Our Services

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a widely used laboratory technique for the amplification of specific DNA segments. PCR involves using short synthetic DNA fragments called primers to select a segment of the genome to be amplified, and then multiple rounds of DNA synthesis to further amplify that segment. We focus on reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), using our 384-well QuantStudio 5 qPCR machine, which provides real-time detection of nucleotide sequence amplification at any sample concentration. qPCR uses fluorescence-based imaging to measure the amount of amplified DNA in real time.  In RT-qPCR, total RNA is isolated and converted into cDNA via reverse transcription (RT).  The cDNA is then used in the qPCR analysis. We can assist you at any step along the PCR process, from sample processing to data analysis. We offer quick turnaround with results delivered back to you within 2 weeks.  After completion of the requested assay, a written report will be delivered back to you with the raw data and analysis that one of our PCR experts has analyzed. 

qPCR Services   

• Cell/Tissue processing 
• Bodily fluid processing
• Nucleic acid extraction and cDNA synthesis
• qPCR analysis
• DNA quantitation
• DNA amplification
• SNP variant analysis
• Pathogen detection
• Customized primer creation
• Customized qPCR assays

 Circular Dichroism (CD) spectra are highly sensitive to distortions within chiral centers of biopolymers and is therefore especially useful in analyzing the secondary structure of biopolymers, especially proteins/peptides and nucleic acids (Rogers et al., 2019).  CD spectroscopy is the most common approach  for studying the overall conformation of biopolymers, such as proteins  and peptides. CD is a spectroscopic method based on the interaction of  chiral centers in the polymer with circular polarized light, which is  very sensitive to levels of regular order in the polymer backbone. CD  offers a convenient method for identifying changes in the structure of  proteins and peptides.  

• Consultation on sample conditions and spectral acquisition parameters 
• Sample preparation, including sample concentration and exchange into CD-compatible buffer.
• Recording the CD spectra with optimal parameters and temperatures (if temperature dependent studies needed).
• Collection and plotting of data 
• computational analysis of protein secondary structure
• written report of results

 CW-EPR spectroscopy provides a highly sensitive and specific method for probing the local structure, dynamics and environment of proteins (Garcia-Rubio, 2020) and lipid assemblies (Guzzi and Bartucci, 2015).  The Site Directed Spin Labeling Electron Paramagnetic Resonance  (SDSL-EPR) spectroscopy offers a unique approach to elucidate the  structure and dynamics of biomolecules in solution. The approach  combines protein chemistry/molecular genetics to target spin probes into  biomolecules (most commonly peptides and proteins) with EPR analysis  using modifications that can accommodate small biological samples under a  variety of conditions (pure protein, tissue, live cells, etc.). 

• Consultation on sample conditions and spectral acquisition parameters 
• Protein chemistry if spin-labeling is required. 
• Labeling with lipid spin probes for nanoparticle samples composed of lipid assemblies (liposomes, NLP/nanodisc/emulsions) 
• Sample preparation, including sample concentration.
• Recording of EPR spectra with optimal parameters and temperatures (if temperature dependent studies needed).
• For probe accessibility/environment measurements, power saturation measurements are collected in the presence of distinct relaxation agents.
• Collection and plotting of data 
• computational analysis of line widths, amplitudes and fitting of power saturation curves
• written report of results

The EPR instrument services are categorized under three different service types, depending on the mode of data collection.
 

• Simple room temperature (RT) scan. 
• Simple low temperature (LT) scan. Service also includes flash freezing of sample.
• EPR power saturation scanning.