DLL Molecular – biochemistry biophysics
Bioenergy
Molecular biology
Biotechnology: bioengineering
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Biochemistry and biophysics are two closely related scientific disciplines that look at the study of living at the molecular scale. They seek to understand the fundamental mechanisms that govern biological processes, applying the principles of chemistry and physics to biological systems.
Facilities
The GFL 3031 incubator is a versatile laboratory equipment, particularly appreciated for its ability to combine incubation and agitation. It is ideal for a variety of applications, including microbiology, biochemistry and biotechnology.
Incubator GFL 3031
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Characteristics :
- Orbital agitation: Soft and reproducible orbital motion allows efficient mixing of samples.
Accurate temperature control: A microprocessor provides precise temperature control with a stability of 0.2 °C.
Temperature range: temperatures up to 70 °C.
Timer: An integrated timer is used to schedule the incubation time.
Alarms: Visual and audible alarms are triggered in the event of overheating or underheat.
User interface: An LED display displays the parameters and a keyboard allows simple programming.
Applications :
- Incubations: Culture of microorganisms, cell growth.
Fermentations: Studies on yeasts and bacteria.
Homogenization: Mixture of liquids and solids.
Chemical and biochemical reactions: Enzymatic studies, synthesis reactions.
The Heraeus incubators is a high-precision laboratory equipment designed to provide a controlled and optimal environment for cell culture, microbiology and other temperature-sensitive applications.
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The Eppendorf 5810R centrifuge is a versatile laboratory equipment, particularly appreciated for its ability to handle a wide range of tubes and plates, while offering high performance.
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Characteristics :
- Maximum speed: 14,000 rpm.
- Capacity: Accommodate tubes and vials from 0.2 ml to 750 ml.
Plate rotors: Designed for centrifugation of all types of plaques (MTP, PCR, cell culture, Deepwell).
Angular rotors: Optimised for high-speed molecular applications in 0.2 ml to 85 ml tubes. - Temperature range regulated from -9°C to 40°C, ideal for heat-sensitive samples.
- Functionalities:
Automatic rotor identification: Avoids configuration errors.
Ibalance detection: Ensures maximum safety during centrifugation.
QuickLock cover: Easy and one-handed impervious closure.
FastTemp function: Rapid recooling of the rotor.
Silent: For a more pleasant working environment. - Applications:
Cellular separation
DNA/RNA isolation
Preparation of samples for analysis
And many others…
Bio-Rad’s Doc Go Imaging System Gel is a valuable tool for visualisation and electrophoresis analysis of DNA and protein gels. It offers a compact and efficient solution for research and education laboratories.
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Characteristics :
High-resolution imaging: Capture of high-quality images for accurate analysis of gels.
Versatility: Compatible with a wide range of dyes and gels, including Stain-Free gels for direct visualisation of proteins.
Intuitive software Image Lab Touch: Allows quick and easy image acquisition, as well as in-depth data analysis.
LED lighting: Offers long life and low heat production.
Safety: Includes security measures to protect users of UV rays.
Applications :
Visualization of DNA and protein gels: Evaluation of fragment size, quantification of DNA and proteins.
Southern and Northern blot analysis: Detection of DNA- or RNA-specific sequences.
Imaging of colored gels: Visualization of coloured gels in a traditional manner.
Gill documentation: Creation of permanent records of experimental results.
Tecan Infinite M Nano is a high-performance, compact absorbent microplate reader, particularly suitable for the quantification of DNA, RNA and proteins, as well as for colorimetric ELISA. It offers a robust and reliable solution for many applications in molecular and cellular biology.
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Characteristics :
- Single detection mode: Specialized in absorbance, it guarantees optimum precision for spectrophotometric measurements.
Flexibility: Capable of managing plates of up to 384 wells, it adapts to different working flow rates.
Intuitive software: The i-Control software facilitates protocol programming and data analysis.
Customization options: Possibility of adding a bowl port or a NanoQuant Plate to extend applications.
Compact and ergonomic: Its design allows easy integration into any laboratory.
Applications :
- Quantification of nucleic acids: DNA, RNA
Protein strengths: Colorimetric ELISA
Quality control: Verification of the purity of the reagents
Enzymatic kinetics: Measurement of enzymatic activity
The Nanodrop ND-1000 is a full-spectrum microvolume spectrophotometer designed to accurately measure and reproducibility samples of 1-litre samples. It uses surface tension to retain the sample between two optical surfaces, thus eliminating the need for traditional cuvettes.
