The Molecular and Cellular Imaging Group at ORNL manages over 3000 sq.ft. of conventional “wet” laboratory space suitable for biochemistry, chemical synthesis, and surface functionalization that is affiliated with the CNMS User program. This includes conventional molecular- and micro-biology related equipment: air shakers, waterbath shakers, plate incubators, autoclave, centrifuges and specialized equipment for physical biochemistry, DNA microarray construction and analysis, and nano-bio research. Small volume liquid sample handling equipment, various microcentrifuges, a Rainin HPLC system, agarose and acrylamide electrophoresis apparatus, a Savant Speed Vac Concentrator, a Barnsted Nanopure water purifier, a Savant bead-milling apparatus, spectrophotometers, thermocyclers, and several ultralow freezers, refrigerators and drying ovens are available. Laboratory space is dedicated to equipment for soft lithography and microfluidic imaging systems used for the visualization and patterning of biological materials at the micro- and nanoscale. The laboratory is also equipped with optical benches, 3D printers for rapid prototyping, and various electronic and optical equipment. Approximately 400 square feet of laboratory space is dedicated to cell and tissue culture with multiple incubators and biosafety cabinets to allow the passage of multiple cell lines with limited risk of cross contamination. A full suite of standard equipment for maintaining and monitoring cultured cells and tissue is available.
A suite of brightfield fluorescence, confocal, and super-resolution optical microscopes are available for live cell imaging.
