Shared Research Facilities and Equipment

The UNC Department of Chemistry Chemical Research Instrumentation Teaching and Core Laboratories (CRITCL) Mass Spectrometry core laboratory specializes in small molecule analysis. Our services include, but are not limited to, quantitative mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography separations, fragmentation and structural elucidation (MS/MS, MSn) mass spectrometry, complex mixture analysis, molecular formula confirmation (high resolution and accurate mass) analysis, & trace metal determination/quantitation. The mass spectrometry facility provides individualized user training for undergraduate, graduate, and post-docotoral scholars of the Department of Chemistry. In addition, the facility aims to provide the highest quality mass spectrometric services possible to members of the UNC Chapel Hill Department of Chemistry, UNC campus community and surrounding Research Triangle areas.

XCL primarily functions as a service crystallographic facility for the University and are actively collaborating with Department of Chemistry, Inorganic, Organic, and Material Division, Physics and Astronomy, biology, as well as the School of Pharmacy and the School of Medicine. The facility houses a single Crystal X-ray diffractometer, Bruker SMART Apex II, which is fully maintained by the XCL Director. Service includes SC-XRD structure determination and various PXRD techniques, and user training is available for both SC- and powder XRD techniques. Additional experiments at Argonne National Laboratory, SCrAPS – Synchrotron Crystallography at Advanced Photon Source, are carried out three times a year for samples that diffract too weakly using the conventional radiation source at the facility. XCL provides both client- and user-based services where clients enjoy the convenience of the service, and users gain privilege and flexibilities in instrument operation, data collection, and structure solution and refinement with or without the assistance of the XCL personnel. To become a proficient user, requirements such as passing the X-ray Crystallography course as well as instrument-specific and safety training and exams need to be fulfilled.

The Immune Profiling Core offers fee for service sample processing, cryopreservation, biobanking, and immunological assays such as flow cytometry, luminex, ELISpot, and ELISA. In addition, Core staff offer guidance in support of grant/contract applications as well as assay/study design, training and mentoring.

We provide light microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and electron microscopy (TEM & SEM) equipment and technical support to ASU and western North Carolina. See policy at: http://www.casmifa.appstate.edu/Policies.html

The Duke Chemistry Instrumentation Facility houses modern and diverse instrumentation for a range of analytical needs, including mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and a variety of spectroscopies. Most instruments in the instrument laboratories are available for researchers on a direct-walk-up basis once they have received the required training from the Facility’s director. Reservations for many instruments can be made on-line by a qualified user once they have been provided access to the calendars by the Facility’s director.

The DFGSR provides infrastructure and expertise for the implementation of CRISPR and RNAi-based technologies, both small- and genome-scale. We also provide compound screening services and high-throughput assay development. Open to non-Duke investigators.

The Duke Microbiome Shared Resource provides a centralized resource hub to enhance the existing interactions with the Duke Microbiome Center, Duke Cancer Institute, and Genomic and Computational Biology shared resources to address the role of microbial systems in human healthcare, food production and environmental restoration. This resource will provide access to a variety of services that will enable researchers to focus on microbial communities (bacteria, fungi and virus), immune oncology, cancer research and infectious disease.

Duke MGC uses state-of-the-art technology to offer a variety of experimental platforms to facilitate genomics research for single-cell omics, DNA genotyping, DNA copy number, and DNA methylation.

The Neurotransgenic Laboratory (NTL) at Duke University conducts technology development research and provides services and training towards the genetic analysis of the nervous system. The nervous system with its vast diversity of cell types and synaptic connections requires sophisticated tools to visualize and modify neuronal activity and interactions. Genetically engineered reporters and effectors allow such precise modifications. The Neurotransgenic Laboratory is focused on the design and generation of genetic tools for neuroscience research. Such tools include viruses for the precise stereotactical application of transgenes, plasmids and BACs for the generation of transgenic animals, genetically modified embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells for differentiation and transplantation studies as well as for the generation of genetically modified animals. The NTL offers coordinated expertise in the generation of genetic tools for neuroscience research (")from concept through creation("), including experimental project design and planning, molecular construct preparation, high titer virus production, stem cell modifications, and mouse embryo microinjections. Ultimately, the mission of the NTL is to provide an enriched environment for students, trainees, and established investigators and to develop, promote, and enhance the use of sophisticated genetic tools for understanding and resolving biomedical problems in basic and translational neuroscience research.

We provide small animal imaging instrumentation, training and analysis support. Whole animal imaging systems are capable of combined fluorescence, bioluminescence, and x-ray imaging. We also offer intravital microscopy including surgical training and support.