Major Instrumentation

X-ray

Rigaku RU-H3RHB Cu rotating anode generator.
Rigaku R-AXIS IV and Rigaku R-AXIS IV++ image plate systems.
Two MSC-X-stream low temperature systems.
Two Osmic confocal max-flux optic systems.
Two MSC inverse phi goniometers.

Synchrotron Beamline

Share-holder Molecular Biology Consortium, Advanced Light Source 4.2.2, Lawrence Berkely National Laboratory.

NMR (Through cooperation with the NMR Facility)

The NMR facility includes a Varian Inova 600 MHz spectrometer with cold probe, a Bruker DRX 500 MHz spectrometer, an ARX 250 MHz spectrometer and a DRX 300 MHz (widebore) spectrometer with solid state capability. All spectrometers have multinuclear capability.

In early 2008, the ground level of the Schweitzer Hall addition will include a statewide facility for a $2.1 million 800 MHz spectrometer. This instrument has impressive capacity for analyzing macromolecules of medical, agricultural and industrial importance. There are a limited number of these instruments in the country, and there are currently none in Missouri.

Peptide Synthesis Core

Multiple peptide synthesizer (Advanced Chemtech 396 omega):
This robotic synthesizer able to prepare up to 96 different sequences in approx. 1 week. Scales are ranging for each batch between 10 and 200 mg within the same synthesis (5 g in case of multiple copies of the same sequences) Furthermore the above synthesizer is ideal for preparation of synthetic combinatorial libraries either using "mix and split technology, either other optimized protocols for obtaining 'quasi-equimolar' libraries.

Analytical/semi-preparative HPLC (Beckmann-Coulter, system Gold):
This instrument is equipped with autosampler and diode-array UV detector. Wide variety of reverse phase Column for Analysis and preparation of peptides and other biopolymer. The system can be used in a completely automated and preprogrammed way for the analysis of about 25 samples per day. When used as a semi-preparative HPLC, it is possible to obtain 1 to 50 mg (depending by the used column and the purity of the crude) of pure product for preparative run.

Dynamic Light Scattering

Protein Solutions DynaPro-MSTC (temperature-controlled, micro-sampler) is an ultra-sensitive instrument combining 12ul sample volumes with the highest sensitivity available over the 0.5 nm - 200 nm radius size range. The DynaPro is highly sensitive in the detection of aggregation — even trace amounts — which often go undetected with other techniques such as gel filtration chromatography. It measures the hydrodynamic radius down to 1.0nm and provides the distribution independent of solvent conditions so that the macromolecular behavior may be studied in virtually any solution condition. Measurements take only a few minutes and samples are generally recoverable.

Other Available Instrumentation

The instrumentation below is generally available by appointment only. Please contact the person(s) responsible directly before attempting to use the instrument.

Circular Dichroism
Location: 9 Schlundt Annex
Type: AVIV 62DS Circular Dichroism Spectrometer
Documents: Protocol
Contact: Dr. Mike Henzl

Fluorescence
Location: 9 Schlundt Annex
Type: SLM-Aminco 8100, with ISS upgrade to do photon counting
Contact: Dr. Mike Henzl

Analytical ultracentrifuge
Location: 8 Schlundt Annex
Type: Beckman XL-I
Contact: Dr. Mike Henzl

Isothermal Titration Calorimeter
Location: 7 Schlundt Annex
Type: MicroCal VP-ITC
Contact: Dr. Mike Henzl