Scientific Equipment
Multiphoton microscopy
The multiphoton microscope is the standard approach in the in-vivo study of the functions and morphology of organs at cellular and subcellular level. Unlike histological microscopy techniques, the intravital approach allows for the simultaneous acquisition of morphological and functional information: this information can be acquired continuously in real time, while alternative techniques usually provide a snapshot of specific events.
Multiphoton microscopy is characterized by higher image resolution, deeper tissue penetration and limited phototoxicity than other microscopy approaches, such as confocal microscopy. Consequently, the multiphoton intravital microscope is used for studying the physiology and pathophysiology of different organs such as the skin, respiratory system, reproductive system, liver, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, kidney, spleen, system central nervous system and heart. In addition, the multiphoton intravital microscope is a useful tool for immunology and cancer research. The multiphoton microscope can be applied to both in vivo and in vitro preparations, tissue sections and isolated perfused organs. It is suitable for carrying out pharmacological toxicity studies, such as the effects of some antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. Nuclear fluorescent labeling in animals in vivo can be advantageous in order to evaluate the acute effects of trauma on cell necrosis and apoptosis. Fluorescent labels are widely used in vivo to visualize different cell types and their components. Multiphoton microscopy can simultaneously excite up to 4 fluorescent markers, enabling multiple comparison of fluorophores as well as simultaneous characterization of different parameters. Since vascular markers are mainly retained by the vascular system, they can also be used to further investigate abnormalities in vascular permeability. Alternatively, so-called “label-free” imaging techniques, such as second harmonic generation, can be used to visualize endogenous molecules, collagen accumulations, the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and microtubules.
Thermo mass spectrometer, mod. Q Exactive, interfaced with a Thermo liquid chromatograph, mod. Ultimate 3000.
It is a high-resolution instrument, currently in use both for the analysis of small molecules, in mainly pharmaceutical (PK / PD) and biotechnological contexts; the modalities are both qualitative and quantitative.
A suite of data analysis software is included, currently comprising the Biopharma Finder and Compound Discoverer packages (both produced by Thermo), with a program to add further packages in the short term.
CytoVision MB8 DM600B for Karyotype and FISH is an image analysis system that provides Cytogenetics laboratories with an integrated and modular platform for fluorescence and brightfield samples. The system is able to combine the skills in image analysis, robotics and microscopy necessary to promote and support a perfectly integrated cytogenetic platform.
Multiple application modules:
- Karyotype
- FISH
- Scanning platform
- Identification of metaphases
- Spot counting
The IVIS® Spectrum
The In-Vivo Imaging System relies on an innovative patent of optical imaging technology, to support the longitudinal and non-invasive monitoring of the progression of the disease, of the cellular transport and of the evolution of the expression of genes in-vivo, via the acquisition of 2D and 3D bioluminescence and fluorescence signals.
Thermo Scientific ™ Quantiva ™ Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer
From toxicology to environmental analysis for pharmaceutical research, a constant in almost all areas is the need for greater productivity, in order to carry out quantitative and qualitative analyses of a higher number of samples in a shorter time, and with a greater level of reliability and safety, despite an increasingly tight budget. The Thermo Scientific Quantiva Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer addresses these needs with excellent quality. The instrument maintains the best sensitivity in its class, run after run, regardless of the type of sample or matrix. All this, with an ease of use that reduces the difficulties in each operation and process.
The Bruker SkyScan 1178
Rapid micro-CT scanner characterized by a scanning + reconstruction cycle of less than one minute for the entire volume. The static position of objects facilitates in-vivo scanning of laboratory animals. The carbon fiber holders for rats and mice are supplied on an interchangeable base that combines PET, SPECT, and bioluminescence. Through a physiological monitoring sub-system it is possible to measure respiration and heartbeat in real time, also procuring signals for limited acquisitions. The full range of SkyScan software is supplied, including rapid volumetric reconstruction, 2D / 3D quantitative analysis software and realistic 3D visualization.
