About Us

The DNA Biotechnology Facility is a core laboratory providing services for automated DNA sequencing and DNA isolation. Services also include instrumentation and products for molecular biology research. All services are available to the entire University of Connecticut community and external academic and industrial customers. The goal of the Facility is to provide the expertise and use of costly equipment and associated resources to obtain effective and efficient cost sharing, acquire new technology, and deliver state-of-the art service. The Facility is directed by Mr. Xiaoyang Liu of the Biotechnology·Bioservices Center.

Services and Instrumentation

The DNA Biotechnology Facility provides DNA sequencing and fragment analysis services through the use of capillary electrophoresis based DNA sequencers. Two levels of DNA sequencing services are provided: a comprehensive Full Service and an economical Run-Only Service. The Facility has an Applied Biosystems 3130XL Genetic Analyzer and two Beckman Coulter CEQ 2000XL DNA sequencers. Typical turnaround time is approximately 24 hours.

The Facility offers DNA isolation service through the use of a QIAGEN BioRobotic system. This service is designed for users who isolate plasmid or M13 phage DNA in large numbers of samples. Service completion time is about three hours per 96-well plate sample batch. Instrumentation is offered as a fee-based program for researchers to access shared equipment. The Facility provides maintenance, training, and upgrades for the instruments. Instruments include an X-ray film developer, a UV/VIS (340-750nm) microplate reader, and a freeze-drying system. The Facility also hosts a Bio-Rad 2-D protein gel analysis system for proteomic research. This system consists of an electrophoresis unit with an IEF cell and a PAGE box for multiple gel separation of proteins.

The DNA Facility offers a Supply Center Program with Applied Biosystems, Bio-Rad, Invitrogen, New England BioLabs, and Qiagen. University of Connecticut researchers can order items from these five vendors through the Program. All shipping and handling charges are waived or absorbed by the Facility. Discounts, including promotions, are passed on to end users. A flat recharge fee will apply on the cost basis for any stock/freezer orders.

Qiagen BioRobotic System

Training and Education

Staff provide training in the use of instruments located at the Facility. Consultations are available for DNA sequencing, sequencing data analysis, and database searches. These services are free, but prospective users must schedule an appointment prior to a consulting session.

ABI 3130xl Genetic Analyzer

Use of the Facility

A principal investigator must register with the Facility before accessing available services. Registration is a simple procedure that records valid account and contact information.

Users may place service orders by calling the Facility. Customers should visit the Facility personally to drop off samples or to pick up merchandise. Samples are accepted through the mail.

Facility Use Fees:

Current pricing for materials and services can be found at: http://www.biotech.uconn.edu/dbf/pdf/dbf-feeschedule.pdf.

For specific prices contact the Facility Head.

All rates are subject to periodic review and change.