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Characteristics :
- Measurement of microvolumes: Requires only 1 L of sample.
High Sensitivity: Detects DNA concentrations as low as 2 ng/L.
Wide dynamic range: Can measure highly concentrated samples without prior dilution.
Speed: Quick measurements in a few seconds.
Ease of use: Intuitive user interface and easy cleaning.
Technical specifications:
- Wavelength range: 220-750 nm
Wavelength accuracy: 1 nm
Absorbency range: 0.02-75 AU
Detection limit: 2 ng/L of DNA
Maximum measurable concentration: 3700 ng/L of DNA
Sample size: 1 L
Optical path length: 1 mm
Applications:
- Quantification of DNA and RNA
Evaluation of the Purity of Nucleic Acids
Measurement of the Protein Concentration
Analysis of the Enzymatic kinetics
Cell density measurements
The ÄKTA start is an easy-to-use preparative chromatography system designed to automate manual laboratory-scale purification procedures. It is ideal for the purification of proteins, antibodies and other biomolecules.
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Characteristics :
- Intuitive user interface: A touch screen facilitates system configuration and control.
Pre-defined methods: Predefined methods for purifying tagged proteins and antibodies accelerate the process.
Real-time visualisation and tracking: Monitor your real-time purification with live graphs and data.
Flexibility: Create and customize your own methods to meet your specific needs.
Faction collector: The Frac30 fraction collector (optional) allows your fractions to be collected automatically.
UNICORN start software: The intuitive software facilitates programming, data analysis and reporting.
Applications :
- Desalting: Removal of salts and small molecules.
Change of buffer: Replacement of the initial buffer with an appropriate buffer.
Affinity chromatography: Purification based on the binding specificity between the protein of interest and an affinity matrix.
Sepheral exclusion chromatography: separation of proteins according to their molecular size.
Ion exchange chromatography: Separation of proteins according to their net load.
The Branson Sonifier 450 is a laboratory device used for cell disruption, homogenisation, emulsification and other applications requiring the use of ultrasound.
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Characteristics :
- Maximum output power: 400 watts
Maximum treatment volume: 500 ml
Analog control: Allows precise adjustment of the amplitude and of the sonication time
Pulsed mode: Reduces the heat generated during sonication
Robust design: Ensures long life and reliable use
Easy to use: Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
Applications :
- Cellular disruption: Lysis of bacterial, fungal and animal cells
Homogenization: Mixture and dispersion of suspensions and emulsions
Extraction: Extraction of proteins, DNA and other biomolecules
Degassing: Disposal of air bubbles from solutions
The Cary Eclipse is a high-performance instrument designed for fluorescence measurements in various fields, including life sciences and biotechnology. It is renowned for its high sensitivity, its protection against the bleaching of photosensitive samples and its versatility.
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Characteristics :
- Light source: Pulsed xenon lamp with high intensity and long life.
Measuring modes: Fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence, bioluminescence and time-resolved phosphorescence.
Speed: Acquisition of rapid data for kinetic measurements.
Software: Cary WinFLR, intuitive and powerful for data acquisition and analysis.
Technical specifications :
- Excitation wavelength range: 200 to 850 nm.
Emission wavelength range: 220 to 900 nm.
Bandwidth: Variable, making it possible to optimize the spectral resolution.
Acquisition speed: Very fast, for kinetic measurements and temporal analyses.
The Cary 60 spectrophotometer (Agilent) is a versatile laboratory instrument, designed for accurate and reproducible measurements in the field of ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis). It is widely used in various fields such as chemistry, biology, pharmacy and materials science.
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FluoTime 250 is a compact Lifetime Fluorometer from PicoQuant
- Steady-state in emission and time-resolved (TCSPC, MCS) operation mode
- Easy-handling, compact setup for fast and precise measurements
- Flexible filter-based emission wavelength selection
- Fully automated system for lifetimes ranges from ps to s
- Intuitive acquisition and analysis EasyTau 2 software
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Access and safety rules
These facilities are located in the CH building :
CH B0 374
CH B0 375
Safety rules: Any person wishing to handle chemicals must be trained accordingly, in accordance with the safety rules at EPFL, the DSPS, and the SICI/SCGC specific rules.
Training and booking
Julien Andres, +41 21 693 74 55
Activities and courses :
Chimie, 2024-2025, Licence 6
Experimental and biophysical biochemistry : CH-319