EPEC's space-saving Innova 44 Series Shakers are be stacked up to three units high, providing three times the culture capacity in about the same space normally occupiedby a single shaker. The extra-large chamber holds flasks up to 5 liters. A programmable controller provides convenience and reproducible results by letting you create programs to automate changes to operating parameters. Innova 44 provides incubation, while Innova Model 44R adds refrigeration with temperatures ranging from 20oC below ambient to 80oC, min. 4°C.





The Eukaryotic Protein Expression Core (EPEC) is a dedicated facility for the expression and purification of eukaryotic proteins. With highly knowledgeable and trained staff, a centralization of specialized equipment including fermentors, high-capacity shaking incubators, high-pressure homogenizer and a suite of centrifuges, and experience in the use of the eukaryotic Pichia pastoris yeast expression system, EPEC strives to aid researchers at UCLA in a variety of areas including gene cloning in yeast systems, protein expression trials, fermentation and large-scale production, and ultimately protein purification.










EPEC features the BioFlo 110, a modular fermentation system for microbial and cell culture applications with three 3L and three 10L vessels. It features a modern, easy-to-use control interface, plus an available family of vessels, controller modules, and other accessories that address the diverse needs of the bioscience community.




EPEC is one of the only facility on campus with an EmulsiFlex-C3 homogenizer. This machine is ideal for cell rupture, ultrafine emulsions, nanoparticles, and homogeneous liposomes. It is quiet, powered by an electric motor, and uses a pneumatically controlled, dynamic homogenizing valve to deliver a constant flow-through capacity of 3L/hr. It can process a sample as small as 10mL at a homogenizing pressure that is adjustable between 500 and 30,000 psi.





 

 

 

Facility Director Jeff Abramson
Facility Manager Salem Faham
Advisory Committee Members Jim Bowie
  Feng Guo
  Ron Kaback
  Ken Philipson
  Peipei Ping
  Juilio Vergara
  Ernest Wright




EPEC houses a suite of Beckman Coulter centrifuges including the Avanti JE and an ultracentrifuge. These machines allow flexibility of either high speed or large processing volume, allowing for faster movement to downstream applications.




The DARK READER (DR) is a non-UV transilluminator that uses a novel patented technology to visualize fluorescently stained DNA, proteins and other biological samples. DR devices use a visible light source that excites fluorophors between about 420 and 500 nm. This range includes many popular dyes such as fluorescein, SYBR Green, SYBR Gold, AttoPhos, GelStar, Vistra Green, SYPRO Orange and red-shifted GFP variants. The DR also works with dyes maximally excited above 500 nm such as rhodamine and ethidium bromide. Using a unique combination of filters, the Dark Reader is at least as sensitive as a UV transilluminator for the detection of many dyes. For example, using SYBR Gold or SYBR Green stain it is possible to see, by eye, around 75 pg of DNA and 10 pg using a CCD camera. The DR is particularly effective for viewing flurorphors in places where UV light cannot reach - through glass and plastic.

It is well known that DNA samples undergo a number of reactions when exposed to UV light including pyrimidine dimerization, breaks in the sugar-phosphate backbone and interstand cross-links. There have also been several reports regarding the deleterious effects of UV irradiation on the biological integrity of DNA samples and cloning protocols. As the Dark Reader does not emit any UV light, the extent of damage to DNA when viewed on a DR device will be drastically reduced compared to the damage produced by the use of a UV table. (from The Dark Reader® HandBook: Revolutionary Fluorescence. Copyright 2006. Clare Chemical Research.)

GeneFlash Gel Documentation System With GeneFlash you use a UV transilluminator to document your gels. •Simple to use system with little training required •Real-time images from 8 bit,768 x 582 pixel camera •Self-contained,microprocessor controlled darkroom •Integrated colour LCD screen for image viewing •Instant on-screen saturation detection •Rapid photographic print production •Secure image storage via USB to memory stick •Can be used with DarkReader to prevent DNA fragment damage The GeneFlash is also suitable for viewing and capturing images from any of the following: Agar plates of dark,light or two colour colonies • Cells in flasks • Autoradiographs • DNA,RNA or protein on membranes • Spot and slot blots of DNA,RNA or protein • TLC plates • Cells or solutions in microtitre plates • DNA or protein macro-arrays. With a white light or blue light converter you can extend the range of samples that can be used with GeneFlash. (From GeneFlash brochure, G.0028.C)