IntroductionMUCAB provides a unique and active focus for interdisciplinary research between the Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences at Macquarie University. The Centre manages substantial instrumentation resources appropriate for the contemporary study of biomolecules and natural products, and has lead to Macquarie University being recognised nationally as a centre of excellence for biomolecular analysis. MUCAB users include academic staff, honours students, postgraduate students, and Research Fellows. MUCAB is not a service facility, but does provide training in the use of intrumentation. MUCAB is supported through financial contributions from users for the calendar year and support from the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences and the Department of Biological Sciences. Instrument usage is logged via an on-line booking system. Potential users from outside the university are welcome to make enquiries to the directors. To find out how to utilize the resources of MUCAB for your research, and to assist you in forming scientific collaborations involving MUCAB, please contact the Directors |
Directors:Manager: |
Liquid chromatography of peptides and proteins
Amersham Biosciences ÄKTA Explorer
A system for small- to medium-scale separation and analysis of proteins and peptides.
Gel filtration, ion-exchange and reverse-phase chromatography are supported by the system and a chromatography wizard assists in method development. An advanced fraction collector is available allowing the collection of fractions into microtitre plates and a range of tube sizes.
The Bio-Rad BioLogic LP
A low-pressure chromatography system ideal for the purification and analysis of biomolecules.
This system provides high performance, versatility and ease of use for low-pressure applications. Gel filtration, ion-exchange and reverse-phase chromatography are supported. An advanced fraction collector allows collection into a range of tube sizes.
Pharmacia SMART
A system for small-scale separation and analysis of proteins and peptides
Gel filtration, ion-exchange and reverse-phase chromatography are supported. A refrigerated thermostatic circulator allows chromatography at controlled temperatures (down to 8°C). A column adapter allows non-SMART columns to be used with the SMART System.
BioCAD and Pharmacia FPLC (Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography)
Systems for medium-scale chromatography
- Use your own pre-packed Poros column or self-pack any of the large range of columns available with your medium of choice. The Pharmacia FPLC is located in a cold room to allow separations at 4°C
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Beckman HPLC with autosampler and UV/Vis diode array detectorShimadzu HPLC with autosampler, UV diode array detector and fraction collector
HPLC allows qualitative and quantitative analysis of a wide range of samples from proteins to hormones.Biomolecular Interactions
Biacore 2000 biosensor
Protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions can be studied using surface plasmon resonance. A protein or a ligand is bound to the surface of a sensor chip (purchased by the user from Biacore) using one of several standard chemical methods, e.g. a biotinylated ligand may be bound to a streptavidin chip. Buffer containing the analyte is then allowed to flow over the surface of the chip, with binding and release monitored in real time.See the Biacore website: http://www.biacore.com for more information.
Mass spectrometry
Macquarie University's Centre for Analytical Biotechnology (MUCAB) Mass Spectrometry Facility currently has 4 instruments, consisting of a MALDI-TOF, one LC-MS/MS system, one LC/GC-MS/MS system and one LC-MS system. Have a look at the Mass Spectrometry Facilty homepage for further detail.Circular dichroism, fluorescence and stopped-flow analysis
Jasco J-810 Spectropolarimeter linked to a BioLogic Stopped-Flow Apparatus
Circular dichroism (CD) probes the structure of molecules (including small organic molecules, proteins and nucleic acids) through an analysis of chirality (or handedness). For proteins it is particularly useful for monitoring changes in structure upon ligand binding or changes to the protein's environment. A range of cuvettes is available for a variety of specific applications. Fluoresence detection is also available, with an extensive range of optical filters to suit your application.
Stopped-flow analysis allows rapid reactions to be studied in real time. The BioLogic accessory allows extremely rapid and controlled mixing of up to three liquid components and monitoring of the reaction in real time using CD or fluoresence. BioKine software allows kinetic analysis.
Supporting Resources
Millipore filtration apparatus and filtration membranesOrganic and aqueous buffers for use in MUCAB can be filtered/degassed.Liquid handlingA set of Eppendorf pipettes and tips is available for users.