BIACORE T 200 is a versatile system for high quality characterization of molecular interactions, in terms of kinetics, affinity, specificity, comparability, concentration, immunogenicity and thermodynamics.
ÄKTAxpress is a chromatography system designed for automated, multiphase purification of single and multiple sample proteins. The system is ideal for effectively achieving the highest possible level of protein purity, reducing time-consuming activities.
CelliGen BLU is a benchtop bioreactor that combines single-use technology with reliability and allows flexible process management on different scales (3-50L). All this makes it ideal for research and for production that fulfills the highest quality standards.
"Operetta" High Content Screening System (PerkinElmer)
The Operetta instrument is a high-throughput confocal / fluorescence microscope for High Content Analysis, equipped with the following features:
1. Quick scan of slide or plate samples
2. Eight filter excitation system for maximum color coverage
3. 14bit CCD camera for higher acquisition sensitivity
4. Self-learning algorithm for quick and easier data analysis.
Key Applications:
- Apoptosis
- Cell cycle
- Cell differentiation
- Cell migration
- Cell proliferation
- Changes in cell morphology
- Rearrangement of the cytoskeleton
- Cytotoxicity
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
- Analysis of lipid drops
- Development of neurites
- Expression of proteins
- Activation of receptors
- RNAi screening
- Signaling pathway analysis
- Transcription factors
A Spray Dryer is a freeze-drying (drying) tool, used to reduce humidity and to pulverize food and non-food products, such as freeze-dried food products, freeze-dried and microencapsulated extracts, microencapsulated pharmaceutical products, or galenic products.
Spray dryers can be of different types - co-current, hot air, ultrasonic or fluidized bed type. The process is carried out entirely automatically, with the control of the process variables and the final size of the lyophilisate. The equipment includes a separation output system, an air pre-treatment system for the transfer and collection of the product.
Spray dryers are particularly suitable for food industries that need the freeze-drying of concentrated sugar solutions, or plant extracts such as soy lecithin for the creation of nutraceutical aromas, fragrances and aromatic powders, as well as for the microencapsulation of functional products, such as food supplements and freeze-dried milk
VEVO 2100
The VEVO 2100 imaging system is used to obtain high resolution ultrasound images in small animals. Coupled with the VEVO LAZR photoacoustic imaging platform it allows releasing light energy that is absorbed by the tissues, causing thermoelastic expansion. This expansion generates ultrasonic waves detected by the transducer, producing optical absorption contrast images within the tissues.
Once the excitation wavelength and the emission wavelength of a given marker have been identified, it is possible to locate it in different tissues.
QuantStudio ™ 7 Flex is a Real-Time PCR system for quantitative PCR for all purposes, ensuring multiplexing as well as the ability to use different reaction chemistries.
NAVIGLIO EXTRACTOR: extractor of solid-liquid active ingredients
It is a valid alternative to traditional extraction techniques, such as maceration and percolation, where extraction is based exclusively on diffusion and / or osmosis phenomena. The Naviglio extractor for active ingredients utilizes a rapid and innovative extraction technique for the preparation of fluid extracts, mother tinctures, aqueous, hydroalcoholic and glycerinated extracts, macerated oils.
The Naviglio Extractor can be used for:
- extraction of active ingredients from medicinal plants for the pharmaceutical, homeopathic, herbal and cosmetic industries;
- extraction of vegetable substances for the food, dietary and zootechnical industries;
- production / flavoring of liqueurs produced from fruit and aromatic plants.
It can be used to treat various types of products at different concentrations, from fresh to dried ones, such as flowers, leaves, buds, fruits, roots, barks, stems, seeds, medicinal plants, aromatic herbs and any other product belonging to the plant world.
The Naviglio extractor is available in different models, grouped according to their capacity:
- Medium series for 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 liters
Millrock Technology
Millrock technology offers lab- and industrial scale freeze dryers. Innovative technologies, such as FreezeBooster Controlled Nucleation and AccuFlux Freeze Drying Heat Flow Measurement and Control System, are available as part of this freeze-drying solution. Freeze-drying consists in the removal of ice or other frozen solvents from a material by sublimation process, or in the process of removing molecules with water bonds, by desorption.
