About Us

The DNA Biotechnology Facility (DNA) is a core laboratory providing services for automated DNA sequencing, DNA isolation, microarray scanning and data analysis. Services also include instrumentation and products for molecular biology research. All services are available to the entire University of Connecticut community and external academic or 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.

Services and Instrumentation

DNA sequencing and fragment analysis services are provided through use of both slab gel based ABI DNA sequencers, and capillary electrophoresis based Beckman Coulter CEQ DNA sequencers. The services are offered at two levels: a comprehensive "Full-Service" level and a cost-saving "Run-Only" level. The Facility has an Applied Biosystems 3130XL Genetic Analyzer, and two Beckman Coulter CEQ 2000XL capillary DNA sequencers. The typical turnaround time is approximately 24 hours.

DNA isolation service is offered through the use of the QIAGEN BioRobotic system. This service is designed for users who isolate plasmid or M13 phage DNA in large numbers of samples. The Facility is equipped with a Beckman Allegra 25R centrifuge and a Molecular Device SPECTRAmax 384-plus VIS/UV microplate reader as part of the DNA isolation operation. The turnaround time from bacterial culture to DNA solution is about 3 hours per 96-well plate sample batch.

Microarray scanning service is offered to experienced users for their data acquisition and analysis needs. The Facility hosts a Packard BioSciences ScannArray ExpressHT microarray scanner with three lasers installed (Red 633 nm, Green 543nm, Yellow 594nm). This limited service requires users to conduct their own message isolation, enrichment, labeling, and hybridization to a microarray of choice. The Facility scientists will perform the scanning, data acquisition and analysis work.

Instrumentation is offered as a fee-based program for researchers to access shared equipment. The Facility provides maintenance, training and upgrades for the instruments. Use of the instruments will be charged by either an hourly rate, or a per use rate. The instruments available are: Kodak X-Omat 2000A X-ray film processor, Bio-Rad UV/VIS (340-750nm) microplate reader, and Labconco Freeze-Drying System. The DNA Facility also hosts a complete 2-D protein gel electrophoresis system from Bio-Rad for proteomic research. This system consists of an IEF Cell for multiple IEF strip electrophoresis, a gel Cell for multiple PAGE applications, a CCD image system with software for protein gel analysis. The image system can capture, analyze images from single and multi-color Fluorescence, Chemiluminescence, Chemifluorescence and Colorimetric samples. Reservation of the instrument is recommended but not required.

The DNA Facility also offers three molecular biology product freezer/cabinet programs. These programs serve as a store for researchers to obtain commonly used chemicals from preferred vendors. These programs offer either a waiver of freight charges or a discount. Currently the Facility manages a freezer program for restriction enzymes, tissue culture medium and others with Invitrogen; a freezer program for PCR and sequencing consumables with Applied Biosystems; an on-site cabinet program for DNA isolation kits and others with QIAGEN.

Training and Education

Training for use of the instruments is provided by the Facility staff. The Facility also provides consultation for DNA sequencing, sequencing data analysis and database searches. These activities are free of charge. However, appointment is required prior to a formal consulting session.

Use of the Facility

A principal investigator needs to register with the Facility before accessing the services. The registration is a simple procedure to record valid FRS account information and contact information.

Service orders can be placed by calling the Facility's main telephone number. However, customers need to visit the Facility in person to drop samples or pick-up merchandise. Sending in samples by mail is accepted.

Facility Use Fees:

Please click here to view the current fee schedule (PDF format).

Budget Certification Form (Uconn Community only) - Please click here to download a Budget Certification Form (MS Word document). When opening the document just click on the "Read Only" button in the Password Dialog Box.