new "classic" system used for the rapid purification of proteins at low to medium pressures, high performance purification and characterization. Using state-of-the-art computer-controlled pumps, UV and pH/ conductivity monitors, as well as a fraction collector, the AKTA Purifier FPLC range will greatly increase your protein purification efficiencies - indispensable when working with labile biomolecules and enzymes.
The GE Pharmacia AKTA Purifier series is a high end liquid chromatography system designed for fast and reliable separations of peptides and nucleic acids. AKTApurifier runs all techniques, from μg to mg scale at flow rates from 0.001 ml/min to 10 ml/min and pressures from 0 to 25 MPa. With operational simplicity and a wide range of pre-programmed application protocols and method templates.
The AKTA purifier range incorporates many features to minimize preparation and run times and maximize reliability and reproducibility of results. AKTApurifier range is essential in guaranteeing fast, reproducible runs every-time.
The tunable detector featured in this model allows you to select from a wide spectral range. The AKTA Purifier 100 allows of flow rates of up to 100 ml per minute."
Mass spectrometry