Jim Schneider Research Group - Carnegie Mellon University

		TIRF/FRAPP Microscopy Station A Nikon TE-2000U inverted microscope with a high-speed CCD camera (Cascade 512b) is integrated with computer-controlled external optics that deliver photobleaching and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) beams from a 2W solid-state laser (SpectraPhysics Millenia Pro, 532 nm). The system designed for measurements of surface diffusion in biosensors. A computer-controlled DC power supply (Micralyne) is available for electrophoretic flow characterization in microchannel devices.

Research People Facilities Publications News Lab Protocols Center for Complex Fluids Engineering CMU Chemical Engineering		Major Experimental Facilities
		Our laboratory is outfitted with state-of-the-art surface analysis, synthesis, and fabrication equipment for biotechnology applications. We also have full access to resources in the Center for Complex Fluids Engineering at CMU.
		Capillary Electrophoresis Systems Two separate Beckman-Coulter P/ACE-MDQ systems can be programmed for multiple runs using vials in 36-well plates. One system utilizes UV detection along with two modes of LIF detection (488 nm and 632 nm). A second P/ACE-MDQ system has photodiode array detection for continuous streaming of UV spectra.
		Atomic Force Microscope with Closed-Loop Piezo Control The Nanoscope MultiMode Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) performs the full range of AFM techniques to measure surface characteristics including topography, elasticity, friction, adhesion, magnetic fields, and electrical fields. The AFM includes the PicoForce force spectroscopy system with a capacitive sensor to monitor and minimize piezo drift.
		Real-Time PCR System The Cephied Smart Cycler has 16 independently controlled modules, each with fluorescence detection (four-color excitation and emission). Rapid temperature cycling is achieved using thermally optimized reaction tubes. The system is computer controlled.
		SpectraMax M2 Fluorescence Plate Reader A UV-vis and fluorescence plate reader (Molecular Devices) features a dual-beam monochromator and is compatible with 96-well and 384-well plates with working volumes as low as 5 ml. Fluorescence spectra from individual wells can be obtained with a bandwidth of 9 nm.
		JASCO J-810 Circular Dichroism Spectrometer A CD spectrometer with temperature control and simultaneous fluorescence detection is available for structural characterization of proteins and nucleic acids. The system has a wavelength range of 163 - 900 nm and a bandwidth as low as 0.01 nm.
		Surface Plasmon Resonance System A custom-built SPR system has 8 separate thermostated sample wells and a computer-controlled goniometer and data acquisition system. The SPR is ideally suited for optical characterization of alkanethiol monolayers and adsorbed protein and polymer layers (in collaboration with R. Tilton).
		HPLC System This HPLC system (Waters Delta 600) is configured for analytical and semi-prep processes. Detection is accomplished by a photodiode array detector, which continuously streams UV spectra of the elutant. A fraction collector is also available for analysis of unknown samples.
		Metal Evaporator A custom metal evaporator (Denton Vacuum) features a resistively heated source, a heated sample stage, a deposition thickness and rate monitor (with on-line control), and a rotating mount for deposition onto AFM cantilevers. Pressures of 10^-6 Torr are achieved using a Leybold TurboVac turbopump. Valving is automated for ease of use.
		Langmuir-Blodgett Film Balance The KSV 5000 is fully automated, with symmetric monolayer compression and real-time monitoring of surface pressure, pH, and surface potential. The instrument is mounted on a vibration isolation bench in a laminar-flow hood.