By controlled freeze-drying the product to be dried is kept at sufficiently low temperatures, in order to avoid changes in its appearance and characteristics. It is an excellent method for preserving a wide range of heat sensitive materials, such as proteins, microbes, pharmaceuticals, tissues and plasma.
Ion Proton System (Thermo Fisher Scientific) is a Next generation Sequencing (NGS) platform designed for high-throughput sequencing of exomes, transcriptomes and genomes.
Key Applications:
- ChIP sequencing
- Exome sequencing
- Gene expression sequencing
- De novo sequencing
- Small RNA sequencing
- Sequencing of the entire transcriptome
Areas of interest:
- Agricultural research
- Stem cell research
- Cancer research
- Epigenomics
- Genomics of ancient DNA
- Metagenomics
Rotor-Gene Q (Qiagen)
Rotor-Gene Q MDx is an automated molecular detection platform based on Real-Time PCR technology. The system is programmed for use in the context of in-vitro diagnostics. The platform uses a spinning centrifuge system designed to rapidly amplify and quantify DNA molecules. These qualities make Rotor-Gene Q MDx the tool of choice in the following applications of molecular diagnostics for IVD:
- gene expression analysis
- detection of pathogens
- DNA methylation analysis
- gene scanning
- miRNA research
PyroMark Q24 uses real-time pyrosequencing technologies capable of identifying sequence variants and epigenetic methylation. PyroMark Q24 is particularly suitable for the analysis of:
- CpG methylation
- SNPs
- insertion / deletion
- STRs
- gene copy number (CNV) analysis
- microbial identification
ION CHEF SYSTEM (THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC)
Ion Chef System simplifies the workflow of Ion Torrent NGS by integrating automatic model preparation and chip loading into a single tool that offers maximum efficiency.
You simply need to select the run parameters using the intuitive touch screen interface, load the library of samples, reagents and consumables and start the instrument.
ION PGM Dx System (Thermo Fisher Scientific) offers the speed and simplicity of a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform coupled with the essential benefits of a workflow designed for regulated laboratory environments, in vitro diagnostic (IVD) and clinical research applications.
- sequencing of specific DNA genes
- sequencing of specific RNA genes
- microbial sequencing
3500 Series Genetic Analyzer (Thermo Fisher Scietific)
Sanger sequencing is a reference sequencing technology as it provides a high degree of accuracy and flexibility in supporting a diverse range of applications in numerous research areas. Sanger sequencing is widely recognized for DNA sequencing applications but also supports applications in RNA sequencing and epigenetic analysis.
Key applications:
- De novo sequencing
- Sequencing of specific DNA genes
- Validation of NGS
- HLA sequencing
- Microbial sequencing
- Mitochondrial sequencing
- Gene expression analysis
- Methylation analysis
2100 Bioanalyzer Instruments (Agilent)
Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer is based on automated electrophoresis system for the quantification and purity assessment of DNA, RNA and protein samples.
NextSeq 550 System : Tunable sequencing output and array scanning on a single instrument
The NextSeq 550 System combines tried-and-true next-generation sequencing (NGS) and array capabilities with tunable outputs, enabling both small and large labs to scale to meet their needs.
Array scanning is poweredby the bead-based BeadArray™ technology and proven Infinium™ chemistry. Trusted Infinium chemistry produces exceptional data quality and call rates, as well as reproducible results.
The NextSeq 550 System offers various throughput levels, providing users with optimal operational efficiency. The NextSeq 550 System also delivers a one-day turnaround for numerous popular sequencing applications. With this instrument, users can sequence a broad range of samples per run:
- 1-12 exomes
- 1-16 transcriptomes
- 6-96 targeted panels
- 12-40 gene expression profiling samples
The system supports the full suite of Illumina library preparation and target enrichment solutions, offering compatibility across the Illumina sequencing portfolio.
Chromium Controller - sistema per analisi Single Cell Standard Throughput
BD FACS MelodyTM
